Mortgage Rates on the Rise

After all time lows, it seems mortgage rates are once again rising, reaching a two year high this week. Check out the story by Les Christie at CNN Money.

Rates climbed 0.22 percentage points to 4.51% for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan this week, the highest it has been since July 2011. Meanwhile, the average rate for a 15-year loan hit 3.53%, up 0.14 percentage points.

Full Story Mortgage rates reach highest level in 2 years

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White Christmas

Since right now most folks are investing in Christmas gifts, let's turn our attention to different holiday concern. With the recent snow fall, and more on the way, it seems that most of Wisconsin will have a White Christmas.

Ever wonder what parts of the county usually have a White Christmas and which ones usually don't? Or maybe you'd like to travel somewhere with more or less snow at Christmas time? 

Check out this article from TimesCall.com, which includes a map from NOAA showing which parts of the county have the greatest chance for a White Christmas, and where you can go is you rather be away from the white stuff.

From Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," Christmas is portrayed as a snowy time. However, many areas of the U.S. do not necessarily have a high probability of a white Christmas.

Since many people may have a different idea of what constitutes a white Christmas, it is being defined in this story as a snow depth of an inch or more on Christmas Day.

Full Story Chance of white Christmas less than 50 percent for most of U.S.

Remember land makes a great gift.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from all of us at BuyWisconsinLand.com

Establishing Land Value

No one wants to pay too much for anything, and the larger the purchase the more careful we all are about the cost.

In this eHow article see how the value of a property is established. Although this article is about homes, the steps for land purchases are exactly the same. And when you are looking to buy a hunting or recreational property, the team at BuyWisconsinLand.com uses the latest technology to get you the information you need to make an informed choice.

How to Establish the Value of Real Estate By Nicki Howell, eHow Contributor

Research Before You Invest

As a Realtor who also helps people invest in real estate, I'm often asked about the advantages and disadvantages of buying various types of properties. My standard answer is that it’s just too difficult – and even risky – to generalize without reference to specific properties, particularly in a market like this one.
 
In every case a lot of research must be done before you invest. There can be many considerations around financing, a property’s location and condition, its income potential, terms of use, holding costs, and much more.
 
So if you’ve thought about buying an investment property – and trust me, there are some great deals out there right now – please contact me any time. Through experience, I’ve come to know what to look for and what questions to ask. I can also help you make all the important calculations that could influence your final decision.

Roy Burlingame, Broker, BuyWisconsinLand.com roy@buywisconsinland.com

Large Acreage Property

Looking for large wooded acreage?  Check out these listings from BuyWisconsinLand.com

Great hunting on this 240 wooded acres in Adams County with trails for hiking or your ATV. Just minutes from Lake Petenwell, Wisconsin's second largest lake. $488,500 ADAMS 1355

 

 

Here's a beautiful 160 acres on the Big Roche a Cri Creek, a class 2 trout stream. Hunt or fish, or just enjoy nature. $255,500 ADAMS 1336

 

 

Looking for whitetails?  This 160 acres in Jackson County borders County Lands and has trails for your ATV. 80 additional acres also available. $230,000 JAC 1225

 

Looking for larger acreage?  Email property@buywisconsinland.com and let us know what you are looking for, we look forward to helping you search for the perfect recreational, hunting or investment property.

 

Pros and Cons of Small Town Investing

Understanding how property investing in a rural area works is one of our specialities at BuyWisconsinLand.com.  We know these areas, and we can answer your questions or help you find the answer you need to make the right investment for you.

This article from by Kevin Peaks at biggerpockets.com has a great list of pros and cons of rural areas.  Then send us your questions and put BuyWisconsinLand.com to work for you.

City folk are often attracted to the country life. In many parts of the United States “the country” can be less than an hour’s drive away. I have seen more than one real estate investor (myself included) attracted to rural areas and small towns, but like anything there are pros and cons to investing in rural areas and small towns.

Full article The Pros and Cons of Investing in Small Towns and Rural Areas

Purchasing Rural Recreational Property

As we always say at BuyWisconsinLand.com, we use the latest technology to get you the information you need to make an informed choice when purchasing your dream property.

Today we bring you an another eHow article, this one by Kim Dieter, with 9 steps to follow when purchasing rural recreational property. As Ms. Dieter points out, if you do your research in advance, you should be able to make a successful offer on a truly great property.

Rural recreational property is acreage located outside towns and cities. Uses for recreational land include timber harvest, growing crops, camping, hiking, boating, fishing, hunting, photography, wildlife viewing and raising livestock. Investors attempt to purchase rural recreational property to make a profit. Land improvements and land-use enterprises often provide the means for a profit. For a successful investment, the type of property must match the intended use. Information about rural recreational land is available from many sources.      

