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Terri Balistriere (Broker/Owner)

Phone: 920-819-5282

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Express Realty: Consistently Low Commissions Amid Real Estate Changes

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I’ve had many people ask what it means for Express Realty in light of the recent changes in the industry. Come July, the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) can’t disclose what a seller will pay to a buyer’s agent, if anything. 

Today, the typical real estate company often charges a commission rate of about 6%. When they co-broke and work with a real estate agent outside their agency, they often keep about 4% and pay 2% to the buyer’s agent.

Express Realty typically charged 3.5-4% and pays a similar 2% co-broke fee. So, Express Realty only keeps 1.5-2% commission, resulting in a 2-2.5% savings to our sellers.

Saving Money for Real Estate Clients 

Since I started my own company in 2008, I never charged 6% commission. Commission ranged from 3-4.5% total. As technology streamlined the real estate sales process, I wanted to offer my clients more savings. I paid 2% to the buyer’s agent but took the lower percent commission on my end. This saved my clients millions of dollars in commissions since 2008.

Going forward, I will charge 2% to my sellers, and they can decide if and what to pay the buyer’s agent or have the buyer pay the commission. Right now, most real estate clients still want to pay a buyer’s agent. Clients want to ensure that buyer’s agents show a house, as they know not all buyers can afford to pay a buyer’s commission.

Always Charging Low Commissions

I truly appreciate everyone recognizing I never charged 6% commission. I ALWAYS have and will have my client’s best interest at heart. I recently received this 5-Star review. My clients make every night, weekend, and yes – even holidays – I’ve worked worthwhile!

We had a great experience with Terri… it took us a long time to find our perfect home. Just shy of TWO years… yes you read that right. And she NEVER pushed us for just “another” home sale in her pocket book, like other realtors have. We saved a lot of money and we’re happy with the experience we had with Terri as the realtor for the sale of our old home and purchase the our new. We were looking for a realtor who genuinely cares about our wants in one of the bigger investments we’d make, and that’s what we got.

-Nathan Ebert

A Trusted Partner for Life-Changing Real Estate Decisions

Buying or selling a house is a huge, life-changing, financial decision. So, it pays to work with an experienced broker like me who can walk you through all of the details. Whether you’re a senior ready to sell or a first-time home buyer ready to purchase, Express Realty is the Green Bay, Wisconsin, company to entrust your future. Contact Express Realty today for a free Comparative Market Analysis.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

A Sunny Forecast for Home Sellers this Spring

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Spring is the perfect time to sell your house. The spring flowers are blooming, the grass is green, and your yard looks great. Plus, in the springtime, people get outdoors more. The weather is more conducive to attending open houses and moving a household of stuff into a new home. Additionally, home buyers with school-aged children prefer a spring move. Moving in the spring allows time for the family to settle into their new neighborhood before the start of the next school year.

Real Estate Experience & Low Commission

If you want to cash in on the 2024 spring home-buying peak, now is the time to prepare your house for sale. Your first task is to call Express Realty to schedule a free, market analysis and consultation. As the owner/broker of Express Realty I will help you determine how to get the highest value for your real estate. As a top-selling real estate broker in the Green Bay, Wisconsin, market, I provide responsive, professional, and effective real estate services. I have over 15 years of helping Green Bay-area residents achieve their real estate goals. Best of all, I save sellers $7,000 in commissions on average, by charging a low commission of 4 percent instead of the traditional 6 percent commission.

Home Sellers Are Earning Top Dollar

For more than two years, the demand for real estate has outpaced the supply of homes for sale in Wisconsin. Listings decreased 20 percent since March 2022. I predict that 2024 will continue to be a seller’s market, with sellers earning top dollar. Average home prices in Wisconsin rose about 7 percent from March 2022 to January 2024.  

7 Recommendations for Home Sellers

Here are my seven recommendations to help your home sell faster and for more money.

Fix Everything That’s Broken

Whether you hire a handyman or do it yourself, fix everything that’s broken before listing your house. Fix all of the leaky faucets, cracks in the walls, nonfunctional appliances, broken locks, squeaky doors, and anything that tarnishes the home’s reputation.

Deep Clean Your House

To ensure your house looks and smells its best, deep clean every room. Wipe all of the windows, walls, and other surfaces, scrub the floors, clean the sinks and toilets, and vacuum/shampoo the carpets. Deep clean your home to make a good first impression for potential buyers.

