Michelle Ruebl -Serving in Real Estate for Brillion and Surrounding Areas

Great article on Tips for selling

2010-09-16T02:47:00.002-05:00

http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/Articles/2010/1008_home_photos_capturesize

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit: The Basics for REALTORS, Homebuyers, and Home owners from the National Association of REALTORS.

2010-01-13T22:41:00.000-06:00

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit: The Basics for REALTORS, Homebuyers, and Home owners from the National Association of REALTORS.

2010-01-07T22:38:00.000-06:00

Service For Life December 2009 Issue 12.pdf - Google Docs

2009-12-29T11:14:00.000-06:00

Service For Life December 2009 Issue 12.pdf - Google Docs

Field Guide to Preparing and Staging a House For Sale

2009-12-08T08:19:00.000-06:00

Field Guide to Preparing and Staging a House For Sale

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit: The Basics for REALTORS, Homebuyers, and Home owners from the National Association of REALTORS.

2009-11-12T08:21:00.000-06:00

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit: The Basics for REALTORS, Homebuyers, and Home owners from the National Association of REALTORS.

Free Book

2009-10-23T21:21:00.002-05:00

Funding Your Land Investment

2009-10-14T11:47:00.001-05:00

Funding Your Land Investment

Shared via AddThis

8,000 REASONS

2009-10-12T17:02:00.002-05:00

8,000 REASONS FOR YOU TO GET OFF THE FENCE

Dear Friends and Family,
There’s never been a better time to buy a home. Really.
That’s because, thanks to the efforts of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, Congress is now offering a new $8,000 tax credit to help first-time homebuyers, like yourself, purchase a home.
If you qualify and buy a principal residence before December 1, 2009, then you’re eligible for the credit—allowing you to deduct 10% of the purchase price of your home up to $8,000 when you file your taxes. Visit www.HousingMarketFacts.com for more information.
So, why wait? Please contact me for more information about this can’t-miss opportunity.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT SO ACT NOW--it's uncertain yet if this credit will be extended or modified.

Facebook | Home

2009-10-05T09:44:00.000-05:00

Facebook | Home: "Michelle"

Q. What Areas Of My Home Should I Focus On To Protect My Investment And Maximize Its Value?

2009-09-04T22:55:00.001-05:00

A. There’s no doubt, your home is a substantial investment. So it makes sense to protect it to maximize its value. One way to do this is with regular maintenance. While many homeowners keep their homes spotless on the inside, they may not be aware of what needs to be done to the exterior or “structural” areas of their home. Here’s a quick checklist of items you should inspect and maintain every six months.
ü Your Roof. Climb up and look for damage. Flat roofs frequently show soft spots, or areas where there may be ponding – signs of potential leaks. Pitched roofs should be inspected for roof tiles and seams. If you see a crack or problem, fix it immediately.
ü Your Mechanical System. Mechanical systems include your heating and air conditioning systems. Heating systems should be checked for deadly cracks and leaks, and air conditioning systems should have filters changed and checked for their efficiency. These small inspections will save you money, and quite possibly your life.
ü Exterior Paint And Fascia. Wood exterior needs frequent inspection and maintenance. Small lapses can be costly. Inspect the exterior of your home for signs of wear, and stay on top of any required maintenance.
ü Safety Systems. Check your smoke detectors and replace the batteries every six months. After all, the time you need them most is not the time you want to learn they failed because of something so simple as a battery. Also, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector in or near every bedroom. It could save your life if there is a gas or heater leak.

Call me at 756-9488 for my Consumer Booklets or for any real estate questions you may have.

twitter tree

2009-07-09T11:11:00.001-05:00

Building a following in Twitter is easy and will help you grow your business-no matter what you do.

First you want to build a list of followers to your Twitter site. Twitter traffic depends on getting followers. Followers can help you get exposure and vice versa. Take time to build your list of followers and cultivate a relationship with them. Get to know them and allow them to get to know you. You want their trust just as much as they want your trust.

Click on this link and learn how: Twitter

Check it out

2009-06-15T22:21:00.003-05:00

Check out my personal blog site if you wish!

money and twitter

Article of Interest

2009-03-08T20:23:00.000-05:00

Give Me The Earth Plus 5% - Part III

Brains and Boxes

2009-03-07T17:43:00.001-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1IKIPospa0

Article of interest

2009-03-06T16:31:00.000-06:00

Give Me The Earth Plus 5% - Part II

Article of interest

2009-03-01T23:18:00.000-06:00

Give Me The Earth Plus 5% - Part I

Stimulus Plan and Tax Credit

2009-02-22T08:19:00.001-06:00

Wondering what this means for you? Listen to the President of NAR (National Association of Realtors)

Local News

2009-02-17T13:10:00.001-06:00

"Wisconsin Home Prices More Stable Than U.S. Average"
Wausau Daily Herald (WI) (02/13/09)

According to the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA), home-sale prices in the state held up better than the U.S. average in 2008. While home prices declined 9.5 percent nationally, prices dropped only 3.7 percent in Wisconsin. The average 2008 sale price of a residence in Wisconsin was $158,000. WRA President William Malkasian notes that prices in Wisconsin outperformed those elsewhere in the Midwest region, too.