Full story How to Invest in Rural Recreational Land

BuyWisconsinLand.com specializes in Hunting Land and Recreational Acreage.  Check out our website for listings in over 45 Wisconsin Counties and email your questions to property@buywisconsinland.com We look forward to working with you.

Wisconsin Foreclosure Law Overview

Many people are checking out foreclosed properties when it investing. Generally speaking this can be advantageous if you looking for a deal and have patience and time to deal with the process.  However the foreclosed property market is not for everyone.

This article by RealEstateInvesting.com has a great outline of Wisconsin's Foreclosure Law.  Please note this is just a summary of the law, and you should consult a Lawyer if you have any legal questions.

Wisconsin Foreclosure Law - Quick Facts

Find great properties across Wisconsin at BuyWisconsinLand.com

Small Acreage can be a Good Investment

Looking for a few acres out in the country?  A place to getaway and relax from busy city life?

Here is a 15 acre wooded property just south of Coloma in Waushara County.  Close to I39, just 1 hour from Madison or 2 hours from Milwaukee, located in a rural residential area. Near several fishing lakes and snowmobile trail. $59,000.  1810-1 Waushara County More acreage available.

This is 20 acres south of Wisconsin Rapids in Wood County.  Great hunting area, and close to Lake Petenwell, Wisconsin's second largest lake.  An hour north of the Wisconsin Dells. $36,750. 1649 Wood County More acreage available.

Need something larger?  Smaller?  Check out listings in over 45 Wisconsin Counties on BuyWisconsinLand.com Or let us go to work for you.  Just email property@buywisconsinland.com and tell us what you are looking for - we'll help you find your dream recreational property.

Tax Benefits of Vacant Land Investment

Whether you buy land as part of an investment potfolio or because you want your own hunting or recreational acreage, this eHow article by Solomon Lander lists many way your propery can help you at tax time.

Vacant land is typically viewed as a speculative investment. It produces no income, has ongoing expenses, and is only profitable if its market value increases in the future. Although this is all true, vacant land is not only an excellent hedge against inflation, but it also generates multiple tax benefits.

Read more: Tax Benefits of Investing in Vacant Land | eHow.com

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Keeping the Family Cabin

If you have a property you'd like to keep in your family, you'll need to plan ahead to make sure ownership is transferred correctly.

You can find information on transfering a property in this article Keeping the Cabin in the Family: A Guide to Joint Ownership and Use by Wendy S. Goffe found on the State Bar of Wisconsin website. WARNING: Ms Goffe is a lawyer, so the article is very technical and detail oriented.  And remember, for all legal advice regarding Real Estate transactions, you should always consult a lawyer.

If you're still looking for that great property where you can build a family cabin, check out all the fantastic listings in over 45 Counties on BuyWisconsinLand.com

US Real Estate Good For Investment

Worldwide investors are seeing real estate in the US as a good investment. Article by sbwire.com

A growing number of European investors could be turning to US real estate as an alternative investment this year, according to AAA.

The assertion comes in response to a report in the US about the popularity of US real estate among European investors who are growing less and less trusting of European assets. AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, said that it is easy to see why US real estate could be more attractive than European real estate at the moment, in light of the ongoing Eurozone crisis.

Full Story AAA Champions US Real Estate As Alternative Investment Option

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American Dream Still a Reality

Most Americans still believe they can achieve the American dream, but in this article by Michael F Ford from columbiatribune.com what American dream means may be different than you think.

Few ideas are as central to American self-identity as the “American dream.” Politicians invoke it, immigrants pursue it and, despite unremittingly negative economic news, citizens embrace it. But what is the American dream? We began regular study of how people define and perceive the dream three years ago and have discovered many misunderstandings worth a second look.

Full Story Myths make American dream fuzzy

Find your dream recreational or hunting property here BuyWisconsinLand.com

Selling "Gifted" Real Estate

We at BuyWisconsinLand.com think land is a fantastic Christmas gift.  Check out our website for great wooded hunting acreages and recreational properties.

However, if you already have a property that was a gift, that is property given to you from someone living (not left to you in a will) and you want to sell that land, there are tax consideration you need to be aware of. This article from by William Perez from About.com should give you some insight.

People often end up owning real estate and other property when the original owner has given that property to them. Transfers of property given before the original owner dies is called a gift. Recipients of gift property have different tax consequences than recipients of inherited property.

Full Story Selling Gift Property

Hope you get your shopping done soon! 

Owning Hunting Land

Buying a piece of land to hunt on is one thing, buying a hunting property is quite another.

In this article by by Rich Baugh of Whitetail Properties on realtree.com, the author explains not only the financial aspects of buying land, but maintainance of the land itself to make a haven for wildlife and bring you success hunting.