Declutter Your Home

Make your home more appealing to potential buyers by removing extra furnishings, accessories, toys, knickknacks, and belongings. Instead of focusing on your “stuff,” potential home buyers can focus on the home itself.

Give Away or Store Possessions 

When you declutter your home, you’ll need a place to take your extra furnishings and belongings. I encourage home sellers to give their extra possessions to charity and rent a temporary storage unit to store the remainder. A storage unit is a safe place to store items while preparing a house for staging and showing. 

Repaint the Walls a Neutral Color

To make your home look brighter, bigger, and more welcoming, add a fresh coat of paint. Choose neutral colors like beige, gray, or white. You don’t want to scare off home buyers with intense paint colors or loud patterns.

Stage Your Home

Present your house in its best light by staging your home yourself or hiring a professional. Staging involves redecorating, repositioning furniture, and styling a home to appeal to potential buyers. In addition to staging the interior, I recommend staging the exterior, also. Improve a home’s curb appeal by attending to landscaping, siding, doors, windows, and lawncare.

Invest in Professional Photography

Now that your home is looking its best inside and out, you want high quality, professional photos to represent its distinct features and charm. Before listing a home, hire a professional photographer to compose, snap, and edit high-resolution photos. Home buyers who see professional images will look closer; whereas, they’ll breeze right past any indistinct, amateur photos. 

Housing Prices in Brown County WI

The forecast looks sunny this spring for home sellers in the Green Bay area. Just look at these home price statistics for Brown County, Wisconsin, in 2023.

  • Median sold price: $307,322
  • Median price per square foot: $167
  • Change from January 2023 to January 2024: +$42,341 (+16.0%)

Spring is the best season to sell a house. By following my seven recommendations, home sellers put themselves in the best position to sell their home quickly and for top dollar. Let’s meet and talk about the ways we can work together to market your home in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Schedule a Comparative Market Analysis with Express Realty today.

A Trusted Partner for Life-Changing Real Estate Decisions

Buying or selling a house is a huge, life-changing, financial decision. So, it pays to work with an experienced broker like me who can walk you through all of the details. Whether you’re a senior ready to sell or a first-time home buyer ready to purchase, Express Realty is the Green Bay, Wisconsin, company to entrust your future. Contact Express Realty today for a free Comparative Market Analysis.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

Green Bay Real Estate Broker: Building Strong Connections for Success 

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The most effective real estate brokers maintain an expansive network of connections. They build solid relationships with lenders, inspectors, mortgage brokers, title companies, and fellow real estate agents. Over the past 15 years, Express Realty has developed great relationships with the real estate professionals working in the Green Bay area. As the Broker/Owner of Express Realty, I make relationships a priority. There is not a lender or realtor in Green Bay that I don’t know. This is critical, because I am able to direct my clients to the most reliable, trusted professional to handle any situation. For two recent transactions, my buyers didn’t know what lender to trust for a home loan. I connected them to two different lenders, because each buyer had specific financial needs. Both successfully secured financing and now are living in their new homes.

Home Owners Insurance Recommendations

In addition to recommending mortgage brokers and lenders, I also refer clients to insurance agents. When one of my clients was having trouble getting a good rate for home owners insurance, I directed them to an insurance agent who gave them amazing coverage at a great rate.

30 Years of Sales & Management Experience

During my 15-year career in real estate, I’ve gotten to know many of the real estate agents in the Green Bay market. They know that I am an experienced broker who knows how to write a great offer. I am not one of those agents whose buyers submit 10 different offers on 10 different houses that get rejected each time. Numerous times, my client’s offer beat out a bunch of other offers – and my client didn’t overpay to buy the property. I’ve been in sales and management for over 30 years, so my negotiation skills are impeccable. 

A Strong Relationship with Real Estate Clients 

Relationship-building doesn’t just pertain to real estate professionals. I also maintain strong relationships with my clients. I love helping home buyers and sellers understand every step of the buying and selling process. My real estate clients appreciate my honesty and good judgment. 

