wisconsin (37)

Homes for Heroes

Homes for Heroes in Wisconsin!

Homes for Heroes is a national program dedicated to providing extraordinary savings to heroes who provide extraordinary services to our community each and every day, when they buy or sell a home.

HeroesInWisconsin.com_-300x222.jpg?width=300Who Qualifies?
-Active Military
-Veterans
-Teachers
-Healthcare Workers
-Firefighters
-Law Enforcement
-Clergy

What are the savings?
Savings will depend on the sales price of the home. As an example, a $300,000 house would receive over $3,000 in credits and discounts from all the participating affiliates and vendors involved.

What does it cost me?
Nothing because it's FREE. There is no cost to you. All costs are covered by your local participating vendors.

Can I buy any home and in any area?
Yes. This is not a government program with limitations or restrictions. This is the private sector giving back simply as our way to say Thank You for all that you do every day.

Are there any other benefits or savings after my transaction is done?
Yes. Through the "Friends of Heroes" Network participating vendors will offer discounts on various other services such as moving, storage, pest, lawn care, plumbing, electrical, cleaning and remodeling to name a few.

Are there a lot of extra applications, forms or some future obligation?
None. The Homes for Heroes Promise is:
-No hidden fees 
-No red tape 
-No catch

How do I find out more?

HeroesInWisconsin.com

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Short Sale Real Estate Agents in Dunkirk, WI 53589 



Michael-Collins-Short-Sale-Realtor-e1357917218894.jpg?width=200Are you looking for a Dunkirk Wisconsin Short Sale Realtor® or real estate agent? Rock Realty is a real estate brokerage that specializes in Short Sales and Bank Owned Foreclosures in the Dunkirk WI area.
 
My name is Michael Collins, broker for Rock Realty. I have completed the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource training and have been given the SFR designation through the National Association of Realtors®. Feel free to contact me directly at 608-921-8536 for help with any of your short sale questions. I have helped many home owners with their distressed property needs.

REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities. The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk.

A Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today's market.

What is a Short Sale?
A short sale occurs when a lender agrees to take less than the amount owed to payoff a loan as an alternative to foreclosure. Lenders know that it will cost them a significant amount of money to take a property back. The Realtors® at Rock Realty can often convince them that they will be better off financially if they sell the property now rather than taking the home through foreclosure and trying to sell it later. So, a short sale can actually be good for the bank. It can also be good for the home owner, as it is typically better to perform a short sale on their Dunkirk property instead of letting it proceed to foreclosure.

If you are considering the possibility of a short sale for your Dunkirk Wisconsin home and have further questions, feel free to visit the information page below.

Wisconsin Short Sale Information

Is a Short Sale right for My Home?

 

Additional Short Sale Information

 

Rock Realty SOLD Short Sale Listings

514 S Jackson St, Janesville WI | 900 King Street, Stoughton WI

105 W Main St, Brooklyn WI | 408 S Academy Street, Janesville WI

449 Farnham St #2, Marshall WI | 1117 Ontario Dr, Janesville WI

4602 N Katherine Dr, Janesville WI   

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1038 Moore St, Beloit WI 53511 - $85,000

Cape Cod style family home now for sale in Beloit, Wisconsin. Nice sized Bedrooms!

Well kept Cape Cod currently used as a rental property. Hard wood floors and trim with tile in the lower level. 2 car garage has alley access. Short Sale.

Beloit-Wisconsin-Short-Sale-Homes

Property Highlights

  • 2 Car Garage
  • Hardwood Floors
  • Large Bedrooms
  • First Floor Bedroom
  • First Floor Bathroom
  • Short Sale

Beloit-Wisconsin-Homes-For-Sale

Features

  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Home Size: 1,863 sq.ft.
  • Garage: 2
  • County: Rock
  • Property Type: Single Family Home

Click here for additional homes for sale in Beloit:
Beloit Wisconsin Homes for Sale

QR Code 1038 Moore St

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Welcome-to-WisconsinThe Wisconsin housing statistics are in for April of 2014. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

Wisconsin existing home sales fell in April even as median prices continued to rise according to the most recent analysis of the state housing market released by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). Home sales declined 11.6 percent in April compared to the same month last year due to a combination of higher home mortgage rates, higher prices and harsh winter temperatures. Median prices rose over that same period, increasing 1.4 percent to $139,900.

