Why Now IS The Time To Buy!!
Are you tired of sales people telling you that now is the time buy?
In most cases, the purchase can wait. But, that is not true for real estate. If you are renting and considering owning your own home,
this is the time to act! Here's why...1)
Selection, Selection, Selection! In real estate, the market either benefits the sellers or the buyers (sometimes both). During the past decade, the sellers have been in the driver's seat.
In today's market, there are more sellers than buyers (meaning that this is a buyers market). There is an over-abundance of homes and condos on the market.
There are many options that are available to today's buyers.2)
No Bidding Wars! During the past decade, there were more buyers than sellers. During this period, many buyers were bidding on the same properties. In economics, when demand exceeds supply, the price will increase to meet the demand.
In today's market, there are more sellers competing for a single buyer. Therefore, buyers are able to buy their own home for a more reasonable price.3)
Buyers, You Can Make An Offer! Since it is rare to find bidding wars in today's buyers market, sellers are finding that they are the ones that have to provide incentives to buyers.
Nationally, the sell price versus list price ratio is about 96%. In addition,
sellers are providing incentives to buyers in the form of closing cost credits, pre-paid condo dues, and many other creative packages. Therefore, a seller will not be insulted if you
'make them an offer they can't refuse'.
4)
Real Financing Is Available! Creative financing programs (sub-prime loans, etc.) are a thing of the past. Fixed-rate mortgages are back with lower rates (
6.375%* -
the lowest rates reported in Wisconsin since the fourth quarter of 2005**). FHA financing and state-operated programs (e.g. WHEDA) are back in business.
5)
Real Estate Is An Investment! Real estate is one of the biggest investment purchases you will ever make. Similar to the stock market, there is a preferred time to buy and a preferred time to sell. Investment brokers will tell you that you should
buy low and
sell high. In today's buyers market, the price for real estate is low.
Not only are housing prices down, interest rates are also declining. These two factors rarely move down together during the same period. Your dollar has never gone so far in the real estate market.One of the concerns I hear from buyers in today's market is the
stability of the real estate market. Most feel that they would
rather wait until the market improves. In other words, it seems that my buyers are telling me that they would
feel more comfortable buying a house or condo
when real estate prices are beginning to rise.If you are considering a purchase, now is truly the best time to act!Please contact me at dray@shorewest.com or (414) 412-7980 if you have any questions or concerns regarding today's buyers market.
* Rate quoted from Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation on October 19, 2007 for a no-point, 30-year, fixed, conventional mortgage. Terms are subject to change without notice.
** Mortgage trends (national and state) are provided by Yahoo! Finance.
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Labels: Real Estate
Home Buying Seminar - Thursday, October 25, 2007
Would you like to own your own home or condo, but don't know how to get started?A good place to start would be to attend the
"First-Time Homebuyers" Seminar. It's
free and
seats are limited. So, call today to reserve your seat!
Our first seminar is scheduled for
Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 7pm and will be held at the
Downtown Milwaukee office of Shorewest Realtors (1610 N Water; northeast corner of Water and Pleasant Streets).
I, along with my colleagues, will discuss
topics that are important to you:
* Identify the
benefits of owning your own home or condo
* Outline the
steps of not only
finding your first home, but also
buying your first home* Identify
special financial programs which are available to first-time homebuyers
Again, seating is limited. Call the Downtown Milwaukee office of Shorewest Realtors to reserve your seat today by calling 414.226.4570.I hope to see you there!
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Labels: Real Estate
The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Museum design inspired by spirit of Harley-Davidson - Exposed steel beams, raw industrial look
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is building their museum in Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley at the corner of South Sixth and West Canal Streets. The company is planning to coordinate the grand opening ceremony with the company's 105th anniversary celebration around Labor Day 2008.
The 130,000-square-foot complex will truly be an expression of the Harley-Davidson spirit. The design of the museum can be described as an industrial-inspired design using mostly steel, brick, and glass. More than 1,200 tons of steel beams have been used in the construction.
