Understanding a Home's Appraisal Understanding appraisals can help with buying or selling a home. Whether you are buying home in Downtown Kenosha or selling your home near Petrifying Springs Park, the more you know about the value in advance the better prepared you can be. Appraisals are required by lenders whenever they are involved in the financing of a home. The main purpose is to protect the financial institution so they do not lend more than the value of the property. An appraisal is an unbiased professional opinion of the value of a home and is used whenever [...]

Be Prepared With the Right Realtor Being prepared, prior to even looking for your dream home, will make the home-buying process easier and less stressful, especially in the current seller’s market throughout Kenosha County. A combination of strong demand and tight inventory is leading to one of the most difficult and competitive environments for buyers.  Due to a shortage of inventory (currently only 204 single family homes listed in the City of Kenosha) competition can be fierce; therefore, it’s important a buyer understands they may have to pay full price for a home and potentially over the asking [...]

Realtor Spotlight: Rachel Lang Cove Realty is excited to welcome Rachel Lang to our growing team of realtors. If you are looking for a Realtor who knows Kenosha in and out, Rachel Lang is ready to help you buy or sell your home. “We recognize that millennial buyers are looking to work with an agent that’s relatable and recognizes what they value in their perfect home. After 20-years of being Kenosha’s hometown favorite we also recognize that realtors with strong roots in the Kenosha area succeed. We are excited to see what the future holds for Rachel Lang [...]

Mortgage Questions: Buying a Kenosha Home Being pre-approved for a mortgage is critical to understand your budget and to put in a competitive offer on your dream home. Cove Realty’s Kevin Poirier and Gateway Mortgage’s Robb Cibrario, provide expert advice on the pre-approved process.  Pre-Approval Checklist: Copies of Driver’s Licenses Copies of Social Security Cards Most Recent Bank Statements Pay Stubs Retirement/Investment Account Statements Tax Returns (1040) W-2 Forms for the Past Two Years (or 1099)

Top 5 Real Estate Questions During a Pandemic Navigating the real estate market is already intimidating, but in these uncertain times, we all have even more questions. As a realtor that maneuvered the 2008 economic crisis, I have seen drastic differences in this COVID-19 market compared to how real estate was affected back then. The processes that worked in that 2008 financial downturn do not translate to this one, and I wanted to answer my five most frequently asked questions that relate to these extremely unique circumstances. Top Five Questions: Is now a good time to buy? This [...]

It’s a Seller's Market this Spring! As the days get longer and spring flowers begin to bloom, you may be considering putting your home on the market. Perhaps you dream about living closer to Downtown Kenosha and the beautiful lakefront or you think about moving closer to Lake Andrea and the Recplex. Or are you dreaming about downsizing, an updated kitchen or bigger yard? Have you considered listing your home? After a record setting winter, this spring is the perfect time to put your home on the market!  Why listing in spring is a bonus! Convenience. Even with [...]

Caring for the Community During These Troubling Times As this unprecedented event unfolds around us, the Cove Realty team is concerned, not only for the welfare of their friends and family, but also for the community that they love and support. During these trying times, as individuals and families struggle to not only stay safe and healthy but to also prepare for the future, the help and support of others is vital. One of the greatest characteristics of Kenosha and its surrounding neighborhoods is the incredible sense of community and the willingness to help others. This is something [...]

Lessons From Mom & Dad... Working with your family can be challenging … everyone thinks they know best. Arguments ensue and the family bickers. But sometimes, the stars align, so that not only is everyone happy, but you also walk away with a valuable life lesson. Let me share my story. Over ten years ago, I moved from Chicago (where I was born and raised) to Kenosha to start my family.  I quickly learned to LOVE all of the amenities that Kenosha offered my family and I enjoyed sharing pictures, stories and adventures with my parents, who still [...]

Home Inspection Process Are you familiar with how the home inspection process works? Cove Realty's Char Nikolai, along with Scott Geissman of Higher Standard Home Inspection, provide answers to frequently ask questions from first-time home buyers.