As we enter the second quarter of the year, we have been expecting some improvement in home sales, but it’s important to remember that April sales are still impacted by the February weather given the 6 to 8 week lag between the time an offer is accepted and a closing takes place,” said Steve Lane, chairman of the WRA board of directors. He also noted that there were heavy snows in the northern part of the state as late as mid-April 2014. Every region of the state experienced a decline in April sales. The Central region fared the best, falling just 3.8 percent over the April 2013 to April 2014 period, followed by the Northeast region which dropped 8.5 percent over the period. The South central region fell 9.6 percent and the Southeast region saw a decline of 10.1 percent. Finally, the North region dropped 17.4 percent and the West fell 25.5 percent. Interestingly, home sales fell more substantially in the metropolitan counties which averaged a 13 percent reduction in sales in April compared to rural counties which declined 7 percent between April 2013 and April 2014. “This may be due in part to much tighter inventories in the urban counties compared to rural counties,” Lane said. Rural counties had just over 14 months of available inventory in April compared to just 6.9 months for metropolitan counties.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, overall home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. This month however showed a decrease of home sales statewide, but an increase in home prices.

Thinking of purchasing a home before prices or rates rise any further?! I'd be happy to show you any homes currently listed for sale. Feel free to visit Home Listings in Rock County to search for current Rock County properties or visit Home Listings in Dane County for homes in Dane County Wisconsin.

Now might be the right time to sell your Wisconsin home. Feel free to take a look at our cutting edge Rock Realty Marketing Plan! If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Click below:

What's My Wisconsin Home Worth?

Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? Have you experienced a hardship like divorce or job loss? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit our page on Wisconsin Short Sales for more information.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

March 2014
Home Sales: 5,369
Median Home Price: $139,400

March 2013
Home Sales: 6,003
Median Home Price: $138,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

March 2014
Home Sales: 590
Median Home Price: $210,000

March 2013
Home Sales: 701
Median Home Price: $209,900

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

March 2014
Home Sales: 170
Median Home Price: $115,000

March 2013
Home Sales: 175
Median Home Price: $105,000

View my report from last month. Wisconsin March 2014 Housing Statistics

Read more…

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

"We found Mike online, and, due to positive reviews, phoned him with a request to view houses in the Madison area. We gave Mike no more than one or two days notice, but he was happy to devote the whole of his weekend to us. Our entire house-hunting experience proceeded in similar fashion. We were hunting for houses long distance, so we would wait until an opportunity to travel to Madison presented itself, phone Mike, giving him one or two days to prepare, and show up to view houses. The process took roughly one year to complete. It was long and difficult, but Mike was always pleasant, never complained, made an effort to make himself immediately available, and was never pushy.

Mike is not like many real estate agents who simply want to make a sale, any sale. Instead, Mike made an effort to help us make an honest assessment of the properties we viewed, often pointing out problems himself. Mike left us with no doubt of his honesty and his dedication to his clients.

In addition, since we were shopping long-distance, Mike, with some help from his associate Bethany (who we found to be similarly pleasant and eager to be of service), even took hundreds of high definition photos of properties which he viewed in our stead, often with only a single day's notice. Mike, or one of his associates, would then promptly email the photos to us to view.

During the house-hunting process we changed our minds a number of times, imposed last minute requests, and even had some near melt-downs, but, through it all, Mike was responsive, cheerful, and level-headed. We cannot overstate how hard Mike worked on our behalf. We highly recommend him to any home buyers."

Graham S. & Janet H. (Middleton, Wisconsin 53562)
Rock Realty Home Buyer Client

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

Thanks for the compliments, and Congratulations on your new home Graham & Janet!

