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Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure
Locking in Protection A home provides safety and security for children, teens, adults and seniors. “Savvy homebuyers value safety features,” says Sarah Cole, board chair for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® (GMAR®). “Home security and safety measures make a home more attractive by providing peace of mind from day one.” Home security company ADT…
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How to Buy a Condo with Confidence
Today approximately 75 million Americans live in condominiums, which is a community that’s overseen by a homeowner’s association (HOA). In fact, that number is expected to grow as the Foundation for Community Association Research predicts more than 3,000 new HOAs will form by year’s end. Since condominium purchases don’t typically include land, they tend to…
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Lighting and Green Space Add Home Value
As of last year, there were more than 86 million owner-occupied homes in the United States. “Owning a home is one of life’s most satisfying achievements,” says Sarah Cole, board chair for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® (GMAR). “According to new research from Home Bay, 80% of survey respondents said owning a home was…
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REALTORS® Provide Important Lender Connections
Most buyers in today’s home market need a mortgage to help pay for their new domicile. In fact, according to a report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 77% of buyers used a mortgage loan to finance their real estate transaction. Unfortunately, financing hiccups are the leading cause of delays and canceled real estate…
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It Pays to “Green” Your Home
“A green home isn’t about landscaped yards or inviting outdoor spaces,” says Sarah Cole, board chair for the Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® (GMAR). “What it means is that investments have been made in the property to make it consume less energy and run more efficiently.” In fact, REALTORS® say there’s growing interest in homes…
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First Things First – How to Prepare for Buying a First Home
The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) forecasts that mortgage rates will continue to edge down throughout the year. This optimistic outlook may motivate those who’ve been thinking about buying their first home to take steps to make it a reality. “A lot of factors go into the decision to buy a first home,” says Sarah…
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What to Focus on When Buying a Home
Buying a home is typically one of your biggest investments. A qualified REALTOR® provides peace of mind, helping you make a sound decision that suits your lifestyle. Three experienced Milwaukee Realtors weigh in on what matters most when buying a home. Secure Financing Start by getting your financial house in order. Beth Jaworski, a REALTOR®…
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A Skilled Negotiator: The Key to Unlocking the Best Real Estate Sale
According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 80% of buyers reported their agent’s negotiation skills were very important during their transaction. In addition, nearly 80% were satisfied with their REALTOR’s negotiation expertise. “Given the many complex aspects of a real estate transaction, it’s critical to have a skilled REALTOR helping you get the best…
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Making Room for Multigenerational Families Makes Sense
Multigenerational living is a trend that’s growing and has quadrupled since the 1970s. According to Pew Research, the number of Americans living with multiple generations under one roof rose to nearly 60 million in 2021. Affordability and cost savings are leading factors driving interest in multigenerational living. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) found that…
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The Total Cost of Buying a Home
When it comes to major investments, no one likes surprises. Buying a home is one of those big life moments. In addition to the purchase price of a home, there are a variety of additional costs that first-time buyers may not be familiar with, including appraisal fees and title insurance. Qualified REALTORS®, mortgage lenders and…
