OPEN HOUSE MAY 22, 2011 12:00 PM TO 1:30 PM LOOK AT THIS FINE THREE BEDROOM RANCH! PAYMENTS COULD BE CHEAPER THAN RENT! STOP BUYING YOUR LANDLORDS PROPERTY. Enjoy a nice backyard, close proximity to shopping, travel, medical facilities and schools.  Brand new never used refrigerator and stove.  The siding, roof and windows have been upgraded. CONTACT:  JERRY MORSE THE MORSE COMPANY 608 754-5300     jerrymorse@gmail.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY 05/18/2011

Michael Collins has just returned from Madison, WI where he completed a highly specialized course in Short Sales and Foreclosures conducted by the Council of Residential Specialists of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PRLog (Press Release) - May 06, 2011 - Michael Collins - Broker(608)921-8536Mike@RockRealtyWI.comwww.RockRealtyWI.com MICHAEL COLLINS COMPLETES SHORT SALES&FORECLOSURES; COURSE (Janesville, WI) - (6/10/2010) - Michael Collins has just returned from Madison, WI where he completed a highly specialized course in Short Sales and Foreclosures conducted by the Council of Residential Specialists of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. This course is one in a series of professional education sequences required to qualifyfor the coveted Short Sale&F... 05/09/2011

  Michael Collins in Janesville WI, has earned the prestigious Harris Real Estate University Certified Real Estate Owned Specialist Designation (RSD), having completed extensive training in the techniques necessary to secure, negotiate and sell (REOs).     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) - Apr 28, 2011 - Michael Collins Completes Prestigious RSD Designation to Specialize in Bank Owned Homes April 1, 2011 Michael Collins, Broker of Rock Realty in Janesville, has earned the prestigious Harris Real Estate University Certified Real Estate Owned Specialist Designation (RSD), having completed extensive training in the techniques necessary to secure, negotiate and sell Bank Owned Properties (REOs). This REO training is invaluable during the current recession, especially in housing ... 05/04/2011

Original Article Post RISMEDIA, April 7, 2011-The economy is improving overall and, as a result, some bright spots are showing up in the real-estate market. However, the foreclosure spike, which began around the same time the recession did, isn't a distant memory just yet. In many areas, foreclosures are still happening; in some areas, those numbers have increased. Surprisingly, foreclosures have even encroached into some key cities that were formerly thought to be unshakable real-estate markets - like San Francisco, where foreclosures actually rose in 2010 (including in luxury neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, where a condo that sold in 2007 for $2.3 million recently sold for $1.44 million as a foreclosure). This "second wave" of foreclosures - combined with the fact that many people... 04/15/2011

This week I came across a blog by Harris Real Estate University. One of the more common questions I receive from someone considering listing their home as a short sale is: "How soon could we purchase a new home?"  The blog below does a great job of summarizing that answer!  Feel free to call me if you have further questions.  I'd be happy to assist!Original Blog Post Short Sale Today..Buy a Home Tomorrow | How-To Get A Loan After A Short Sale or Foreclosure What are the absolute bare-minimum guidelines to obtain a mortgage? ....and perhaps more interesting...how to obtain a mortgage immediately after a Short Sale..read on... By far the easiest mortgage to obtain is a FHA loan: 1) 3.5 percent down payment, based on the purchase price of the home (e.g., $7,000 on a $200,000 home), or a gi... 04/12/2011

2011 has begun with a familiar trend that we have gotten far to used to seeing! Sales prices of Single Family homes for the First Quarter of 2011 were at $96,260.  That is down 9% from last years average of $105,747.  It is also down 29% from 2007's average price of $133,976. The number of Single Family Sales for the First Quarter this year is approximately260, which is down 14% from last years 301 sales.  However, this years results are down 43% from the 453 sales in 2007. In Summary, the number of sales and prices are down for 4 years in a row.  The one positive number is that the Shadow inventory is currently under 10% and down from the 30% of last year.  Whether that remains constant is something to watch. DATA Source:  Rock-Green Realtors MLS Jerry Morse, Broker The Morse Company ... 04/09/2011

