Be a Powerful Buyer- Part 1

With all of the scandals surrounding us today, it seems like everyone is repeating the age old adage "Buyer Beware". And while I do think there are a lot of untrustworthy things happening in the general consumer market today, I think "Buyer be Smart" is a better plan of action.

I deal with first time home buyers (FTHB) on a daily basis, and many of them have the same question; "How do I get these great deals that everyone is talking about?" It's quite simple, yet takes a little bit of work by the potential buyers. These few steps could save you thousands on your next home purchase. I've broken this down into a 4 part series so that I can properly explain each step, and will updating this blog every few days with the next step.

• Get Pre-approved by a credible lender: This is a very simple process. If you already work with a bank or credit union, make an appointment to meet with their loan officer. If you don't, contact a REALTOR and ask them for recommendations. I recommend that buyers meet with at LEAST 2 different lenders to compare rates, terms, etc. During this one hour appointment, ask the officer about their current programs. How much down payment will you need? Do you qualify for FTHB loans? How much are you pre-approved for? Get this pre-approval in writing. Now that you know your buying power, everyone involved with your real estate transaction (REALTORS, sellers, etc) will take you seriously as a buyer.
  

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~Matt


Ask your Re/Max agent TODAY for more information about the one-time $8,000 First Time Home buyer and $1,500 Energy tax credits!


Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal  
Cell - (920) 917-0781
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

Price Reduced to $209,900!

Wonderful 4 bedroom colonial in the beautiful Town of Sheboygan Falls. Placed on nearly 1 acre of lucious green landscape enjoy the gorgeous setting from your great sunroom. Formal dining room and dinette as well as deck area on the exterior for entertaining purposes. Private setting yet a central location.

http://sheboyganareahomes.com/details.php?number=1080683

--
~Matt


Ask your Re/Max agent TODAY for more information about the one-time $8,000 First Time Home buyer and $1,500 Energy tax credits!


Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal  
Cell - (920) 917-0781
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

Price Reduced to $157,900!

Large historic 3 bed Victorian home, that has been completely removated inside. New kitchen w/refinished HW floors, cherry cabinets, lrg walk-in pantry, granite counters & all stainless appliances included. Formal dining room. Huge upper bathroom that feautres dbl vanity, oversized shower w/4 body sprays & 3 shower heads& Whirlpool tub. 2 story sundeck. 4 Car det. Garage. Don't pass this up!

http://sheboyganareahomes.com/details.php?number=1074012

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~Matt


Ask your Re/Max agent TODAY for more information about the one-time $8,000 First Time Home buyer and $1,500 Energy tax credits!


Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal  
Cell - (920) 917-0781
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

Open Houses- June 28th

I will be holding 2 open houses this weekend.

11am-12pm  4br/1.5 ba Two Story w/ huge lot- 2908 W Warbler Ln Sheboygan Falls WI
12:15-1pm 3br/1ba Two Story w/ remodeled interior- 708 Superior ave, Sheboygan WI

Come out, enjoy the nice weather and see some beautiful homes!

--
~Matt


Ask your Re/Max agent TODAY for more information about the one-time $8,000 First Time Home buyer and $1,500 Energy tax credits!


Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal  
Cell - (920) 917-0781
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

New Listing! Large Colonial in a Country setting...

Wonderful 4 bedroom colonial in the beautiful Town of Sheboygan Falls. Placed on nearly 1 acre of lucious green landscape enjoy the gorgeous setting from your great sunroom. Formal dining room and dinette as well as deck area on the exterior for entertaining purposes. Private setting yet a central location.

http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com/details.php?number=1080683

--
~Matt


Ask your Re/Max agent TODAY for more information about the one-time $8,000 First Time Home buyer and $1,500 Energy tax credits!


Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal - Sheboygan
Cell - (920) 917-0781
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com

New Listing: 416 Gidding ave, Sheboygan Falls WI

An abundance of time and effort has been put into the makeover of this late 19th century 2 Story Victorian home. Refinished natural hardwood floors, immaculate kitchen featuring all stainless steel appliances, upstairs bathroom w/ walk-in 2-person shower, 2nd story sun porch and huge 4 car garage are just a few of the unique features that make this home truly great! Don't miss this opportunity!

Click here for detailed information

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~Matt

Oh, by the way…if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please
call me with their name and business number, and I'll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.


Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal - Sheboygan
Cell - (920) 917-0781
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com

Today I Turned Down a Listing...

I'm hoping that many of you reading this clicked on it because you think I've gone off the deep end. You might be right. In this day and age of agents fighting for customers, why on earth would I willingly turn down a listing? I hope the reason will be clear after a little explanation.

I had a condo listed for five months, with minimal activity. The sellers set the price based on what they wanted out of the home - it was about $15,000 over what market analysis suggested. I took the listing reluctantly, fearing that it wouldn't sell due to its high price. I was correct. About a month ago, the sellers asked to pull the listing because they were refinancing their primary home and the bank didn't allow the refi with their second home (the condo) for sale. The condo listing was removed the next day, and the sellers agreed to re-list within a month or two.

The sellers called last Friday, ready to re-list. I researched the current market and found another identically-designed condo for sale in their neighborhood.  This condo was in better shape and on the market for $8,500 less than what my sellers were originally asking for their condo. I did what I considered to be my duty as their agent, and informed them about this new competing property. Their response was not necessarily what I was anticipating. The sellers decided to re-list their home at the original asking price, even with the given information.

After much thought, I've decided not to accept their listing if this is the path they wish to take. I'm not doing it to be mean. I'm actually doing what I think is best for them. I don't want to devalue their home by listing it too high and letting it get stale on the market for a full year. This will only invite low bids and probably cause their home to sell for a lot less than what it's actually worth. It's also not a good use of my time and marketing dollars, as I feel it will only help justify a sale for the other less expensive condo.

It's not a move I wanted to make, but in the end I think it'll work out the best for both parties.

--
~Matt

Oh, by the way…if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please
call me with their name and business number, and I'll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.


Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal - Sheboygan
Cell - (920) 917-0781
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com