Tis the season - Shopping list for the new homeowner

Tis the season - Shopping list for the new homeowner 

 Basic tools every home and homeowner needs

The Holidays are the perfect time to purchase gifts new homeowners can use to maintain and personalize their new home.

Every home needs care, maintenance, and repair work done. Most new homeowners do not have the tools they will need and the same applies to some homeowners that have owned the home for a while. Homeowners are not equal in repair, and maintenance skills. 

First, know your limits if you attack a repair that is to far over your head, the repair to the repairs you have done will be more expensive. If you are over your head call a professional to make the repair. There is a tremendous library of information available to you on the internet, books, magazines, and television shows, to show you how to on most repairs... Although most repairs can be done by the homeowner, they have to be done right! Tools are the first step in doing a good job. Without them, the job will be frustrating, and it probably will not be completed or it will be a hurried disrepair job.

Here is a list of tools that most homeowners should have. Many other tools that are useful these can be purchased as the job at hand indicates. Get what you need and need what you get is a great rule. Of course there are some tools you, will have to have, GOLF CLUBS, AND FISHING RODS! These are essential to your personal maintenance!

Interior Tools:Set of socket wrenches, Set of screwdrivers Phillips and pan head various sizes, Set of open end wrenches, Set of Hex wrenches, Hand saw for wood, Hack saw for metal, Stud finder, Voltage tester, Flashlights, Pluming snake, Needle nose pliers, Gas pliers several sizes, Putty/drywall knifes, Circular saw, Framing square, Caulking gun, 2 Pry bars, a small 6” and a medium 12”, 2 foot and 4-foot level, Small claw hammer, Standard claw hammer, Rubber mallet, Cordless and/or power drill, Pipe wrench 2 sizes, Measuring tape 25’ , Set of drill bits, Staple gun, Paint brushes various sizes, Paint rollers and pan, Painting drop cloth, Belt sander, Saw horses, Work bench and vice

Exterior tools:Lawn mower, Fertilizer/seed spreader, Rakes for leafs, Lawn trimmer, Thatch Rake for lawn, Hoses 5/8 Diameter, Pruning shears, Wheelbarrow, Flat shovel, Sprinklers, Spade shovel, Leaf blower, Pruning saw, Garden rake, Pruning scissors, Brooms, Dust pan with small broom, Snow shovels, Stepladder, Extension ladder, Plastic tarps

You need to decide how involved you want to become with your home maintenance tasks.  There is no shame in not doing repairs yourself and hiring a contractor.There is shame if you know a repair needs to be done and do not do it yourself or hire a contractor. Ignoring a repair will not make it go away it will make it more expensive when the repair is done. If there is a problem do not wait fix it right away!

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Washington County, Milwaukee County or any county in Wisconsin. Real Estate is an excellent investment!

When you are looking at buying a Waukesha county home , real estate agent, finding a Waukesha real estate agent, finding a Delafield, Chenequa, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Hartland, Waukesha, Wales, Mukwonago, Wales,New Berlin, Brookfield, Dousman, Eagle or any other of the great municipalities in Waukesha County,Wisconsin.

If looking for LAKE COUNTRY LIVING on one of Waukesha County's great lakes: Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Pine, Beaver, Okauchee, Moose, North, Oconomowoc,I would be glad to help you in any relocation to Waukesha County, or help in buying a home in Waukesha County, or selling a home in Waukesha County. I strongly encourage any seller that is looking to market their property this year to get a sound feeling for what it is worth. Real estate in Waukesha County is now an excellent investment, prices of superb, selection is great, and the rates are outstanding.

When you are looking at buying a Jefferson County home , or DODGE County real estate agent, finding a Watertown real estate agent, finding a Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Fort Atkinson, Ixonia, Lake Mills, Hartford, Ashippun, Slinger, Beaver Dam,or any other of the great municipalities in Jefferson County or Dodge,Wisconsin.

Please feel free to call me for any of your real estate needs, including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home in Waukesha County, JEFFERSON County, Washington County, Dodge County, Milwaukee County. Real Estate in Waukesha County is an excellent investment!

262-893-5555 Office/Cell

(888) 872-0526 

Direct Fax

 
Proudly Serving Southcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin with Referrals from my Clients

Look for properties across Wisconsin on MLS at http://www.lisabear.com

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Remembering those who paid for our Freedom

Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone in Waukesha Couny Real estate and everywhere else. 

