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Appleton, WI Real Estate News

By Bob Edwards, Fox Cities Real Estate Hotline, SFR- Appleton, WI
(Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group, Inc.)
I'm very proud to be a part of Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group, Inc. who is now celebrating 50 years in business. This is such a huge accomplishment and not one that's achieved by very many companies. Here's an article written by our own Tricia Voskuil. Congratulations go out to Joyce and Otto Bytof!   Celebrating 50 Years in BusinessTricia Voskuil2/4/2010       Coldwell Banker evolves into regional real estate giant.  Celebrates 50 years in business.   When Otto Bytof decided to open his own real estate office in 1959, he never realized the company he founded would grow into the regional giant it is today. "I was satisfied where things were (when I retired)," said Otto Bytof, who opened his first location in Appleton 50 years ago. Now, what operates as Coldwell Banker The Real E...
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By Bob Edwards, Fox Cities Real Estate Hotline, SFR- Appleton, WI
(Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group, Inc.)
I just received this update from Realtor Magazine Online with some great facts about the tax credit that you might not be aware of. Daily Real Estate News  |  January 22, 2010  |   Share 6 Surprising Facts About the Buyer Tax Credit The homebuyer tax credit is not as simple or straightforward as you might think. Here are some nuances that will affect homebuyers who plan to use it. To qualify for the move-up tax credit, a home owner must have occupied the same principal residence for five of the last eight years consecutively. Buyers can elect to claim the credit on either their 2009 or their 2010 tax return, whichever is best for them. Buyers who claim the credit in 2009 can't file electronically because the Internal Revenue Service hasn't put the required forms on line. The wait for a ...
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By Bob Edwards, Fox Cities Real Estate Hotline, SFR- Appleton, WI
(Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group, Inc.)
How does that go, 60 is the new 40? In terms of Real Estate this year, it seems that January is the new March. With the Extended and Expanded Tax Credit we're seeing both buyers and sellers becoming very active and someone didn't tell them it's still January. Historically business tends to slow around the holidays, it's to be expected and then slowly we build up to full throttle from March to May. The Tax Credit, which if you haven't heard by now, is up to $8,000 for first time home buyer and up to $6,500 for existing homeowners that have owned their home for 5 out of the last 8 years (for lots more information on the topic just click here.) This surge of buyers and sellers makes a lot of sense to me considering that, number one- the tax credit ends April 30, 2010 and number two- intere...
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By Bob Edwards, Fox Cities Real Estate Hotline, SFR- Appleton, WI
(Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group, Inc.)
I just read an article from Realtor Magazine Online that I thought was important enough to share. The article was written well enough that you don't need me to re-write it so here you go... Daily Real Estate News  |  January 20, 2010  |   Share FHA To Toughen Down Payment Rules The Federal Housing Administration will raise the minimum down payment for its least credit-worthy borrowers, agency announced Tuesday.Borrowers with credit-rating scores below 580 will be required to put down at least 10 percent. Those with a credit score above 580 will be able to continue to put down only 3.5 percent. The changes are intended to shore up the agency's finances.The FHA also will increase its upfront mortgage insurance premium from 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent. The agency is expected to seek congr...
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By Bob Edwards, Fox Cities Real Estate Hotline, SFR- Appleton, WI
(Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group, Inc.)
It was a great Green Bay Packers regular season in 2009 and not unlike any other season, it was filled with highs and lows. An 11-5 season brought us to the Wildcard and we face our first playoff opponent, the Arizona Cardinals, this coming Sunday, January 10, 2010 in Arizona. I had to laugh when Aaron Rodgers, quarterback for the Pack, what he thought about having to play on the road in the playoffs, "...let's see, Home in below freezing temperatures or Away in a dome or warm weather, I'm not seeing the downside of playing Away." The Pack has a great team with a great attitude and along with many other fans I wish the Green Bay Packers the best. GO-PACK-GO!!
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
Now is the perfect time to buy a home; there's a huge inventory of properties priced at levels not seen since 2004.  Not to mention the extension of the first time home buyers tax credit (of up to $8,000), and the NEW repeat Buyers credit (up to $6,500).  For detailed information and answers to frequently asked questions check out this story: Hot Off The Press - Answers to Questions on the New and Expanded Tax Credit It is important NOT to shoot from the hip and fire before you aim at your target..... get all the facts prior to entering into the market. Consult your local Real Estate Professional for specifics in your area. The burning question for many in the market for a great deal is - Can you ever really be confident you're getting a bargain? Most homes sold within 3% of asking pric...
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By Bob Edwards, Fox Cities Real Estate Hotline, SFR- Appleton, WI
(Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group, Inc.)
Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home,  keep in mind these 10 Tips for making the process as peaceful and stress free as possible. Find a Real Estate Agent who you can connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the Realtor you choose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, just as there's no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer- you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn't change fast enough to make much difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the market long. Don't ask for too many ...
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By Bob Edwards, Fox Cities Real Estate Hotline, SFR- Appleton, WI
(Coldwell Banker- The Real Estate Group, Inc.)
The Holidays are upon us... here's 7 tips you should keep in mind. 1) Maintain the Curb Appeal It's easy to neglect the outside of your home when the weather frightful, but curb appeal is just as important in the fall and winter as it is in the summer. Keep the leaves raked and the sidewalks and driveway clear of snow. 2) Add a Wreath Adding a seasonal wreath to the front door is a great way to make a positive first impression. A fall inspired wreath will carry you through Thanksgiving and then it's a good time to switch to an evergreen wreath with a bow. A wreath made from live branches can be messy so artificial is the way to go. 3) Keep It Cozy It's cold outside, you want your Buyers to be comfortable so crank up the heat. Soft music in the background and a plate of fresh baked cooki...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
Is a Government Insured Mortgage Right for You? series of articles - part 1 Risky mortgages backed up by small down payments are a thing of the past. In today's world, most lenders aren't underwriting mortgages unless you have a significant down payment, and a high credit score. Did you know that there is a decades-old loophole can still put home buyers in a house with little money down and in some cases . . . just $100... In fact here in Wisconsin every county in the state has areas that qualify for zero down financing. The programs I am referring to are an FHA Insured Mortgage and USDA Insured Mortgages. They have been in existence for many years; and in the case of FHA, it is likely that your parents or grandparents had an FHA Insured Loan when they purchased their first home. Mortga...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
Gwenn Tanvas is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists who specializes in Credit Restoration and Government Programs such as FHA, State and Federal VA and USDA Rural Housing Loans. Visit her website for more information, on-line calculators and a secure on-line application. She is able to assist with transaction throughout the state of Wisconsin. Her offices are located in Appleton, Oshkosh and Green Bay and offers the convenience of one-stop shopping. http://www.WisconsinLoanTips.com or http://www.MortgageProsOfWisconsin.com she can also be reached for comment or to answer questions via email at gwennt@centurytel.net Wisconsin Realtors, Grab Your Opportunity to Get Gwennie's Revolutionary New Property Marketing Technology Tool and it is FREE for the asking!!!! http://www.WisconsinP...
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By Duane Murphy, Broker- Owner-Real Estate -
(Expert Real Estate Partners LLC)
Purchasing Appleton real estate is a great investment whether you are purchasing your first home, second home or are a seasoned investor. You are invited to visit this site often to view Appleton homes for sale, read home buying advice, get information about local schools, and the Appleton community. I also have information on the $8000.00 tax credit. Just click on the link to the left for all the info you may need. Selling your home is an important decision. It is important that the sale of your home is handled with care and professionalism. I offer a FREE in-home sellers consultation. This covers staging, must-do's, pricing, and more! Find out why I sell the homes that I list!!! For more information about the selling process, please visit the home selling advice section. If you are re...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
This beautiful home is hosted by John Coglin of Coldwell Homes in Appleton, WI - Please note the links are live. Please take a few moments and view the virtural tour and other great features presented here. If you need assistance with financing or simply have questions, please feel free to give Gwenn Tanvas of Patriot Mortgage a call. She is an expert in her field and will take great care of all of your needs. W6173 Long Ct Appleton, WI 54914-8595 Beautiful home - large 1/2 acre lot Home Photo Gallery Virtual Tour Property Map Payment Info Request Showing Contact Me John Coughlin Mobile:920-450-5500 Office:920-993-5400 Website:Visit Website Price : $307,900 Bedrooms : 4 Bathrooms : 2.5 Square Foot : 2,810 Lot Size : 21,780 County : Outagamie Property Type : Detached MLS Number : 2090438...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
Wonderful Erb Park Charmer - Appleton, WI Your Host - Tom Otis - Remax 24/7 Appleton, Wisconsin 1611 N Morrison Street Appleton, WI 54911 Wonderful Erb Park Charmer Home Photo Gallery Virtual Tour Property Map Payment Info Request Showing Contact Me Thomas Otis Office:920-284-8508 Mobile:920-284-8508 Website:Visit Website Price : $139,900 Bedrooms : 3 Bathrooms : 2 Square Foot : 1,674 Lot Size : 9,240 County : Outagamie Property Type : Detached Year Built : 1896 click for more information and pictures Property Description Charming character home on Appleton's north side across from Erb Park. Tastefully decorated with many updates, kitchen, bath, windows roof. KItchen has breakfast bar, and huge pantry and mud room. Beautifully designed original hardwood floors grace the diningroom and l...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