For buyers, I tell them outright if I would not buy a house and why. (Check out my article: Looking to Buy a House? 7 Tips to Overcome High Prices, Low Inventory) I always make sure the property they want to purchase is:

  • In great condition 
  • In the right location  
  • Priced right
  • Resaleable
  • Has the right vibe

Top Dollar, Less Stress, Low Commissions  

My favorite part of working with sellers is helping them understand exactly how much money they will net after the sale. Every seller wants to get top dollar and have a low-stress home-selling experience. (Check out my article, Why Now’s the Time to Sell Your Home in Brown County WI) Nobody wants to pay high a real estate commission of 6 percent. Childcare, groceries, senior living, estate planning, and other products and services are so expensive. If clients can save money on real estate commissions, that’s a real benefit. Express Realty charges a low, 4 percent commission, versus 6 percent commissions, which saves the average seller $8,000. That’s a huge savings! I’m proud to say that each year I experience record sales – which translate to record savings for my clients. 

Comprehensive Real Estate Expertise

Express Realty provides clients with a vast amount of real estate expertise:

  • Expansive network of professional connections  
  • 15 years of real estate experience
  • Knowledge of real estate laws and regulations
  • Familiarity with the Greater Green Bay area
  • Proven marketing plan
  • Powerful negotiating skills
  • Sterling reputation in the industry

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation

Consider all of these factors when choosing a real estate broker to represent you and your loved ones. Express Realty has the right combination of skills to help clients achieve their real estate goals. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.

A Trusted Partner for Life-Changing Real Estate Decisions

Buying or selling a house is a huge, life-changing, financial decision. So, it pays to work with an experienced broker like me who can walk you through all of the details. Whether you’re a senior ready to sell or a first-time home buyer ready to purchase, Express Realty is the Green Bay, Wisconsin, company to entrust your future. Contact Express Realty today for a free Comparative Market Analysis.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

Navigating an Emotional Journey: Helping Seniors Sell Homes

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Buying or selling a home is a huge financial decision. Oftentimes, a real estate transaction is a huge emotional decision as well. I’m such a softie, and some of my sellers’ stories break my heart. Selling a home can be especially difficult for seniors. It is such an emotional and complicated process. They have so many wonderful memories of living in their home and raising their family. Now, they need to sell the home because they are downsizing and moving into a condo, apartment, or assisted living facility. Oftentimes, one spouse passes away, and it’s too difficult for the surviving spouse to maintain the home or live independently. (Read the AARP article, How to Cope with Downsizing Your Home.)

The Emotional Struggles of Selling a Home

Recently, I worked with a family to help their mother sell her home. I met with the mother several times so she could understand all of the different aspects of the upcoming real estate transaction. As we talked, she began to feel more comfortable with the sale. I believe in 100 percent transparency and crystal-clear communication, and I loved explaining the entire real estate process in laymen’s terms that she could understand. The family was so appreciative that I took the time to do this.

The Simplicity of a Single Point of Contact

Another thing they appreciated was the simplicity of working with just one real estate agent. Because I am a broker/owner of Express Realty, I was the only real estate agent that the family dealt with, from the start of our relationship until the day the home closed. If they had any questions, they gave me a call. I was the one who picked up the phone and answered their questions. I had all of the background information I needed, specific to their home, to guide them through the real estate process.

Treating Clients Like Family

My personal approach to real estate sales gives families a sense of security and continuity. Also, I treat clients like extended family members that I claim as my own. I care about them, and it shows. My goal is to ensure that home buyers and sellers feel comfortable, educated and confident that they have the best agent/broker representing them and their estate. (Read more about the Express Realty Difference.)

A Patient Approach to Senior Home Sales

When I work with seniors who are selling their homes, I know how important it is to be patient, kind, and sympathetic, especially with seniors who have mixed feelings about selling. I do my best to make the transition a positive experience for everyone involved.

Selling Above Asking Price & Saving on Commissions

I’m happy to say that I was able to sell the family’s home for over-asking price. Additionally, I saved them 2 percent in commissions because I charge a low 4 percent commission instead of the traditional 6 percent.

A Trusted Partner for Life-Changing Real Estate Decisions

Buying or selling a house is a huge, life-changing, financial decision. So, it pays to work with an experienced broker like me who can walk you through all of the details. Whether you’re a senior ready to sell or a first-time home buyer ready to purchase, Express Realty is the Green Bay, Wisconsin, company to entrust your future. Contact Express Realty today for a free Comparative Market Analysis.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

Thanksgiving Gratitude: Successful Closings and $35K Saved in Commissions 

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“Home for the holidays” has a new meaning for my home-buying clients this fall. They will celebrate Christmas in newly purchased home in Green Bay. I couldn’t be happier for them! October was a busy month for Express Realty, with five closings and four new listings with accepted offers. I’m grateful that these individuals selected me be their real estate broker. My clients are amazing, and they’re so appreciative of the service and savings I provide. 