As people are barbecuing this Memorial Day weekend, and everyone starts off their summer with a long weekend of enjoyment it is important to take a minute and thank those that so bravely put on a uniform and protect our freedom and remember those that payed the ultimate price in order for freedom to be so enjoyed. Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone in Southeastern Wisconsin, Washington County Real estate and everywhere!

Click a link to search  Wisconsin and Lake Country real estate and homes for sale, Washington Wisconsin Real Estate, or any Washington County Real Estate, or Lake Country Real Estate Email me at lisaannbear@gmail.com or call me at 262-893-5555 for any questions. On-line value? Market Analysis A certain  home?  Dream Home Finder


Have a productive day and we will see you at closing!  

262-893-5555 Office/Cell

(888) 872-0526 

Direct Fax

 
Proudly Serving Southcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin with Referrals from my Clients
 
Look for properties across Wisconsin on MLS at http://www.lisabear.com

Check out my Blogs!

 http://realestateinwisconsinlisabear.blogspot.com

http://movingtooconomowocwisconsin.blogspot.com/

http://activerain.com/blogs/lisabear01

http://lakecountrylife.wordpress.com

"HELPING YOU MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION"

Rent to own basics - How does it work?

Rent to own basics - How does it work?

How does RENT to OWN work? 

Rent to own homes may be an option, but the choices are very limited.  

Less than 5% of available homes are offered with a rent to own option.

 What Is a Rent-to-Own? A rent-to-own purchase is a lease combined with an option to purchase the property within a specified period, usually 3 years or less, at an agreed-upon price. The borrower pays a down payment fee, usually 3% to 5% of the price, which is credited to the purchase price. The borrower pays rent, and an additional rent premium that is also credited to the purchase price.If the purchase option is not exercised, the buyer loses both the down payment fee and the rent premium.

As with any kind of financial contract, rent-purchase deals can be structured in such a way that all the benefits flow to one of the parties and none to the other. Buyers especially need to be careful.

Contract Features of a RENT to OWN-Purchase
 1. PRICE - The sale price of the house and the rent are market-determined, yet subject to negotiation just as in a straight purchase or rental transaction. Buyers often know less about the market than sellers, which places buyers at a disadvantage unless they do some homework, which is advisable.

2.TIME - Buyers generally prefer a long option period because it provides more time to build equity and repair credit. A long period can boomerang on them, however, if they are never able to exercise the option, since they lose the rent premium they have been paying all the while, in addition to the down payment. Sellers generally prefer a short option period, but if it is too short, the house won’t be sold.

3. DOWN PAYMENT - The down payment and rent premium are viewed differently by buyers and sellers. To the buyer, they are part of the equity in the house they will soon own. Fully anticipating that they will exercise the option, the only cost is the interest they would otherwise have earned. To sellers, however, these payments are the best guarantee that their houses will sell; if they don’t sell, the payments are retained as income. That the benefit to the seller generally exceeds the cost to the buyer makes the rent-to-own deal a possible win-win.

4.OPTION to BUY -  A rent to own purchase also may give the renter/buyer the right to assign the option to buy. This will usually have considerable value to the buyer, because it means that the option can be sold in the event that it has value but the buyer is not able to exercise it. It is a cost to the seller for the same reason.

Using a RENT to OWN-Purchase to Buy

The rent to own purchase offers home ownership opportunities to consumers who can't qualify for a loan from any source, but who are prepared to bet on themselves. The bet is that before the option period expires, they will qualify for the mortgage they need to exercise the purchase option. During the option period, they have the opportunity to rebuild their credit and accumulate equity while living in the house.

Consumers who need to rebuild their credit rating during the option period should understand that paying their rent on time won’t do it. Rent payment information is not used in compiling credit scores. Lease-purchase buyers who need a higher credit score must focus on their credit cards and loans.

A possible alternative to a rent to own/purchase deal for consumers with poor credit and/or no cash is a sub-prime loan. The high-cost sub-prime market, which actively solicited clients and victimized many, was pretty much gone by 2008 but sub-prime loans continue to be available at reasonable prices from community groups or state and local finance agencies. Borrowers have to search out these sources, but if they can qualify for a loan from one, it is probably a better route than a rent to own purchase.

