Resources
Selling Your Home
The Dreaded Multi-Move
The first home we sold we received an offer from the first buyer that looked at it, 24 hours after it went on the market. We were so excited!! Until we realized we needed to find a place to live! Panic set in! This was in the early 2000’s, so closing was scheduled for...
Riding the Real Estate Roller Coaster
Strapped in, stomach churning due to anticipation. Your emotions range from excitement to fear. At times feeling that you cannot breath, then realizing you are holding your breath. You want to scream. You can hear the sound of grinding as the gears begin, slowly being...
Missing Jasper
Clarence and Myrtle have long since been retired, and the frigid weather of Wisconsin has seeped into their aching bones for far too long. With three adult kids living in Florida they decided it was time to put the house up for sale and head to the ocean. Today was...
Getting Your Home Ready for Sale
Getting ready to put your home on the market? De-cluttered and clean is a must. But what do you do with all your stuff that you remove from your home but you don't want to get rid of? Click here for my packing plan. This will allow you to tuck stuff away in your...
Downsizing in 10 Minutes! (per day)
Okay we all know that you can not downsize in just 10 minutes! However, I think we often say I ONLY have 10 minutes so I will wait until I have more time. The word ONLY is stopping you from starting. ONLY is a very powerful word. It can be used to motivate people...
Is It Time To Get Out Of The Snow?
Is It Time to Get Out of The Snow and Cold? Have you ever considered moving out of the Midwest? Where would you move? Would you go permanently or still spend part of the year here? A survey by Bankrate shows that half of people ages 50 to 64 would consider a move...
HGTV “Show Ready” Your Home For Sale- Yes or No?
No Joanna, Not Everything Needs Shiplap!! As a Realtor I have a LOVE/HATE relationship with HGTV. LOVE the ideas, HATE the pressure it puts on home owners trying to sell. Move this wall, paint everything white and add shiplap!! If you have heard this...
How To Determine List Price
How much can you list your home for? There are a variety of factors that go into determining the value of your home in the current real estate market. Watch the short video for an overview of what the process looks like.
Annette’s Packing Plan
I have created this system to keep me organized and to make packing/unpacking as stress free as possible. Determine a number sequence for each room or area of your house. (ie: kitchen 100’s, family room 200’s, guest bathroom 300’s…) As you pack each room, record the...
THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?
The first step is to understand what the value of your home is in the current marketplace. Typically, I will set up an initial appointment so I can see your home in person. Make a list of all the updates you have done to your home such as: mechanicals, windows,...
Buying A Home
Don’t Be An Online Button Pusher
Clicking the "Contact Agent" button seems like a good idea, until it didn't. You don't necessarily get the listing agent when you click that button. I recommend finding an agent you know, like or trust. Give me a call today!
Finding A House Can Feel Like Playing The Slots
What are your home-buying criteria? In Real Estate you always hear location, location, location! While location is important the truth of the matter is maybe location isn’t even in your top 10. I like to use the slot machine analogy Think of how many windows you...
Do You Want a Fixer Upper?
Do you know who Chip and Joanna are? If you answered yes then it is possible you have thought how fun it might be to buy a fixer upper! It is amazing the amount of work they can get done in 60 minutes. That is of course with a crew of 20+ and someone else’s...
Can’t Get Your Offer Accepted?
As a buyer you may be feeling panicked. A house shows up on-line, you are sure it is “the one”. You excitedly dial the number, you get a live voice, you ask if you can set up a showing and then you hear those very, very sad words: “Sorry that house has an accepted...
The Little House on the Channel Pt 3 -How Do you Live?
My husband and I live in a 1-bedroom/1.5 bath 780 Square foot home on a lovely little channel across the street from a lake. If you came to my house you would be surprised to see a very normal sized kitchen. Roughly 250 Square Feet (SF) of the 780 SF is devoted to...
How Many Square Feet do You Need?
Are You Using All of Your Square Footage? According to a heat map study shown in “Minimalism, A Documentary About Important Things” (Find at: minimalismfilm.com) Americans only use about 40% of our living spaces regularly. The map shows most of the activity in the...
The First Time is Special
Buying a house for the first time is very exciting. I remember feeling like I had finally reached “real” adulthood. I also remember feeling overwhelmed, confused and slightly freaked out! At the time my husband was working in the corporate world. We were being...
Buying a House? Writing the Offer
Thinking about buying a home? Click here for a some additional information. (Thinking About Buying A Home? ) You have found the one? Now it is time to write the offer! Are you a first time home buyer? Maybe this is not your first rodeo. Whichever the case this...
Thinking About Buying A Home?
