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.

April_2012_Kohler_Inspiring_Kitchen_and_Bath_Design_Newsletter

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

April_2012_Kohler_Inspiring_Kitchen_and_Bath_Design_Newsletter

The reach of the internet

It's a little frightening, but also very cool.  Last week, yahoo.com had an article about the ability to purchase a home for the same price as a car.  Because I am a premier agent on Zillow.com which is part of yahoo, the article somehow got linked to me and homes in the Two Rivers area.  I was getting e-mails from all over the world!  Really!  China, Germany, UK, India and many states across the US were the locations of the e-mail addresses.  I did receive a few phone calls as well from people in the US.  It was difficult at first to believe that this was all legitimate, I thought that I was definitely the victim of scamming, but after some research and many questions, it turned out to be actual inquiries.  What I want to know is this, would someone really buy a home without having seen it?  Or, knowing about the area?  Would one really trust a stranger to explain the home, the amenities and problems of the home and the location?  Would a person from Dubai actually do this?  If so, then I am completely baffled by it and give me a call!  I'm your Realtor!  Let's buy that house!

Housing outlook is more upbeat – USATODAY.com

Housing outlook is more upbeat – USATODAY.com

9 markets with rising real estate values | Inman News

Thinking of moving? These cities look very attractive, give me a call and I will get your house SOLD!

9 markets with rising real estate values | Inman News