Even though it is costly, the right not to exercise the rent to buy option is of value to buyers. If there is something seriously wrong with the house, neighborhood, or neighbors, the money left behind on a lease-purchase is much smaller than the cost of an outright purchase followed by a quick sale.

Dangers to BUYERS - The contract used in this program made it all too easy for the seller to avoid having to sell when it was more profitable to evict the tenant and do another deal with another hopeful buyer. Buyers generally pay top dollar, perhaps including some assumed future appreciation.

The moral to buyers: read the contract very carefully to make sure you are confident you can live up to all the terms, such as paying your rent on time, every time.

Using a Lease-Purchase to Sell  - Most home sellers want a cash sale, but for those prepared to hang on to the property awhile longer, the benefits can be compelling. Buyers generally pay top dollar, perhaps including some assumed future appreciation. The deal may fall through, but in that case the seller gets to pocket the option fee and rent premium.

The seller also enjoys the tax deduction on his mortgage interest payments during the option period.

A Rent to OWN Scenario

$100,000 home for sale

Remember - The typical rent to own option may require 5% or more as a down payment.  In most cases the deposit is used as a down payment when the final purchase is executed.  On a $100,000 this would be $5000.  Based on the standard rent to own contract, buyer and seller agree to the terms, which include, purchase price, down payment, rent payments, a time limit in which the final purchase must be completed, distribution of the down payment, and other conditions.

Many sellers will require the buyer to be enrolled in a credit repair program if their credit score is below 640.  It is advisable to enroll in a credit repair program as soon as possible.

If the purchase can not be completed within the specified time, the seller may ask the buyer to agree to forfeit the deposit funds.  This is a condition which must be carefully considered.  An automatic extension period may be added to the agreement, contingent upon conditions, such as enrollment in a credit repair program, and additional down payment, and other terms.

The minimum rent amount is usually calculated on the mortgage payment of the purchase price, with an interest rate of 6%, plus taxes, and other expenses.  On a $100,000 home the mortgage amount may be around $600 per month.  The rental amount would be $600 a month plus taxes, usually between $300-$400 per month, plus other expenses.  On a $100,000 home, minimum monthly payments may begin at $900 per month.  The seller may request an additional amount which may be applied to the down payment for the final purchase.

Since the goal of a rent to own property is to obtain a mortgage to purchase the property, the first step is to determine the mortgage amount you will qualify for.  You can contact me for a list of local lenders I have worked with in the Waukesha County and Lake country areas, as well as anywhere in Jefferson, Dodge, Washington or Milwaukee Counties.  You may want to check with the bank you are now doing business with.  A licensed loan officer will be able to tell you how much of a home you can afford, based on your income.  They will also explain your credit score and counsel you on maintaining, or raising your credit score.  If you find out you need to raise your credit score, I can send you a list of lenders offering credit repair services.

Once you meet with a lender, you will have the information you need to move forward on a home purchase.  If you qualify for a mortgage, you may want to consider this option, rather than a rent to own.

There are many loan programs available now tailored to meet your diverse needs. 

 - The USDA Rural Housing loan in Wisconsin is 100% financing available (0% downpayment) in Jefferson and Dodge Counties, as well as other areas of Wisconsin. Waukesha or Milwaukee Counties are not eligible. Further details available upon request.

 - The My Community Loan  designed for first time homebuyers with little or no credit history and little money down. The My community program allows homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage at conforming interest rates and lower pmi premiums. The program's automatic underwriting engine allows for credit scores down to 580. Manual underwriting requires at least 640 credit scores. However, banks may require higher credit scores than posted by Fannie Mae.  My Community Mortgage program requires only 3% down payment. FNMA is also flexible on the source of down payment. It can be the borrower's cash on hand, gift from a relative, or even from the employer.

 Here are some of the program highlights:

- Up to 97% financing

- No prior credit history is required

- No minimum contribution from the buyer’s own funds

- Fixed or adjustable rate loans available with interest-only options

- Loan terms up to 40 years

- Reduced mortgage insurance requirements to help keep payments affordable

 - FHA 203k loan is a loan that allows the buyer to roll in the costs of repairs to rehabilitate the property into the mortgage loan. The formula to do so is quite simple. The bank takes the "as is" market value of the property and adds the costs of repairs to the loan. Upon closing, the repair work is completed and the buyer can take possession of the property.

