We invite you to visit our site each month to read Stapleton News & Views.
Surviving in a Seller’s Market
What is the difference between a buyer’s and a seller’s market? As its name suggests, a buyer’s market is beneficial to the buyer and a seller’s market is beneficial to a seller. A buyer’s market is a market in which the supply is higher than the demand. A seller’s market exists when the demand for homes exceeds the supply, or there are more buyers looking to purchase a home than there are [...]
I am a buyer looking for the perfect home, where do I begin?
I am a buyer looking for the perfect home, where do I begin? The process of buying a home is big and so is the financial investment. Choosing an agent is an important part of the process and should not happen by chance. Using the agent my cousin likes or who was at the open house may not end up being the right fit for you. When you need a new doctor, [...]
Markham Estate
At the end of the 19th century, America already had a long history of beer drinking. By the end of the 1800s, good beer was well established by Midwest families whose names in the industry are yet popular today. Several built their summer homes on Wisconsin’s Oconomowoc Lake near Milwaukee including the Millers, the Schlitz family and the Pabsts where they entertained and enjoyed cool breezes off the water. Brewer George [...]
Evinrude and Okauchee Lake
Evinrude and Okauchee Lake This week, an icon originating from our community, is shuttering its doors after 100 years of making motors. Sadly, it was announced this week that the Canadian company BRP, Inc. the manufacturer, of Evinrude outboard engines, announced it will no longer manufacture Evinrudes, marking the end of an iconic Wisconsin brand. Ole Evinrude, who migrated from Norway to Cambridge, Wisconsin, fashioned his idea for a motor to power [...]
History of Stapleton Realty
Stapleton Realty began as a dream for me, long after I was a young girl who grew up on South Street in Oconomowoc. Having graduated from Oconomowoc High School, I went on to receive a BA in Marketing/Merchandising and then a Master’s degree in Vocational Education from UW-Stout. I then began a teaching career at this University. At the same time, my brother, Timothy, was in the service. As fate would [...]
Why use Stapleton versus another realtor, discount company or flat fee company?
All financial decisions go exactly the way your parents told you when you were younger,” you get what you pay for!” If a company significantly reduces the fees for selling your home, they will need to make up for the loss of revenue with volume. With more listings, agents have less time to help you with the sale of your home. With less time, they will know each home less than [...]
Staging MATTERS!
This blog is created and borrowed from Michelle Birch, the Principal Interior Designer of Birch Design Theory, LLC. https://birchdesigntheory.com Things to consider for SELLING! Ever wonder what you needed to do to ensure a quick and easy sale of your home? Besides getting a thorough market analysis and setting the price right at the beginning… Here’s just a few personal tips for you to consider… CURB appeal MATTERS! It is true that [...]
Myths About Homeownership
Lenders evaluate mortgage applications a lot differently today than they did even ten years ago and even more has changed in the last twenty years. What used to close the door to homeownership may not be a factor today. Here are some common homeownership myths: Myth: You need excellent credit to become a homeowner. Fact: You may still be able to buy a home with less-than-perfect credit. And remember, you can improve your [...]
Benefits of Home Ownership
Homeownership has many advantages - both financial and personal. But buying a home is an important decision. Look at the benefits and the differences between homeownership and renting to understand better if owning a home is right for you. What are the benefits of homeownership? Tax savings. You may earn significant tax savings because you can deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from your federal income tax and many states' income tax [...]
What a Home Inspector Checks For – and What You Should Check Too
Use this guide as a list of things that you should check for when buying a new home. Your home inspector may also review many of these items, but you should also do a check yourself.
Getting Your House Ready For a Showing
It's a big decision to sell your home. When you want top-dollar and are facing several changes, time seems to become warp-speed—where everything gets a little fuzzy and the days blur together in anticipation. That's why we've developed this quick guide to get your house ready for a showing. In the Kitchen— Be sure all countertops are clear and "squeaky clean." Wipe down appliances. Make sure all dishes are in the dishwasher [...]
How Much Can You Afford?
To get a quick idea of what you can afford to spend, multiply your annual gross income (before taxes) by 2.5. For example, if your annual household income is $50,000, you might be able to qualify for a $125,000 home. This estimate is rough—the actual number will vary based on factors such as your debt and credit history. Mortgage lenders typically use the housing expense and debt-to-income ratios to more accurately determine [...]