April was a much better month for Real Estate in our area! In Janesville there are currently 641 active single family homes listed with 128 of them new listings for the month.  76  homes sold in April for a median price of $125,000.  Homes were on the market for an average of 98 days.  Sellers got 88% of their list price.  5 condos, 3 multi-family homes sold in the month of April as well.  As you can see our sale prices are very reasonable and the sale to list price is still down!  It's a great time to buy.  And remember, it's not a buyer's market if you don't actually buy!   05/14/2009

 If you plan to purchase your first home after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009, don't wait to see if you are eligible for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. Keep reading below to make sure you qualify.   http://www.wisconsinhomebuyer.org/provisions.html   Make sure to take advantage of this great opportunity!  It will expire 12/1/09! This is exciting for first time home buyers, when you have the correct info! 04/29/2009

What are you doing tonight between 5-7?  I hope nothing!  I'm having a little coffee get together at CoDo's Coffee at 110 S. Main Street, Janesville, WI FREE COFFEE and live music!  What more could you ask??? Stop by and say Hello!! 04/25/2009

How many of you have helped build a Habitat home?  It really feels good to participate in such an important event. This weekend our local Habitat Home was given to the new family.  This was a home that our office took upon ourselves to fund as part of the 100 year Coldwell Banker anniversary.  While raising the money necessary to start the build we also go involved in the building process.  While attending the NAR convention in New Orleans, my husband and I went to help for a day as well.  The habitat homes under construction there were amazing as well and the need never ends. So, I challenge you to find a Habitat build either in your local area to help with or while on vacation.  These homes are built world-wide so you won't have trouble finding one.  If you're a women and you think..t... 04/21/2009

Love thy neighbor as yourself, but choose your neighborhood. ~ Louise Beal Isn't that the truth!  There are some great neighborhoods to choose from.  If you are coming from most any city around the Janesville area you will find more house for your money.  I truly believe we may end up being more of a bedroom community where people live affordably but work in the outlying areas.  It's only a 40 minute drive to Madison or Rockford.  In most any neighborhood your have convenient access to I-90 to get to your destination.  The market is starting to heat up with first time buyers.  Set up a time to meet with a good Realtor to start the process.  I sit down with buyers and really find out what they need and want.  From there I can show how buyers don't have to look at all 650 homes that are o... 04/01/2009

We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by. ~ Will Rogers Yesterday on my way to work (it's only a 15 minute drive), I saw a man digging through the garbage dumpster looking for acceptable items to take with him.  I went by the local food pantry and saw the line extending around the corner of people waiting for the pantry to open. We live in a fairly protected area where we don't see a lot of what the rest of the world sees. I can't help but to think this problem will worsen before it gets better. So, my challenge to you today??  Be a hero.  Have you thought about how easy it would be a hero to someone else.  Simply by taking a bag of groceries to your local pantry.  You could be a hero. If every one of us did this today...just think of how gre... 03/27/2009

"I'm not out there sweating for three hours every day just to find out what it feels like to sweat" ~ Michael Jordan on his practice habits If the market is truly heating up, the time is right to make sure you have been keeping up with your client base.  Now more than ever, they will need assistance to figure out what is a good deal and whet is not.  There seem to still be sellers who don't realize the market is down!  We need to make sure that the 1st time buyers, who are getting this $8000.00 credit are not just buying a home to buy a home.  You know what I mean.  It's the reason a buyer and seller should interview and question the motive of their REALTOR. Keep up the positive info out there, call as many people as you can to give them the great news! Do something nice for someone tod... 03/25/2009

      "Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can't."   -Jerry Rice, Football Player   It's Monday again and raining!  But, that's ok.  It was a wonderful weekend for weather and business. There are a lot of people out looking, trying to find a good deal.  I met several first time buyers who were almost giddy about getting the $8000.00 tax credit.  I'm glad to see the stimulus package may be starting to work.  I'm going to make the most of the rain today..and call people to see how they are doing.  What if you were to reach out to someone today that you've not talked with for awhile. Do you think you could make a difference for someone?  Go ahead and try!  It's what I'm going to do! 03/23/2009

So here's the question?  Can you get a better deal on a "short sale" or on a REO property? The difference is a short sale has not been aquired by the lender yet.  The lender is agreeing to take a lesser amount of money to allow it to close and not get it back.  An REO property has been taken back by the lender and is now owned by the bank. I am working on three homes right now that are short sale properties.  They are getting to be very common.  After talking with one of the lenders, I'm finding they are looking for an offer of 80 to 90% of a current appraised value.  That seems to be a good deal to me.  If you go for a short sale there is additional time spent waiting for the approval of the lender. In an REO property, there is not too much of a wait for an answer on an offer.  So my q... 03/18/2009

 Today while driving to my Mom's house I saw at least four SOLD signs.  I am so happy to see that!  It must mean that Spring is coming soon.  The temp is perfect and I even am walking barefoot for the first time in 6 months!  Last night while relaxing, a young girl came to my door all by herself.  She had an empty jar and asked for spare change to help children with no schools.  It gave her a big handful and thought...what a nice thing for a child to do. Lastly, a video that I'd like to share that makes me cry every time I watch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZtU676jA_k If you feel like you are having a bad day, please watch the above video.  I guarantee it will uplift your mood and soul.  There are good things happening around us...you just have to look for them! It's going to be a ... 03/16/2009

