Door County Real Estate Information

If you are trying to get in under the $8,000 first time home buyer's credit or the $6,500 move-up buyer credit I want to remind you that you must have a contract for sale by April 30th--you can close by June 30th--but the contract on the house you will buy must be in place by April 30th.  

Also, if you've not talked to a lender you may want to do so over the next few days as WHEDA funds are once again available.  WHEDA has not had money available to make home loans for over a year now, but they are taking applications for 100%, low interest, fixed rate loans. You can start that process even before we begin looking at homes--so please find the time to talk to a lender soon and you'll be a step ahead of most other applicants.

If it sounds like I am putting some pressure on you, I guess I am.  But only for your benefit.  If you or someone you know is in the market to purchase a Door County home now, the WHEDA funds combined with the tax credits and competitive prices for homes are once-in-a-generation opportunities.

If now is not the right time then of course I would not pressure you and will be happy to keep you informed, provide expert advice and earn your confidence so that when the time is right, I am the Realtor you choose to help you with your very important purchase.

 STOP THE UNCERTAINTY

Door County has been somewhat shielded from the number of home foreclosures experienced in many areas of the country.

But--we are not immune to the heartache and stress of foreclosure. Many individuals and families are facing the loss of their home and just don't know what to do. I am here to tell you that there are options.

As a CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have the training and expertise to assist home owners to find ways to financially adjust their payments so they can stay in their home. If that isn't possible, there are other options--a short sale is an alternative to foreclosure that will be far less devastating to credit than foreclosure.

If you know someone who is troubling with their mortgage payment, please, put them in touch with me immediately. Don’t Let Time Run Out. Whether it's someone in your family, a friend, or you, it is extremely important to be proactive as soon as you feel that a financial crisis on the horizon.

My commitment to you is that together we'll make every effort possible to avoid foreclosure and the devastating impact it has on your credit, your family and your life.

The earlier we talk, the better opportunity I have to consult and work toward a resolution. So please, call me today at 920-823-2219 or email me at Lisa@HomeInDoorCounty.com--your inquiry will be held in the utmost confidence.

If you can buy--it's a great time to do so in Door County, or any place else in Wisconsin. 

This just in from Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA):

Our first interest rates for the WHEDA Fannie Mae Advantage are now posted on WHEDA.com! A 5 3/4% rate for a mortgage with 100% loan-to-value, no loan level price adjustment and no mortgage insurance requirement.

Call me today, or click on this link to search all the Door County real estate listings right here--choose the "Search the MLS" tab!

WHEDA (the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority) will begin taking applications from homeowners for low interest, long term home loans on March 1st.  As you may know, for a period of time WHEDA was not making loans, so money available for low interest, long term, 100% loan to value loans is exciting news. 

If you are a first time home buyer and you combine the opportunity for a WHEDA loan with the first time home buyer's credit of $8,000, well, it's a once-in-a- generation chance. 

Even if you do not qualify for the first time home buyer's credit, the WHEDA loan is a fantastic opportunity.  

I've posted the general guidelines below as well as a link to the WHEDA home page.  If you have even a remote interest, or you know someone who might be in the market for a home loan, please touch base with me and I'll refer you to a reliable, reputable lender who will help you apply.  It's important to apply early.

And if you want to get in under the $8,000 first time home buyer's credit it's important that we begin your search, or step up the pace of your search, now.  You need to be under contract by April 30th.

Remember, contact me for lender info and to schedule your home viewing appointments.

WHEDA Home Loan Highlights:

WHEDA announced today that they will begin to take application packages from lenders for their new Fannie Mae Advantage program on March 1.  

*     100% LTV

*     Low cost, 30-year fixed interest rate

*     $1,000 minimum borrower contribution into the loan transaction

*     No private mortgage insurance requirement keeps monthly payments low

*     Higher limits enable more borrowers to qualify ($66,000 Income in Door and Brown County for 1-2 person household and $75,900 for 3+ person household) 

*     $235,000 purchase price limit in Door and Brown County

*     Home buyer counseling will be required

*     Credit score requirements of 660 to 680 depending on loan-to-value

WHEDA
Search for Door County homes NOW

Today’s Door County real estate market is a buyer’s market.

Low interest rates have been gracing the Door County real estate market for the past year.  Yesterday I listened to a webinar from the National Association of Realtors titled, "Feast or Famine, the 2010-2011 Economic Forecast" and the message there was that the current level of interest rates won't last through this year.   While it does not seem that mortgage rates are going to skyrocket out of sight, it is doubtful that they will decrease and the general sentiment among economists is that rates will steadily begin to rise.

Motivated sellers and the current tax credits add to create a fantastic market for buyers.

For many of us in certain areas of the country the ecomony does not seem that it is strengthening, but in other areas it is becoming stronger; as the ecomony strenghthens in Door County it will equal less chance for discounted mortgage rates--and home prices.  If you want to refinance or purchase real estate, now might be the best time to do so.