New Link for Clients to try

2009-01-28T22:09:00.001-06:00

http://dwellicious.com/rueblm/signup

Another blog winner

2009-01-25T03:28:00.004-06:00

Congrats to Bridget---a remarkable friend from high school. I am so glad you enjoy the newsletter and thank you for blogging me! You have also won a massage --I'll be mailing these shortly

Winners

2009-01-12T23:59:00.003-06:00

After many great attempts, I have one winner for the Trivia so far. Christel--congratulations. There's still one more gift certificate to the next successful answer!! (Must be a tough one).

I've had one person post wonderful comments on my blog. Sandy-congratulations you won a Swedish Massage. I have four more certificates yet!

AGENT OR PROFESSIONAL

2008-12-30T23:51:00.002-06:00

The Difference Between A “Real Estate Agent,” And A Dedicated Professional

People say I’m very different from the “flock” of real estate agents out there. Instead of hounding strangers for business and pestering people with cold calls, I spend my time building relationships, making friends, and providing the absolute highest quality service available anywhere. That’s why most of my business comes from referrals and recommendations from elated clients and good friends like you. If you or anyone you know is thinking of buying or selling real estate, or who simply has questions about their home, and wants a dedicated, competent professional and friend, please call me at (920) 756-9488 cell/text at (920) 378-3565 or email at rueblm@levashrealty.com.

Real Estate Q&A;s

2008-12-07T21:46:00.000-06:00

Q. We’ve been thinking of hiring a REALTOR to list our property. What should we look for in a qualified, competent agent?

A. Do you remember the old riddle, “what do you call the person who graduated dead last in his/her medical school class?” Answer: DOCTOR! Well, the same is true for real estate agents. Just because someone passed a state licensing examination doesn’t mean they are qualified to handle your needs. All agents are not the same. Here are a few things you should look for in a qualified agent.

First, determine if he/she specializes either in your area or type of home. Second, ask them how they helped clients overcome specific problems they encountered in a past transaction. Third, ask them specifically what they will do for you if they represent you. They should have a step-by-step plan of action. Fourth, ask them how long they’ve practiced real estate, and how many transactions they have under their belt. Fifth, ask them about their marketing skills. Most agents are trained to handle transactions and understand the law, but not all of them are trained in effective marketing. A poor marketer will cost you thousands of dollars in wasted time and energy. And finally, ask them for a reference list of past clients they’ve helped. Call those references and ask questions about how they handled the transaction.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home soon, call me directly at 756-9488 for my Free report, “12 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent

Tidbits

2008-12-07T21:39:00.000-06:00

Hospital Stays: When you mail get-well cards to hospitalized friends, write their home address as the return address. That way, if they’ve gone home, the card will still reach them

Quotes

2008-11-18T22:05:00.001-06:00

Quote of the Month
Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.
C.G. Jung (1875-1961)

Crazy Western Titles

2008-11-10T00:03:00.003-06:00

How can I miss you if you won’t go away?
I don’t want your body if your heart’s not in it.
I keep forgettin’ I forgot about you.
I meant every word that he said.
I’m not married but my wife is.
I’m the only hell my mama ever raised.
If I can’t be number one in your life, then number two on you!
If the phone don’t ring, baby, you’ll know it’s me.
I gave her a ring and she gave me the finger.
I liked you better before I knew you so well.

Trivia Winners

2008-11-05T22:02:00.002-06:00

Guess Who Won Last Month’s Trivia Question? I’m pleased to announce the Grand Prize Winner of last month’s quiz. And the winner is…drum roll please: Delores Wordell & Tammy Quinzer both from Brillion were first two people to correctly answer my quiz question…

How Many Items Are In Two Baker’s Dozen? a) 14 b) 26 c) 12 d) 24 e) 36

No need to go calling your local bakeshop, because the answer is “B”. There are 26 items in two baker’s dozen. Massages are this month’s gift certificates to help lesson stress ! May you enjoy the holidays the way they should be. Massages are from Touch of Tranquility located in Brillion, WI

My current Listings:

2008-11-02T22:53:00.003-06:00

Tid Bit's

2008-11-01T20:48:00.001-05:00

Did You Know?…
¨ The animal with the largest brain in proportion to its size is the ant.
¨ Temperature and crime are correlated. Many more crimes are committed in the hot summer months than in the cold winter months.
¨ Ancient Egyptians regarded the heart as the center of intelligence and emotion. They believed the brain to be totally insignificant, and during mummification, the brain was removed…thinking it would not be needed on the “other side.”

