When will winter end?  I need these lounge chairs cleared of snow, 75 degrees, sunshine and ahhhhhh.

Brick wall Bistro

Have you ever noticed that in your home you don't notice things?  Such as, you had every intention of repainting that wall that got scribbled on "accidentally" by one of your kids, and no matter how much scrubbing and scrubbing you did, it still had a faint memory of  markers?  And then, after some time, you just didn't notice it anymore?  This happens to me all the time.  We had every intention of tiling a kitchen wall where the pot rack hung but after a period of time, we forgot and just didn't see that it needed to be done.  So, periodically, I try very hard to see my home with new eyes to stay current and we came up with the plan to put up a small section of brick behind our pot rack and we were astonished at how much character it brought to the room, and also, it looked like it was always there!  Tell me what you think!  I love what our mason Phil Ruzek did and he can do it for you too, just let me know and I'll give you his contact information.  He is very fair and creative as well, so if  you aren't sure but have a hint of an idea, he can help you out.  We also incorporated bricks from vacant land across the street.  Hard to see but there are some random bricks that say "Metropolitan Block Canton, O".

Happy New Year!

Here at Gottsacker Real Estate - "we do your homework."  We can take all of the mystery out of the home buying and selling experience.  Just ask and we'll be happy to do your homework for you!  At our fingertips we have access to mortgage brokers, contractors, repair services, etc.  I'll start with a shout out and recommendation for Lakeshore Heating and Sheet Metal here in Manitowoc. http://www.lakeheat.com  We have been working with Dale & Jen for about 10 years now and have never been disappointed.  Thanks Lakeshore Heating!

Great new web-site

I was just recently introduced to a new web-site called Houzz.  This site is incredible.  For those of you who can't get enough of looking at homes, interiors, exteriors, landscaping, etc. this is for you!  The possibilities on this site are endless.  And you can save all of the cool ideas that you like in folders.  We at Gottsacker Real Estate are building condominiums on speculation.  I went to this web-site for decorating colors and designs.  This was so helpful to me.  For example: I typed in the search bar, white cabinetry and grey accent color.  Thousands of images came up.  Just scroll through and click on the ones that you like, many times you can find out the actual paint color that is on the walls, or where you can buy a fixture, etc.  Have fun with it!
http://www.houzz.com/

Perfect buyers

I just had the most pleasant experience with first time buyers.  Obviously, I can't tell you who they are but they fit the "first time buyer" mold perfectly.  This is what they did:
1)  Went to a lender and received pre-approval financing which told them what price range of a home they should be looking at.
2)  Asked friends and family for a recommendation for a Realtor - Woot-woot, that's where I come in!
3)  I put them on an automatic search through MLS to receive e-mails on listings with their requirements.
4)  They and I communicated via e-mail on what listings they wanted to see.
5)  We looked at homes, about 3-5 for each outing and began the elimination process of absolute no's and maybe's.
6)  After 24 homes, (sounds like a lot but in reality since there are a lot of homes for sale in our area, this was reasonable). Voila!  They found their favorite.
7)  They brought their parents through the home. (almost everyone wants a second opinion or approval/blessing so to speak)
8)  Wrote the offer, negotiated, and acceptance!

Thank you S & L, you were/are a delight to work for!

New Listing!

So much afternoon sunlight!

We have a beautiful new listing at 1009 N 17th St. in Manitowoc, WI.  This home has been lovingly cared for by a family with 7 daughters!  If the walls could talk....  I will have it open for the first time on Sunday April 22nd from 12-1:30.  4 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 3 half baths, big yard, 2 car garage, gorgeous dining room, new windows, 2 of the bedrooms are on the main floor and 2 are up.

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Kohler always has creative & inspiring designs, check this out!

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