DesignationsHome BuyersHome SellersMKEHomesTyler Kristopeit February 24, 2023

Committed to Professional Excellence: Tyler Kristopeit Earns C2EX Endorsement from the National Association of REALTORS®

Real estate agent Tyler Kristopeit, based at MKE Homes powered by Coldwell Banker Realty, has been awarded the REALTORS® Commitment to Excellence Endorsement from the National Association of REALTORS® in recognition of his knowledge and expertise in 10 core areas of real estate practice.

Client Service

Putting the client first is at the heart of Tyler’s real estate practice. He understands that buying or selling a home is a major decision, and he is dedicated to providing personalized support and guidance every step of the way.

Professional Reputation

Tyler’s commitment to professional excellence and ethical conduct is second to none. With his C2EX endorsement, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the REALTORS® Code of Ethics and the importance of maintaining a strong professional reputation.

Real Estate Law

Navigating the complexities of real estate law is essential to protecting the rights and interests of clients. Tyler’s expertise in this area helps ensure that his clients have a clear understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities throughout the real estate transaction process.

REALTOR® Code of Ethics

REALTOR®, Tyler is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in his professional practice. His C2EX endorsement demonstrates his deep understanding of the Realtor® Code of Ethics and his dedication to ethical conduct in all aspects of his work.

Equal Service to All (Article 10 of the Code)

Tyler is committed to providing equal service to all clients, regardless of their background or circumstances. With his C2EX endorsement, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of fairness and equality in the real estate industry.

Advocacy of Real Property Ownership

Tyler is passionate about advocating for real property ownership and helping clients achieve their dreams of homeownership. With his C2EX endorsement, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the many benefits of property ownership and the role it plays in building strong communities.

Trust and Integrity

Tyler’s reputation for trustworthiness and integrity is a cornerstone of his real estate practice. With his C2EX endorsement, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of building trust and maintaining integrity in all client relationships.

Use of Technology

Tyler recognizes the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the real estate industry. His C2EX endorsement demonstrates his expertise in using technology to enhance his clients’ experiences and achieve their real estate goals.

Data Privacy

Tyler is committed to protecting his clients’ privacy and ensuring that their personal data is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. With his C2EX endorsement, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of data privacy in the real estate industry.

Areas of Practice

Tyler’s expertise in all aspects of real estate practice, from buying and selling to negotiating and beyond, enables him to provide exceptional service and guidance to clients.

 

“As Realtors®, we are only as strong as our cumulative value of our brand,” said NAR President Kenny Parcell. “NAR’s efforts to boost professionalism not only strengthen NAR and help our 1.5 million members better navigate the market, but they’re tremendously valuable to home buyers and sellers, as well.

“America is experiencing a roughly 6-million-unit housing shortage, pushing homeownership out of reach for too many families,” Parcell continued. “U.S. consumers count on Realtors® to help ensure real estate remains available, accessible, and affordable for them. And we’re so proud of NAR members like Tyler Kristopeit for solidifying the commitment to ensuring their clients and consumers everywhere can access their American dream of home and property ownership”

Tyler’s C2EX endorsement sets him apart as a real estate professional who is deeply committed to professional excellence and client service. He is dedicated to continually improving his knowledge and skills, so he can be the best possible resource for his clients in any real estate situation. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, or if you have questions about the real estate market, don’t hesitate to contact Tyler. He is here to help you achieve your real estate goals with the highest levels of competency, professionalism, and care.

Home Buyers August 6, 2022

Everything Home Buyers need to know about Home Inspections: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re in the market to buy a home, one of the most important choices you will make is whether or not to have a home inspection. A home inspection is an incredibly important step in the home-buying process, and it’s something that all home buyers should at least consider. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about home inspections: what they are, why they’re important, and what happens during and after one is conducted. We’ll also provide some tips on how to find a qualified home inspector and ask the right questions when hiring one. So whether you’re just starting to look for homes or you’re already in the process of buying one, make sure to read this post!

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an examination of the home you are buying. It is conducted by a licensed home inspector who will look at the home’s structure, systems, and components. The purpose of a home inspection is to give you, the buyer, an un-biased opinion about the condition of the home from a licensed, third party professional.

Why is a Home Inspection important?

Buying a house with open eyes and realistic expectations is crucial. A Home Inspection may find problems with the property that no one knew about, not even the seller, which might save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation in the immediate future or later on. Ultimately, the Home Inspection is either looked as an insurance policy against a bad decision, and/or an investment in your future ownership of the home. So, how do you find a Home Inspector?