So you want to buy a home? Here is what you need to do! Meet with a Lender to determine how much house you can afford. If you don’t have a lender I can give you suggestions of trustworthy lenders. Think about what you need/want in your new home. I.E. Price range,...
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Is It Time For a Move?
This part of life can be callenging and fearful for those in need of transitioning to senior care. I have spent many years of my life working with the elderly and their families to help them downsize. My experience with my own mom gives me the compassion and...
5 Ways Seniors Can Make Money in The Fox Cities
Ahhh…Retirement. We all want to get there. The point in our life when we don't have to punch a clock, we can roll out of bed when we feel like it…if we feel like it. We can do what we want when we'd like to do it. At least that's the dream. The reality is usually...
Practice Self-Care and Get the Most Out of Life!
Aging can be a kick in the pants. It happens so gradually most of us don’t realize we’ve become “old,” until someone younger starts calling us “Sir” or “Mam” and it’s not out of respect. It’s true, even if you are healthy, fit and in shape, a 55-year-old is going to...
Volunteering Can Increase Your Health and Wellness
Staying involved in the community helps people as they age. They are less likely to feel alone or develop depression. According to Help Guide International, volunteering has been proven to help seniors make new friends, lessen the symptoms of chronic diseases and...
Helping Seniors Move
Assisting others in a move? Moving someone else, helping him or her to downsize or preparing another’s home for sale can be difficult. Most typically this occurs when you are assisting elderly family/friends. And often it is during sad times. I feel it necessary to...
Let’s Trade Backpacks-Helping Seniors Make The Move
Recently I was on a trip with my adult son. We had just started our walking adventure in an unknown city both carrying backpacks. Almost immediately he realized my backpack was heavier than his, so he offered to switch packs with me. He offered to carry my load...
Senior Series- Warning Signs That Independent Living is no Longer Safe
Watching your mom & dad age can be difficult. The realization that living independently may no longer be a choice for them can be heartbreaking for all involved. What are some warning signs that they may need assistance? BruisingYour parent may not be telling...
Assisting Aging Parents? How to Play and Share Nicely With Family
Supporting aging parents and making decisions regarding their changing housing and independence needs can challenge the closest of families. Here are some tips that can help make your families stronger and avoid stress. 1) It's their Life If your parent is still...
What is an SRES®?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) is a REALTOR® who is uniquely qualified to assist seniors in housing sales and purchases. The SRES® designation is awarded only to REALTORS® who have successfully completed a series of educational courses on how to help...
Wednesdays with Wade
Wednesday With Wade- Furnace Filter & A/C
Maintaining your furnace and a/c is important to keep them running at optimal levels and hopefully living a good long life. Listen to Wade's advise.
Wednesday with Wade-Bathroom Vents
The dreaded lint and dead bug filled bathroom vents are usually something that goes untouched for a long time. However, it is something that should be tended to and much easier than you might think...tune in to see how easy it is to maintain your bathroom vents.
Wednesdays with Wade- Gas/ Breaker Box
Knowing how to shut off the main power source is very important. It is one of those things you never hope to have to do, but incase of an emergency it is a good thing to know how. Let's take a look at how to properly shut off the main gas line and the breaker box.
Wednesdays with Wade-LifeHack Picture Hanging
Picture hanging can be a very daunting and frustrating task. Tune into this episode of Wednesdays with Wade to see this fun trick I've learned to make picture hanging simple.
Wednesdays with Wade- Garage Weather Stripping
For years I have dealth with snow and rain water getting into my garage and sitting on the concrete. Check out this easy DIY way to keep the water and elements from getting to your garage floor.
Travel Safe. Travel Smart- Fire pit and Football!
Enjoying the game a little different this year. Bring the Packer game outside at home....see how!!
Wednesdays with Wade-DIY Decking
Looking to add some value to your home? This video will show you how to DIY your own deck.
Wednesdays with Wade-GFCI
Do you know what a GFCI is? If not, click on this short video to learn what they are to help keep you and your family safe. Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in...
Wednesdays With Wade Duct Cleaning
Cleaning your ductwork can reduce allergies, decrease the frequency you have to dust and take out some pet and smoke odors. Tune into Wednesdays with Wade to learn more.
Interesting Information
Explore The Doors
I became infatuated with doors the first time we visited Ireland. Ireland is filled with colorful and unique doors. I created my tag line “Opening New Doors” because of my love for doors. I think doors can add so much character and personality to a house. ...
Simplifying Your Holiday Season
Today 70 percent of moms are working outside of the home, however there is more cultural pressure today to have the “picture perfect” Christmas. Family photographs in coordinated outfits for your Instagram followers. Pinterest worthy, beautifully wrapped gifts...
Travel Safe. Travel Smart- Fire pit and Football!
Enjoying the game a little different this year. Bring the Packer game outside at home....see how!!