• The minimum amount of repairs required to utilize an FHA 203k loan is $5,000 and the maximum is $35,000. However, this is not considered a second mortgage or home equity or improvement loan. This portion of the loan is added on to the primary note.
  
  

  These are just some ....of the MANY terrific loan programs available.  

  
  

  Contact me for further information, with interest rates so low and inventory high, it at all possible for you.... 

  NOW is the TIME to BUY!

262-893-5555 Office/Cell

(888) 872-0526 

Direct Fax

 
Proudly Serving Southcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin with Referrals from my Clients
 
Look for properties across Wisconsin on MLS at http://www.lisabear.com

Check out my Blogs!

 http://realestateinwisconsinlisabear.blogspot.com

http://movingtooconomowocwisconsin.blogspot.com/

http://activerain.com/blogs/lisabear01

http://lakecountrylife.wordpress.com

"HELPING YOU MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION"

Lisa Bear, How do I find the right real estate agent in Washington County? Series (#4 of 6)

Lisa Bear, How do I find the right real estate agent in Washington County? Series (#4 of 6) 

In this installment of  Lisa Bear, How do I find the right real estate agent in Washington County? Series (#4 of 6)  we will talk about Washington County real estate agents specializing in different areas of the real estate Industry. This might seem very interesting to note that I see many Washington County real estate agents taking on different projects but I also know many that have a certain niche they have developed. There are those that I know which their niches make them strong.
I know some people that work primarily on short sales. It requires a lot of time but because they have it down they make their numbers work. Then again I know agents that do nothing but land development and subdivisions. Again, these agents sell other avenues of real estate but they have a great knowledge of land, planning, and other obstacles that allow them to maneuver quicker through bureaucracy.
I have traveled down just about every avenue in real estate, but for the most part we like the homes because it allows us the interaction with all types of wonderful people, and it is also bread and butter. My strengths are also in Washngton County Investment property and Washington County multi families, complexes of units and strip malls and commercial buildings, and I always like the challenge that goes along with businesses being set up and put into a building that matches the buyers needs. Residential is our bread and butter but commercial is what I sought out to be trained in and have a tendency to dive into and get fully immersed.
I have friends that all they do is leasing. They are great at it. The good thing about some leasing is you may have a buyer down the road, or they write an option to purchase or option of first refusal. The agents that I know that are exclusive leasing agents are extremely good at what they do and I will lease out buildings that I know or do for a buyer to fill his vacancies but that's where I limit the scope of my leasing.
The avenues are many. I have agents I know that are nothing but buyer agents and do it exclusively. They do an amazing job and they work long hours. Whether an agent works with first time buyers or is a senior specialist they now have a chance to carve a niche in what they have become good at. I have many friends that are attorneys and each has a tendency to specialize in real estate, probate, family law, traffic; they have carved a niche and many of the real estate attorneys I know are involved in the board of Realtors and actively participate in many real estate functions and education.
A true life example is soon to take place and pretty much puts it in perspective. One of my Investors and commercial seller as well as a commercial buyer comes to me and says. "You made me a lot of money on that commercial short sale building you sold me. You have it occupied with tents now and per my six year plan you set up for me we are at the point of buying more property and we still need to complete two more purchases this year. I have some lots that I just had my engineering on and now I am going to hydro seed them and have you move them for me." What did I say? I thought about it and realized I could sell his home fast, and the Investments and buildings I relish on completing. We need a New Construction expert in Washington County New Construction. That person hands down is LISA BEAR can complete New Construction in her sleep far better than most when awake. She's the best at land development and New Construction. In short, ask the Washington County real estate agent if they have experience in the avenue of real estate you are selling and ask them what their game plan is to accomplish getting you to that successful closing to want and deserve.

262-893-5555 Office/Cell

(888) 872-0526 

Direct Fax

 
Proudly Serving Southcentral and Southeastern Wisconsin with Referrals from my Clients
 
Look for properties across Wisconsin on MLS at http://www.lisabear.com

Check out my Blogs!

 http://realestateinwisconsinlisabear.blogspot.com

http://movingtooconomowocwisconsin.blogspot.com/

http://activerain.com/blogs/lisabear01

http://lakecountrylife.wordpress.com