Savings with a Purpose: $35K and Counting

By charging a low real estate commission of 4 percent, instead of the traditional 6 percent commission, I save sellers an average of $8,000 each. The five October 2023 closings added up to over $35,0000 savings in real estate commissions. Truthfully, I don’t do anything different that other Green Bay-area real estate agents. I just don’t believe that home sellers should pay 6 percent commission, in our age of technology. From staging to professional photography, I offer it all – at a low commission rate.

Gratitude in Real Estate: Serving Amazing Clients

The Thanksgiving season allows us to pause and be grateful for the good things in life. For me, the “good things” are actually the good people that I work with as a real estate broker in Green Bay. They remind me why I started Express Realty. I fell in love with real estate 15 years ago when my husband and I flipped homes and saw the joy that a home purchase brings.

Navigating the Seller’s Market Advantage

In today’s real estate market, home sellers continue to have an advantage. According to the Wisconsin Housing Statistics for October from the Wisconsin Realtor Association, Wisconsin has just 3.3 months of supply. That’s way short of the 6-month benchmark that signifies a balance market. Thus, real estate continues to be a strong seller’s market. One factor affecting home sales is the mortgage rate. Mortgage rates averaged 7.6 percent in October 2023, up from 6.9 percent in October 2022 and up from 7.2 percent from September 2023.

Mortgage Rates and Homeowner Decisions

The higher mortgage rates mean that many home owners are staying put – but not everyone. The Wisconsin Housing Statistics indicate that new listings increased 2 percent from October 2022. Although this may seem like a minimal gain, it’s notable because the 2 percent increase is the first sign of positive annual growth in new listings since February 2022 when new listings increased 1.1 percent. Additionally, sales of existing homes in Wisconsin fell by 7.2 percent in October 2023 compared with a year ago. Wisconsin hasn’t witnessed a single-digit decrease since August 2022. Here in Northeast Wisconsin, home sales dropped about 6 percent in October 2023, compared with October 2022. 

Winter Real Estate Goals: No Seasonal Hurdles

These real estate statistics show a softening demand for homes, which coincides with the seasonal lull that typically occurs in the winter months in Wisconsin. But don’t let the winter weather prevent you from fulfilling your real estate goals. I’m happy to meet with you any time of year. If you’re selling a house, I can perform a complementary Comparative Market Analysis to access your home’s market value. If you’re ready to buy a house, tell me what you’re envisioning, and I’ll help you find the home that’s right for you. Contact me today to get started.

Your Path to Success: Contact Terri Balistriere and Express Realty

Do you have a house to sell? Seize the moment! Home sellers are earning record-setting prices for homes in the Green Bay area. When you sell your home, keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket by working with a low commission real estate company, Express Realty of Green Bay. Contact Terri Balistriere, broker/owner of Express Realty, for your free Comparative Market Analysis today.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

Looking to Buy a House? 7 Tips to Overcome High Prices, Low Inventory

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Are you tired of apartment living or (Sigh!) living with your parents? Need more space for your growing family, or is a career move bringing you to Green Bay, Wisconsin? If you dream of owning your own home in Green Bay, you probably know the challenges you face. The current housing market makes home ownership elusive. Housing inventory is low, resulting in eye-popping prices and fierce competition. High interest rates on home mortgages are compounding the problem. The national average for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage reached 7.79 percent in October, increasing for the seventh week in a row. Homeowners who are locked in at a lower, 4 or 5 percent mortgage rate, are sitting tight, unwilling to sell. Thus, the demand for housing far exceeds the current house-for-sale inventory. 

7 Real Estate Purchasing Tips

So, how can families fulfill their dream of home ownership, when so much is out of their control? As I work with individuals and couples looking to buy a home in the Green Bay area, I recommend these seven real estate-purchasing tips:

  • Evaluate your financial situation: Determine how much you can afford for a downpayment
  • Calculate your monthly mortgage payment: Determine how a mortgage payment, homeowners’ insurance, and real estate taxes fit into your budget. We recommend using this mortgage calculator. Which one? Housing costs should be at or less than 28 percent of your household’s gross income. 
  • Meet with several different lenders: Shop around for the best fit and mortgage rates
  • Gather the required financial documents: Be ready to move quickly to submit an offer on a house
  • Strengthen your credit score: Review your credit reports, pay bills on time, and keep credit card balances low
  • Watch the home for sale listings: Check for homes in your price range with the amenities and location you desire
  • Partner with a professional like me: I have 15 years of real estate experience, successfully finding buyers the right homes at the best price