Looking to purchase a home in Wisconsin?? Contact Rock Realty! We would love to help!!

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Cottage Grove Short Sale Homes

4534 Vilas Rd, Cottage Grove, WI 53718 - $179,000

Three Bedroom Short Sale Ranch on Large Rural Lot

Wonderful rural property with country view out front window. Large living room, formal dining room and original hardwood floors. Newer tile in bathroom with updates. Don't miss out on a great deal. Short Sale. All offers subject to seller's bank approval.

SCWMLS1704072

Property Highlights

  • 2 Car Garage
  • Large Rural Lot
  • Ranch
  • Fireplace
  • First Floor Bedroom
  • Short Sale Opportunity

Cottage Grove Short Sale Realtor

Features

  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 1
  • Home Size: 1608 sq.ft.
  • Garage: 2
  • Lot Size: .42 Acres
  • County: Dane
  • Property Type: Single Family Home

Click here for additional homes for sale in Cottage Grove: Cottage Grove Wisconsin Homes for Sale

4534VilasRd

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Short Sale Real Estate Agents in Pleasant Springs, WI 53589 


Michael-Collins-Short-Sale-Realtor-e1357917218894.jpg?width=200Are you looking for a Pleasant Springs Wisconsin Short Sale Realtor® or real estate agent? Rock Realty is a real estate brokerage that specializes in Short Sales and Bank Owned Foreclosures in the Pleasant Springs WI area.
 
My name is Michael Collins, broker for Rock Realty. I have completed the Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource training and have been given the SFR designation through the National Association of Realtors®. Feel free to contact me directly at 608-921-8536 for help with any of your short sale questions. I have helped many home owners with their distressed property needs.

REALTORS® who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities. The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk. 

A Certified Distressed Property Expert® (CDPE) is a real estate professional with specific understanding of the complex issues confronting the real estate industry. Through comprehensive training and experience, CDPEs are able to provide solutions for homeowners facing hardships in today's market.
 

What is a Short Sale?
 A short sale occurs when a lender agrees to take less than the amount owed to payoff a loan as an alternative to foreclosure. Lenders know that it will cost them a significant amount of money to take a property back. The Realtors® at Rock Realty can often convince them that they will be better off financially if they sell the property now rather than taking the home through foreclosure and trying to sell it later. So, a short sale can actually be good for the bank. It can also be good for the home owner, as it is typically better to perform a short sale on their Pleasant Springs property instead of letting it proceed to foreclosure. If you are considering the possibility of a short sale for your Pleasant Springs Wisconsin home and have further questions, feel free to visit the information page below. 

Wisconsin Short Sale Information

Is a Short Sale right for My Home?

Additional Short Sale Information

Rock Realty SOLD Short Sale Listings

514 S Jackson St, Janesville WI | 900 King Street, Stoughton WI 105 W Main St, Brooklyn WI | 408 S Academy Street, Janesville WI 449 Farnham St #2, Marshall WI | 1117 Ontario Dr, Janesville WI 4602 N Katherine Dr, Janesville WI  

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Stoughton Wisconsin Home Listings

Just Sold! 409 East Street, Stoughton WI 53589

We are happy to announce a recent home closing in Stoughton, Wisconsin. This was a home closing where Rock Realty represented both the buyers and the sellers. The sellers had moved out of state and left it to Michael Collins at Rock Realty to guide the transaction to a successful close. I know the buyers are excited to start their planned renovation to make the home just right for them! Congratulations to everyone involved!

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home in Wisconsin, our home buyer specialists would be happy to assist you. Give Rock Realty a call at 877-774-7625. We are a full service real estate brokerage.

 Stoughton Wisconsin MLS Listings

Stoughton, WI Homes for Sale

OTHER ARTICLES

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Williams-Bay-Short-Sale-Homes

Just Sold! 56 Valley Street, Williams Bay, WI 

We are happy to announce a recent short sale home closing in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Due to our extensive online advertising campaigns, we were able to bring in a buyer for this listing. This was a fantastic cozy but open concept home, sold at a great price! I'm sure the buyers will enjoy it for many years to come. Congratulations to everyone involved!

