Sunlit Realty | By Owner Blog

2009 Guide for Homeowners

Here's a link to information about property assessment and taxation for Wisconsin homeowners, from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. 2009 Guide for Wisconsin Homeowners

Dodge County 3 Bedroom Homes

August 11, 2009

303 – number of 3 bedroom homes currently sale

$178,673 – average list price of 3 bedroom homes currently for sale

162 – number of 3 bedroom homes sold so far this year

$127,804 – average sale price

134 – average days on the market for sold homes

$182,293 – average list price for unsold 3 bedroom homes

Source: South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service (SCWMLS)

Note: The MetroMLS, based in Milwaukee, also maintains a database of real estate listings in Jefferson County. The information in the MetroMLS and the SCWMLS is somewhat different. Most properties get listed in both systems, but not all, and it is difficult to separate out the solo listings. So, the statistics above are not complete, as the SCWMLS does not include every property listed for sale in Dodge county (nor does the MetroMLS). Further, “by owner” sales are not included in either MLS. Also, the average sale prices noted above likely include some short sales and foreclosures, which typically sell for less than market value. All-in-all the numbers above are, however, a good sample of local market activity. 

Home Selling Tip #2

Value Your Home

Here are the top 5 factors affecting the value of your house. Consider them carefully when coming up with an asking price.

1. Location – houses in nice neighborhoods on desirable lots near good schools and local amenities usually sell for more than similar houses elsewhere.

2. Condition – houses and yards that are well cared for, look good and have reliable electrical and mechanical systems usually sell faster and sell for top dollar.

3. Seller’s Time Frame – if you need to sell fast you may have to price your property lower to get a quick sale.

4. Market Timing – certain times of year, such as spring and summer, seem to appeal to potential buyers and may affect your asking price. General market conditions, such as the current “buyer’s market” also influence price.

5. Competition – buyers compare your property to other similar properties for sale in the local area. If you price your house higher than competing properties there should be a compelling reason (such as recent updates, etc.) for the higher price or buyers will quickly move on.

Jefferson County Market Update – Aug. 8, 2009

Single Family Housing

558 - properties currently for sale

$250,769 – average list/asking price of currently active properties

662 - properties listed for sale since Jan. 1, 2009

250 - properties sold since Jan. 1, 2009

$170,938 – average sold price for properties sold so far this year

$180,145 – average list/asking price of properties sold so far this year

114 – average days on market for sold properties

$262,588 – average list/asking price of properties listed this year and not sold yet

 

Source: South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service (SCWMLS)

Note: The MetroMLS, based in Milwaukee, also maintains a database of real estate listings in Jefferson County. The information in the MetroMLS and the SCWMLS is somewhat different. Most properties get listed in both systems, but not all, and it is difficult to separate out the solo listings. So, the statistics above are not complete, as the SCWMLS does not include every property listed for sale in Dodge county (nor does the MetroMLS). Further, “by owner” sales are not included in either MLS. The numbers above are, however, a good sample of local market activity. 

City of Watertown Market Update – August 8, 2009

Single Family Housing

142 - properties currently for sale

174 - properties listed for sale since Jan. 1, 2009

72 - properties sold since Jan. 1, 2009

$181,386 – average list/asking price of currently active properties

$124,673 – average list/asking price of currently active 0-2 bedroom properties (19)

$181,413 – average list/asking price of currently active 3 bedroom properties (95)

$219,778 – average list/asking price of currently active 4+ bedroom properties (28)

129 – average days on market for properties currently for sale

$130,219 – average sold price for properties sold so far this year (may include some bank-owned sales, which tend to drive the average downward)

$136,933 – average list/asking price of properties sold so far this year (may include some bank-owned listings, which tend to drive the average downward)

113 – average days on market for sold properties

$187,126 – average list/asking price of properties listed this year and not sold yet

 

Source: South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service (SCWMLS)

Note: The MetroMLS, based in Milwaukee, also maintains a database of real estate listings in Jefferson County. The information in the MetroMLS and the SCWMLS is somewhat different. Most properties get listed in both systems, but not all, and it is difficult to separate out the solo listings. So, the statistics above are not complete, as the SCWMLS does not include every property listed for sale in Dodge county (nor does the MetroMLS). Further, “by owner” sales are not included in either MLS. The numbers above are, however, a good sample of local market activity. 

Rural Dodge County - Cattle Resting

Rural Dodge County - Horses Grazing

House Selling Tip #1

Make a good first impression

Curb appeal is important. Check the exterior of your home for obvious signs of wear and tear, such as loose shingles, peeling paint, damaged siding and cracks in the foundation. Make necessary repairs. Keep your lawn and landscaping neatly trimmed, weeded and watered. Maybe add a few flowers in the spring and summer, and keep walks clear of leaves and snow in the fall and winter. Remove clutter from your yard. Clean windows. Make sure your house and yard look good and inviting to all potential buyers.

Dodge County Single Family Home Sales by Municipality - Jan 1 to Aug. 3, 2009

Beaver Dam (City) - 101 sold

Beaver Dam (Town) - 7 sold

Fox Lake (City) – 12 sold

Fox Lake (Town) – 10 sold

Horicon (City) – 15 sold

Juneau (City) – 13 sold

Mayville (City) – 17 sold

Portland (Town) – 5 sold

Watertown (City) – 28 sold

Waupun (City) – 18 sold

Westford (Town) – 6 sold

Source: South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service (SCWMLS)

Note: The sales figures above are incomplete. They only include sales of single family houses listed in the SCWMLS, and I have only listed municipalities with 5 or more sales. Dodge County is covered by 3 separate Multiple Listing Services, and none of these individual MLS’s has complete sales and listing data for the county. In addition, there are always a fair number or by-owner sales in each community that are not reported on any MLS system. So, the actual total sales figures for each community are almost certainly much higher than the numbers listed above. Nevertheless, the SCWMLS sales numbers provide a good general sense of sales activity in a number of Dodge County communities.

Dodge County Market Update - August 3, 2009

Dodge County Market Update – August 3, 2009

Single Family Housing

574 - properties currently for sale (52% are 3-bedroom homes)

$189,460 – average list/asking price of currently active properties

640 - properties listed for sale since Jan. 1, 2009

268 - properties sold since Jan. 1, 2009

$131,148 – average sold price for properties sold so far this year

$138,188 – average list/asking price of properties sold so far this year

133 – average days on market for sold properties

$202,107 – average list/asking price of properties listed this year and not sold yet

Source: South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service (SCWMLS)

Note: The MetroMLS, based in Milwaukee, also maintains a database of real estate listings in Dodge County. The information in the MetroMLS and the SCWMLS is somewhat different. Most properties get listed in both systems, but not all, and it is fairly difficult to separate out the solo listings. So, the statistics above are not complete, as the SCWMLS does not include every property listed for sale in Dodge county (nor does the MetroMLS). Further, “by owner” sales are not included in either MLS. The numbers above are, however, a very good sample of local market activity.