Archive for tag Living in wisconsin
May 13, 2011 at 07:11 AM
When it comes to landscaping, possibilities are endless. For the most part, if you can dream it, it can be created. Unfortunately, not all of us have the creative gene or the desire to tackle an intense do-it-yourself project. Also, most of us are not experts on blending concept and functionality.
There is so much that goes into landscaping! From the overall design, to choosing the right trees and flowers…landscaping is an art. Pick the wrong evergreen, and you will have deer visiting your yard late at night for a midnight snack until there is nothing left but branches. Pick the wrong flowers, and they may not grow back the following year.
Recently, my wife and I built a new home. Of course, with building comes landscaping. After careful consideration for several weeks, we decided to reach out to contractors and ask for written quotes. We were very surprised at the wide range of prices. The quote was to include finished grading, storm drainage, a 30 head in-ground water sprinkler system, and Kentucky Blue Grass seeding. The gap between the highest and lowest bid was $4,700.00!
After careful consideration of the bids, and meeting with representatives from each company, we decided to go with a Waukesha based company, Hardscape Concepts. We personally met with the owner, Jim, and were very impressed with his presentation and the personal commitment he made to our project. He was very detailed is his approach and walked through step by step what would occur from start to finish. He even informed us that he did additional work such as concrete, patio pavers, retaining walls, and ponds and water systems, that we are also giving some consideration to at a later date. His crew was on time each day, took time to update us on their progress, and because of some bad weather that limited their ability to work on a Friday, came and spent the entire day on Saturday catching up for the time we lost through no fault of their own.
We are very happy with the quote, the work performed, and would definitely work with Jim, and Hardscape Concepts, in the future.
Brian A. Peters, M.B.A., M.S.A.
Shorewest Realtors
Brian.shorewest.com
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Brian Peters
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March 25, 2011 at 07:41 AM
When thinking about insurance, most people consider it a “necessary evil.” Very few of us get out of bed and are excited to go shopping for insurance of any kind. When you get right down to it, people that have good fortune are those that will pay toward something they never use. For example, I would prefer to go my entire life paying for auto insurance coverage and never have to report a claim. For most of us, however, this is not reality. At some point, the law of averages will get the better of us and something will happen. It is not that we want to be in an accident, or expect to be in an accident, but it is important to have coverage in the event something should happen. This same basic principle goes for your health, home, and other items of value.
Recently, my wife and I received a letter from our insurance agent informing us that he was retiring. He had been my parent’s agent for three decades, and because my parents spoke very highly of him, my wife and I gladly signed up with him as well. In his retirement announcement, he mentioned that our policy would be transferred to another agent, but if we had any questions, we could contact him. I decided to take him up on his offer and contacted him. After our conversation, I decided to contact a local State Farm agent by the name of Clark Chiaverotti in Wales, Wisconsin.
His approach to customer service was appreciated. He invited my wife and I into his office, took time to get to know us, and showed us that his approach to business was more than paperwork. It would have been easier and more convenient for him to simply complete the paperwork electronically and move on. However, from a personal point of view, I appreciated Clark’s more traditional approach. I very much consider myself a community person. I like doing business with people in my community and I like attending events in my community. I am of the belief that good communities are a reflection of the people that are a part of them.
The State Farm marketing hook is, “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” While I can not speak for all of State Farm’s agents, it is nice as a consumer to experience my agent standing behind the company line.
Brian A. Peters, M.B.A., M.S.A.
Shorewest Realtors
Brian.Shorewest.com
“Your success is my business!”
Posted by: Brian Peters
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March 23, 2011 at 04:09 PM
Each year the NCAA tournament offers sports fans exhilarating highs and gut wrenching lows. The tournament is full of last minute buzzer beaters, bracket busting upsets, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat. There are plays and moments that will take on a life of their own as they become enshrined in highlight reels, to be viewed over and over, when taking a look back on conquests of the past.
