Julie Johnson REMAX

Best analogy I've seen yet. Sellers...are you hearing this?

BEWARE…regarding Home Owners Insurance
(curious if anyone has experienced this)

In the last few years because all the roof, siding, gutter, facia and soffit insurance claims...insurance companies have suffered major losses...paying out $130 for every $100 they collect in premiums(according to a source) They are looking for ways to charge more, drop people and basically curb their liability and the losses they take.

If you get a call or a letter from your insurance provider requesting you call Mueller Reports or go to the provider website to complete the survey, ignore the request. If they press further tell them that your insurance agent has all the information they need.

Insurance companies are asking more questions than ever on new insurance requests and this has become an issue when obtaining a loan. I have heard of a company that will not underwrite any new policy on a home that has a roof over 10 years old. Hard to believe a 10 year old roof is the cut off for an insurance company for initiating a new policy.

This will be very important when selling properties going forward. If a buyer has trouble getting insurance...they won't be able to get a loan...and thus, can't purchase the property.
If you know of someone buying or selling in the future, share this insight and remind buyers to seek out a home owners policy as soon as they get an accepted offer as they may extra time to shop around.

In past decades, a seller may have had to sell their current home and use those proceeds to purchase the next home. That may not be the case today considering the amount of equity in your current home and the lending options available to buyers today.
If you are thinking of making a move, contact me to discuss your specific situation and equity analysis.

The Surprising Amount of Home Equity You’ve Gained over the Years There are a number of reasons you may be thinking about selling your house.

Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off?

If you, like the homeowners in this report, find yourself needing features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider talking to me about selling your house. I will walk you through your options and what you can expect from today’s market, so you can make a confident decision based on what matters most to you & your family.

Let's talk about how much equity you have and how it factors into your plans. With the typical home listing price up 40% from just five years ago, you may be sitting on a healthy equity cushion. This means they are likely to walk away from a home sale with proceeds that they can use to offset the amount of borrowing needed for their next home purchase.”

Your lifestyle needs may be enough to motivate you to make a change. If you want help weighing the pros and cons of selling your house, let’s have a conversation.

Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off?

Trying to decide if you want to sell now or wait? Here’s a tip. Consider why you want to move.

Maybe you, like so many other homeowners, want to be closer to your loved ones, find that your house is too small, or you’ve recently had a big change in your life.

Whatever your reason, it may be motivation enough to sell. DM me if you’re ready to get started.

If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision.

What Is a 55+ Community?

It’s important to note that these communities aren’t just for people who need extra support – they can be pretty vibrant, too. Many people who are downsizing opt for this type of home because they’re looking to be surrounded by people in a similar season of life. U.S. News explains: “The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to downsize to a community with others their same age and with similar interests.”

Why It’s Worth Considering This Type of Home

If that sounds like something that may interest you, here's one thing to consider. You may find you’ve got a growing list of options if you look at this type of community. According to 55places.com, the number of listings tailored for homebuyers in this age group has increased by over 50% compared to last year.

Other Benefits of 55+ Communities

On top of that, there are other benefits to seeking out this type of home. An article from 55places.com, highlights just a few:

• Lower-Maintenance Living

• On-Site Amenities

• Like-Minded Neighbors

• Accessible Floor Plans

If this sounds appealing to you, let’s talk about what’s available in our area, and the unique amenities for each community. You may find a 55+ home is exactly what you’ve been searching for.

Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You? If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you.

RE: Experience with WE Energies

Has anyone dealt with WE Energies to move a meter?

Obviously the home in the photo was built with no window well which will be corrected. Once the well goes in, the grading can be addressed which means the meter would be 1/3 covered in dirt if it isn't moved. Why would WE Energies have ever installed the meter this low to begin with?
Homeowner being told it is not old enough to require replacement and with the service being steel, they are not able to raise it. Hmmm. If the meter were raised, the entire service would have to be replaced and it would be astronomical. The price varies on if you keep the service and meter in the same location or completely change it, as well as what time of year the work is done and how much the municipality charges for the permit.
It doesn't make sense to build a form around the meter as the grading issue can't be solved. Any other suggestions are appreciated.

What’s the big takeaway? While Presidential elections do have some impact on the housing market, the effects are usually minimal.

For most buyers and sellers, elections don’t have a major impact on their plans.

While it’s natural to feel a bit uncertain during an election year, history shows the housing market remains strong and resilient. And this means you don’t have to pause your plans in the meantime. For help navigating the market during this election cycle, contact me.

What's the Impact of Presidential Elections on the Housing Market? It’s no surprise that the upcoming Presidential election might have you speculating about what’s ahead.

For the past several years, folks have felt that the market would crash at any time. There’s some misinformation out there and it’s time to set the record straight.

If you think home prices are going to crash, you should know the NATIONAL data doesn’t support that theory. There just aren’t enough homes on the market today.

What else have you heard about the housing market that you’re worried about? Drop a comment below and let’s have a conversation. What are your thoughts on "why" we have an inventory shortage. While I have my own thoughts independent of the media, keep in mind that in areas like Milwaukee County, it isn't possible to build more single family homes so it can't be that builders haven't kept pace.

We closed on our family home of the past 16 years and thank the new owners for allowing us to stay on Greenmeadow Lane longer while we move into our next home close by.
Supply and demand, along with Seller/Listing Agent strategies, resulted in a successful sale. For similar results, message me to discuss your goals and ways I can help you obtain similar results.

Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time.

If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one pretty significant benefit: it can actually make it a bit easier for you to buy a home.

How Can It Help You Buy a Home?