Housing Market Stats Reveal Declining Sales

The Wisconsin Realtors Association reported that home sales declined from 91,171 in 2021 to 77,968 in 2022. Home sales continue to fall in 2023. For example, recent housing statistics show that 17,602 Wisconsin homes sold in September 2022, compared with 6,392 homes in September 2023. The median price increased from $270,000 in September 2022 to $295,000 in September 2023. It’s no surprise that the Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) indicated that 82 percent of consumers said their home-buying plans are on hold. 

Buying a Home That You Will Love

Buying a home is likely to be the biggest single purchase that people make in their entire lives. So, buyers need to build a solid financial foundation and work with a professional team to execute a successful real estate transaction. Contact me today, and let’s talk about your vision for a new home.  I’m ready to tackle the challenges of steep interest rates, high home prices, and historically low housing inventory to get you moved into a home you will love.

Your Path to Success: Contact Terri Balistriere and Express Realty

Do you have a house to sell? Seize the moment! Home sellers are earning record-setting prices for homes in the Green Bay area. When you sell your home, keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket by working with a low commission real estate company, Express Realty of Green Bay. Contact Terri Balistriere, broker/owner of Express Realty, for your free Comparative Market Analysis today.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

Why Now’s the Time to Sell Your Home in Brown County WI

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Now is a fantastic time to sell your house, because homes are selling quickly and for top dollar. In fact, 71% of Brown County WI homes sold for more than asking price in August 2023, according to the latest housing market report. Homes in Brown County sold for 13% more in August 2023 than August 2022. The median price of $289,997 was $33,144 higher than last year. The median price per square foot was $161 in August 2023. That’s great news for people looking to sell their home. So much depends on the price, size, condition, updates, staging and location. As I work with home buyers and sellers in the Green Bay area, I can attest to the fast-moving real estate market in Northeast Wisconsin. Every moment counts! Homes priced between $250,000 and $350,000 are selling for over asking, because the inventory is so low in this price range. It’s definitely the sweet spot for many first-time home buyers.

The Seller’s Advantage: A Success Story in Green Bay

Let me give you an example. I listed an East Side Green Bay home that was beautifully staged, recently updated, and in immaculate condition. (Read my article, 6 Helpful Hints to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale) I listed the home for $279,900 and showed the home 20 times. The homeowners had nine offers to consider, and accepted an offer of $295,900. It’s definitely a seller’s market when homes are priced appropriately in this price range.

Low Commissions: Express Realty Benefits Sellers

Let me give you a couple more examples. I also listed and sold two homes priced above $700,000 that closed in August. A home on Muirwood in Green Bay was listed for $775,000 and had an accepted offer for $750,000 in just four days. A house on Monarch in West De Pere was listed for $650,000 and sold for $700,000 in just one day. 

These sellers aren’t just earning more for their homes, they’re also saving money on commission. Express Realty saves sellers an average of $8,000 in real estate commission by charging 3.5% versus 6%. I saved these three clients $45,625 in real estate commissions, and provided all of the services they needed for a successful home sale.  

The Monarch home seller hit it right on the head with his Google review:

“When we decided to sell our home, we felt that paying 6% in commission was crazy. Terri (Balistriere) did a great job and presented our home very professionally on the MLS for nearly half the commission of other realtors. It sold in one day for more than asking price.”

-David Landwehr

Real Estate Market Analysis: Brown County’s Data

Looking more closely at the housing market data, a couple of statistics stand out. A total of 225 homes were sold or pending sale in August 2023 in Brown County, which was a 6% decrease from July. Of the 225 sold homes, 71% were sold over asking, 13% were sold at asking, and 16% were sold under asking. 

Compared to August 2022, the home price of 1-bedroom homes increased by 29.8%, 2-bedroom home prices increased by 11.6%, 3-bedroom home prices increased by 15.1%, 4-bedroom home prices increased by 8.2%, and 5+ bedroom home prices increased by 24%.