Little House On The Channel- The Sunset Trailer
If you have read any of my other blogs about our Little House On The Channel you know we live in a 780 SF home without a basement. If you don’t know about our little house click here to learn more. My husband has joked over the years that I believe if I have 780 SF we...
The Little House on the Channel- Hosting Toddlers
We moved into our little house in April of 2016. In December of that same year we not only had 2 additional adults stay for a week, but we also hosted a 2 and 4 year-old. As you may have heard we had one of the warmest Novembers on record. We had visions of campfires...
My Picks For Waterfront Restaurants From Lake Winnebago to Partridge Lake
What fun would living on the water be, if you couldn’t take advantage of some exceptional dining spots? The Little House has created a unique opportunity to visit restaurants with a special dock or boat access. In the two years living on the water, we’ve explored some...
The Little House On the Channel Pt 2- Remodeling
When we purchased the Little House it was covered in brown; brown carpeting including the bathroom and kitchen; brown paneling, brown window coverings. It was a rather dark and somewhat dreary looking place. Our remodeling project required us to basically tear the...
The Little House on the Channel- Overnight Guests
Have I mentioned my house is 780 Square feet with 1 bedroom and 1½ baths? Not a house most people would consider having overnight company. Obviously, we are not most people. We love to entertain and have family and friends spend the night so we needed to come up...
The Little House On the Channel-Engagement Party Completed
I originally posted this in April of 2017 Hosting a Large Crowd At The Little House on The Channel We hosted an engagement party for 110 people at our 780 Square foot home on the channel. If you don’t know about The Little House on The Channel, click...
THE LITTLE HOUSE ON THE CHANNEL-AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY
I originally posted this in April of 2017 If you have not read any of my other posts about “The Little House on The Channel” you would not know that my house is 780 Sq Feet. Not a tiny house because those are typically under 400 Square feet, but small nonetheless. ...
Most Valuable Home Repair-Things They Don’t Teach You on HGTV
If you have watched any home repair shows on TV the Sexy home improvements get a lot of hype. With some paint and new flooring you can make dramatic changes. Then you can invite your friends over to sip a glass of wine and tell you how beautiful your project turned...
The Little House On the Channel Pt 1-Downsizing To Fit In
I originally published this post in 2016. I think more people are considering tidying up and downsizing with the popularity of Marie Kondo’s book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”. She has great ideas that make it easy to start the process. We moved into our...
Make Your House Feel Warmer and Save Money
Furnace Duct Sealing Dave Stoinski of Best Informed Home Inspections, LLC shared the following tips. Sealing up your furnace ducts is a simple task that can save you money on your utility bill and make your house more comfortable. You don’t have to take my word for...
The Little House On The Chanel: Re-Purpose, Recycle, Re-Use
Re-Purpose, Recycle, Re-use, these are very popular words. Pinterest has a plethora of ideas on how to repurpose items, HGTV shows are always showing ideas with recycled pieces, even retail stores are selling items claiming repurposed. When we purchased the little...
Your Home’s Value
To receive a free market analysis estimating your home’s value, just fill in the form below. I will analyze the data you provide and get back to you with comparable sale information for your neighborhood and a range of approximate values for your home. If you need a more precise valuation estimate, I will arrange to tour the property with you. All information you provide will be kept strictly confidential.
Get Ready to Sell Your House
It is important to remember that how you live in a home and how you sell a home is typically very different. Having your home in good showing condition generally will net you more money in a shorter amount of time. Try to look at your home as if you are seeing it for the first time, just like the potential buyers will be. As you walk through your home think about de-cluttering and depersonalizing.
Consider the CORE basics to ger your home Market Ready!
Clean
Deep Clean- corners, ceilings, closets, floors, walls A clean home gives the impression that it has been well cared for
Organize
A Place for Everything and Everything in it’s place! Buyers have difficulty looking beyond the “stuff” if a home appears cluttered.