On Saturday June 12th, Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton was host to the  annual Donald Driver Charity Softball Game! Finally a beautiful weekend here in North Eastern Wisconsin. My hubby Donnie and I headed out to the ball park to watch the Donald Driver Charity Softball game at Fox Cities Stadium. We had really great seats . . . right behind home plate. I took this opportunity to try out my new Cannon Rebel! All money raised from this event benefit The Special Olympics. The sun was shinning bright and warm, so we jumped on the bike and headed out to the park. If you live in Wisconsin or the Mid-West, you know how quickly the weather can change. One minute we were enjoying the game, player antics while basking in the sun; and just about half way through the top of the 7th inning, the clou...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
Back in 2003 you saved tons of money when you refinanced your mortgage at 5.5%. Your current balance is $159,000 and you are geared up to take advantage of the historically low interest rates by refinancing again - You know you are set because you have good credit and 22% equity in your home; Right? Please keep in mind that this also applies toward people who are looking to purchase a home and  applies to Conventional Conforming home lending. A call to your Bank and Local Mortgage Broker reveals a truth never mentioned in the media and throws you into shock when you learn that even with your good credit score and equity position, you will have to pay an EXTRA $1,193 in fees to get the best interest rate; The rate you have been sitting on the fence waiting for! Consider yourself lucky, a...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
How much money are you leaving on the table?????Part 2 "Getting Negative Items Deleted From A Credit Report - Fact or Fiction? Tips From The Experts - And Credit Repair Questions Answered" explains specifically WHY negative items are successfully DELETED from a credit file enabling the credit score to jump by leaps and bounds. The Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution reads, in part, "No person shall be ... deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law ..." We often hear that the United States Constitution guarantees that an accused is "..innocent until proved guilty.." It is evident that the credit industry is drumming to their own beat! Fact or Fiction????? - If a negative item is successfully deleted from my credit report, it will just come right back on my rep...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
Credit has become a huge issue over the past year. Week in and week out, I meet with customers who have a compromised credit file and as the result . . . a lower credit score. Guidelines continue to change requiring a higher score in order to get a preferred interest rate. People with 700 credit scores are being looked as a RISK - WHAT! With the opportunities for first-time home-buyers, the historically low interest rates, and abundant inventory of homes on the market, I wanted to begin a series on the importance of credit and provide valuable information on the mis-conceptions about credit and what can be done to restore a credit file. It is likely that either you or someone you know has found a mistake on their credit report and more than likely assumed that it was an isolated inciden...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
The dust is settling, the ink has dried and the phones are beginning to ring. Yahoooooooooo! Spring is right around the corner and what a great home buying season 2009 will be. The opportunities for first-time home buyers are huge. As long the home purchase is complete by December 1, 2009 and the new buyer meets the criteria of the plan, they will get the EIGHT GRAND! In the past week, there have been so many questions regarding the tax credit. As the result, I went on a mission to find the best information on the the most commonly asked questions. The results are below and definitely worth the read - Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of single family home-new or resale-are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, the n...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
I doesn't take a rocket scientists to realize that real estate across most of the country is not appreciating as fast as it was at one time.  This isn't necessarily a bad thing, unless of course you purchased last year and are selling now. People who have owned a property for several years are still generally well ahead in the game. While we cannot predict what 2009 will bring, most markets have slowed, if not declined. For the majority of established home owners in the prevailing market, prior property appreciation will ensure at least some degree of profit, however today's sales may not be as prosperous as they would have been in 2006. All homeowners want to get the highest possible profits; The questions is . . How does one go about this? There are 10 negotiating steps that a seller ...
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By Gwenn Tanvas, The Mortgage Gal, 920.267.7891~ SMART - INNOVATIVE
(NEXA Mortgage LLC an Equal Housing Lender NMLS # 1660690)
In the past few days, I have had the opportunity to speak to several local Realtors in the Appleton market about their feeling on the Presidents new tax credit for first-time home buyers;  More specifically, how they viewed this new home buying incentive and  their ability to attract more buyers, make offers and get to the settlement table. The response was mixed. Some were very enthusiastic and optimistic, while others were guarded and concerned.  Regardless of the reaction to the questions, one thing was constant. How is the new buyer going to come up with the down payment and closing costs? The Realtors I spoke with are working with an average purchase price of $135k - $150k - This would put the down payment on a FHA loan (3.5%) at $4725 and 5250 respectfully. This got my head workin...
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