This year, two Wisconsin teams are still in the hunt to become NCAA Men’s College Basketball Champions. The last time both Wisconsin and Marquette made it to the Sweet 16 was in 2003. Wisconsin was the #5 seed in Midwest Region and was matched up against #1 seeded Kentucky. They were lead by their sophomore guard, Devin Harris. Kentucky prevailed 63-57 knocking the Badgers out of the tournament. Marquette was the #3 seed in the Midwest Region and was matched up with #2 seeded Pitt. They were lead by a pretty talented guard of their own, Dwayne Wade. The Golden Eagles emerged victorious over Pitt with a narrow 77-74 win. Marquette helped Wisconsinites avenge the loss suffered by the Badgers to Kentucky by beating Kentucky 83-69 to advance to the Final Four where they met Kansas who proved to have too much fire power for them to overcome. Here are some fun facts to consider since the “tournament era” began:
- Wisconsin has reached the Sweet 16 six times
- Marquette has reached the Sweet 16 thirteen times
- Wisconsin won the National Championship once (1941) coached by Bud Foster
- Marquette won the National Championship once (1977) coached by Al McGuire
- 2011 is only the second time in tournament history that the Badgers and the Golden Eagles have made the Sweet 16 in the same year
This year, to advance into the Elite 8, the #4 seeded Wisconsin Badgers will have to beat #8 seeded Butler in the Southeast Region. This year the Badgers have relied on the steady performance of junior guard, Jordan Taylor. That game will take place on March 24th, and is scheduled to start at 9:57pm Eastern. The #11 Marquette Golden Eagles will have an arguably tougher challenge as they take on #2 seeded North Carolina in the East Region which is schedule to take place on March 25th at 7:15pm Eastern. They will need their junior guard, Darius Johnson-Odom, to continue his clutch performance if they are to move past North Carolina and on to the next round. In 1977, when Marquette won the tournament, they had to beat North Carolina in the Championship game to do so. The Badgers and the Golden Eagles have never advanced to the Elite 8 in the same year.
It is noteworthy that should Wisconsin and Marquette win their next three games, they would play their fourth game against each other and the winner of that game would be crowned 2011 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion.
Best of luck to both our Wisconsin Badgers and Marquette Golden Eagles!
Brian A. Peters, M.B.A., M.S.A.
Shorewest Realtors
Brian.Shorewest.com
Posted by: Brian Peters
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March 23, 2011 at 07:06 AM
In 2010, MSNBC ran a story announcing that Milwaukee had topped the annual list becoming the worst-selling housing market in the entire country.
As someone that calls Southeastern Wisconsin home; as someone who enjoys traveling and has seen much of the United States; and as a real estate professional; I can not help but ask myself the question…why?
Over a century ago, Milwaukee competed with Chicago as one of the Midwest’s largest metropolitan cities. They both offered a beautiful location, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, with various attractions and night life. Both cities were home to thriving businesses and offered job opportunities to those looking for employment. So what happened? What catapulted Chicago to become the nation’s third largest city and caused Milwaukee to eat their dust? The short answer is the railroad and the long answer is politics.
Around the turn of the 20th century, Chicago and Milwaukee were two cities competing for the rights to a major Midwestern train station linking rails from the east coast to those in the west. Chicago triumphed, won the rights, and from that point on, the landscapes of the two cities have never been the same. Chicago has become a major hub for business and industry on a global scale. Milwaukee has grown, but not to the extent of their neighbors in the South.
However, times have changed. We are no longer dependant on the railroad to the extent we were a century ago. Land is a premium and there is only so much lake frontage to go around. Why is Chicago still a desirable place to call home and Milwaukee is...well…Milwaukee? The answer is politics.
Since losing the railroad hub to Chicago, Milwaukee has been plagued with some of worst leadership in the nation. During the first half of the 20th century, Milwaukee became a center for socialism. Milwaukeeans elected three Socialist mayors during this time: Emil Seidel (1910–1912), Daniel Hoan (1916–1940), and Frank Zeidler (1948–1960). Milwaukee is the only major city in American history to have done so. These leaders have been pro-union, anti “big” business, and have stifled most attempts to capitalize on Milwaukee’s geographic location and beautiful vistas. In the later half of the 20th century, Milwaukee has not performed much better in terms of development. Liberal leadership has continued pro-union, anti-business sentiments, which ultimately cost Milwaukee a recent loss to Chicago. Miller Brewing Company decided in 2008 that the business and political climate in Milwaukee was not in their best interest an opted to move their headquarters from Milwaukee to Chicago.
So now in 2010, we are told Milwaukee is the worst-selling housing market in the country. In thinking about this sad state of events, being a person that loves my state and calls Southeastern Wisconsin home, I tried to look past the doom and gloom. Another local Wisconsin company [West Bend Mutual] reminds us that every dark cloud has a silver lining; and then it hit me. Milwaukee is at the bottom. It has nowhere to go but up. If you are looking to start a business, in a major metropolitan city, it is unlikely that you will find a better piece of real estate, at a lower price, then you will find in Milwaukee. If you are a home buyer, and you want city living at an affordable price, there is an abundance of condominiums on the market located right downtown, only a short walk from some of Milwaukee’s best bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Why pay a premium to live in downtown Chicago when you can experience a very similar lifestyle at a fraction of the cost?
How often have you said, or have heard others say, “Man, I wish I would have gotten in on the ground floor of [THAT] opportunity!” Some people bought Google, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, and other great investments for pennies on the dollar. Some of those people made more off their small investment than they made working a life time at a 9-5 job. Milwaukee is a ground floor opportunity. Will politics still play a major role in progress, growth, and development? It absolutely will. However, it was Gandhi that said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Milwaukee is a beautiful diamond in the rough. It has the potential to be so much more than it is. It is a ground floor investment with the potential for greatness. Like most investments, however, the rewards will go to those with the vision to see what could be; those bold enough to put money behind that vision; and those willing to take actions necessary to turn potential into reality.