Additionally, Brown County homes recorded the highest median sold price among neighboring counties. Brown County homes sold for a median price of $289,900, compared with Outagamie County at $274,900; Kewaunee County at $266,000; Manitowoc County at $199,600; and Shawano County at $187,000. Each county recorded double-digit increases in price from one year ago. Kewaunee County housing prices experienced the biggest jump of 26%, from $210,000 to $266,000 from August 2022 to August 2023.

Your Path to Success: Contact Terri Balistriere and Express Realty

Do you have a house to sell? Seize the moment! Home sellers are earning record-setting prices for homes in the Green Bay area. When you sell your home, keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket by working with a low commission real estate company, Express Realty of Green Bay. Contact Terri Balistriere, broker/owner of Express Realty, for your free Comparative Market Analysis today.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

How To Improve Your Home’s Appraisal Value

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Before and After of Man Painting Roller to Reveal Newly Remodeled Room with Fresh Tan Paint and New Floors

When the time is right to sell a home, one big question to ask is “How do I maximize my home’s appraisal value?” The home appraisal process plays an important role in setting the price for a home for sale. In a home appraisal, an unbiased, certified appraiser performs an on-site evaluation to determine a property’s fair market value. 

Maximizing Your Home’s Appraisal Value

As a Green Bay, WI, real estate broker for the past 15 years, I recommend the following ways to prepare a home for an appraisal:

  • Present the home at its very best (Read my recommendations: 6 Helpful Hints to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale)
  • Replace carpet and paint rooms. These are two of the least expensive home improvements, yet they can vastly increase a home’s value 
  • Document any recent improvements, renovations, or upgrades. Consider improving the kitchen and bathroom with modern fixtures or adding living space by finishing the basement or attic.
  • Update the major systems (plumbing, heating, air, electrical) that aren’t in optimal working order. 
  • Enhance curb appeal with exterior updates and landscaping techniques.
  • Work with a Real Estate Agent to enhance appraisal value.  

The Role of a ‘Comp’ in Assigning Value

In addition to conducting an on-site home evaluation, appraisers also analyze the value of similar homes on the real estate market. Appraisers use comparable properties, called “comps” to compare the location, size, and condition of the home they’re appraising to other homes.

Appraisals Help to Guide Pricing Decisions

Most Wisconsin lenders require a home appraisal to determine fair market value, and a bank or mortgage lender will hire the appraiser. Typically, the home buyer pays for the appraisal, with the expense included in the property’s closing costs. If a seller has a unique property, the seller can always hire a local appraiser. Expect to pay $300-$450 for a single-family home appraisal.

Factors Evaluated in a Home Appraisal

Home appraisers evaluate a number of factors:

  • Location of a property: Proximity to amenities like medical facilities, quality schools, city centers, desirable neighborhoods, etc. Homes in less desirable locations have a lower fair market value than those in more desirable locations.
  • Layout & size of property: Number of acres or lot size, number of rooms, type and size of garage or outbuildings, home style, etc. Small, cramped homes are valued lower than spacious homes with more functional living space.
  • Condition of property: Age, recent renovations, landscaping, integrity of the foundation, walls, siding, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc. Old, poorly maintained and out-of-date interiors and exteriors reduce a home’s value.
  • Negative occurrences at a property: Significant, negative occurrences at the property, such as a crime or suspected paranormal activity, stigmatize the property and downgrade its value.
  • Recent market trends: In today’s low-inventory real estate market, bidding wars often drive home prices higher than expected. Appraisers take this into account when establishing fair market value.

Express Realty Advocates for Home Sellers 

As the owner/broker of Express Realty, I expertly guide buyers and sellers through the real estate process, including the appraisal stage. During the home appraisal process, I identify comparable properties in the area and provide a list of comps to the appraiser. I advocate on behalf of the home seller when speaking with appraisers to emphasize the property’s enhancements, strengths, and unique features. When meeting sellers, I recommend appropriate pricing strategies and set realistic expectations.

Contact Broker/Owner Terri Balistriere 

From the moment I meet a home seller to the day we close on a house, I provide responsive, professional, and honest real estate broker services. Express Realty makes buying and selling a home easy and affordable, charging low commission rates of 3.5% versus 6%. Contact me, Terri Balistriere, broker/owner of Express Realty, to help you improve your home’s appraisal value. 