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” -Oprah Winfrey It's just about time to head back to work tomorrow!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and spent some quality time with the people who matter most to you!  As I write this blog, I'm trying to figure out where I may have went wrong last year.  I believe I have the same goals as I did last year at this time.   I'm not sure how I failed on my goals but life just happens.  This year was a true challenge for many of us.  The economy was tough for many.  The real estate market was challenging for many.  Yet I was fortunate enough to have 56 closings for a total of around $7,500,000.  I am very blessed.  Thank you to those who were kind enough to help me with business! I lost a great friend to cancer this ... 01/02/2011

1705 Sherman Ave, Janesville WI 53545 - Just Sold by Barbara Chatterton, Your Real Estate Personal Shopper This three bedroom ranch with spacious rooms, an eat-in kitchen which flows into the large living room is great for entertaining family and friends and this is just what these buyers wanted.  Hardwood floors, Many custom built-in's, a large family room in the lower level with a 3/4 bath, a 2 car garage and a fenced in yard-all added greatly  to the appeal of this house. It provides a place for the kids to be kids and they are searching for a new puppy who will be able to run round in the large yard.  All this for $90,000!  The challenge was all the ups and downs of a short sale.  We spent hours and hours on the phone and face to face dealing  with many delays and twists and turns a... 12/14/2010

Our first winter day below zero!  I had forgot how crisp and clean the air is at this temp! Remember though, that it is not safe to be out in the weather for extender periods of time. This is true for you as well as your pets!  But what about the people who are homeless this season? There seems to be more need than ever before.  Please think about sending a check to your local pantry or shelter to help those in need especially around the holidays.  You can make a difference!   12/13/2010

Accepted Offer:1705 Sherman Ave, Janesville Wisconsin. Buyer Procured by Barbara Chatterton Accepted offer on a three bedroom ranch in Janesville Wisconsin!  We are nearly ready to close and Katherine and her husband can't wait to leave their rented townhouse for this well built new home with a spacious eat in kitchen, and a large living room, perfect for entetaining lots of family and friends.  They can't wait to see how their new sectional sofa will look in this lovely space.  The bedrooms have hardwood floors and lots of built-ins with extra closet space.  A finished rec room in the lower level with its own 3/4 bath will see lots of activity especially with their two children, 5 and 8 years old.  The large corner lot has a fenced in yard.  Have you picked out your new puppy yet, kids... 12/04/2010

Today I had a call from the tenant, who occupies one of my listings. She was given notice that her family of 4 will need to evacuate the property by December 23, 2010 because the home was foreclosed as of September 23, 2010. I spent about 40 minutes talking to her about where she will take her family, especially during the holiday season and winter.  This seemed like terrible timing for her and her family. The owner of the home had told her that he had "saved" the house and that she should send him the rent as usual because he had bills to pay as well. I really feel sorry for everyone in these situations.  It's really tough to be caught in the middle of the foreclosure process no matter who you are, I  guess.  For those of you who don't have to deal with this, be happy.  For those of yo... 10/28/2010

  CONVENIENCE PLUS!   935 N. Wright Road, Janesville, WI   This Fine 3 Bedroom Ranch means carefree living! It is close to shopping, medical facilities, has easy access to the Interstate and is close to schools. You will enjoy brand new kitchen appliances and entertaining under the covered patio! With interest rates so low, Compare renting to Buying this fine home. Priced at only $109,900 Call for Details  Jerry Morse, The Morse Company, Real Estate www.cometowisconsin.com 608 754-5300 jerrymorse@gmail.com EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY    09/11/2010

Did the Spring Tax Rebate shift business from the 2nd Half of the Year to the 1st Half? Well, it did seem to in our Southern Wisconsin market! Sales (Single Family) in our county dropped from 178 in July of 2009 to just 95 in July of 2010.  That is a 43% drop! Before July, the year to date sales were about 30% ahead of last year.  Information from our State Realtor Association indicates that the Milwaukee area also experienced a similar drop in activity.  It might be a long fall here.  I think the 4th Quarter will be the most decisive factor in how our market is progressing. We know real estate is Local. How is your market? Jerry Morse The Morse Company Janesville, Wisconsin www.cometowisconsin.com   08/24/2010

