Waukesha County Home

April, 2019

Homes Plus

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paint — are relatively easy fixes. However, buying a fixer-upper in need of significant repairs is not for everyone. "Buyers should honestly evaluate their capabilities of renovating a home before they decide to take on a fixer-upper," said Zach Hicks, a real estate agent with eXp Realty in Waukesha. "Do they have the skills, network, time and resources to take on these large renovation projects?" To save time, money and lots of headache, Hintz suggests homebuyers use quality materials, and, if necessary, profes- sional contractors for their home repair projects, even if the cost might increase. "Don't cut corners," she said. Hicks and Kollmansberger noted that a thorough home inspection is crucial for homebuyers. "While the cosmetics are going to change through the renovation, you still want a home with good bones," Hicks said. Prob- lems with roofs, foundation, plumbing or electrical can cost quite a bit of money to repair. For major renovations, which can include plumbing and electrical, homebuy- ers should contact the appropriate munici- pality for information on permits. Some banks, including Great Midwest Bank in Waukesha, offer home renovation loans. Although real estate can be a wise invest- ment, it's by no means a get-rich-quick scheme. "A lot of times what people don't understand is you don't get the value of the home back right away," Kollmansberger said. He noted that, on average, homebuyers live in their first homes an average of seven years. A real estate broker can pro- vide homebuyers with an estimate of investment return. Kollmansberger feels it's a wise idea for homebuyers to contact a broker experi- enced in selling fixer-uppers. "You can save yourself a lot of money that way," he said. A home in need of a little TLC might be the perfect investment for homebuyers who have the time, skills and money to complete a renovation project. There are many resources through which to find fixer- upper properties. 1. Real estate agents and brokers A knowledgeable real estate agent or broker can help homebuyers find the perfect home in need of renovation. Waukesha County is home to a number of real estate companies, including Shorewest, First Weber and RE/MAX. 2. Zillow, www.zillow.com This online real estate database allows users to search for homes by ZIP code, price and a number of other factors. 3. Bank foreclosures listing https://bank foreclosureslisting.com This website contains thousands of list- ings for auction homes, bank foreclosure listings, short sales and homes seized by the government. 4. Craigslist, www.craigslist.org Classified ad website Craigslist contains a number of listings for homes all across Wisconsin. 5. Wisconsin Homes for Sale, https:// new Wisconsin homes, log cabins, and lake and mobile homes. 6. Wisconsin handyman special pro- perties, https://www.distressedproperties sale.com/search/wisconsin.html Search distressed properties throughout Wisconsin. The site is updated daily. 7. Housing and Urban Development, www.hudforeclosed.com Find a number of HUD foreclosed homes priced at as little as $10,000. — Catherine Jozwik, Special to Waukesha County Home HOME APRIL 2019 2 Distributed by: ©2018 by Conley Media Waukesha County Home is published monthly by Conley Media - Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. A publication of Conley Media Sales Director: Jim Baumgart 262/513-2621 jbaumgart@conleynet.com Editor: Dan Muckelbauer 262/513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 pscheel@conleynet.com Home Volume 8 ■ Number 4 ■ April 2019 262.363.4200 www.herriges.com 121 Wolf Run, Suite 1, Mukwonago, WI 53149 In Mukwonago since 1972 Julie Herriges, CKBR Wisconsin Registered Interior Designer Award Winning Residential Remodeler ✦ Additions ✦ Kitchens ✦ Bathrooms ✦ Lower Levels 264160018 Fixer-upper From Page 1 How to find a fixer-upper Browse hundreds of home-wi.com

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