Sellers, the reason you shouldn’t sell your Door County, Wisconsin real estate right now is clear, you are not going to get top dollar.  However, if you have to sell you need to make your home as competitive as possible.  Your home not only needs to be priced right it needs to look its best.  It is not the best time to pour money into your home to fix it up but it is a good time to make it look its best.  Paint it if you can, stage it, clean and organize, and make it eye catching.  Most importantly, price your real estate better than  the neighbor’s house and you will be more likely to catch a buyer.

If you are behind in your mortgage payments or nearing foreclosure don't give up--contact me--if we price your home competitively we may be able to accomplish a short sale, which will be far less detrimental to your credit and life than foreclosure.  Click here to view my website on avoiding foreclosure in Door County. 

So, sellers, if you can hold out you might fare better in the long run, if you  cannot and must sell now then contact me today and we'll get your property on the market while buyers can take advantage of low interest rates and the current tax credits.

And if you are a buyer, all of these things mean BUY IF YOU CAN! And contact me today to get started on your search.

I spent the last four days in Milwaukee at the Wisconsin Association of School Boards  Educational Convention.  I must admit, I didn’t want to go.  I thought about the time way, the real estate work I should be doing, the buyers I should be contacting, but I went.

I attended the general sessions with speakers who were sometimes engaging and interesting, and who sometimes I thought would never end.  I attended breakout sessions on communication, raising educational standards, passing a referendum, tax levy credits—my head is spinning but the time was definitely well spent and will help me better serve the students in the Sevastopol School District.

Friday’s keynote speaker was Richard Picciotto, author of Last Man Down, was a New York City Fire Chief on 9/11. I recall being glued to the television for the week after 9/11.  I’ve watched,  I am sure, every movie and documentary about the day.  Chief Picciotto’s firsthand account of what it was like to be inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center, knowing that the 100 stories above were crashing down upon him, and then thinking he would die but finding his way to daylight was harrowing, riveting and reminded me of that day in which no movie ever has, and I am so happy I stayed for this final session.

The Chief was there to recount his story but to send us a message.  He spoke of how our country came together in the days and months after 9/11 and how we knew that the enemy was those who destroyed the WTC towers and whose mission is to destroy America.  He reminded us that we need to come together now for a several  reasons: 1) Whether we agree or disagree with the United States’ military presence in other countries we owe our thanks and support to those who serve; 2) To make America strong in every way, morally to financially, we must forget Republican and Democrat and come together to tell our elected representatives what we expect and what we’ll accept; and 3) To think about our priorities, what’s really important in our lives—as he did in the eight seconds it took for the North Tower to crash down around him.

So, I am better informed to continue my work on the school board.  I am motivated to get involved and learn all I can about those officials I’ll be voting for this year.  I am reminded of how fortunate I am to live where I do with my family and friends close by.  And, I am energized to provide excellent service and advice  to my real estate customers and clients.  I’ve received the treasure of time and intend to make use of every moment...I hope you will too.

THE TREASURE OF TIME

Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400.

It carries over no balance from day to day.

Every evening deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day.

What would you do?

Draw out every cent, everyday, of course!

Each of us has such a bank.  It's name is TIME.

Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds.

Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever you have failed to invest wisely.

It carries over no balance.

It allows no overdraft.

Each day it opens a new account for you.

If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.

There is no going back.  There is no drawing against "tomorrow".

You must live in the present on today's deposits.

Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success!

The clock is running.  Make the most of today.

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed one grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a pre-mature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer with kids to feed.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment you have!  And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time.

And remember that time waits for no one.

Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is your gift.

That's why it's call the treasure!

--Unknown Author

In talking with fellow real estate professionals, sellers, and even buyers, when it comes to real estate, the general sentiment appears to be that of putting 2009 to bed and looking forward to a bright 2010.

Information gathered from the Door County Multiple Listing Service indicates that as of December 31, 2009 the total MLS dollar volume was down approximately 25% from 2008, and the total number of units sold was down about 12% from 2008.  Yes, 2009 was a struggle for Realtors, and sellers with their property on the market, but our dollar volume of units sold ends up being pretty close to 2003, and that was a record year at the time for which we were all thankful.

Today’s interest rates in the 5% range is a trend that cannot be expected to continue.  As real estate markets stabilize and the economy gets better (and they will!), interest rates will undoubtedly rise.  Home prices may drop in certain areas of the country, but they will not drop much more and I do not expect them to drop further in Door County.  Areas that are less affected by foreclosures and short sales will likely level out faster than other areas because of the lack of distressed sales—Door County is one of those areas where foreclosures and short sales are fewer.  A rise in interest rates may require sellers to bring their prices down to sell, but the days of 20% and 30% decreases are very likely not to continue.

What does this mean for you as a buyer?  Today, eleven days into the new year we have great inventory, great prices, sometimes very motivated sellers, tax credits for first-time home buyers and move-up buyers; combine these factors with historically low interest rates and we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for you to buy at the lowest prices we’ve seen in many years, lock in a low interest rate and receive a credit for buying.

If your personal circumstances allow you to consider a home—whether it a first-time home or a vacation home—contact me today so that we can begin your search right away and take advantage of the great prices and low interest rates.  If that home is a wish and a goal, that’s OK too; I’ll start to send you property updates so that when the time is right for you we can hit the ground running.