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home in Wisconsin, we would be happy to assist you.

Give Rock Realty a call at 877-774-7625. We are a full service real estate brokerage.

 Stoughton Wisconsin MLS Listings
Madison, WI Homes for Sale

OTHER ARTICLES

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Welcome-to-Wisconsin-300x225.jpg?width=300The Wisconsin housing statistics are in for February of 2014. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

For the second straight month, home sales dropped as Wisconsin recorded its coldest winter in decades according to an analysis of February housing market activity released by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). Existing home sales dropped 10.1 percent relative to February 2013; however median prices actually increased substantially, rising 7.4 percent to $130,000 over the same 12 month period.

We live in Wisconsin. We expect slow sales in February,” said Steve Lane, chairman of the WRA board of directors. “But we broke many records for cold temperatures this winter, so it’s not surprising this year’s February sales were off the 2013 pace,” Lane said. “Weather extremes weren’t the only thing that conspired to dampen sales. Median prices have grown consistently since March of 2012 and mortgage interest rates have been climbing and are now almost a full percentage point higher than this time last year,” Lane said.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. This February showed a decrease of home sale statewide, but an increase in home prices. Dane County's prices stayed fairly stagnant year over year, while Rock County's median home price was up over 20%!

Thinking of purchasing a home before prices or rates rise any further?! I'd be happy to show you any homes currently listed for sale. Feel free to visit Rock County, WI Home Listings to search for current properties listed in Rock County or visit Dane County, WI Home Listings for homes in Dane County.

Now might be the right time to sell your Wisconsin home! If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Click below:

What's My Wisconsin Home Worth?

Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? Have you experienced a hardship like divorce or job loss? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit our page on Wisconsin Short Sales for more information.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

February 2014
Home Sales: 3,338
Median Home Price: $130,000

February 2013
Home Sales: 3,688
Median Home Price: $121,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

February 2014
Home Sales: 331
Median Home Price: $193,000

February 2013
Home Sales: 349
Median Home Price: $195,000

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

February 2014
Home Sales: 109
Median Home Price: $97,500

February 2013
Home Sales: 108
Median Home Price: $78,700

View my report from last month. Wisconsin January 2014 Housing Statistics

Read more…

$60,000 opening bid!    Previously valued at $210,600!

Foreclosure-REO-Listings-Janesville-WI

Property Highlights

  • Large Wooded Lot
  • 2 Car Garage
  • Walk Out Basement
  • Five Bedrooms
  • Three & 1/2 Baths
  • 2 Fireplaces
  • Basement Bar
  • Deck
  • House Vacuum

Features

  • Bedrooms: 5
  • Bathrooms: 3.5
  • Home Size: 2,708 sq.ft.
  • Garage: 2+
  • Lot Size: .55 Acres
  • County: Rock
  • Property Type: Single Family Home
  • Year Built: 1984
  • MLS Number: 1687806

Click here for additional information: 3141 W Danbury Dr, Janesville WI 53546

Call Michael Collins at 608-921-8536 for additional information.

Madison Wisconsin Area Homes for Sale

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Just Sold! 1817 Anhalt Dr, Madison Wisconsin 53704

We are happy to announce a sale for another Madison Wisconsin Rock Realty home seller!

This home was the perfect little tri-level on Madison's East Side. The buyers got a great price on this bank accepted short sale. Congratulations to the buyers and our sellers on this successful Madison short sale transaction!

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home in Wisconsin, our home buyer specialists would be happy to assist you. Give Rock Realty a call at 877-774-7625. We are a full service real estate brokerage.

 Search Madison Wisconsin MLS Listings

OTHER ARTICLES

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Rock Realty Client Testimonials

"Mike was wonderful to work with. He was always there to answer questions but never pushed me to make a decision. My entire home buying process went smoothly thanks to Mike. I would gladly recommend him and would be happy to use him again the next time I move!"