In addition to the museum, this complex will also feature a restaurant, cafe, retail shop, meeting rooms, special events facilities, and the company's archives.
Rich Rovito, writer for The Business Journal of Milwaukee, describes in greater detail the rawness of this unique design.
Click here to read more about the Harley-Davidson Museum>>>-----
Labels: Real Estate
JSOnline: King Drive businesses keeping leader's dream alive
Have you heard the news about Bronzeville? Bronzeville is making a comeback in a huge way. At one time, this neighborhood was the place to be and the place to be seen. King Drive is the focal point of Bronzeville (specifically between Walnut and Wright Streets).
Bronzeville is one of Milwaukee's oldest African-American neighborhoods. It should be of no surprise that a neighborhood so rich in culture and community values is becoming one of the most appealing neighborhoods to live and work. Tannette Johnson-Elie, writer for The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes about how "African-American professionals are flocking to King Drive, creating a thriving neighborhood economy of specialty-service firms ranging from dentistry to law to insurance."
Since 2005, more than 25 new businesses opened their doors to the residents of Bronzeville. Nearly half of these businesses are owned and operated by African-Americans.
One of the largest companies in the state moved right down the street from this neighborhood. Manpower opened its new world headquarters at the corner of King Drive and Cherry Street. With over 1,000 employees moving into the area, this move should help boost the businesses in the Bronzeville District.
Johnson-Elie writes more about how the Bronzeville District has become so successful. In addition, she adds how King Drive in Milwaukee can be used as an example for other cities to follow.
Click here to read more about the Bronzeville District>>>-----
Labels: Economy
The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Pabst/Riverside to operate Turner Hall Ballroom
Turner Hall, built in 1882, is a multi-use building that currently operates the Historic Turner Restaurant, gymnasium, meeting rooms, and the Turner Hall Ballroom. Located across the street from the Bradley Center (1034 North Fourth Street), Turner Hall is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The management of the Pabst Theater and the Riverside Theater, venues known for attracting local and national acts, will soon manage the Turner Hall Ballroom. Upcoming musical acts include The Wallflowers and They Might Be Giants.
Writers for The Business Journal of Milwaukee provides a brief history of Turner Hall as well as identifies other musical acts that will be performing live in this newly-renovated ballroom.
Click here to read the entire article>>>-----
Labels: Economy
The Business Journal of Milwaukee: Taxman to add apartments to Water Street building
Taxman Investment Co. is in the process of renovating the Button Black Building at 500 North Water Street in Downtown Milwaukee. Many residents refer to this building as Joey Buona's Italian Restaurant. When renovation is completed in late-2007, Taxman will begin building 35 loft apartments on the top five floors of this seven-story building.
Taxman originally received approval to build one- and two-bedroom lofts six years ago. These plans were postponed because of the softer rental market during the past few years.
During the past few years, Downtown Milwaukee has seen a decline in the number of available rental units. Many large-scale apartments converted into condominiums. The Blatz, Courtyard Square, and Landmark On The Lake were converted during the past few years. Recently, The Franklin at East Pointe and Lake Bluff at East Pointe have undergone new ownership and are in the process of being converted into condominiums. With fewer rental options, it is becoming more desirable for real estate investors and developers to focus their developments with the renter in mind.
Pete Millard, writer for The Business Journal of Milwaukee, explains the amount of renovation work is needed before Taxman can begin building his lofted apartments.