Hiring a Home Inspector

Your Real Estate Agent should have list of Home Inspectors they can recommend to you: I certainly have a list that includes a number of Home Inspectors I trust and I enjoy working with in the Milwaukee area (see below). Of course, you can always find a Home Inspector on your own – and it may be worth asking some friends/family who they’ve used and how the experience has been.

If you’ve never hired a Home Inspector, you may be thinking “ok – but what am I looking for and what do I ask?”. Never fear – these are the questions you should consider asking the Home Inspectors you speak with:

“Are you Licensed by the State of Wisconsin?”

If the individual you’re talking to doesn’t have a State of Wisconsin License: RUN. In the eyes of the State of Wisconsin, they aren’t a Home Inspector. The different Offer to Purchase forms in the State of Wisconsin clearly specify that the inspector must be state licensed unless your contract changed to allow for exemption. This means in probably 99.999999% of cases you not only should hire a licensed Home Inspector, but that you MUST hire a licensed Home Inspector. This means Contractors, your best friend, and your dad are (mostly likely) not qualified…

“Are you Insured?”

As a buyer, it is important for you to determine whether the home inspector is protected in the event that there is a mistake in their inspection report. For example, if the inspector fails to discover an issue that ends up costing thousands of dollars in repairs but does not have errors and omissions coverage, the buyer could end up having to pay for rectifying the error. This is also important in case the Home Inspector accidentally damages the property over the course of the inspection.

“What is your professional background? Are you a member of any professional home inspectors associations?”

It’s worth finding out how your house inspector got into their line of work. The trades, architects, engineers, firemen, and other professions that have a broad range of backgrounds are well suited to being house inspectors. It’s an indicator that they’re excellent at what they do if they work as a Home Inspector full-time: if their services are “in demand” enough to make a living is probably an indication that they’re competent.

The National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI), the American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT), the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) are some examples of trade associations for home inspectors. Membership in these organizations indicate a commitment to the profession and a desire to keep up with the latest practices and methods.

It is all about the Report: it is all-important.

The ultimate goal of a Home Inspection is the Report, which serves a number of purposes (see below “What to do with your Inspection Report”). Important questions to ask about the report is: what format is it completed in? Does it include pictures (if so, are they embedded in the report or sent separately)? Does the Inspector have a sample you can see? How long after the Inspection can you expect to receive it? Knowing this ensures you will be able to comply with your Home Inspection Contingency and that the Report will meet your needs (and that you’ll get your moneys worth).

“How much will this cost me?”

Finally, you’ll want to know how much the Inspection and Report will cost. The costs of inspectors can vary somewhat. As a friendly reminder, you’re not searching for the most inexpensive inspector; you’re looking for value. In other words, seek out the finest home inspector that you can afford and one that you are comfortable with. Once you’ve hired your Inspector and agreed upon their professional fee, it is time to set the date and meet at the property…

My Inspection is Today: What can I expect?

A home inspector will generally spend two to three hours at a home, depending on its size and age (among other factors). During this time, they will be examining the home’s structure, systems and components. This includes everything from the foundation to the roof and all areas in between, so long as it is accessible and within the scope of the Inspection.

As a buyer, you should be at the Inspection. This is your chance to really understand the home you are buying and to ask questions about its upkeep and maintenance. The home inspector will be looking for any and all defects, so don’t expect a perfect home – what you should expect is an honest evaluation of the home’s condition. By being at the Inspection, you’ll also be able to see first-hand any defects and this will help you with decision-making down the road.

Ultimately, the goal of a Home Inspection is to look for Defects. As in all matters you will encounter with your transaction, you should always go back to the contract for guidance. In the WB-11, lines 445-447 define a Defect as such:

What to do with your Inspection Report

You’ve received your report – now the big question is: what do I do with it? In my personal opinion, there are two essential roles for the report, which are…

To Save you from a Bad Decision

Once you get your report from your Inspector, it is a good idea to make sure your real estate agent has received a copy. Review it on your own, then plan to speak with your agent about it. We will guide you through the report as it affects your contract. Because there are so many nuances with each individual purchase contract, it isn’t really worth my going over those here. Just please be sure to consult with a trusted, qualified professional who has your best interest at heart – such as your Real Estate Agent.

