It’s Tuesday evening and Dana is returning email and text messages received over the past few hours. Next she is calling 4 different showing lines to arrange appointments for tomorrow’s schedule with  clients from Seattle.

Then she forwards an accepted counter offer just received back from another client utilizing Docusign (all electronically, of course), texts the listing agent to let him know she is forwarding, and keeping her fingers crossed the property appraises and financing is approved.

Thank goodness for the home office!

The next morning, Dana is back in her home office, confirming appointments, preparing for meetings, and Skyping with another set of relocation buyers coming from Boston….the potential client’s confidence factor with Dana just increased exponentially….there is something about having a face-to-face conversation that makes things so much more comfortable, at ease with the situation.  They like the fact that Dana would provide the value-added service of video conferencing……and she just reminded them this is a service her company will provide throughout the process….makes the move of a thousand miles seem a little less stressful to video conference with lenders, home inspectors, and trailing spouses.

Dana is now “mobile” in her car, ever mindful of the high price of gas and being efficient with her miles during the non-productive time….Dana knows if she is not in front of clients, networking or processing transactions, she is not being business productive, and needs to minimize that time.   Dana stops at one of her listings to see the owner and check out the QR code she had attached to the ‘for sale’ sign….yes, it works great as she uses her smart phone to visit the property’s mini-website complete with interior photos and features.  Client now understands why Dana suggests a Sunday open house isn’t the best way to sell the home.  Instead, she explained how she uses tools like QR codes and social media to market properties and is beating the average time on market of local properties for sale.  Her client smiles.

Later, Dana is with a buyer client viewing properties……at her company office, in the conference room on a large flat screen, enjoying a cup of coffee and bagel.  They are narrowing down the properties prior to spending the time in a car, burning gas and arriving at homes her client has zero interest in before even getting out of the car.  No one appreciates this service and time saved more than her client, who is smiling.

Back in the office after physically viewing the properties, Dana and her client are speaking (and seeing!) with the trailing spouse using Skype, discussing the options, and deciding which home to make an offer.  It is through Dana’s market knowledge and negotiations skills that her clients are able to secure an accepted offer at a good price…job well done, and with efficiency her clients truly appreciate.  And just wait for their reaction when they video conference together later with a mortgage lender and home inspector, as well as  have 24/7 access to their transaction documents from a ‘cloud’…they are actually feeling that Dana’s office is a one stop shop….they are smiling.

Dana knows how tough this business can be, but she also knows that working efficiently with technology, and having a broker who invests in technology to enhance her client’s experience, pays huge dividends in making her efforts worthwhile.  She also appreciates that her broker has a sustainable business model that adapted to how the real estate industry has changed, and that home offices and technology have allowed for less company office space, resulting a better compensation plan for her….now Dana is smiling.

Check out our Smart Offices at Coldwell Banker Success!

Good morning.

The march housing report is in.

Here’s an interesting point of comparison…considering the most previous 12 months’ median sales price of $207,500, we are back to just below the prices of 2005 ($210,000).  The highest median sale price came in 2007, at $218,000, which was the beginning of the end so to speak.  The rebound to that rarified air is going to take some time.

When people ask me what I think is going to happen with the market,  we are still in a wait and see approach…there are a lot of economic issues out there, and of course the political uncertainty in Wisconsin and nationally needs to settle.  The ‘spring market’ is here, lots of buyers have come forward, but is it sustainable?  Will consumer confidence stabilize and uptick?  I think we will find out in the second and third quarters where this local real estate market is heading.

Our relocation business is growing with transferees of Dane County employers hiring, to the point a that I am looking for more agents who can assist theses people buy homes.  If you know starving Realtor out there who doesn’t seem to be getting enough support for their current broker, please have them give me a call.

Have a great day.

Phil Sveum

p.s. If you are doing any remodeling, according to the National Association of Realtors, here are the best for return of your dollar at sale of home….siding replacement (78%), new entry door (73%), attic bedroom addition (72.5%), minor kitchen remodel (72.1%), and garage door replacement (71.9%).

