Jim ORourke Green Bay Real Estate

Jim ORourke Green Bay Real Estate Green Bay Real Estate Agent with 25 Years Experience: Green Bay, DePere, Allouez, Ashwaubenon, Bell

11/04/2022

How a Buyer's Agent Can Help You
Many people looking to buy a home need help understanding their local real estate market: assessing different properties, negotiating a home sale, and navigating the real estate process. That's why hiring a buyer's agent can be helpful!
A buyer's agent will listen to you and answer your questions. They can also help you determine your needs and priorities. In addition to educating you on neighborhoods, helping you find properties, and arranging showings, a buyer’s agent will also handle all of the paperwork. They can advise you on how to get financing. They’ll negotiate prices and terms on your behalf. And they’ll prepare a legally binding purchase agreement. They can also help you resolve any issues that
might be raised by a home inspection, and they’ll bring together all the loose ends for a successful closing.
Having a buyer’s agent on your side is a great way to make sure your interests are protected in a transaction.
If you have questions about working with a buyer's agent, give me a call!

10/14/2022

Why Your AC Unit Might Not Be Moving Enough Air

It can be frustrating when your central air conditioner stops blowing cool air, especially on a hot day. If this happens to you, here are some ideas that might save you from a service call.

First, check your air filters. A filter blocked by dust and debris can interfere with the proper flow of air, making it harder for your unit to push air through the system. If you discover this, simply replace the filter.

Next, check the blower fan belt. Most central air conditioners rely on belt-driven blower fans. If the belt goes, so does any hope of moving air through the unit... so be sure the belt is intact and that the blower spins.

Lastly, check the outdoor evaporator coils for any signs of build-up. A soft-bristle brush and mild detergent can be used to scrub away debris from the coils... but allow them to dry before putting the unit back in service.

If you can’t find the source of the problem, then it’s time to contact a professional to help you get your unit back in working order.

09/16/2022

Staged Homes Can Sell for More | When a REALTOR® talks about staging your home, they are referring to a way of preparing your property for sale.

Staging is designed to showcase a home's best assets, impress buyers, and give it the best chance of selling quickly and for the highest possible price.

According to a report from the National Association of REALTORs®, nearly half of buyers’ agents said that staging affected how their buyers viewed a home. The report also found that 8 out of 10 buyers’ agents said staging makes it easier for buyers to visualize a property as their future home.

Staging removes distractions so potential buyers can see the full potential of a space. Staging also shows off the scale of rooms by demonstrating functional furniture layouts.

Well-staged homes often sell for more than ones that have not been staged. Staging can help create a more emotional experience for buyers, which ultimately can generate more money for the seller.

If you're thinking of selling, but unsure if you should stage your home, give us a call today! We can help you decide the best choice for you. 1-920-432-1007

08/31/2022

How Long Is a Listing Contract?

The REALTOR® you choose to sell your house will require that you sign an agreement with them called a listing contract. The listing contract is a written agreement between you and the real estate brokerage that will be paid a commission for selling your home. To earn the commission, the broker agrees to market your home and handle the transaction.

The duration of a listing contract typically ranges from 30 days to a year, depending on the movement of the market and the location of the home.

A six-month listing contract is a pretty average in the industry. Among other things, the listing contract contains how much commission will be due upon the closing of the sale.

You could be responsible for paying the agent a commission under certain circumstances even after the listing expires. For example, if the listing contract contains a protection clause, you would not be able to sell your home to someone that the agent brought to the table without owing the agent a commission, even after the listing expires.

Your REALTOR® will explain the listing contract to you and answer any questions you might have.

08/10/2022

How Long Does It Take to Close a Home Sale?

The closing process can vary widely from state to state and there are a number of variables that determine how long it takes to close a transaction.

Each step in the home buying process has the possibility of causing delays. The average closing time nationwide is about 40 to 50 days after the offer is accepted unless any of the following closing problems surface.

Each step in the home buying process has the possibility of causing delays. The average closing time nationwide is about 40 to 50 days after the offer is accepted unless the following closing problems surface.

A low appraisal can also cause problems. If the appraisal is too low, the sales price might need to be re-negotiated.

A low appraisal can also cause problems. If the appraisal is too low, the sales price might need to be renegotiated.

The closing itself usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half.

You can’t control everything in the closing process, but you can manage your responsibilities in a way that will help speed up the process.

07/22/2022

Buying a Home with a Nonmarried Domestic Partner

If you're not married and plan to buy a home with a boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner, you'll want to protect your interests before signing at closing.

Non-married buyers get almost no estate-planning protection on the state or federal level, so it’s in your best interest to retain a real estate attorney to draft a couple of agreements for you.