Click here to read the entire article>>>-----
Labels: Real Estate
Downtown Area Events & Attractions
Final Gallery Night & Day of 2007 - October 19-20, 2007
For more information:
www.historicthirdward.org/events/GalleryNightParticipants.php
CHILDREN EVENTS
Oct. 19 -- Storytime with Costume Tails -- Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Oct. 28 -- Kidz Bop World Tour -- Bradley Center
Nov. 3 -- Children's Art in the Garden -- Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
COMEDY
Oct. 17 -- Don Rickles -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Oct. 20 -- Mike Mercury with Mike Marvell -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Oct. 25 -- George Lopez -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Oct. 26 -- The Political Comedy and Commentary of Capitol Steps -- Pabst Theater
Oct. 27 -- Tony Miller -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Oct. 27 -- Chelsea Handler -- Pabst Theater
Nov. 1 -- NBC's Last Comic Standing Live Tour -- Pabst Theater
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Thru Nov. 23 -- SonicVision: A Light Show For The Digital Generation -- Milwaukee Public Museum
Thru Oct. 31 (Wed) -- Westown Farmer's Market -- Zeidler Union Square
Thru Jan. 1 -- Samson Remembered -- Milwaukee Public Museum
Thru Jan. 1 -- The Climate Change Show Exhibit -- Milwaukee Public Museum
Oct. 18 -- Wauwatosa Savings Bank & FOX 6 Neighborhood Night -- Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Oct. 21 -- Milwaukee National College Fair -- Midwest Airlines Center
Oct. 24 -- Reception with The Alliance Française de Milwaukee -- George Watts & Sons, Inc.
Oct. 25 -- Grand Opening - Sendik's Food Market Exhibit -- Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Oct. 25 -- Get Up and Dance -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Oct. 25 -- Reception and Tours with The Alliance Française de Milwaukee -- Milwaukee Art MuseumOct. 26 -- Luncheon with the French Ambassador, Pierre Vimont -- Milwaukee Athletic Club
Oct. 29 -- Antiques Roadshow Premiere Simulcast Event -- Discovery World
Nov. 7 -- The Parenting Network's 30th Anniversary Luncheon -- Italian Community Center
Nov. 9 -- Discover the Power Within Luncheon -- Hilton Milwaukee City Center
Nov. 15 -- Wauwatosa Savings Bank and FOX 6 Neighborhood Night -- Betty Brinn Children's Museum
DANCE
Oct. 26-28 -- Simone Ferro and Friends -- Danceworks
Nov. 1-4 -- Hamlet -- Milwaukee Ballet
Nov. 15 -- Get Up and Dance: Salsa Night -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
FILM
Oct. 21 -- The Orange Thief -- Italian Community Center
Oct. 24 -- The Shop Around the Corner -- Charles Allis Art Museum
Nov. 7 -- Blossoms in the Dust -- Charles Allis Art Museum
Nov. 21 -- Since You Went Away -- Charles Allis Art Museum
FUNDRAISERS
Thru Oct. 31 (Tue & Wed) -- Pilates for Pink -- Invivo
Oct. 17 -- Luekemia & Lymphoma Society -- Joey Buona's Pizzeria Grille
Oct. 20 -- Skylight Night 2007 Masquerade Ball -- Pier Wisconsin
Oct. 31 -- Live the Promise – Change the World: Girl Scout Breakfast -- Italian Community Center
HALLOWEEN
Thru Oct. 31 -- Spooky Skies -- Milwaukee Public Museum
Oct. 21 -- Día de los Muertos -- Milwaukee Art Museum
Oct. 21 -- Phantasmagoria: “Bringing Back the Dead" -- Charles Allis Art Museum
Oct. 25-28 -- Not-So-Scary Halloween -- Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Oct. 26 -- Annual Halloween Costume Canoe Trip -- Urban Ecology Center