Laura S. (Middleton, WI 53562)
Rock Realty Buyer Client

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

Thanks for the compliments, and Congratulations on your closing Laura!

Are you considering purchasing property in Dane or Rock County Wisconsin? Click below to start your home search!

Dane County Properties

Rock County Properties

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1916 Clover Ln, Janesville WI 53545
Contact info:
Michael Collins | Rock Realty | 608-921-8536

4 Bedroom Janesville, WI Ranch Home For Sale

4 Bedroom Janesville Ranch for Sale

1916 Clover Ln, Janesville, WI 53545

$110,000

KEY FEATURES
Year Built: 1975
Sq Footage: 1260 sqft.
Bedrooms: 4 Beds
Bathrooms: 1 Bath
Parking: 2 Garage
Laundry: In Unit
Lot Size: 10019 Square Feet
Property Type: Single Family House

DESCRIPTION


Wonderful 4 bedroom east side ranch with 2 car garage. Finished basement with bedroom and extra office. Wood burning fireplace in living room. Fenced yard with large deck. Short Sale

ADDITIONAL LINKS



Contact info: 
Michael Collins
Rock Realty
608-921-8536

Brodhead, WI Homes for Sale

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Welcome-to-Wisconsin-300x225.jpg?width=300The Wisconsin housing statistics are in for March of 2014. Here is an excerpt from what the Wisconsin Realtors® Association (WRA) had to say:

Home sales dropped for the third straight month in Wisconsin as the frigid temperatures and hefty snowfall continued into March, according to the latest analysis of housing market activity released by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). Compared to March 2013, home sales declined 11.3 percent in March 2014, which contributed to a weak first quarter. First-quarter sales fell 8.5 percent compared to the first quarter of 2013. However, the median price of existing homes rose a modest 1.9 percent to $136,500 over the period between March 2013 and March 2014. Median prices were up 4.2 percent for the first quarter relative to the same quarter last year.

Even with spring officially arriving in the middle of March, the spring selling season has been slow to gather steam,” said Steve Lane, chairman of the WRA board of directors. “We are hopeful that the spring thaw will jump-start the selling season that traditionally gains momentum in the second quarter,” Lane said. Still, Lane noted that the first quarter sales remain above their levels of two years ago — a year that had a relatively mild winter by comparison.

Below are the number of Home Sales and Median House Prices for the state of Wisconsin, Rock County, and Dane County. These stats include Janesville and Madison. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions pertaining to these figures. As you probably have heard, home sales & prices have been increasing over the past few years. This month again showed a decrease of home sales statewide, but an increase in home prices. Dane County's prices increased around 4% in March, year over year, while Rock County's median home price stayed nearly the same. Rock County did show an increase in home sales though, in contrast with the rest of the state.

Thinking of purchasing a home before prices or rates rise any further?! I'd be happy to show you any homes currently listed for sale. Feel free to visit Home Listings in Rock County to search for current Rock County properties or visit Home Listings in Dane County for homes in Dane County Wisconsin.

Now might be the right time to sell your Wisconsin home. Feel free to take a look at our cutting edge Rock Realty Marketing Plan! If you would like some insight into how much your home is currently worth, I would be happy to provide you with a free comparative market analysis. This is a report that gives a close estimate to what your home might sell for in your current local Wisconsin real estate market. Click below:

What's My Wisconsin Home Worth?

Has your home value fallen below what you currently owe? Have you experienced a hardship like divorce or job loss? A short sale may be right for your situation. Visit our page on Wisconsin Short Sales for more information.

Housing Statistics for the State of Wisconsin:

March 2014
Home Sales: 4,588
Median Home Price: $136,700

March 2013
Home Sales: 5,160
Median Home Price: $134,000

Housing Statistics for Dane County, WI:

March 2014
Home Sales: 490
Median Home Price: $203,000

March 2013
Home Sales: 534
Median Home Price: $195,000

Housing Statistics for Rock County, WI:

March 2014
Home Sales: 149
Median Home Price: $102,900

March 2013
Home Sales: 133
Median Home Price: $103,000

View my report from last month. Wisconsin February 2014 Housing Statistics

Read more…

4136 N River Rd, Janesville, WI 53545 - $190,000

2500 Square Foot Home on Waterfront Acreage

Well maintained riverfront property. With 2500 s/f and over an acre lot, this will not last long! Call Michael Collins at 608-921-8536 to schedule your showing! Click any image below to see additional details. Previously sold for $278,000 back in 2003!