Repair
Repair/replace anything not working properly; patch & paint ceilings & walls Fixing minor issues upfront can reduce buyer’s concerns
Extras
Touches that will help make the buyer feel “at Home” Remember your home is competing with others; you want yours to stand out
CURB APPEAL
Clean
- Wash Windows
- Power wash siding, patios, & sidewalks if needed
- Clean up landscaped areas- remove weeds, add mulch if needed
- Mow the Lawn, trim trees and shrubs away from the house
- In Fall – rake leaves, remove dead plants
- In Winter- keep everything shoveled & de-iced
Organize
- Store Tools and other equipment neatly in garage
- Remove any trash/junk from sides/back of garage or house
- Remove excess yard decor
Repair
- Repair any broken windows or doors
- Repair major cracks in the sidewalk/driveway
- Repair roof shingles, shutters, gutters, siding, fencing
Extras
- Purchase A New Welcome Mat for Front Door
- Add a potted plant and/or wreath
- Add New House Numbers
INTERIOR
Clean
- Make sure all lights are working
- Clean light switch & outlet covers
- Sweep and mop all floors
- Deodorize & clean all carpets
- Wash Windows inside and out
- Wash all window treatments
- Get rid of all pet odors
Organize
- Start to de-clutter, donate and pack up items you won’t be using while your home is listed
Repair
- Touch up nicks/scratches on stained wood with Old English Scratch Cover or Howard Restor-A-Finish. Make sure to match your wood color
- Repair/replace light switch & outlet covers as necessary
Extras
- Fresh cookies or a bowl of chocolate
- Soft music playing
KITCHEN
Clean
- Deep Clean cabinets/counters & polish sinks/faucets
- Clean all appliances, inside and out
Organize
- Find homes for most items on kitchen counter so they can be tucked away during showings
- Remove all notes, pictures & magnets from the refrigerator
- Clear away any papers, mail or newspaper that may have accumulated on countertops
- Remove all dishes, pots & pan from counters and sinks
- Pack up unused items from cupboards (refer to Packing Plan)
Repair
- Repair any leaks in faucet/sink
- Repair/replace any broken appliances
- Repair any non-working cabinets/drawers
Extras
- Replacing Handles, light fixtures & faucets can be an inexpensive face lift
- Add a bouquet of fresh flowers
- Purchase New Dish Towels and rugs if needed
- Emphasize your windows. Many people are attracted to kitchens with large windows. If you need to replace your blinds or curtains, do so now.
BATHROOMS
Clean
- Deep Clean sinks, toilets, bathtubs/showers
- Polish Mirrors & faucets
Organize
- Remove any unnecessary items from the counters
- Organize linen closets, medicine cabinets, etc.
Repair
- Repair any faucet, sink and/or toilet leaks
- Caulk around sinks, tubs, showers
- Grout tile if necessary
Extras
- Replacing Handles, light fixtures & faucets can be an inexpensive face lift
- Purchase new hand towels, rug & shower curtain
LIVING AREAS
Clean
- Dust Furniture
- Have upholstered furniture cleaned if necessary
Organize
- Straighten Bookshelves & knick-knack/collection shelves or pack up if it will give the room a more open feel
- Remove piles of papers/magazines from tables & floors
- Rearrange furniture if needed to showcase the room
- Store extra pieces of furniture to make room appear larger
- Remove family photos
Repair
- Repair ceiling fans /lights as necessary
Extras
- Cover older/outdated furniture with slip-covers
- Purchase new throw pillows for a punch of color
BEDROOMS
Clean
- Wash your comforter and dust ruffle
- Dust all furniture & ceiling fans
Organize
- Remove extra furniture & rearrange to define area
- Make closets more appealing by storing seasonal clothes/shoes elsewhere
Repair
- Make sure all closet doors function smoothly
Extras
- Add Decorative pillows to the beds
- Add a Plant
BASEMENT & GARAGE
Clean
- Sweep & clean floors
- Remove cobwebs from walls, window and ceilings
Organize
- Using matching boxes/totes pack up items & stack or place on shelving units to give area a more organized look
- Remove unnecessary tools or toys, and put them into storage.
- Increase the space by organizing everything. Organize all areas- workshop, garden equipment & garage
Repair
- Have furnace & a/c serviced, filters cleaned or replaced
- Make sure hot water heater is in good condition
Extras
- Label light switches and electrical panel
- Hang curtains to cover storage areas or areas that are not as organized
- Remove all cars from the garage before each showing. A garage without cars always looks bigger.
- Garages tend to be one of the most poorly lit areas of any home. Add more lighting so it appears more spacious.
Laundry Room
Clean
- If your laundry room is in a dark part of your house, spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint.
- Make sure your washer and dryer are absolutely spotless and sparkling clean.
Organize
- Make your buyer feel like there’s a lot of space in your laundry room. Clear away any unnecessary items and dirty clothes
- Keep all of your storage areas organized
Repair
- Replace broken or missing receptacle and outlet covers.
- Consult an electrician about GFCI outlets.
Extras
- If your laundry room has a cement floor cover it up with a nice decorative rug.
When you put your home on the market, it needs to be immaculate. It needs to have all of the positive aspects that attract buyers. The market is full of people who spend every weekend looking at new homes. They have seen a lot, and the more they see, the more your home needs to stand out from the crowd. These days, it simply isn’t enough to just take care of basic repairs and cleaning. Your home needs to be presented in a light that gets buyers to imagine all the possibilities. You need to make them dream.