For a national perspective, CNN Money provides an interesting analysis on real estate conditions and a forecast for 2010.

To close I want to share the 13 Rules to Enable You To Do Your Best Each Day.  We all get lots of messages like this, especially around the New Year, these 13 Rules seemed especially appropriate for me and I hope you’ll find something that will help you make the very best of every day in 2010!

13 Rules to Enable You To Do Your Best Each Day

1. Wake up early.  The early bird does not get the worm.  The early bird makes the money. Work while others sleep.

2. Love what you do. If you don’t love it, leave it and find work doing something you love.  Life is too short to spend it doing something you “hate”.

3. Be a life-long student. How many books did you read last year? Make time to take new courses, take classes at your local college or master a new skill. Remember that you earn based upon what you learn.

4. Convert anger to resolve. Anger is the biggest waste of energy on the planet. Don’t let other people or things control your mind and your actions.  It blocks your positive and creative thoughts.

5. Convert barrier to breakthrough. You may know it as objection. Or even rejection.  Stick at it until you win, and you will gain personal, mental dominance.

6. Take every “no” as “not yet.” You don’t hear with your ears. It is an opportunity for you to learn, to hear with your mind. The way you accept other’s words will determine your fate. Gain an attitude of positive acceptance.

7. Be grateful.  Make a list of things you are grateful for and why.  For example, I am grateful for my spouse, children, parents, for my good health because . . . Tell the most important people in your life why you are grateful for them.  Add to this list daily.

8. Read for thirty minutes every morning.  Reading provides the opportunity for quiet insight. Your best chance for success is reading.  Learn to earn.  Read to succeed.

9. Write for thirty minutes every morning.  What should you write about?  Anything you want! Begin to keep a journal.  Put your thoughts and ideas in writing.

10. Call people you love — and tell them you love them. Love is not motivation.  Love is inspiration.  To be your best, you must go beyond motivation — to inspiration.

11. Tell yourself you’re the best. “I am the greatest of all time.”  Muhammad Ali said that thousands of times.  Millions of people agree he was the greatest of all time.  He began that journey by telling himself that he was the best.  So can you, and believing so will help you do your best for others.

12. Practice random acts of kindness.  Do something each day for someone you don’t know without any recognition for doing so.

13. Find something to be happy about each day.  Life is a gift, live it to the fullest each day, enjoy it, celebrate it.  Treasure today because tomorrow may never come.

Between business, holiday concerts and parties and Christmas preparations I've been on the run--hard to believe I last posted here 13 days ago.

As we near the end of 2009 I am still busy listing property and counseling with buyers and I must say, for me, 2009 was an amazing year.  In a year that many say has been the worse they can remember with regard to real estate activity, I feel that mine was not so bad.  I attribute my first-year success to you, my clients and customers.  Your loyalty fuels the engine, and your feedback gives me direction.

Life is about so much more than business, however.  So I am reminded of those things that truly  matter, including family and friends.  Carry out your last minute holiday preparations with joy, and then enjoy those precious days between Christmas and the New Year when things seem to slow a bit and we have a chance to pause, appreciate the season and rekindle family ties and friendships.

Lakeside Park in Jacksonport posts a sign that says, "Please, No Dogs Allowed".  The Jacksonport Polar Bear Club has a lighted display and these three bear look just like skiing dogs, so they make a perfect ...Door County Style photo op!

Warm wishes for a happy, healthy and safe holiday.

Yesterday I speculated that we might only get an inch or two of snow.  Boy, was I wrong.  We have a blizzard warning until midnight and just about everything is closed.  I love being snowed in and working from my office at home--the Christmas music is on, Christmas cards are strewn across my desk and the cocoa is hot.  Maybe this afternoon I'll even have a Tom & Jerry!  So glad we got our Christmas tree yesterday.

I went outside to see what was going on and found lots of sticks and branches among the about six inches of wet, heavy snow.  The wind is strong even near our house which is surrounded by woods.  I walked a little further out and found all the trees covered in the wet heavy snow.  We have a plantation of Spruce and Pine trees that are all bending over very low from the snow.

One of the Blue Spruce trees along the edge broke in half--very sad because those are such beautiful trees.  So, if guess I'll be making myself some Blue Spruce Christmas wreaths!

Here are some photos--welcome winter!!

These trees were planted about 25 years ago

The Blue Spruce I found broken is as tall
as those that surround it--but look how
far the part still standing is bent

My favorite Blue Spruce broken.  I'll be
making Christmas wreaths from it once
the snow clears.

I hope this little tree makes it.  Actually
it is about 14 feet tall but just has never
grown very well.  I call it Bruce the Spruce
because when Bob planted it there his dad,
Bruce, told him it wouldn't grow.  Bob was
young then and didn't take advice very well!!

The newspapers are reporting that the number of deer harvested for 2009 in Door County is the lowest in 30 years.  With that in mind, and because so many hunters I know didn't even see a deer, I thought this Hide & Seek...Door County Style photo is in order!  Have a great week.