Matt the REALTOR

New Listing - Amazing 3 bedroom cape cod, Sheboygan WI

2010-05-08T17:19:00.001-05:00

You'll absolutely love this fantastic 3 bedroom cape cod in a great location close to many schools, Roosevelt Park, and Lake Michigan. Enjoy a large living room and LL rec room for entertaining. Also, key updates include a newer roof, furnace, central air, water heater, electrical, windows, paint, and carpet. A nicely decorated interior makes everyday activity, and a central location and beautiful lot allow for outdoor adventure. What more could you want, call today for your private tour!

http://sheboyganareahomes.com/details.php?number=1141983

--
~Matt

Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal
Cell - (262) 204-SELL
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

Home Buyer Credit-April 30th Deadline approaching

2010-04-04T23:03:00.001-05:00

A friendly reminder to all of the potential home buyers out there. The $8,000 first time buyer and $6,500 repeat buyer tax credit deadlines are as follows:

April 30th - Must have a binding sales contract on a home.
June 30th - Must complete the purchase of the home on or prior to this date.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

--
~Matt

Contact your local REALTOR before April 30th to take advantage of the home buyer tax credits and low mortgage rates!

Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal
Cell - (262) 204-SELL
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

New Listing - 3br/3.5ba in Port Washington WI

2010-03-18T19:01:00.001-05:00

Immaculate 2story Colonial located on a low traffic culdesac just a short drive from the highway & walking distance to historic downtown Port. Features include high quality Kohler fixtures, sinks & toilets and GE kitchen appliances, central heating & cooling in addition to an Aprilaire whole house humidifier system, and a 6 person hot tub! Enjoy a Great room, Formal dining, Walkout lower, & 2story deck for entertaining, or the luxurious master suite for privacy. Rest assured with security already in place.

--
~Matt

Contact your local REALTOR before April 30th to take advantage of the home buyer tax credits and low mortgage rates!

Matthew Barens-REALTOR
RE/MAX Universal
Cell - (262) 204-SELL
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

Is every home clearance priced?

2009-08-23T21:34:00.000-05:00

Unemployment rates have risen, foreclosures are still occurring, so everything on the home market must be a steal, right? Wrong! Just because a home is being sold at a certain price does NOT automatically make it a good deal.

Now, more than ever, buyers need to exercise due diligence and research carefully before buying a home. A listing agent can recommend a certain price, but that doesn't obligate the homeowner to sell at that price. If you go to an open house and question the asking price, the agent will probably defend it – that's their job. In most cases, they work for the seller, not you, the buyer.

What can you, the buyer, do to make sure the home is worth what the seller is asking?

Ask your agent (or even the listing agent) for recent comparable sales in the neighborhood that justify the house. Real estate agents have access to sales information that can give you a good idea of how much a house should sell for.

Things to weigh as you look at a new home:

Does it actually meet my needs, both now and for the future? If you're starting or expanding your family, will this home work? Will you need to add on or make major modifications for it to suit your lifestyle? Is there enough storage and closet space to suit your needs?

Does it meet any handicap-accessible needs you have? If this is a concern, will you have to modify the home to meet these needs?

Is the neighborhood a good fit? If you have children, check out the school district. This is important for both your family and because it can affect resale value. Ask the local police department for information on safety concerns in the area, and walk around yourself to get the feel of things.

Make a list of activities you enjoy to see if this area meets your needs.

Does the home need major repairs within the next five years? If so, how much will the repairs cost?

Can I afford the taxes if I get re-assessed? Checking with the local city economic office will help you learn if/how property values have changed.

What is my financial safety net? If you're a dual-income family and one spouse decides to stay home, how will this affect your financial situation? Will you be able to afford mortgage and upkeep on the home?

In general, making sure that a home fits your needs and that the price is justified, given the current market conditions, will leave you happier in the long run.

--
~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 - (262) 204-SELL
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

Be a Powerful Buyer!-Part 4

2009-08-16T12:46:00.001-05:00

This is Part 4 of a 4 part series.