Oct. 26 -- Little Monster Bash - Halloween Dance & Costume Party -- Betty Brinn Children's Museum
Oct. 26-28 -- Phantasmagoria: “Bringing Back the Dead" -- Charles Allis Art Museum
Oct. 27 -- Rocky Horror Halloween Show -- Oriental Theatre
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Nov. 15 -- Milwaukee Holiday Lights Kick-Off Extravaganza -- Pere Marquette Park
LECTURE
Oct. 18 -- Luncheon Lecture Series-Milwaukee History & Heritage -- Milwaukee County Historical Society
Oct. 25 -- Bonnie Blair to Break the Ice About Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) -- Hyatt Regency Milwaukee
Nov. 15 -- Luncheon Lecture Series-Milwaukee History & Heritage -- Milwaukee County Historical Society
MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS - BRADLEY CENTER
Oct. 19 -- Iowa Stars
Oct. 24 -- Quad City Flames
Oct. 27 -- Chicago Wolves
Nov. 2 -- Manitoba Moose
Nov. 8 -- Houston Aeros
Nov. 16 -- San Antonio Rampage
MILWAUKEE BUCKS - BRADLEY CENTER
Oct. 20 -- Minnesota Timberwolves
Nov. 3 -- Chicago Bulls
Nov. 6 -- Toronto Raptors
Nov. 14 -- Memphis Grizzlies
Nov. 17 -- Atlanta Hawks
Nov. 21 -- LA Lakers
Nov. 24 -- Dallas Mavericks
Nov. 27 -- Philadelphia 76ers
MUSIC
October 16
Roy Clark -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Prometheus Trio -- Wisconsin Conservatory of Music
Henry Rollins Spoken Word -- The Rave
Pinback -- Pabst Theater
October 17
Brandi Carlile -- The Rave
G.B. Leighton -- Shank Hall
The New Pornographers -- Pabst Theater
October 18
Jill Jensen & Jack Grassel -- Zeidler Park Gazebo
Chris Smither -- Shank Hall
Shemekia Copeland -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
The Polyphonic Spree -- Pabst Theater
October 19
Dave Mason & John Mayall -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Trapt / Fuel – The Rave
Widespread Panic -- Riverside Theater
Athas -- Paddy's Pub
The Pugilists -- Points East Pub
Pat McCurdy -- Shank Hall
October 20
Enter The Heroes: A Celebration of Freedom -- Pabst Theater
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Type O Negative -- The Rave
Widespread Panic -- Riverside Theater
Animation - A Tribute to Rush -- Shank Hall
Joe Dickinson -- Hotch-A-Do
Hounds Tooth -- Treats Tavern
Trashfest -- Points East Pub
Codebreaker -- Moct Bar
Frogwater -- Paddy's Pub
October 21
Asian Music Night -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Jill Jensen & Jack Grassel -- Uptowner
Joanna Newsom -- Pabst Theater
Tommy Emmanuel -- Shank Hall
October 22
Hellogoodbye / Say Anything -- The Rave
Bright Eyes -- Riverside Theater
Project/Object -- Shank Hall
October 23
Primer 55 -- The Rave
The Australian Pink Floyd Show -- Riverside Theater
His Name Is Alive -- Shank Hall
Pat Monahan -- Pabst Theater
Rodrigo Y Gabriela -- The Rave
October 24
Moonalice -- Shank Hall
Queens of the Stone Age -- The Rave
October 25
Viva La Bands Tour -- The Rave
Issa (formerly Jane Siberry) -- Pabst Theater
Michael Glabicki (of Rusted Root) -- Shank Hall
Saosin -- The Rave
October 26
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Insane Clown Posse -- The Rave
Dierks Bentley -- Bradley Center
Josh Rouse -- Turner Hall Ballroom
Willy Porter Band -- Shank Hall
I Love You -- Points East Pub
Jeff Ward -- Paddy's Pub
Lee Rocker -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Masonry -- Points East Pub
Mississippi Cactus -- Up and Under Pub
October 27
Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Shooter Jennings -- The Rave
Willy Porter Band -- Shank Hall
Stealin' Strings -- Miramar Theatre
RockStar Halloween: Clutch Tribute -- Points East Pub
October 28
David Wilcox -- Shank Hall
The Octopus Project -- Turner Hall Ballroom
October 30
Saliva / Puddle of Mudd -- The Rave
November 1
Mustard Plug -- Turner Hall Ballroom
Paramore -- The Rave
Anthony Gomes -- Shank Hall
November 2
Marc Cohn -- Pabst Theater
Northern Room -- Turner Hall Ballroom
R.A. the Rugged Man -- The Rave
Robyn Hitchcock -- Shank Hall
The Subdudes -- Miramar Theatre
November 3
Jimmy Sturr -- Potawatomi Bingo Casino
Tori Amos -- Riverside Theater
The Blacktop Kings -- Shank Hall
U2Zoo -- Milwaukee Ale House
The Buskers -- Points East Pub
November 4
Cafe Sopra Mare: Tre Stagioni -- Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Melissa Ferrick -- Shank Hall
November 5
Twiztid -- The Rave
Jenny Owen Youngs -- Shank Hall
November 7
Senses Fail / New Found Glory -- The Rave
November 9
American English -- Miramar Theatre
The Music of Led Zeppelin featuring MSO -- Riverside Theater
They Might Be Giants -- Turner Hall Ballroom
Ian Gould -- Paddy's Pub
November 10
Billy Ray Cyrus -- Milwaukee Theatre
Greg Brown -- Shank Hall
The Wallflowers -- Turner Hall Ballroom
November 17
Daryl Stuermer -- Shank Hall
November 18
Present Music's Thanksgiving -- St. John's Cathedral
November 21
Paul Cebar and the Milwaukeeans -- Shank Hall
November 23
Pat McCurdy -- Shank Hall
November 24
Think Floyd USA -- Shank Hall
Athas -- Paddy's Pub
November 29
Particle -- Miramar Theatre
November 30
Allis After Hours Autumn Equinox 2007 -- Charles Allis Art Museum
5 Card Studs -- Paddy's Pub
THEATER
Thru Oct. 21 -- An Interview with Paul Robeson -- Off-Broadway Theatre
Thru Oct. 28 -- The Wonder Bread Years -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Thru Nov. 4 -- The Woman in Black -- Broadway Theatre Center
Oct. 17 - Nov. 18 -- Doubt -- Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Oct. 18 - Nov. 4 -- Talking Heads -- Broadway Theatre Center
Oct. 19 - Nov. 11 -- The Quiltmaker's Gift - A Musical Fable -- First Stage Children's Theater
Oct. 26-27 -- RENT -- Milwaukee Theatre
Oct. 27 -- An Evening with Edith Piaf -- Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
Nov. 1-11 -- Hamlet -- Off The Wall Theatre
Nov. 6-11 -- 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Nov. 15 - Dec. 16 -- Trying -- Broadway Theatre Center
Nov. 16 -- The Merry Widow -- Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Nov. 16-17 -- Cirque Eloize: RAIN -- Milwaukee Theatre
Nov. 23 - Dec. 31 -- White Christmas -- Broadway Theatre Center
VISUAL ARTS
Thru Nov. 11 -- Celestial Images: Antiquarian Astronomical Charts & Maps -- Villa Terrace
Thru Jan. 13 -- Martín Ramírez -- Milwaukee Art Museum
Oct. 19 -- InterContinental Milwaukee Fall Gallery Night -- InterContinental Hotel
Oct. 19 - Dec. 15 -- Out of the Suitcase II -- Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Oct. 19 - Nov. 30 -- Dave Watkins Exhibit -- Urban Accents
Oct. 19-20 -- Gnoap Gallery 10th Gallery Night & Day Show -- Broadway Bistro
Oct. 25 - Feb. 18, 2008 -- Art and Reform -- Milwaukee Art Museum
Oct. 27 -- The Grohmann Museum Opening at MSOE - Milwaukee School of Engineering
Nov. 4 -- The Graphic Techniques Mastered by Rembrandt & Whistler -- Charles Allis Art Museum
-------Labels: Events
