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- 129 Answers
- 5 Best Answers
- 62 First Answers
- 53 Useful Answers
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About Me
With 20+ years of experience in the Real Estate field - from Mortgage processing, coordinating closings and title work, administrative work in Real Estate transactions and now as a front-line Realtor. I believe that Real Estate is not one-size-fits-all, and I like to learn what my client's specific needs are, and customize my approach to fit them.
I am a Buyer's specialist- with a goal of finding my Buyers the home of their dreams; doing whatever I need to do in order to find the perfect Buyer for my listings. Plus, I actively work for my Sellers to find Buyers for their properties. Working as a Buyers Agent , I counsel my Buyers and assist them in making an informed decision. In working for the Seller I consistently monitor the market conditions so they are provided accurate data.
I specialize in Residential and investment Real Estate in Waukesha and Milwaukee County.
The cities of Brookfield, Wauwatosa, Elm Grove, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, Milwaukee, West Allis, Franklin, Hales Corners, Muskego. Plus, Southern Washington and Ozaukee County.
I am very honored to have been selected to receive the 2008 Five-Star Professional Best in Client Satisfaction Award.
Realty Executives 100% Club and Executive Club Awards for 2007.
Let me handle the details and... "Go Pack'r Up"
www.GoPackerUp.com
Valuable Area Links:
City of Brookfield http://www.cityofbrookfield.com/index.asp?NID=31
City of Wauwatosa http://www.wauwatosa.net/display/router.asp?DocID=1
Village of Elm Grove http://www.elmgrovewi.org/
City of West Allis http://www.ci.west-allis.wi.us/
I am a Buyer's specialist- with a goal of finding my Buyers the home of their dreams; doing whatever I need to do in order to find the perfect Buyer for my listings. Plus, I actively work for my Sellers to find Buyers for their properties. Working as a Buyers Agent , I counsel my Buyers and assist them in making an informed decision. In working for the Seller I consistently monitor the market conditions so they are provided accurate data.
I specialize in Residential and investment Real Estate in Waukesha and Milwaukee County.
The cities of Brookfield, Wauwatosa, Elm Grove, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, Milwaukee, West Allis, Franklin, Hales Corners, Muskego. Plus, Southern Washington and Ozaukee County.
I am very honored to have been selected to receive the 2008 Five-Star Professional Best in Client Satisfaction Award.
Realty Executives 100% Club and Executive Club Awards for 2007.
Let me handle the details and... "Go Pack'r Up"
www.GoPackerUp.com
Valuable Area Links:
City of Brookfield http://www.cityofbrookfield.com/index.asp?NID=31
City of Wauwatosa http://www.wauwatosa.net/display/router.asp?DocID=1
Village of Elm Grove http://www.elmgrovewi.org/
City of West Allis http://www.ci.west-allis.wi.us/
Testimonials
"From showings to follow-up, to actually setting up the closing, Karen was Great! She was always accessible, on-time and thorough. Her time committment to our deal was incredible. We received such a high level of service. I would highly recommend Karen to ANYONE looking for a realtor. If I am in need of a Realtor in the future, Karen Wenzel will certainly be the one I call."
Cameron Sat Mar 15
Cameron Sat Mar 15
"We worked with Karen on the sale of our current home and the purchase of our new home. She listened to our needs and worked tirelessly on our behalf. She was always available and returned calls promptly"
Mike and Sandy Tue Feb 12
Mike and Sandy Tue Feb 12
""Specifically you provided: Market analysis showing comparable sales that was "on the money",
Input on price and marketing time that was accurate, and
Communication with an out of state seller that was outstanding." I would recommend you and your firm to any buyer or seller in need of a courteous, conscientious real estate professional""
Peter Staaf Wed Apr 9
Peter Staaf Wed Apr 9
""Karen was professional, helpful, kind and thorough. We highly recommend her to any home sellers or buyers"
Maria and Mary"
Mary and Maria Wed Apr 9
Mary and Maria Wed Apr 9
My Q&A
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Karen Wenzel's Questions (0)
Karen Wenzel's Answers (129)
Karen Wenzel answered:
Dawn,
With all the changes that have occured in the last year regarding the credit criteria for issuing mortgages I would really recommend you present this to a lender for their opinion.
A year and a half ago, I saw Buyer's getting financing within 3 months of coming out of bankruptcy. Now, they did have to pay much higher rates, since they were a higher risk, but if they paid on time and kept up with their payments- they were fine.