Real Estate Corner

2008-10-24T07:41:00.002-05:00

Real Estate Corner…

Q. We entered into a contract with someone who wanted to buy our home. The agent representing the buyer presented us with a “pre-qualification” letter from a lender. Today we discovered the buyer was rejected for financing. How can this happen?

A. You allowed the term “pre-qualification” to lull you into a false sense of security. The loan amounts referenced in pre-qualification letters are conditional on verification of income, employment, funds on deposit, credit report, and more. A lender can issue a pre-qualification letter after just a simple 10-minute phone interview with a prospective purchaser.

As a seller, your best vehicle for peace of mind would be a pre-approval letter accompanying the offer to purchase. A pre-approval letter is a firm commitment to lend money and is issued only after verification of the crucial financial items mentioned above.

If you’re thinking of selling your home in the next year, please call me at 756-9488 for important information that could save you thousands in the process, and avoid unwanted surprises like the sellers above experienced.

AND… if you’re thinking of buying or selling, and you just need a little helpful “guidance,” order one of my Free Consumer Reports highlighted in my Free Consumer Resources page inside this newsletter.

Trivia

2008-10-20T01:21:00.001-05:00

Guess Who Won Last Month’s Trivia Question? The winner is…drum roll please: Mike Ratiachek of Hilbert (uncle of Cindy Hardy-thank you for that information –glad to know this is getting read by so many of my friends-it’s a small world) & Sandy Braun of Brillion were the first two people to correctly answer my quiz question…

Most Everyone Knows That Neil Armstrong Was The First Man To Walk On The Moon. But Who Was The LAST Man To Walk On The Moon?

a) John Glenn b) Buzz Aldrin c) Gene Cernan d) David Bowie e) Frank Borman

No need to call NASA, because the answer is “C,” Gene Cernan. Congratulations Mike & Sandy, you’ve won a $10 gift certificate to Hearthstone Village in Hilbert. www.villagehearthstone.com

Now…let’s move on to this month’s trivia question…

How Many Items Are In Two Baker’s Dozen?

a) 36 b) 26 c) 12 d) 24 e) 28

Call me right now with your answer! 756-9488

Q&A

2008-09-22T01:41:00.000-05:00

Q. Could You Give Me A Few Tips For Selling My Home Fast and For Top Dollar?

A. If you’re thinking of selling your home, how you “position” it can mean the difference between getting a top-dollar sale, and having it sit on the market for a long time. If you’re thinking of selling soon, you must call and get my Free report, “44 Money-Making Tips For Preparing Your Home To Sell.” Just go to my “Free Insider Resources” page in this issue or call me directly at 756-9488. Here are a few quick pointers…

Ø First impressions are lasting. Look at your home as if you were driving up to it for the first time. What does the home look like? The driveway? The lawn or landscaping? Pay particular attention to the entry walkway and the front door area. Make sure all curtains are open and lights are on.
Ø Get rid of any odors. They’re a big turn-off. Smoking and pets are the most likely cause. Have carpets cleaned and home deodorized before showing it.
Ø A coat of paint in critical areas (kitchen, master bedroom and baths) can do wonders to change the appearance and make the home look more valuable.
Ø Get rid of that clutter! The way you live in a home, and the way you SELL a home are two different things. You have to move anyway, so pack up all your clutter and get it out of the way. An uncluttered home looks bigger and more appealing. Make your home look like a model home.

Tidbits

2008-09-15T01:39:00.002-05:00

Did You Know….
Ø It is possible to lead a cow upstairs, but not downstairs.
Ø Coca-Cola was originally GREEN!
Ø Every day more money is printed for the board game MONOPOLY than the U.S. Treasury.
Ø The first couple shown in bed together on prime time television was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
Ø The smartest dogs are: 1) Scottish border collie, 2) Poodle, and
3) Golden Retriever.
Ø The dumbest dog: Afghan hound.
Ø The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters.

It's late-My Newsletter that is. NO---not another baby!