Most hunters dream of owning their own property. I was able to realize that dream around 10 years ago when two close friends and I purchased a farm in Adams County, Illinois. My justification for buying that farm was to have a place to hunt and avoid the costs associated with leasing land or paying an outfitter. This was a valid reason, but in hindsight, I now realize there were many more benefits. I never imagined how exciting it would be to hunt my own property or how rewarding the overall land ownership/management experience would be. It was the best investment I’ve ever made.

Since that original purchase, I’ve bought more farms and have learned many lessons in the process. As a land specialist with Whitetail Properties, I’ve also helped dozens of buyers realize the dream of land ownership. Through my personal land purchases and my job as a land specialist agent, I’ve learned some things that can simplify the buying process. Purchasing a property is a major undertaking. It’s critical that you take the necessary time to ensure you’re making the right decisions along the way.

Full Story Tips for Buying Hunting Property

Find great hunting properties and recreational land in over 40 Wisconsin Counties BuyWisconsinLand.com

Buying Investment Property with Cash

Is is better to buy investment property with cash or a mortgage?  Check out the thoughts of Chris Joseph, an eHow.com contributor for reasons why it might be.

Prospective real estate investors may choose to purchase a property in cash instead of taking out a mortgage. According to the SmartMoney website, as many as 60 percent of investors were using cash to purchase second properties as of 2011. Although using cash may deplete financial reserves, it does offer a number of advantages for potential investors. 

Read more: The Advantages of Paying Cash for Investment Properties

Find great investment and recreational properties BuyWisconsinLand.com

When Is the Right Time To Buy Real Estate?

Most people want to get the most for their money. 

Okay, so that's a really obvious statement, but sometimes it can be a tricky thing to do.  Especially in this market for real estate.  How do you know it's the right time to invest?

In this article in a blog by Lisa Udy, she explains some of indicators of a changing market.  These are things you can check out in advance of beginning your real estate search, so you can get the biggest "bang for your buck".

How do you time the real estate market where you live? Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could show you a timeline of bottoms and peaks of future real estate markets? You could make millions!!! *cough*

Okay, so no one can time real estate markets just right. Not even the government big wigs saw this market coming. Well, if they were paying attention they would have. So, what key market indicators signal up’s and down’s in the real estate market?

Full Story Key Market Indicators Help Time Real Estate Markets

If you have questions about land buying in Wisconsin contact Roy Burlingame, Broker, BuyWisconsinLand.com 

Buy Low and Sell High

Yes this is the world's most obvious statement to an investor.

But the trick is knowing what is "low" and what is "high".

We liked this article by Paul Breden at Bigger Pockets. He describes an excellent strategy for knowing prices in the real estate market. At BuyWisconsinLand.com we too, want to see our customers buy low and sell high, so we use the latest technology to make sure we know where our local real estate market is, and can help you have a smooth and profitable real estate transaction.

OK - so you already know that "Buy low - sell high" is a workable strategy. How, then, do you identify the property with the lowest potential purchase price?

There are two sources of pricing information. Both are available to the general public, and both may be available online. The first is current asking prices for the type property you are seeking. The second is accurate recent sale prices that other sellers have accepted. The difference between the two can be significant.

Full Story "Buy Low Sell High" Not Just A Cliche'!

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Real Estate And Football

Here is a wonderful example of how someone gets into the Real Estate Investment Market. This article was written by Flower D from BiggerPockets.com

WHAT DOES REAL ESTATE HAVE TO DO WITH FOOTBALL?
Plenty when two Coaches’ Wives sit down to talk about it

I had the rare opportunity to interview Sally Brown, wife of Coach Mack Brown, Head Football Coach for the University of Texas Austin for my September 2008 podcast. Outside the limelight of Longhorn football, Sally is down to earth, a mother to the team, and savvy business woman. With a long-term career in real estate development and a millionaire many times over before meeting Mack Brown, I had to sit down and pick her brain about how to “Make It” in real estate, being a Coaches’ Wife, and her life as “Ms. Sally Brown”.

Full Story What Does Real Estate Have To Do With Football?

Financial Spring Cleaning

It's finally here - the weather is warming and flowers are beginning to bloom. Ahh...Spring.

You've started raking the yard, seeding the lawn, planing new gardens. Ok, neither have we, but it's on the to-do list. Now, what about your money?

Spring is a good time to review your finances and make sure your money is working for you. Here's a great article from billeater.com to get you started
11 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Wallet

Then when you've finished all that work, head out to the woods to relax. Need to find a great getaway? We've got listings for recreational and hunting properties in over 40 Wisconsin Counties. BuyWisconsinLand.com