This week our office saw 9 accepted offers..not bad considering what you hear out there.  Every week we're seeing about 9-13 offers get accepted... One of the agents had a listing that got 8 offers on it.  Yes, it was only listed at $49,900, but that is still a good sign that buyers are willing to buy.  I had a home over $200,000 that saw two offers on it. So again, it shows that if the price is right, there are buyers willing to buy.  The hard part is finding the "right price".  It's all about communication and market conditions.  If we watch them carefully, we can try to keep a listing in the right price range.  It's not an exact science right now so be patient.  But I wanted to share that there is some light at the end of this tunnel.  Buyers are out!   02/17/2009

We now know what the credit is for potential first time home buyers only! Please review this link for the exact details! http://www.wra.org/pdf/government/homebuyercredit_21309.pdf Now is the time to find that first home!  Plenty of options and good deals are out there. Make sure you have a good agent to help you navigate through all of this info. Deals are out there but you must really have the help of a buyer's agent to assist you!   02/14/2009

January 2009 Statistics from Janesville, WI City of Janville:  RESIDENTIAL Active Listings: 624       New Listings:  109 Sold Listings: 21                         Average Sale Price:  $118,202 Percent of sale to listing:  80%  Days on the market:  80 Rock County: RESIDENTIAL Active Listings 1372 New Listings: 231 Sold Listings: 48                     Average Sale Price:  $114,591 If you would like more statistical information please let me know!  I look forward to helping you understand today's market! 02/08/2009

It's -3 again this morning and tough to be in a mood to look for a new home! I'm looking forward to a warm weekend and hope that the Spring buyers will be out and about.  It's going to be in the 40's!  I'm going to partner with a local lender and have a buyer seminar at CoDo's Coffee in Janesville on March 7, 2009 for 5-7.  If you or someone you know would like some local answers on the real estate market please stop by!  We will educate either new or seasoned buyers on what is going on with lenders and real estate in this market.  Plus you could have a cup of coffee and just chat.  It's all about making the right decision for each family.  We're here to help! Stay warm just a few more days! 02/03/2009

Is Sunday a day off or not??  While many occupations allow us to have scheduled days off, our business is not as "day off" friendly.  While I know many of you are really good at taking a day off and keeping it, I have not yet mastered that one.  After 20 years of working in this business you would think I would have.  Maybe it was growing up on a farm and having to work 7 days a week there. So you also are wondering how the goals are coming??  So far so good.  I am off today of my workout routine because I completed 5 days of 1 hour workouts this week!  My goal is 5 miles while running- walking and 20 miles while spinning.   While it's only been less than a month..I'm feeling much better. It helps me sleep and be more productive during the day.  It also seems to help the stress! So whil... 01/24/2009

Good bye and Thanks.... This is the headline for the local newspaper. Today was the day.  The last official day of employment for so many people in our community. I know it had to be an emotional day for those folks wondering what will happen next. The news crews were there from all around giving their reports.  So, what was a good thing for our economy for several decades has ended.  We will need to figure out how to move forward.  So, my heart goes out to all those with sadness and worries this Holiday season.  You are not alone!  We're all here with you. Merry Christmas 12/23/2008

Tonight as I watch the Packer/Bear game I wonder how everyone will do tomorrow.  It sounds like it will be a very emotional day for those who will go in to work for the last time. If you happen upon this blog and want to give us an idea of how you are doing, many would love to get your perspective on this.  It just seems to be happening at such a bad time of year.  Although, is there a good time of year for a major plant closing? We rang bells on Saturday for the Salvation Army and found people to be generous this year. Even with the tough economic times, people were friendly and giving.   It just goes to show you what a great city we live in. People really do care about one another.  I'm glad for that.  It will be needed in the near future! We will get through this tough time, togheter... 12/22/2008

This coming week, December 23, 2008 will be a date in history for our area.  It is the official closing of the GM Plant in Janesville, WI.  This plant has been a huge part of the lives of many in our area for 100 years.  We are now going to be heading into uncharted territory.  What is it going to mean for us and our community.  There are many opinions.  There are many fears. What do I believe?  I believe we are a very strong community.  We are going to be ok. It may take some time, but we will make it together.  I am home here.  I am not leaving, nor are many strong people.  We will get through this tough time together.  I am sure of it. I will continue to blog how this process goes.  It may help many people going through similar situations in other area.  Please feel free to comment. ... 12/21/2008

HERE IS MY TOP TEN LIST FOR BUYING TODAY!   1.  Lots of Inventory!  With about 50% more homes for than usual, you have the selection of a lifetime. 2.  The Bidding Wars are Gone!  Remember 3 or 4 years ago when you had to offer more than list price just to just to get the property because of multiple offers.  Now, Buyers, the cards are in your hands. 3.  Bargains Galore!  Now you can offer a low offer and the seller will not be as insulted.  Sellers have had to lower prices in a changing market and have had to compete with short sales and foreclosures listed at reduced prices. 4.  The Flippers are Gone!  You no longer are competing with those who bought property just to try to turn around and sell them at a quick profit causing prices to inflate. 5.  Professional Advice is available to ... 12/11/2008

After months of speculation, General Motors has finally announced its plans for the production facility in Janesville, Wisconsin. Local General Motors' employees learned officially this morning that production of full-size sport utility vehicles will end on Dec. 23. The work stoppage will affect approximately 1,150 hourly & 130 salaried employees at GM, plus hundreds more at local companies that supply the auto plant. GM announced in June that it would end SUV production in Janesville by the end of 2010 at the latest, but plummeting sales for the big trucks prompted the automaker to accelerate the closing of the Janesville plant. Travis Egan Delavan, Wisconsin 10/13/2008