With all of the scandals surrounding us today, it seems like everyone
is repeating the age old addage "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
your 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.
* Interview local agents: Talk with friends and family that have
purchased a home within the last 2 years in your area. Based on their
recommendations, interview a few agents. Don't simply call the agent
in town who has the most advertising, this doesn't make them the best
agent. I do recommend that buyers find an agent they like working
with, and stick with that agent. As an agent, if I have a buyer come
to me that's pre-approved and motivated to find a home, I will bend
over backwards to help them no matter what their price range. Buyers
that are unorganized and unmotivated don't typically get the same
level of service because as agents, we know that person is unlikely to
actually buy a home.
* Start the Home Search: NOW that you've worked with a lender to
determine your buying power, and selected an agent that's motivated to
work with you, you need to determine what you're looking for in a
home. Many people start the home search first. This may work for some,
but starting the search without having a clear understanding of what
you can afford and knowing current market conditions can actually cost
you time and money in the long run. Ask the professionals about both
of these, and then determine your needs from there. How many bedrooms?
What locations do you like best? Do you prefer tile, hardwood, or
carpet? Having a clear understanding of your likes and dislikes will
allow you to find homes that fit your needs. A quick side note to
couples: Please do NOT use your agent to settle differences in taste
between you and your significant other. Putting your agent in the
middle of an argument about whether you should have tile in the
entryway or not usually makes it very uncomfortable for all parties
involved.
*Making an Offer: Rule #1- Don't fall in love with a home: In order
to get the absolute best price when negotiating an offer, you need to
remember that this is probably the
largest financial transaction for you've ever dealt with. In order to find
the best price, you need to find motivated sellers. During your search,
narrow it down to 4-5 properties that you like. Rank them in order from best
to worst on your own scale, and start making offers. If you fall in love
with only one home, you will be at the mercy of the market. In order to get
the absolute best price, you need to determine what each property is worth
to you and stick to that number. If they are asking $150k and you are only
willing to pay $135k, then start with a lower initial bid and never offer
more than $135k. If you and the seller can't come to terms with what YOU
feel the property is worth ($135k), then move on to the next
property. You never want to be in a situation where you feel you paid
too
much money for the home. Just keep moving down your list until you find the
right property at the right price. This may take 1 offer or 10, but in the
end you'll feel confident that you got the best deal and were a very
powerful Buyer!

--
~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 - (262) 204-SELL
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
http://www.mattsellsmilwaukee.com

Be a Powerful Buyer!-Part 3

2009-08-04T19:42:00.001-05:00

This is Part 3 of a 4 part series.

With all of the scandals surrounding us today, it seems like everyone is repeating the age old addage "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 homebuyers (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 your 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.
Interview local agents: Talk with friends and family that have purchased a home within the last 2 years in your area. Based on their recommendations, interview a few agents. Don't simply call the agent in town who has the most advertising, this doesn't make them the best agent. I do recommend that buyers find an agent they like working with, and stick with that agent. As an agent, if I have a buyer come to me that's pre-approved and motivated to find a home, I will bend over backwards to help them no matter what their price range. Buyers that are unorganized and unmotivated don't typically get the same level of service because as agents, we know that person is unlikely to actually buy a home.
Start the Home Search: NOW that you've worked with a lender to determine your buying power, and selected an agent that's motivated to work with you, you need to determine what you're looking for in a home. Many people start the home search first. This may work for some, but starting the search without having a clear understanding of what you can afford and knowing current market conditions can actually cost you time and money in the long run. Ask the professionals about both of these, and then determine your needs from there. How many bedrooms? What locations do you like best? Do you prefer tile, hardwood, or carpet? Having a clear understanding of your likes and dislikes will allow you to find homes that fit your needs. A quick side note to couples: Please do NOT use your agent to settle differences in taste between you and your significant other. Putting your agent in the middle of an argument about whether you should have tile in the entryway or not usually makes it very uncomfortable for all parties involved.

--
~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

Be a Powerful Buyer- Part 2

2009-07-15T18:47:00.001-05:00

This is Part 2 of a 4 part series.

With all of the scandals surrounding us today, it seems like everyone is repeating the age old addage "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 homebuyers (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 your 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.
Interview local agents: Talk with friends and family that have purchased a home within the last 2 years in your area. Based on their recommendations, interview a few agents. Don't simply call the agent in town who has the most advertising, this doesn't make them the best agent. I do recommend that buyers find an agent they like working with, and stick with that agent. As an agent, if I have a buyer come to me that's pre-approved and motivated to find a home, I will bend over backwards to help them no matter what their price range. Buyers that are unorganized and unmotivated don't typically get the same level of service because as agents, we know that person is unlikely to actually buy a home.