Home to the late summer Good Neighbor Festival, Middleton, Wisconsin is a good place to live any time of the year.   This community of 16,500 has made the list of Money magazine’s Best Places to Live time and time again.

Maybe you should consider making Middleton your home.  Take a look.

• Although 52.8 % of Middleton residents are married, it’s a great place for singles as well – just 10 minutes from the nightlife of downtown Madison.

• Middleton is home to 52% females and 48% males.

• There is a nice mix of the old and the new, from historic architecture to the ultra modern Greenway Station outdoor shopping mall.

• Have a beer – or take a tour – at the nationally known Capitol Brewery.  In the nice weather, you can have a drink and a bite on the patio.

• Whether you are using that beer to wash down a brat, a burger or a pretzel, you’ll want to stop by the National Mustard Museum.  Learn all there is to know about the condiment from the first usage to modern day, while you sample the many kinds of mustard available.  When you’re ready to leave, check out the gift shop for food, t-shirts or totes.

• The median income in Middleton is $60,000; that’s $10,000 more than the Wisconsin average.

• Crime is one reason people choose to live in Middleton – there is very little of it.  In fact, the violent crime rate is 30% less than Wisconsin as a whole and a whopping 67% less than the national average.

• Middleton is home to seven public schools and three private schools.  The student – teacher ratio is a low 14: 1.

• Buying a home in Middleton is definitely a good value.  Home values here are 60.5% higher than the Wisconsin average and 30.5% greater than the national average.

• The median house sells for $280,846 compared to the Wisconsin median price of $170,800.

If you’re looking to move or have a question about buying or selling a home, contact Coldwell Banker Success Realty today.

Think about when you come home from a long day….dog meets you at the door with a wagging tail, there’s backround noise of kids playing (or disagreeing), the aroma of something good for dinner, and suddenly the grind of the 9-5 or the heavy traffic you encountered on the way home takes a back seat to the fact that you are home.  Just substitute who greets you upon entering your abode…. it doesn’t matter….you are HOME and that is all that counts.

Every home has a story, not just numbers of value, payments, taxes and square footage.  A story of family movie nights, Packer and Badger games, bedtime stories, setting the table, scraped knees, sleep-overs, help with homework, campfires…the list goes on and on.  How many times did you burn the chocolate chip cookies while on the phone listening to a friend’s problem with a relationship?  Or who was supposed to keep an eye on Rover so he didn’t have an accident in the house?

Or how about the photos for Prom taken in the backyard, or college graduation party?  And what about the 6 times you had to ask (tell) the slumber party that 3:00 AM was late enough to be talking about the cutest kid at school?

But it doesn’t matter who and what makes a family unit….maybe just you and your pet, or a significant other and his or her kids…our society has changed and the Leave it to Beaver days are gone. And that just means more home memories with new relationships, more events to remember at home.

While the recent economic downturn has created new, and some more challenging financial stories of owning a home, the bedrock realization of home ownership cannot be overestimated with the impact on life itself…the memories are normally overwhelmingly positive.

Every home has a story….here’s to the things that make a house a HOME.

Optimism of a real recovery is growing, and appears for good reason with the latest MLS numbers.

The spring market has started and the momentum should continue as well with rates still at unbelievable low levels and decent inventory, albeit reducing in quantity.  Some properties receiving multiple offers…yes, more than one…having buyers competing for homes again.  While most are still looking for the great deal, buyers are finding them, as well as sellers starting to be a little more aggressive as they see demand rising a bit.

Still a negotiating game going on more than it was a few years ago, but transactions are coming together.  Appraisals still dicey as appraiser wade through the requirements the government has put in place and look for recent sale comps.

Good news…it sounds as if local builders are pricing more new homes than they have in the last 48 months, and we have seen more activity in vacant lot sales.  This is really encouraging for the trades as many have really been hit hard with lack of new construction.  But tough negotiating will be evident with new homes with buyers asking for more to be thrown in the deal.