Here are a few ways their caretaking situation might be helping those 33% buy a home:

• Sharing Expenses

• Built-In Childcare

Beyond just the financial reasons, buying a multi-generational home has other advantages. The Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights some of the most popular, including:

• Easier To Care for Aging Parents

• Spending More Time Together

How a Real Estate Agent Can Help

If you’re in the Sandwich Generation and thinking about buying a multi-generational home, working with a local real estate agent is essential. Finding a home that works for so many people can be tricky. An agent will use their expertise to help you find one that meets the needs of, and has enough space for, everyone who’s going to live there.

Being a part of the Sandwich Generation comes with its challenges – but it also might come with one truly great perk. If you’re looking to buy a home, your caregiving situation can actually make it a bit easier for you to afford a home. To learn more, let’s connect.

Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation?

Available TODAY!

Quiet of the country...close to amenities!
5.65 Acres Built 2022 $999,900
4 Bedroom/3.5 Bath/4 Car Garage
Large wrap around porch, 2 electric car charge stations

Feel free to share with your Facebook Friends. Contact me for more photos and information on this great home in Raymond, WI. (just west of I94)

Listing courtesy of Sharlene Knapp of RE/MAX Lakeside.

Does anyone in the Milwaukee area have a low hours zero turn lawn mower they would consider selling?

Step into this charming low maintenance brick ranch on a larger lot and make yourself at home. You'll appreciate the hardwood floors, third bedroom with built-ins and rec room opportunity in the lower level, ready for your next family gathering. Enjoy the two car tandem garage with alley access and beautiful backyard garden. Contact me for more photos and showing details.

Feel free to share with your Facebook friends.

1311 Jones Ave - Racine
List Price: $169,900

Julie Johnson REMAX My desire is to help others make good decisions, regardless of current market conditions.

Thank you to those Buyers and Agents interested in this great condo. After multiple offers, the Sellers accepted an offer after a weekend of showings.

Great first floor condo coming Friday. Contact me for more photos, details and viewing opportunities. 414.421.8067

Julie Johnson REMAX My desire is to help others make good decisions, regardless of current market conditions.

Congratulations to my Sellers on this holiday!

Solid wood nightstand. $65

Need a home for meant for entertaining? This may be just what you are looking for. Enjoy the fenced yard and lower party room great for game day. The spacious 2.5 car garage provides extra storage. And...four bedrooms. Don't wait, schedule your showing today. 414.421.8067

Julie Johnson REMAX My desire is to help others make good decisions, regardless of current market conditions.

Call me to schedule a showing of this charming home with four bedrooms, a nice lower level rec room, spacious garage and fenced yard. This home has it all.
[email protected] or 414.421.8067

Julie Johnson REMAX My desire is to help others make good decisions, regardless of current market conditions.

Stop and see me today at the Open House or contact me for a private showing. 414.421.8067

Julie Johnson REMAX My desire is to help others make good decisions, regardless of current market conditions.

Thank you, A Plus Mortgage for a fun Brewers event. I appreciate the opportunity to include two of my hard workers that needed a break yesterday.

When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.

Home Inspection

Once you’re under contract on a home you’d like to buy, getting an inspection is a key part of the process. An inspection gives you a clear idea of the safety and overall condition of the home – which is important for such a big transaction.

And don’t worry – you don’t have to go through that process alone. Your real estate agent will be your advocate and negotiate with the seller for you.

Home Appraisal

While the inspection tells you about the current state of the house, an appraisal gives you its value.
Regardless of what you’re willing to pay for a house, if you’ll be using a mortgage to fund your purchase, the appraisal protects you from overpaying and the bank from lending you more than the home is worth.

And if there’s ever any confusion or discrepancy between the appraisal and the agreed-upon price in your contract, your trusted real estate professional will help you navigate any additional negotiations to try to close the gap.

The inspection and the appraisal are different but equally important steps when buying a home – and you don’t need to manage them by yourself. Let’s connect today so you have expert guidance from start to finish.

The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with.

Showings start tomorrow on this great home. No need to wait, you can actually schedule your appointment in advance.

Julie Johnson REMAX My desire is to help others make good decisions, regardless of current market conditions.

Click on the image to read the full article!

I'm curious how many of you use your basement for something other than laundry. Rarely, am I in a home without a finished lower level. Are we using that space to its fullest potential?

Comment if your basement is finished or unfinished and if finished, what do you use it for. Are you spending time in that space more than once a month? (excluding laundry)

www.listreports.com

As time passes, after going through a bankruptcy it hurts your credit less and less. Once you're out from under all those financial burdens and you have a clean slate, it's important to start working on rebuilding your credit for your future. Here are some tips to get you off to a great start! Questions? Leave a comment below or shoot me a message.

There’s no denying mortgage rates are having a big impact on today’s housing market. This may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house and make a move.

1. Consider making your move now.
While interest rates are forecasted to come down a bit
yet this year, waiting may mean dealing with a lot more
competition as other buyers and sellers jump back in too.
2. There are plenty of Buyers in the market today.
Although the "unicorn" market is behind us, there are
still Buyer's looking for homes today. Due to limited
inventory, there are multiple offer situations in many
markets.
3. You can afford to buy a home in this market.
Contact me to get you started with the process. There
are programs to help first time buyers. If you already own
a home, you likely have more equity than you realize with
options to avoid a home sale contingency in your next offer.

If you’ve been holding back from selling, hopefully, it helps to have this information now. A recent survey from Realtor.com shows more than 85% of potential sellers have been considering selling for over a year. That means there are a number of sellers like you who are on the fence.

But that same survey also talked to sellers who recently decided to take the plunge and list. And 79% of those recent sellers wish they’d sold sooner.

If you want to talk more about any of these questions or need more information, let’s connect.