IMG_6502

Property Highlights

  • 2 Car Garage
  • Lot is on the River
  • Over an Acre lot
  • Fireplace
  • Central Air
  • Great Location

IMG_6503

Features

  • Bedrooms: 3
  • Bathrooms: 3
  • Home Size: 2500 sq.ft.
  • Garage: 2
  • Lot Size: 1.2 Acres
  • County: Rock
  • Property Type: Single Family Home

Click here for additional homes for sale in Janesville: Janesville Wisconsin Homes for Sale

QR Code 4136 N River Rd

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We would like to introduce you to our home buyer specialist, Bethany Alexander, Realtor® serving the Oregon, Wisconsin area!

Dane County WI Real Estate
"I am excited to be a part of the Rock Realty team to help expand their services throughout Dane County. I am originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, but have lived in Oregon Wisconsin for the past 20+ years. As a long-time resident of Oregon and an Oregon High School graduate I have an in depth understanding of the area which will assist me in helping you to select a home location that best suites your family’s needs."
"As a Rock Realty real estate agent, I use the latest tools available to help advertise, broadening the range of qualified buyers for your property. It is my top priority to educate and help guide you through the exciting and sometimes stressful process of buying or selling a home. I truly care about my clients and their needs and will work hard for you to ensure that your experience with buying or selling a home is as simple and stress free as possible. If you are looking for a Realtor® to put your individual needs first, look no further, call me today to discuss what I can do to help you with your real estate needs."
If you are looking to buy or sell anywhere in Dane County, I'd love to help!
Bethany Alexander
Real Estate Agent/Realtor®
608-212-4101 (cell)
Bethany@RockRealtyWI.com
Search the MLS via my site:
www.SweetHomeWI.com

 

 
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1Side-e1357247834912.jpg?width=300We are happy to announce the closing on another one of our short sale listings, this time in Oxford, WI! This was an Associated Bank negotiated short sale. Short sale transactions can be complex, but if you have an experienced Short Sale Realtor® the process is much more manageable.

This was a fantastic log home with acreage, at a great price! The new owners are sure going to enjoy all 38+ Acres! If you are thinking of selling or buying a short sale home in Wisconsin, our short sale specialists would be happy to assist you. Give Rock Realty a call at 608-921-8536. (We are a full service real estate brokerage.)

Is a Short Sale right for my situation??

If you are considering the possibility of a short sale for your home and have further questions, feel free to visit the page below:

Is a Short Sale right for My Home?
Read more…

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

"Mike & Matt,

Thank you so much for helping us find our dream home! We love it! Thank you for the many hours spent in research, travel, phone calls, and emails. Thank you for being open & honest with us every step of the way! We felt we could trust you 100%. We really enjoyed working with you and highly recommend you to others.

Thanks!"

Kevin & Abby G. (Madison, WI)
Rock Realty Home Buyer Client

Rock Realty Client Testimonials

Thanks for the compliments, and Congratulations on your new home Kevin & Abby!

Looking to purchase a home in Wisconsin?? Contact Rock Realty! We would love to help!!

Read more…

PDF Version of this article - 10 Underwater Homeowner Options

Slipping toward foreclosure can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loss of self-esteem. Don’t give up. There are options available to help millions of homeowners rescue themselves from the brink. Since it is crucial to act before a foreclosure takes place, now is the most important time for you to review the following options and solutions.

As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), I am trained in assessing all foreclosure alternatives and pursuing the best solution for your own financial situation.

