Anna's Blog

I recently received a really good reminder from a loan officer that I work with at a very reputable bank.  Lately we read and hear on the news that it has become very difficult for home buyers to obtain 100% mortgage financing. While this is true to the extent that many 100% programs are no longer available, there are still some tremendous programs and options to consider. 

In Wisconsin there is a program called WHEDA that offers 100% financing to qualified borrowers. If you are a veteran, the Federal VA program is also 100% financing. Another option is to inquire about a 100% financing program specific to your bank.

Additionally, it's important to remember that many communities offer downpayment assistance. With downpayment assistance you are not restricted to 100% financing options.

If you have questions, or may be interested in any of the great 100% financing options that remain available to buyers, call or email me and I will offer some suggestions of banks to contact to inquire further! 

With the arrival of yet another snowfall this weekend, I had to post some positive weather/community info! First, spring officially arrived on March 20! And, March 15 brought the end of alternate side parking in the city of Madison for another year.

See, there are some exciting things going on in spite of 100" of snow!

I am frequently explaining what a Home Warranty is because I offer it as an option to sellers and buyers. A Home Warranty can be extremely valuable to a seller as well as a buyer, and here are a few reasons why:

A Home Warranty can provide peace of mind for both buyers and sellers. A Home Warranty can potentially cover the cost (subject to deductible) of some big ticket household items during the coverage period.

A Home Warranty is a great marketing tool for sellers. Buyers feel relief when they know there is some coverage on the home after closing.

A Home Warranty is a great motivator for buyers. Often buyers are even more excited about a particular property when they realize there is a perk such as a Home Warranty available.  

The Home Warranty commonly used in this area is from Universal Home Protection. The web site for UHP Warranty is very informative and includes all of the policy terms and conditions. If you are interested, take a peek at the site, and be sure to let me know if you have any questions!

Buying a home is such an exciting time! As with anything, preparation is key to success. I advise all buyers that I meet with to get approved for financing prior to starting to look at homes. Pre-approval helps narrow the home search because you know your price range, and it's one huge piece of the overall process taken care of before you even find the house of your dreams.

If you are thinking of buying this spring, start by calling your bank and discussing your financing options. If you need some names of lenders, touch base with me and I'll gladly give you some suggestions.

Let's start house shopping together soon!!

Recently I had the pleasure of participating at the Home Products Show presented by the Madison Area Builders Association as a speaker and an exhibitor. I always enjoy this weekend because I get to speak about the real estate market, which of course is near and dear to me. I also get to meet and chat with so many lovely people...and do I ever love to chat!

At this event I am often asked what the best home improvements are. While there is no absolute answer to this question, I often refer people to an article that is printed annually in a magazine published by REALTOR Magazine. The 2007 article can be found by clicking here.

I like this article for many reasons, but I most like that Madison is one of the cities specifically mentioned in the analysis.

If you have been wondering if a certain home improvement project is "worth it" in terms of resale, be sure to check this article out!

When you think spring, what comes to mind? For me, it's the Dane County Farmers' Market On the Square! I love all of the flowers and seasonal veggies that grace the market all spring, and I just noted that the outdoor market resumes on April 19...just a month away!

So if the Farmers' Market jazzes you too, start planning what plants and flowers you plan to buy for your yard...there's nothing like spring curb appeal!