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

The Power of Helping Others: A Real Estate Broker’s Journey to Success

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Terri with 3 people at closing C

 “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

– Chinese Proverb

Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped houses. Inspired by home rehab, she decided to earn a real estate broker’s license so she could help others fulfill their real estate goals. That was 20 years ago. Terri still loves real estate, primarily because selling homes gives her the opportunity to help others. As the broker/owner of Express Realty, Terri achieved record sales year to date in 2023, selling over 30 homes in and around Green Bay, Wisconsin. That’s no easy task in a real estate market with so few homes on the market in Wisconsin.

Low Inventory Affects Real Estate Market in Wisconsin

Typically, July is a busy homebuying time in Wisconsin, but today’s homebuyers are struggling to find homes for sale. In a balanced housing market, buyers and sellers would have a six-month average for transactions. 

According to the April 2023 housing data released by the Wisconsin Realtors Association, only two months of inventory is available. Young families and first-time homebuyers are finding it especially challenging to purchase a starter home priced in the $125,000 to $350,000 range. There’s only 1.7 months of inventory for these buyers. Overall home sales declined 32.5% statewide from April 2023 to April 2022. Plus, low inventory means buyers are competing for fewer available homes, driving real estate prices higher. 

Saving Home Sellers Money with Low Commission

Despite these challenges, Express Realty continues to have an outstanding year, thanks to the clients who put their trust in Terri Balistriere, a top real estate broker in Green Bay. Express Realty set itself apart from other Green Bay real estate companies by offering low commission rates of 3.5% instead of 6% on most homes. Year to date in 2023, Express Realty helped home sellers save over $200,000 in commission. 

Keeping More Money in the Pockets of Home Sellers

Here’s how home sellers use their low-commission savings:

  • Bill and Anne Edwards, who saved over $9,000 in real estate commissions, are using their savings to purchase a new home.
  • Tom and Sheri Konitzer had numerous offers on their home and sold for over-asking price. They used their $7,800 saved in real estate commission for vacations and retirement savings. 
  • Dave and Cindy Landwehr sold their $700,000 home. They are using their $17,800 in commission savings for vacations and a retirement home in Florida.

The list goes on and on! With the high cost of groceries, utilities, and everything else, it’s smart to hire the best broker, pay a lower commission, and save your hard-earned money.

Terri Balistriere Believes in Helping Others

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Helping others gives life meaning and purpose. Studies show that people who help others are physically healthier and significantly happier. Their sense of well-being improves, and their stress decreases. Terri Balistriere, Express Realty broker/owner, truly believes in the power of helping others. 

“By helping others, I continue to find a purpose in life. It’s so uplifting to hear what clients have done with their savings because I charge 3.5% commission versus 6%. The stories, testimonials and smiles from the clients I’m helping make real estate such a pleasure. I still love it, and I look forward to helping the next family achieve their real estate goals.”

– Terri Balistriere, Express Realty broker/owner

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today 

Discover the Express Realty difference. Schedule a complimentary consultation today.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

6 Helpful Hints to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale

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Are you thinking about listing your home? When it’s time to sell, you want the house to make a great impression, so you attract sensational offers. (Read my article, Selling a Home for Top Dollar: 5 Myths and Facts) Over my 20-year real estate career, I learned what buyers look for in a home. When I meet with home sellers, I recommend these six things to do before listing. Some of these tips are surprisingly easy, while others require a good amount time and labor. Yes, it will take some work, but rest assured, the work is worth it, especially if you’re shooting for the most cash. Here’s my ultimate checklist of things to do before selling a house.

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Terri Balistriere, broker/owner of Express Realty, stands by a for sale sign and offers 6 tips to selling a home

You want to wow potential buyers from the get-go. So, make sure the first impression of your home is a positive one. Attractive curb appeal will pique their interest and motivate them to tour the inside of the house. Curb appeal projects with high return on investment include:

  • Planting colorful flowers by the front entry
  • Repainting or replacing the front door and/or garage door (Read more repainting advice.)
  • Mowing, fertilizing, and controlling weeds in the lawn
  • Updating landscaping with fresh mulch, shrubs, etc.
  • Adding patio furniture as a welcoming place to sit and relax
  • Pressure washing the patio, deck, porch, walkways and home exterior

You are accustomed to seeing your home every day, but a real estate agent sees it with a fresh perspective and expert eye. If you’re not sure what steps to take to improve your home’s curb appeal, ask your real estate agent for ideas. Updating the exterior of your house is one of the best ways to attract the attention of a home buyer.