2008-09-06T22:02:00.001-05:00

What were you thinking? Well, my newsletter is just getting out into the mail this week....so for those checking here's a little something from August's newsletter:

The TRUE Value Of TIME…
We often forget how valuable our time is, until we see it all in perspective. Here’s what I mean…

To realize the value of one year, ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one hour, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of one minute, ask the person who has missed the train, bus, or plane.

To realize the value of one second, ask a person who has survived an accident.

To realize the value of one millisecond, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have.

Listing

2008-08-23T14:36:00.001-05:00

Don't forget to check out my listings (see below) to stay updated on what's out there. Our website, also listed below, has the option to search for many properties, not just the ones listed by us. Make it a great day!

Open Houses

2008-08-17T22:53:00.002-05:00

See my listings below for more details.

OPEN HOUSE AT 124 OAK ST-BRILLION on THURSDAY August 21st 4:00-5:30PM. Check out the new look at this home!

Real Estate Corner

2008-08-15T21:40:00.000-05:00

Why should I get pre-approved before buying a home?

A. Years ago, buyers didn’t worry about financing their home purchase until after they found the home they wanted to buy. Once they had an accepted offer, they’d shop around for a week or so and then submit a loan application.

Home buying is highly competitive in some areas. To compete, many buyers are now getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This way, the buyer is seen as more stable, has greater influence in negotiating a purchase price, and can act quickly when they find a home they really love. A pre-approved homebuyer is considered almost as strong as a cash buyer.

There are two parts to mortgage approval: 1) approval of the borrower, and 2) approval of the property. Mortgage pre-approval is a process whereby the borrower is approved for a specific mortgage amount. The approval is usually good for a period of time. A property approval is one with satisfactory appraisal and a clear title report. Final mortgage approval also requires a purchase agreement that is signed by the buyer and the seller.

If you’d like free advice on getting the very best financing for your home, or how to get pre-approved for a mortgage, or even refinancing or a home equity loan), please call me at 756-9488.

NEW PICTURES-RECENTLY PAINTED

2008-08-12T15:34:00.001-05:00

Check out this listing...it's been updated. The tour is great! 124 Oak St in Brillion, WI http://www.homepix.tv/D69/124oakbrillion

Stress!

2008-08-11T00:03:00.001-05:00

Random Thoughts on Stress…
I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are: eating too much, impulse buying and driving too fast…

Are they kidding? That’s my definition of a perfect day!

Next Time ....Jewelry!

2008-07-29T08:05:00.001-05:00

An extremely shy fellow once brought his date a bouquet of flowers. She threw her arms around him and gave him a great big kiss. After the kiss, the fellow turned and bolted for the door. “Oh! I’m sorry,” she exclaimed, “I didn’t mean to offend you.” “You didn’t,” he replied, “I’m going out to buy you jewelry!”

OPEN HOUSES

2008-07-23T23:30:00.002-05:00

Open Houses:

Sunday July 27th, 2008

11:00-12:30pm 493 Ridgeway Dr in Brillion. Exquisite Ranch: http://www.homepix.tv/D81/493ridgewaybrillion

1:00-2:30pm 361-365 S. Main St. in Brillion -Commercial & 2 Story home Virtual tour:
http://www.homepix.tv/D88/361-365smainbrillion

Real Estate Corner

2008-07-20T05:19:00.000-05:00

Q&A

Q. What Things Should I Consider Before Making An Offer On A Home?

A. First, determine how much home you can afford. As a rule of thumb (and only a rule of thumb), you can afford to buy a home equal in price to about three times your gross annual income. More precisely, however, the price you can afford to pay for a home will depend on six factors: 1) Your income; 2) The amount of cash you have available for down payment, closing costs, and cash reserves required by the lender; 3) Your outstanding debts; 4) Your credit history; 5) The type of mortgage you select; and 6) Current interest rates.

The process of buying a home is much easier if you start out by getting pre-qualified or even pre-approved with your lender for a home loan. This amount will let you know how much home you can buy, and makes you a more credible buyer.
To get a free money-saving report, “8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding, Buying And Financing Your Home,” please see my special “Insiders Free Money-Saving Resources” page in this newsletter. It’s free as part of my consumer service program. Please Call Me With ANY Real Estate Question At: 756-9488

Have A Real Estate Question?

2008-07-15T00:40:00.005-05:00

Post your questions here and I'll answer to the best of my ability! Simply click on "comments" next to this post (it's next to my name and the date) and add your question. Choose Name/URL and give it a unique name (Not your name if you don't want to be known)

Take my Trivia Challenge -You could win too!

2008-07-13T12:54:00.004-05:00

Guess Who Won Last Month’s Trivia Question? I’m pleased to announce the Grand Prize Winners of last month’s quiz. And the winner is…drum roll please: Claire Letourneaux and Jeff Hill (after a great attempt from Jill Hill) all from Brillion…..