But, now - even people with good credit are having challenges with getting financing. You should have someone review with you what your credit scores are, and advise you on a time-table by which you could get back on track.
I would also advise that you be very careful, make sure that you consider what is necessary to keep yourself in financial stability. All the Best to you.
With all the changes that have occured in the last year regarding the credit criteria for issuing mortgages I would really recommend you present this to a lender for their opinion.
A year and a half ago, I saw Buyer's getting financing within 3 months of coming out of bankruptcy. Now, they did have to pay much higher rates, since they were a higher risk, but if they paid on time and kept up with their payments- they were fine.
But, now - even people with good credit are having challenges with getting financing. You should have someone review with you what your credit scores are, and advise you on a time-table by which you could get back on track.
I would also advise that you be very careful, make sure that you consider what is necessary to keep yourself in financial stability. All the Best to you.
Karen Wenzel answered:
Angela,
In this very competitive market, the homes that are selling are either "10's" in the eyes of the Buyer - meaning the absolute best buy. Location, condition or price (or a combination of those)
In order to position yourself in order to be the Best Buy, you can either increase the "value" of your home by giving it more or better features, or price it so the next Buyer that walks in, can't pass it up.
Usually, what I see is that if I'm getting alot of showings on a property, but no offer - we are probably about 5% over what we should be . That can vary depending on location, but is a guideline
Ask your agent for what the feedback has been on the showings. Everything comes down to price - All the Best to You!
In this very competitive market, the homes that are selling are either "10's" in the eyes of the Buyer - meaning the absolute best buy. Location, condition or price (or a combination of those)
In order to position yourself in order to be the Best Buy, you can either increase the "value" of your home by giving it more or better features, or price it so the next Buyer that walks in, can't pass it up.
Usually, what I see is that if I'm getting alot of showings on a property, but no offer - we are probably about 5% over what we should be . That can vary depending on location, but is a guideline
Ask your agent for what the feedback has been on the showings. Everything comes down to price - All the Best to You!
Karen Wenzel answered:
Greg,
I was introduced to Trulia by another agent. My business focus has always been to help educate people whether they end up working with me or not. That is one reason I like answering questions on Trulia. I make sure that I don't try to answer a question that would require specific knowledge for a particular City/State if I am not familiar with it.
I don't think the majority of the agents are looking for "pushing their stats" but it is possible that a few could be.
I learn alot from reading what other agents say. Even after 30 yrs in this business, I always learn something new every day. We never stop learning.
I was introduced to Trulia by another agent. My business focus has always been to help educate people whether they end up working with me or not. That is one reason I like answering questions on Trulia. I make sure that I don't try to answer a question that would require specific knowledge for a particular City/State if I am not familiar with it.
I don't think the majority of the agents are looking for "pushing their stats" but it is possible that a few could be.
I learn alot from reading what other agents say. Even after 30 yrs in this business, I always learn something new every day. We never stop learning.
Karen Wenzel answered:
Abel,
If you can get yourself a qualified Realtor to work with you and represent you as a Buyer's Agent, you have an equal chance to negotiate a good deal on a home whether it is a foreclosure (or Bank Owned - also known as REO) or a home that is being sold by a homeowner.
It all comes down to doing research on what the value of homes are in the area you are interested in.
I just worked with a first-time Buyer. We looked at homes that were being sold by homeowners and then came upon a foreclosure that was Bank-owned. After researching neighborhood values, knowing what repairs she would need to do to the home, she ultimately purchased the home for almost $40,000 under what comparable homes were selling for. (her costs for improvements will probably come to under $10,000) This was the best choice for her.
So, it all depends on what is available in your area of interest. Look at all your options, and educate yourself so you can make the decision that best suits your needs.
All the Best to you!
If you can get yourself a qualified Realtor to work with you and represent you as a Buyer's Agent, you have an equal chance to negotiate a good deal on a home whether it is a foreclosure (or Bank Owned - also known as REO) or a home that is being sold by a homeowner.
It all comes down to doing research on what the value of homes are in the area you are interested in.
I just worked with a first-time Buyer. We looked at homes that were being sold by homeowners and then came upon a foreclosure that was Bank-owned. After researching neighborhood values, knowing what repairs she would need to do to the home, she ultimately purchased the home for almost $40,000 under what comparable homes were selling for. (her costs for improvements will probably come to under $10,000) This was the best choice for her.
So, it all depends on what is available in your area of interest. Look at all your options, and educate yourself so you can make the decision that best suits your needs.
All the Best to you!
