Real Estate Information Archive

In today’s tumultuous economy there are foreclosure properties to be found in just about every community across the United States, even in Door County.  Foreclosure properties can present a unique opportunity for home buyers and investors who are looking to score a bargain. 

My years as a real estate transaction closer and as a real estate sales consultant helping people buy and sell property have shown me that when it comes to a foreclosure property, it may not quite be the bargain expected.  Before entering the maze of the foreclosure market here are some important facts you should know:

• If the property is in foreclosure it is likely that the homeowner’s circumstances left that homeowner financially strapped and unable to perform routine maintenance on the home.  In some cases the homeowner going through foreclosure is additionally resentful and deliberate damage may be caused to the property. 
• Proper inspections and assessment of the property condition is a must. 
• A property in foreclosure or that has been foreclosed upon may have been vacant for an extended period of time.  Watch for conditions caused by dampness such as mold.
• Contact a Door County real estate professional—like me—who is connected in the community and can provide you information about Door County homes in pre-foreclosure.  These are homes that have been scheduled for foreclosure but have not yet gone to Sheriff’s sale at the Door County Justice Center.  These homes need to be sold quickly for the owners to avoid foreclosure and its impact on their credit.  The new HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) might make the process for acquisition of these properties more manageable.
• http://www.hud.gov/ offers special programs for teachers, law enforcement offers and others.  The site also provides information on how to buy properties acquired by the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development that have been foreclosed on.
• The purchase of a Door County bank owned property might be slightly less detailed and time consuming, but many of the same cautions apply.
• If you plan to buy a property at Door County Sheriff's sale, do your research on outstanding liens and property conditions.  My best advice is to engage a title company or attorney to provide you with all the information so you know exactly what liens, easements, encroachments and restrictions the property is subject to--conditions that become your responsibility if you acquire it.

If you are buying a Door County foreclosure or bank-owned property, be ready to do some research and practice patience.  While buying a foreclosure property takes time and patience, the results can sometimes be well worth your time and effort.

For more information, please contact me by email or via phone at 920-823-2219.  And if you know anyone who might be interested in exploring Door County properties that might in foreclosure or are bank owned, please forward this link to them.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
 -- Winston Churchill

I recently finished reading the book, the Go-Giver.  It's a short little book, in about two hours at a Sunday afternoon open house I finished it.  I read, or listen to books on CD, at every possible moment and I must say it's been a long time since I found a book so thought-provoking with regard to my Door County real estate business life--or my personal life--and so inspiring.

The book, the Go-Giver, is about people so generous they happily help others, even those who may be their competitors.  Well, in the last week I was helped professionally by two very generous people--two true go-givers. 

One is in my company, I was struggling with a problem and he took almost an hour to help me work through it.  Real estate is a competitive business and I truly find my new company, Micoley & Company, filled with fellow associates who are so giving and open to seeing each other succeed.  Simply refreshing. 

Then, I dropped a note to a Realtor in Texas after implenting a letter into my business that she uses in one of her business systems.  I received a very warm reply and felt that this was someone I would surely want to meet.  Today, I received her complete system.  I am awed, grateful and inspired.  The Realtor does not know me, but her generous spirit caused her to reach out and help a stranger who is a thousand miles away.  Her kindness to me, a fellow Realtor, and her desire to see me succeed will surely have me remembering her anytime I hear of someone with a real estate need in her city.

You know how when you buy a car you all of a sudden see "your" car all over the road and all around you?  I've discovered that there are go-givers all around me--in Door County and even a thousand miles away in Texas.  I only need to open my heart and mind for them to enter, and by doing so I hope that I will become a generous go-giver in my real estate business, in my community and with my friends and family.

The Go-Giver isn't just a business book, so if you've not read it I encourage you to check it out at your library.  You won't be disappointed.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
 -- Winston Churchill

Have a fantastic weekend!  It's cold here in Door County but the sun has been shining and my strawberry plants are stretching to peek out from under their blanket of straw, so I just know warm weather is on its way!

 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.

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.

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.

Come on, please don't take offense to this photo.  This week I came across a photo from last year's Thanksgiving Day parade in Jacksonport and thought it great timing, what with the deer hunt beginning this weekend and Thanksgiving only a week and one-half away.   I can't tell you where the phrase initiated, or when, but you must have heard it or some variation of it--turkeys, turkey drivers, Illinois turkeys.  It took me a few minutes to "get it"--the turkey being pulled by the little car, and the sign on front of the little car to replicate an Illinois license plate that says, I Luv Door County.

Illinois drivers--you are not turkeys in our house, but thanks for allowing us to have a little fun at your expense!  Happy turkey day to everyone!

We’ve probably all had the wonderful feeling that comes with being able to help someone.  It’s an even better feeling when your profession allows you to help people by improving their quality of life or to help a family realize a dream.

Personally, I have enjoyed meeting people at open houses and helping them understand the many options for real estate in Door County.  I enjoyed helping Jason & Jamie find their perfect Door County vacation home.  I enjoyed helping Herb and Maxine sell their house in Door County so that they could move closer to their grandchildren.  I enjoyed helping John and Lucy find their very first home. 

This weekend I found another joy of real estate.  We perhaps all know someone who has been affected by the housing crisis.  Someone who is enduring unbearable stress and heartache because they are facing foreclosure, or maybe they know they are going to experience a time when they just cannot afford to stay in their home but owe more on it than the market might pay at this time.  It takes special skill and expertise to help people in these situations.   For the last two and one-half weeks I have been “going to school”, I have been studying the coursework necessary to earn the Certified and Distressed Properties Expert designation (CDEP)  and the right to use the many resources available through this group.

I am happy to say that I’ve passed the exam and am, at this writing, the only Realtor in Door County to have achieved the CDPE designation.  What does it mean, some might see it as just some more letters after my name.   For me it is much more than that.  It has been said that, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”.  I care, I care about the stress and heartache people are feeling, people in all income brackets and from all walks of life.  Caring isn’t enough, special skills and expertise are required, and that is why I invested the time and money to obtain the education and expertise that will allow me to reach out and offer the help people need to save their credit, relieve the uncertainty and get on the path to recovery.

If you know someone in Door County who might be in foreclosure or nearing this position, please have them call me at 920-493-5472.  Our call will be held completely confidential; I can offer them alternatives and assistance.  If you know someone in another area of the state or country in this position, contact me and I will get you the name of a CDPE in that area—the best help is only a phone call away.

This is a difficult subject and one that has caused my heart to ache on many occasions.  I feel good knowing that I can offer people help and alternatives.   

Remember if you know someone who needs help because they are having trouble, please call me or put them in touch with me.  

Have a great week…