So maybe this is the start of the recovery many have been predicting, but I think we reserve the right to be cautious moving ahead.  Consumer confidence still has a ways to go, but is improving somewhat.  A good sign will be more renters moving from their apartment, qualifying for credit and entering the market.

Let’s see how the first quarter ends….

Go Badgers!

Phil

Follow this link to see the February housing report.

Spring mar’-ket (noun) def.  The annual ritual of the real estate rush; the long awaited season by sellers who decided to sell in the spring to get the highest price, even though there is generally more competition; a time of year that causes more stress between couples buying their first home than planning a 400-attendee wedding; the time of year that unfairly has been designated as the most opportune time to buy and sell real estate.

The flurry of a spring market is eagerly anticipated by everyone, but plenty of outside forces influence the level of flurry.  For example, do you think the events at the State Capitol had an impact on the spring market in 2011?  Activity ground to a halt in Dane County where a sizable part of the population didn’t know what their financial situation was going to be…a good reason to slow the home search, wouldn’t you say?

But this spring market should be crazy busy, right?  Well, let’s see…low unemployment, record low interest rates, good deals out there with some bank-owned properties…most would think this has all the makings of a successful sales campaign, and it does, except for one ingredient that is a bit of a wild card…consumer confidence.  Buyers are concerned about their job stability, and quite frankly the way credit is being restricted by the government regulations, it seems the policy makers in D.C. aren’t too keen about the near future either.  But there is still reason for optimism.

In fact, the Madison area seems to be resisting this overly cautious approach….buyers have been doing their homework online, being pre-approved by the bank, getting in the car with professional Realtors who will protect their client’s interest, looking at homes with a critical eye to find the best possible deal, and moving forward to purchase a home.  They’re showing the optimism that will help rebound the country out of its funk.

We need this optimism…an intangible that seems to move mountains at times…the freshness of optimism always seems to spur growth, just like spring…just like a spring market.

Why Fitchburg?

 Well, why not?  There are a lot of great reasons to live in Fitchburg.  If you already live here, you know what I’m talking about.  If not, well maybe it’s time to take a look.

Here are some things you might want to know:

•  23,734 people live in Fitchburg – surely a surprise to the Fitchburg residents of old, who largely considered themselves to be rural folks.
•  The breakdown of men and women is almost even – 12,309 men and 11,425 women live here.
•  Fitchburg residents have youth on their side.  The median age is 31.3 years, while the median age for the rest of Wisconsin is 36.0.
•  Fitchburg has a brand new library – opened in July 2011.
•  Sadly there is no post office.  We share a zip code (53711) with Madison.
•  Household income here is higher than average.  The median is $61,118, while the median for the entire state is $49,993.
•  The median home price is $272,403, compared to Wisconsin’s median of $170,800.
•  The median rent is an affordable $781.
•  Tripadvisor.com credits Fitchburg as having 55 restaurants.  Whatever the exact number, it’s definitely true that there are a lot of choices, no matter your tastes.
•  As part of the Verona School district, Fitchburg has one elementary school and one middle school within our boundaries.  Students are bussed to nearby Verona for high school.  Fitchburg is also home to Eagle School for the gifted and talented, grades K-8.
•  Fitchburg loves technology.  The city is home to Promega, CDW, and other high tech companies in the Fitchburg Technology campus.
•  And we aren’t all work and no play.  Fitchburg has about 730 acres of parkland in 95 areas.  And you could bike between them on one of our five bike trials.

If you’re looking for a home in Fitchburg – or anywhere in the greater Madison area, call Coldwell Banker Success Realty to find a home that fits your profile.

Just recently, Perennial Yoga opened the doors at the Agora, adjacent to Promega Corporation in Fitchburg.  With their arrival, the Agora now is home to Perennial Yoga, Bilancio Eyewear, Kneaded Relief Spa, Ecco Salon and us, Coldwell Banker Success.  I can’t express how cool it is to be here with the other businesses and surrounded by the dynamic company that is Promega.

The mix of our retail and service business neighbors is wonderful, all catering to a different, yet similar clientele group.  People are coming and going 7 days a week and businesses are thriving.