Karen Wenzel answered:
Anne-
Welcome to Wisconsin. I'm sure you'll find an area that you will fall in love with.
Have fun with your search!
Welcome to Wisconsin. I'm sure you'll find an area that you will fall in love with.
Have fun with your search!
Anne,
as a lifetime Wisconsin resident I can concur that our property taxes do seem to be higher than many areas of the country. Sometimes that is a bit of "sticker shock" for people relocating here.
As Jeff said - Wauwatosa has many lovely neighborhoods, and people who have grown up here, moved aways,tend to come back. (My husband's family is 3rd generation Wauwatosa residents - we ended up coming back as "empty nesters" too. You have quite a bit to choose from in the $300-$400 range in Wauwatosa.
Otherwise- Brookfield and Elm Grove both are only minutes away, and Elm Grove is a small village tucked just west of Wauwatosa. Brookfield offers some nice size lots, with varying choices of architecture. The Brookfield City Center has lots of shops for dining, relaxing (coffee shops), groceries and the library.
If you want to go a little farther - New Berlin, Menomonee Falls - in Waukesha County. Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Greendale (a wonderful small-town atmosphere). If you don't mind a little more drive you might consider Delafield (but that would be about 20-30 minute commute west of Wauwatosa (but easy from I-94).
I have links to the City Websites for Brookfield, Elm Grove, & Wauwatosa on my Trulia profile page if you want to research some more.
All the Best to you and Welcome to Wisconsin!
as a lifetime Wisconsin resident I can concur that our property taxes do seem to be higher than many areas of the country. Sometimes that is a bit of "sticker shock" for people relocating here.
As Jeff said - Wauwatosa has many lovely neighborhoods, and people who have grown up here, moved aways,tend to come back. (My husband's family is 3rd generation Wauwatosa residents - we ended up coming back as "empty nesters" too. You have quite a bit to choose from in the $300-$400 range in Wauwatosa.
Otherwise- Brookfield and Elm Grove both are only minutes away, and Elm Grove is a small village tucked just west of Wauwatosa. Brookfield offers some nice size lots, with varying choices of architecture. The Brookfield City Center has lots of shops for dining, relaxing (coffee shops), groceries and the library.
If you want to go a little farther - New Berlin, Menomonee Falls - in Waukesha County. Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Greendale (a wonderful small-town atmosphere). If you don't mind a little more drive you might consider Delafield (but that would be about 20-30 minute commute west of Wauwatosa (but easy from I-94).
I have links to the City Websites for Brookfield, Elm Grove, & Wauwatosa on my Trulia profile page if you want to research some more.
All the Best to you and Welcome to Wisconsin!
My Listings
View all 6 listings
Specialties
I am a Buyer's Specialist. Whether I need to find a Buyer for Your Home or assisting a Buyer in locating and acquiring in finding their dream home - I put an emphasis on working with Buyers.
Real Estate is not one-size-fits-all. I Customize my approach to each clients individual needs. This allows me to better serve the clients needs, and accomplishes their goals in a more effective manner
Residential Single Family and Multi-Family Properties
Condominiums
First-Time Buyers
Assisting Seniors in transitioning out of their homes
Investment properties
Short-sale Assistance
Counseling Buyers and Sellers
Real Estate is not one-size-fits-all. I Customize my approach to each clients individual needs. This allows me to better serve the clients needs, and accomplishes their goals in a more effective manner
Residential Single Family and Multi-Family Properties
Condominiums
First-Time Buyers
Assisting Seniors in transitioning out of their homes
Investment properties
Short-sale Assistance
Counseling Buyers and Sellers
Certifications & Awards
2008 FIVE-STAR Professional Real Estate Agent - Best in Client Satisfaction Award
Realty Executives- 100% Club and Executive Club Awards ( Top 10%)
Member:
Wisconsin Realtors Association ( WRA)
National Assn of Realtors (NAR)
Greater Milwaukee Assn of Realtors (GMAR)
Milwaukee Metropolitan Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Realty Executives- 100% Club and Executive Club Awards ( Top 10%)
Member:
Wisconsin Realtors Association ( WRA)
National Assn of Realtors (NAR)
Greater Milwaukee Assn of Realtors (GMAR)
Milwaukee Metropolitan Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
Interests
Anything related to Disney
Classic Cars - Especially Mustangs
Of course... The Packers!
Supporting Breast Cancer Research events
Classic Cars - Especially Mustangs
Of course... The Packers!
Supporting Breast Cancer Research events
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