July is the first month after the original scheduled end of closings for the Buyer Tax Rebate program. I figure it is a good indication of where the market is going and if it worked. Well, in our market, July's number of sales were down 50% from June and down 45% from July 2009.  That is a pretty dismal showing.  Prices are also down from last year, indicating that we are not out of the woods yet. Is anyone else experiencing the same; or do you have better news! Jerry from Wisconsin   08/04/2010

The pictures below are compliments of my friend Mariah of Mariah Lehman, Photography  http://www.wix.com/maojpics/MariahLehman Ahh, to be young again :) The Rock River in Janesville Wisconsin is a great place to enjoy.  From fishing to boating, everyone can find something exciting to do.  Want to know more?  Feel free to give me a call! 07/14/2010

Key Questions to Ask About Your Mortgage This week I attended a seminar titled “Mortgage Industry Changes & New Requirements for 2010”. We reviewed the changes affecting underwriting, minimum buyer requirements, ARM’s, and short sales. I’ll be sure to inform potential buyers to plan for the changes, since debt to income ratios and credit scores will affect interest rates, loan eligibility, mortgage insurance rates and even closing of the purchase. Lenders are actually required to do a 2nd credit background check on a buyer’s financial situation prior to closing. If new credit was obtained the buyer must be re-qualified. A helpful hand out from the Federal Reserve Board Consumer Protection Resource helps your buyers understand the terms of their loans by asking 7 questions about their mo... 07/09/2010

The Tax Credit Stimulus definitely had an effect on Janesville's Single Family Real Estate Market! Single Family sales were 312 from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2010 versus 250 last year for the same period.  However, average sale prices are still less than last year.  A year ago, the average sale price was $119,699 and this year the average sale price for this period was $116,624. Time on the market was 96 days last year versus 94 days this year. Sale prices seem to be stabilizing, but are not necessarily on the rise yet. There have been projections that as many as 5.5 Million US homeowners are either behind, facing foreclosure or upside down on their mortgages. Short Sales and REO's (Bank owned) could be as much as 40% of the inventory for another 2 years or so. If you are interested i... 06/14/2010

Below is an informative NAR article for home buyers.  It is a short list of 7 items you should go over before you buy a home.  I would add that it is important to find out how important location is to you.  Sometimes the home you can afford is not located as close to things as you would like it to be.  For some buyers, the shorter commute is more important, while others would rather drive a little further to get the home they have always dreamed of. Regards,Michael Collins - Broker 7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com By: G. M. FiliskoPublished: February 10, 2010 By doing your homework before you buy, you'll feel more content about your new home. Most potential homebuyers are a smidge daunted by the fact that they're about to agree to a hefty mort... 06/07/2010

Julie Raese Coldwell Banker Success SALES PERIOD: April 2010       TYPE         ACT      NEW     SLD        AVE$        DOM        % of LIST Jvl. Single Fam 642      152       86     $ 119,672     84              93 Jvl. Condo         64        14        2          87,000     154             87 Jvl. Multi-Fam    69        13        4          56,125      81             86 Rock Cty Res  1526      357     188       114,070      98 YTD     Jvl. Single Fam             579     216    $ 116,309      96              91 Jvl. Condo                     47       10       97,070      122              92 Jvl Multi-Fam                 45       12       49,904      109              78 Rock County Res        1299      490     109,092      106   What's been going on in the Real Estate market?   We had a... 06/04/2010

As we all probably know by now, the census is almost complete.  I came across the numbers from the previous Janesville Wisconsin Census' and thought I would share.  The tables are below.  It won't be long now until we see how things have changed in the last 10 years in Janesville.  There have been some pretty big changes since 1990. Household Type: 1980-2000 Household Type 1980 1990 2000 Count % Count % Count % Single Householder             Male Householder 1,656 9.0 2,056 15.2 N/A N/A Female Householder 2,606 14.1 3,089 15.2 N/A N/A               Non-Family             Male Householder 534 2.9 692 3.4 N/A N/A Female Householder 269 1.5 392 1.9 N/A N/A Total Single & Non-Family 5,065 27.4 6,229 30.6 8,151 34.1               Family             Married Couple 11,482 62.1 11,550 56.7 12,2... 06/04/2010