Declutter the Home’s Living Areas

Piles of clutter tend to develop over time. When you get your house ready for a showing, you need to declutter. Why? Because a potential home buyer needs to see that the house has enough space and storage to accommodate their needs. No, you don’t need to get rid of everything! After all, a house with a lived-in feel typically sells faster than an empty house. Decluttering projects with high return on investment include:

  • Clear off all visible areas like countertops, windowsills, desks, and tables
  • Use a tray for remotes and small items
  • Reduce or remove the items behind closed doors like cupboards, closets, and drawers

Decluttering will make your house look more appealing to buyers. Plus, you’ll have an easier time moving out once you have an accepted offer. Some of your possessions will already be packed into boxes for the move or given away.

Deep Clean Everything Inside and Out

Homes that are decluttered and deep cleaned sell for more money. So, take the time to clean your house from top to bottom. The extra effort will be worth it! If time is short, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to deep clean you home before a showing. Cleaning projects high return on investment include:

  • Take out the garbage and eliminate any sources of foul odors
  • Sweep, vacuum and wash floors; spot clean carpets
  • Wash the windows and open the curtains to let in natural light
  • Clean the bathrooms and remove hard-water stains
  • Thoroughly wipe down all surfaces: sinks, countertops, stove, etc.
  • Make the beds and pick up everything on the bedroom floors
  • Dust the furniture and surfaces

Depersonalize Your Home

When prepping your home to sell, remove the items that might distract potential buyers. You want the potential buyers to envision themselves living in the house, but they won’t feel at home if they see your personal items like family photos, flashy artwork, or odd-ball furniture. By depersonalizing your home, you make it more appealing to a wider range of home buyers. Try to create a blank canvas, so buyers are more likely to envision themselves living there and loving it. Depersonalization projects with high return on investment include:

  • Hang a couple timeless pieces of art throughout the house
  • Add life and color to the living room with green house plants
  • Arrange the furniture and area rugs so the living room looks welcoming and comfortable
  • Get an amazing piece of furniture to create a finished look
  • Set the kitchen/dining room table with classy dishes, glassware, silverware, placemats and an attractive centerpiece
  • Dress up the bathroom with decorative hand soap and an attractive basket of towels

Repaint Walls to Neutral Tones

A fresh coat of paint does wonders to any room. When selecting paint colors, choose neutral tones. You might love that olive accent wall, but it can be a turnoff for the next home owner. With neutral paint colors on the walls and ceilings, potential buyers can project their own vision for the rooms. Your job as a home seller is to help buyers feel comfortable in your house. If they can’t picture themselves living in the house, they will keep looking at other homes on the real estate market.

Choose Your Real Estate Agent Wisely

Today’s hot real estate market makes it tempting to forego a real estate agent and instead sell the house yourself. However, For Sale by Owner transactions are loaded with pitfalls, so it’s better to have a competent real estate agent at your side. One of the most important things to do before selling your home is to choose the right real estate company and real estate agent to work with. Read my article, Want to Choose the Best Real Estate Broker? Follow These 4 Tips.

Your real estate agent should be someone you feel comfortable around. The real estate agent should be personable, experienced, trustworthy, and knowledgeable about real estate in your area. Check reviews, do some online research, and ask family and friends for referrals. Then, interview the agents to see if they’re a good fit. Lastly, compare the commission rate. You can save thousands of dollars by working with a low commission real estate agent.

Get the Home-Selling Process Started

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it’s time to sell a home, but the right real estate agent can smooth out the path to an accepted offer. Get the home-selling process started with these six tips and a call to Terri Balistriere, broker/owner of Express Realty, for your free Comparative Market Analysis.

About Express Realty: Express Realty is a Green Bay, Wisconsin, real estate company offering lower commission rates without compromising quality. Broker/owner Terri Balistriere fell in love with real estate when she and her husband flipped homes 20 year ago. Since that time, she has helped hundreds of Northeast Wisconsin residents fulfill their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, Terri Balistriere is ready to help. Contact Express Realty, your Northeast Wisconsin real estate professional serving Brown County, Oconto County, Outagamie County, Sheboygan County, and Manitowoc County. Express Realty’s professional real estate services cover De Pere, Green Bay, Bellevue, Hobart, Allouez, Suamico, Pulaski, Little Suamico, Chase, Freedom, Wrightstown, Wrightstown, Little Chute, Kaukauna, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan.

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EXPRESS REALTY, LLC.
1671 Hoffmann Road
Suite 120a – Green Bay, WI 54311

Phone: 920-819-5282 

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