1) Short Sale

ShortSale-e1359385052209.jpg?width=210

A short sale allows the homeowner to avoid foreclosure, minimize financial damage and move on from a burdensome, unaffordable mortgage. In many cases, a short sale allows the borrower to qualify for a new mortgage in just 24 months, as opposed to five years or more after a foreclosure.

A trained real estate agent can help facilitate a short sale with your lender if you have three qualifications. First, you must show some type of financial or personal hardship. Second, you must have a monthly shortfall, meaning your monthly expenses are greater than your monthly income. Finally, you need to prove that your debts are greater than the value of your assets (certain investments, property, etc.). These requirements may differ per lender, so check with a distressed property specialist for specific information from your mortgage company.

2) Reinstatement

A reinstatement is the simplest solution for a foreclosure, however it is often the most difficult for homeowners to achieve. The homeowner simply pays the total amount past due (including late fees) to the lender. This solution does not require the lender’s approval and will “reinstate” a mortgage up to the day before the foreclosure sale.

3) Forbearance or Repayment Plan

A forbearance or repayment plan involves negotiating with the mortgage company to allow the homeowner to repay back-payments over a period of time. The homeowner typically makes current mortgage payments in addition to a portion of the back-payments owed. This option requires lender approval.

4) Mortgage Modification

A mortgage modification involves the reduction of one of the following: the interest rate on the loan, the principal balance of the loan, the term of the loan, or any combination of these. These changes require lender approval and typically result in a lower payment for the homeowner and a more affordable mortgage.

5) Rent the Property

This option does not require lender approval, but does require the homeowner’s ability to rent the house for enough money to cover the monthly mortgage payment.

It is important to remember that there may be unexpected costs associated with the maintenance of a rental property in addition to the monthly mortgage payments. Homeowners should take this into consideration when deciding whether this option will work for them.

6) Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure

Also known as a “friendly foreclosure,” a deed-in-lieu allows the homeowner to return the property to the lender rather than go through the foreclosure process. Lender approval is required for this option, and the homeowner must also vacate the property. Deed-in-lieu can potentially lessen the damage to a credit score and future loan eligibility, and sometimes the lender will forgo their right to pursue a deficiency judgment, meaning the homeowner will not be responsible for further payments.

7) Bankruptcy

Many have considered and marketed bankruptcy as a “foreclosure solution,” but this is only true in some states and situations. This does not require lender approval, but you must have non-mortgage debts that you claim as a hardship.

Entering bankruptcy can be a risky and costly process. Be sure to seek the advice of a qualified bankruptcy attorney when pursuing this as an option.

8) Refinance

As opposed to mortgage modification, refinancing means you will be acquiring a new loan based on your current credit standing. If you have already missed mortgage payments, your credit score may make it difficult to find a loan with cheaper payments.

9) Sell the Property

Homeowners with sufficient equity can list their property with a qualified agent who understands the foreclosure process in their area. Unfortunately, many homeowners in today’s market have experienced a decline in home value and may owe more than what the home is worth.

10) Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

(Military personnel only)

If a member of the military is experiencing financial distress due to deployment—and that person can show that the debt was entered into prior to deployment—he or she may qualify for relief under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The American Bar Association has a network of attorneys that will work with servicemembers to help qualify them for this relief.

Pull Yourself Back From the Brink

If you are on the edge, you have no time to waste. Call me today; I’m here to lend a hand.

CDPEReflectionLogo-300x300.jpg?width=300Place Your Confidence in CDPE

With the right assistance, the stress of facing foreclosure becomes manageable. CDPE- designated agents have received the knowledge and training necessary to assess all possible foreclosure alternatives and pursue homeowners’ best options. A CDPE- designated agent attends several days of intensive, thorough training on foreclosure avoidance and how to help facilitate a short sale efficiently and ethically. The highly regarded CDPE logo means you are working with the most informed, up-to- date resource available.

Michael Collins, CDPE, SFR, BPOR
Broker - Rock Realty
608-921-8536

If you are wondering if a short sale might be right for your home, please visit our Short Sale Home Evaluation page.

Is a Short Sale right for my Wisconsin Home?

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