The first is a cohabitation agreement. In the event of a breakup, this agreement will help you be treated like a married couple in the eyes of the law and usually includes how the property will be divided in the event of a separation.

A property agreement should also be drafted that describes the physical property you might accumulate while living together, and how it will be divided if one or both parties decide to move out. A well-drafted property agreement will address things like furniture, appliances, and other items brought into the joint household.

While you can have the same real estate attorney represent both parties, for maximum protection it's advised that both buyers hire their counsel. This will be well worth the money paid in the event of a catastrophe or break-up.

As always, if you have any questions, do not hesitate to give me a call! I am happy to discuss anything real estate related!

07/13/2022

Home Renovations with the Best ROI

Home renovations can improve the quality of life in your living space and increase the value of your home at the same time. Let’s take a look at what remodeling projects REALTORs® recommend for the highest return on investment.

Projects that add functional space and square footage add the most value, but curb appeal is important too. Since it's the first thing prospective buyers see, renovations that improve your house's curb appeal offer great returns.

Wood decks are also high on the list since most buyers are looking for space to entertain... and that includes outdoor areas.

A kitchen remodel comes with the highest return on investment. Though expensive, you will typically get back anywhere from 50-75% of what you spend.

High-income buyers also value a finished basement, which provides about a 70% return on investment. And... replacing carpet with durable, attractive, and easy-to-clean, hardwood is another great choice.

Think of adding value to your home as a savings account. The more you improve something... the more likely you'll retain your investment, and hopefully, even profit from it.

07/01/2022

Signs It Is Time to Replace Your Home's Siding

While home siding is mostly maintenance-free and lasts for years, it can show signs of wear and tear and may need to be removed or replaced.

Regardless of the extent of the damage, cracked, broken, or loose siding needs to be addressed. Any growth of mold, mildew, or fungus on your home’s siding, especially near the seams, should also be removed.

Fading or peeling is a sign that the siding’s waterproofing isn’t protecting your home like it used to, and regardless of size, holes, and cracks can lead to severe water damage and allow pests to enter your home.

Bubbles under your siding are almost always a sign that water is trapped behind the siding.

Low-grade wall insulation, together with underperforming siding, can also lead to higher energy bills.

If you have to frequently paint your siding because of peeling, chipping, or cracking, take a closer look because this can be an indication of a more serious problem with your siding.

06/21/2022

When buying a home in a competitive market, the highest-priced offer isn't always the best offer. If you’re in a bidding war, here are some tactics to make your offer the most attractive.

First, if you want the house, don’t play games... Start with your best offer... Even if it is above the asking price.

Also, keep your offer as clean as possible with as few contingencies as necessary.

If you have a pre-approval letter from your lender, submit that along with your offer.

Another option is to consider offering to pay the seller's moving expenses... And you should also avoid asking for personal property.

In an active market, homeowners are looking for certainty and flexibility. Sometimes waiving certain contingencies or giving the seller more time to move out can put you over the top.

In the end, an offer that doesn't have contingencies can end up stronger than an offer thousands of dollars more. Work with your Realtor® to craft the best offer possible!

05/14/2022

Should You Get a Home Inspection Before Listing?

While a home inspection isn’t required prior to listing your home, some sellers choose to have one done anyway. Here’s why.

Most buyers will make their offer on your home contingent on a home inspection by an inspector of their choosing. One of the biggest reasons sellers choose to do their own inspection before listing their home is to learn what, if any, issues a buyer’s inspector might find.

Regardless of how long you’ve lived in your home, and how well you believe you understand your home’s condition, it’s not uncommon for any home to have an issue or two that could come up during an inspection by a professional.

Some sellers choose to have an inspection conducted in advance so they have notice of any issues that might come up. This also gives the seller an opportunity to correct the issues prior to listing their home.

While it’s up to you to decide if a pre-listing inspection makes sense, if you do choose to go this route expect to pay somewhere between $250 and $750 to have the inspection conducted.

05/12/2022

Thousands of votes have been counted and our loyal clients have been heard. Mark Olejniczak Realty, Inc. has been voted WINNER in the 2022 Best of the Bay – Green Bay's Official Community's Choice Awards! ​

Thank you to everyone who voted for us in the category of Best Real Estate Agency in Green Bay. We are honored to receive this designation and grateful for our staff of dedicated, professional agents and the support of the Greater Green Bay community!

Address

Green Bay, WI
54301

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+19203219141

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jim ORourke Green Bay Real Estate posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Jim ORourke Green Bay Real Estate:

Shortcuts

Share

Category