Brian A. Peters, M.B.A., M.S.A.
Shorewest Realtors
Brian.Shorewest.com
“Your success is my business!”
Posted by: Brian Peters
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March 17, 2011 at 06:42 AM
Whether on Wall Street, or in Real Estate, wise investors buy on the basis of value. When looking at value, there are a number of different items for consideration. Of course, we all know about price, but there are certainly others. Personal values can mean as much, and to some even more, than monetary value. When in the market for a property, consider the following:
1) What location do I want?
When considering location, also ask yourself why you picked a particular location. In doing so, it will help you get a better understanding of what your purchasing values are. Are you a city person of county person? Do you have a car or need access to public transit? Do you have a reason to look at certain communities that are well known for their school system? Do you want a newer home or one in an established community? Is shopping important to you? Is there a specific need you must have such as a home on lake, in a golf community, a condominium complex with a host of onsite amenities, or possibly an area that has abundant acreage so that your home feels like a private retreat?
2) What are my needs?
Many people begin the buying process by telling their Realtor, I am looking for an “X” bedroom home, with “Y” baths, that is around “Z” square feet. This is a great start. I also ask buyers, not only to consider what they want, but why they want certain features. Buying with purpose helps many buyers gain a better understanding of X, Y, and Z, becomes it helps them determine how they would use various rooms of a home when touring potential purchases.
3) How long do I plan on making this place my home?
There are short-term and long-term buying decisions that need to be addressed. When a buyer is looking at a short-term property, they need to consider factors such as, what is the average number of days on the market in a given area? Some neighborhoods see homes sell in weeks, while others have homes remain on the market months or even years before selling. Does a particular area hold its value better than others? When the economy fluctuates, some communities have greater price volatility for various reasons. Are you buying a “fixer-upper”? If you are looking to buy a property, put some sweat equity in it, and sell it for a profit, you need to know exactly what the local market allows in terms of pricing so you don’t find yourself putting more into the home than you will get out of it. Lastly, a consideration that is often overlooked is financing. If you intend on making your new home a short term situation, you don’t need a conventional 30 year fixed mortgage. You can save yourself money by choosing a 7/1, 5/1, etc. Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM).
4) What are your “non-negotiable” must haves?
When looking for new home, many of us have a preconceived notion of what we “must have”. In doing so, we may have buying blinders on and lose out on other great opportunities that could be equally as perfect for us. For example, a buyer may tell their agent, “I want a three bedroom home, with three bathrooms, on a one acre lot, that is not older than 10 years, in a particular city.” While having an idea of what you want is fantastic, it is important to keep an open mind. Your Realtor may find a home that meets or exceeds the buyer’s needs in 4 of 5 of the requirements, but learns the home is 20 years of age. However, the home has been completely remodeled in the past two years which means it is modernized and has many of the amenities a buyer would find in a new home. Having a Realtor you trust, and being open to what they have to offer, can mean you not only get what you are looking for, but it may even exceed your expectations.
5) Lastly, of course, we have PRICE
When Forbes Magazine releases their annual list of the world’s wealthiest people, one name that is at or near the top of the list each year is Warren Buffet. Incidentally, Warren Buffet made much of his wealth through real estate transactions. A great quote to keep in mind is, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” As a buyer, you have to determine a property’s value. If you are buying the property for financial reasons, and want to be reasonably confident that you will turn a profit on the sale of the home when you decide to sell, the end result goal has to be considered as part of the buying strategy. As a buyer looking to improve the likelihood of making a profit when reselling, it may be advantageous to look at foreclosures, short sales, and distressed properties. When making an offer, it is important to understand that the offer may get rejected and that the seller may not be willing to part with the property for what you, as a buyer, are willing to pay for it. A buyer purchasing for investment purposes has to be willing to leave emotion out of their buying decision and willing to walk away from the deal and move on to another option. Conversely, if as a buyer you have a very specific wish list, plan to be in the home for a longer period of time, and are shopping for a property in a very desirable neighborhood, there may be a premium to get exactly what is desired. For this type of buyer, the value is not in how much is paid for the property, but that the property is exactly what they are looking for.
At the end of the day, every buyer is different. What is important is that each buyer consider what is important to them, what their needs are, and what their personal values are. Knowing the value of something is more than knowing what its price is!
If you are looking to buy a home and what to learn more about properties near you, please visit me on the web at Brian.Shorewest.com
Brian A. Peters, M.B.A., M.S.A.
Shorewest Realtors
Brian.Shorewest.com
“Your success is my business!”
Posted by: Brian Peters
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