How Many Toothpicks Can Be Produced From A Cord Of Wood?

a) 75,000 b) 750,000 c) 7,500,000 d) 75,000,000 e) 750,000,000

No need to grab your calculator, because the correct answer is “C,” 7,500,000 toothpicks! Thanks for your answers Claire & Jeff you’ve just won this month’s Trivia Challenge -$10 transferrable gift certificates for Bullwinkle’s Pub-A great place to eat. Now…let’s move on to this month’s trivia question…

Coming Soon in the newest Service For Life Newsletter. Don't get one? Email or call me to get on the mailing list! rueblm@levashrealty.com or 756-9488

Open Houses

2008-07-09T13:33:00.003-05:00

Open Saturday July 12th, 2008 2:30-3:30pm

124 Oak St in Brillion Virtual tour: http://www.homepix.tv/D69/124oakbrillion

Open Saturday July 12th, 2008 4:00-5:00pm

493 Ridgeway Dr in Brillion Virtual tour: http://www.homepix.tv/D81/493ridgewaybrillion

Real Estate Corner

2008-07-06T10:47:00.002-05:00

Q. What Things Should I Consider Before Making An Offer On A Home?

A. First, determine how much home you can afford. As a rule of thumb (and only a rule of thumb), you can afford to buy a home equal in price to about three times your gross annual income. More precisely, however, the price you can afford to pay for a home will depend on six factors: 1) Your income; 2) The amount of cash you have available for down payment, closing costs, and cash reserves required by the lender; 3) Your outstanding debts; 4) Your credit history; 5) The type of mortgage you select; and 6) Current interest rates.
The process of buying a home is much easier if you start out by getting pre-qualified or even pre-approved with your lender for a home loan. This amount will let you know how much home you can buy, and makes you a more credible buyer

OPEN HOUSES

2008-06-23T00:00:00.004-05:00

Open Houses: Sunday June 29th, 2008

11:00-12:30pm 124 Oak St in Brillion Virtual tour: http://www.homepix.tv/D69/124oakbrillion

1:00-2:30pm 493 Ridgeway Dr in Brillion Virtual tour: http://www.homepix.tv/D81/493ridgewaybrillion

Take my Trivia Challenge and you could win too!

2008-06-13T00:09:00.002-05:00

The Body Of An Average Adult Has Approximately
How Many Square Feet Of Skin?

a) 82 sq. feet b) 58 sq. feet c) 18 sq. feet d) 24 sq. feet e) 126 sq. feet

Call me right now with your answer! 756-9488

ANSWER: No need to grab your tape measure folks because the correct answer is “C,” 18 square feet. Thanks for your answer Marvyn & Patty, you’ve each won a $10 transferable gift certificate for Bullseye Screen Printing. Now…let’s move on to this month’s trivia question…COMING SOON.

Want to see the trivia question sooner? Subscribe to my monthly Service For Life newsletter. Give me a call or email and I would be happy to add you to the FREE Subscription list.

Open Houses Saturday June 21st

2008-06-13T00:01:00.004-05:00

OPEN HOUSES BRILLION, WI

1:00pm-2:00pm -124 Oak St
http://www.homepix.tv/D69/124oakbrillion

2:30-3:30pm -436 Roselawn Dr
http://www.homepix.tv/D69/436roselawn

Open House

2008-05-21T23:01:00.002-05:00

Open House Thursday May 29th 4:00pm-5:30pm

http://www.homepix.tv/D81/493ridgewaybrillion/

Open Houses Scheduled

2008-05-04T07:56:00.006-05:00

Saturday May 17th, 2008

1-2pm 127 Oak St-Brillion See the Virtual Tour: http://www.homepix.tv/D76/127oakbrillion

2:30-3:30 124 Oak-Brillion Virtual Tour: http://www.homepix.tv/D69/124oakbrillion

4-5pm W273 East Hills Rd-Town of Brillion Virtual Tour: http://www.homepix.tv/D69/w273easthillsbrillion

SUNDAY MAY 18th, 2008

11-12:30pm 493 Ridgeway Dr-Brillion See the Virtual Tour: http://www.homepix.tv/D81/493ridgewaybrillion

2008-03-01T11:46:00.002-06:00

Welcome to my first Blog!

Use this area to post ideas that you would like covered. Market trends, newsletters, RSS feeds, Q&A's etc. I will be happy to add to my blog.

Home Delivery Newsletter

2008-03-01T11:12:00.002-06:00

Home Deliver Newsletter-February2008-pdf