A nice view of the Agora; now home to Coldwell Banker Success! (Photo by Worland.)

The Agora is also adjacent to Fitchburg’s civic campus with city hall, senior center and new library.  It is home to Fitchburg’s Farmer’s Market May through late fall, and hosts community events such as the Berbee Derby and Fitchburg’s Art Fair.  Additionally, it is the most ‘urban’ center in the city where people can work within a mile of where they live and play.

There are more opportunities here for office, retail and residential and it will be exciting to see as things unfold with more business and people moving in over time.

If you haven’t experienced the Agora, venture out along Fish Hatchery Road, go east on Cheryl Drive and it will be on your left…..just look for the large white tent that is the Farmer’s Market center and the Agora is next door.

Agora…..the vibe is real!

Thinking of Senior Living?

With people living longer these days, many seniors are staying in their own homes until well into their 70s and 80s – even their 90s.  But there often comes a time when poor health, memory issues or difficulty keeping up with the maintenance   makes downsizing a logical choice.

Age, health and other factors will determine what type of move is necessary.  Whether you’re reading this for yourself or your parents, there are some things you’ll need to consider.  For ease in reading this, let’s assume you’re thinking of your parents, but you can adjust it to fit your own situation.  Here are some things to discuss before making a move.

The first step is to determine what type of move is needed.  If your parents are still young or in good health, they may be interested in moving to a senior living community simply to be on one floor.  They may want less housekeeping – and no lawn care – and access to prepared meals and an on-site social network.  There is often a fitness room and occasionally a pool.  Activities such as yoga, cards, and field trips making the days pass quickly.

If your parents have some physical or memory-related concerns, perhaps assisted living would be the best choice.  Most assisted living facilities offer small apartments with a living room, bedroom, bathroom and kitchen area.   Many seniors will opt to have one or two meals in their apartment and take their main meal of the day in the dining room with other residents.

Assisted living offers peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones.  Here they will have someone to turn to in case of emergency.  The staff will disburse medications so there is no need to worry about the resident missing meds or taking them too often.  Housekeeping and laundry is usually included, making life a little easier.  Healthy meals are also provided and there are activities right on-site to keep your parents active and involved.

Make a list of your parents’ needs and top priorities.  Check back here later for more tips – and when you’re ready to sell that family home, contact CB Success Realty for a smooth transition!

Real Estate Offers Something to All

Economists are predicting that the real estate market is finally on the upswing, which is great news for Dane County and the country as a whole.

It might seem to be a slow process, but one thing that buyers and sellers should remember is that real estate is a lot like dating.   There is most likely a house out there that’s just right for you – and you don’t even need to kiss any frogs to find it.    And sellers take heart  – there may just be someone who thinks your house is as amazing as you do. But just like a dating, service, the chances of making these connections is a lot higher if you contact Coldwell Banker Success Realtors to help you find your match.

Here are a few notable facts and figures regarding the area’s 2011 real estate transactions, according the South Central Wisconsin MLS:

Largest square footage – Is 11,709 square feet enough room for you?  This property could have been yours for $1.8 million.

Most bedrooms – Three houses tied for 1^st Place in this category, with seven each.  If you think that many bedrooms were intended for the modern family, you’d be wrong.  One if these houses was 42 years old, one was 89 years old and the oldest was 101 years old.

Highest price paid – The prize goes to a $3 million home in the town of Westport.  Situated on more than two acres and boasting lake frontage on Lake Mendota, the house has great views of Bishop Bay’s 18^th hole and the state capitol.  With an original asking price of $3.45 million, this one was actually a steal.

Highest priced condo – The ninth floor of Nolan Shore in downtown Madison was a winner here, selling for $1.1 million.  The condo only has two bedrooms, but the convenient location and beautiful views apparently made up for the size.

One-Day sales – Who says the market is slow?  Nineteen homes in south central Wisconsin sold in a single day — and cost didn’t seem to be a factor.  Prices ranged from $85,100 to $$640,000.   Must be the location.