--
~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

Be a Powerful Buyer- Part 1

2009-07-11T11:32:00.001-05:00

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.

--
~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!

2009-07-08T18:18:00.001-05:00

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!

2009-07-05T20:56:00.000-05:00

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

--
~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

2009-06-25T19:22:00.001-05:00

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...

2009-06-21T13:42:00.001-05:00

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

2009-04-22T21:39:00.002-05:00

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

--
~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...

2008-07-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

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

My Sales Contract is about to Expire...Now What?

2008-04-27T17:53:00.001-05:00

Your home has been on the market for several months now, and the listing contract is up soon. Your current agent wants you to re-sign for another six months but should you?

At this point, I tell my clients to treat the situation as though they were listing their home for the first time. Review all services the current agent provided – what worked and what didn't? Did the agent meet all expectations? Did they follow through with potential buyers? Did the house not sell because of an over-inflated price, or was the market not responding for other reasons?

Ask the current agent what they will continue to do, and what things they will do differently, if you renew your listing. Your agent should be able to provide buyer feedback, which can be reviewed for validity and used to make positive changes, which may include additional repairs or the possibility of staging the home for a fresh look.

As you move through the process of re-listing your home, take the time just as you did when you originally listed the property to select the proper agent. If you feel the need to interview other agents about their services and to ask what they'd do differently, now is the time.

--
~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

New Listing! N6307 Woodland Meadows dr, Sheboygan WI

2007-09-08T20:23:00.001-05:00

This well maintained two story colonial is located in a quiet subdivision on the city's north side. Wood Trim, gas fireplace, large kitchen, and a first floor laundry make this homes interior stand out. Low maintenance, professional landscaping, and a large yard round out the homes exterior. Town of Sheboygan location means economical taxes. Call me today at 920-917-0781 for a private showing!

3 Bedroom, 2.5 baths (ready for another full bath in basement)
Spacious master suite with a sunburst window
2 car garage, concrete rear patio, and a storage shed
Large Yard, Security System
First Floor laundry, All Appliances included
$212,900

--
Matthew Barens-REALTOR
Remax Universal of Sheboygan
Ph: 920-917-0781

Say Hello to Sheboygan County's Newest Remax Real Estate Agent!

2007-08-23T23:47:00.001-05:00

Yep, that's right folks. As of today i'm officially the newest agent at Remax Universal Realty of Sheboygan I've joined 3 of the top producing agents in Sheboygan county, and I'm looking forward to working with this highly energized team of individuals. This is also my first time working for a nationally recognized real estate company like Remax, so I'm looking forward to what that has to offer as well.

I've found so far that the biggest challenge with moving companies is getting used to the different office styles. What the secretaries do, how call-ins are handled, and generally how the people in the office "mesh" together. It's just the beginning but I feel really at home here. Looking forward to great things...

--
Matthew Barens-REALTOR
Remax Universal of Sheboygan
http://www.sheboyganareahomes.com
Ph: 920-917-0781

My first Blog

2007-08-07T23:49:00.001-05:00

Welcome to my first blog entry! I'm hoping that over the next few months/years this will turn into a discussion group where customers and fellow REALTORS alike respond to my posts. Here goes :)

I've lived in the Sheboygan area for about 3 years now. Sheboygan County is definitely a different area from where I grew up. The people are much more conservative, both religiously and financially, so it has taken a bit of getting used to. Now that i'm "acclimated" to the area, I'm really starting to see that it really is a nice place to live and someday raise a family. Schools are good, Lake Michigan is nearby, there are a ton of festivals and activities, and there are a lot of genuinely nice people.

On several occasions, i've heard about people getting sick/disabled and unable to work, and the community will pitch in to help out. They will gather and have a bake sale or "Brat Fry," then donate all the money to help them out. The last one I was involved with raised over $15,000 for a couple that was running in to troubles because the husband was sick and could not work. It's always great to see the look on their faces when they see all the caring people trying to help them out.

I'll share more reasons why I feel Sheboygan is a great place to live as time goes on. Until we meet again.

--
Matthew Barens-REALTOR
Main Street Realty
SheboyganAreaHomes.com
Ph: 920-917-0781