To Serve as a Roadmap for your ownership of your Home

Everyone has heard of the term “honey-do” list. The Home Inspection Report is the ultimate “honey-do” list: prepared by a professional who has given you a (hopefully) clear-eyed assessment of the condition of your property. This roadmap should give you an idea of what maintenance items need to be dealt with for the first few years of your ownership. Looking at this “big picture” will not help you budget and prepare, but it will allow you to prioritize – and ultimately conquer – the projects that are a necessary part of homeownership. Proper maintenance of your home is critical to maintaining (and, hopefully, increasing) the value of your home, not to mention creating the environment for your enjoyment of it. So, after the closing – keep it nearby and reference it often. You paid good money for it, after all!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve learned how crucial a home inspection is to the house purchasing process and that you now have a deeper understanding of it. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Recommended Home Inspectors: Tyler’s List

These are just some of the many wonderful Home Inspectors I’ve been privileged to work with and whom I feel have served my clients well:

David Nason Best Inspections, LLC: https://www.bestinspectionsllc.com/

Brian Derewicz Realistic Home Inspection Services, LLC: https://realistichomeinspection.com/

Aaron Marjala Tri-County Home Inspection, LLC: https://tricountyhomeinspectionllc.com/

Jason Flaherty Solid Foundation Home Inspection Services, LLC: https://solidfoundationinspections.com/

Home SellersShowings August 5, 2022

Home Selling Tips: 5 Tips to Make a Great First Impression and Ensure Success

If you’ve ever walked through someone else’s home, then you know that making a great first impression is key. You only get one chance to make a good impression on potential buyers, and if they don’t like what they see when they walk in the door, there’s a good chance they’ll leave and never come back. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five tips to help you make sure your home showing is successful. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to increase the chances of getting an accepted offer on your home!

#1: Put your attention on the outside.

Make sure you don’t overlook anything on the outside of your home. The appearance of your property’s curb appeal may make or break whether someone gets out of their car to come in. They’ll wonder what else isn’t being taken care of if they pull up and see a lawn that needs edging and an unkempt flower bed. You want everything about the outside of your house to be as perfect as you can make it. Clean the siding, windows, and doors thoroughly. Make sure there are no dirt smudges, cobwebs, or other things that need painting that haven’t been done yet.

#2: Take yourself out of the house.

That means that you want to take out all the personal stuff. Remove the family photos from the wall or tables. You want the home to look neutral so that the potential buyers can look at your house and picture it as themselves living there. Everything should be as neutral as possible in terms of personal items. For safety reasons, be sure to remove any valuable items – like jewelry, antiques – and controlled items – like prescription medications.

#3: Remove all the extra clutter you see at first glance.

If you look around, it’ll amaze you at how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. Some of it might very well be important, but that doesn’t mean that your potential buyers should see it. When you have a lot of clutter, it shrinks the living space of the house. It makes it look and feel cramped and smaller. Many homeowners get something called house blindness. They’ve lived in the home for so long with the same clutter that they don’t even really see it anymore. But a stranger will always notice. So clean out your house and make the space as big as possible.

#4: If you have a pet, no one that walks through your house should be able to notice it exists.

We all love our pets – but that doesn’t mean all of your buyers will feel the same as you do. When getting ready to show a home, this means no cat litter box, no dog to jump on anyone, no food sitting around in a dish. Your home should not have any pet odors. Having a clean house that’s odor free is a big selling point. You don’t want to lose a possible deal just because they can smell your pet’s presence or your pet makes a bad impression.

#5: Stage your home!

You can hire a professional or you can do it yourself. Stage your living areas in a way that shows off your home. You can rent furniture to make your home furnishings look good if you don’t use a stager. Someone who knows how to stage a house knows how to play up the best features of your home and knows what to bring in or get rid of to make the entire house appeal to a buyer.

First impressions are HUGE when showing you home to potential buyers, but by following the simple tips above you will be well on your way to making a great impression and, hopefully, receiving multiple offers! And if you are at all anxious about this important step, reach out to me! I’m here to help guide you through this process and make it as stress-free as possible.

DesignationsHome BuyersHome SellersMKEHomesTyler Kristopeit April 15, 2022

Guiding You Through the Toughest Real Estate Transactions: Tyler Kristopeit Earns SFR Designation

Navigating complex and distressed real estate transactions can be overwhelming and stressful. But with the help of Tyler Kristopeit, a real estate professional at MKEHomes powered by Coldwell Banker Realty, you can feel confident and in-control during even the most challenging situations. Tyler’s expertise in representing both buyers and sellers in foreclosure and short sale transactions is second to none, thanks in part to his nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certification.

Dedicated to providing compassionate and professional support, Tyler has helped dozens of homebuyers and investors acquire foreclosed/distressed properties throughout his career. Now, with his SFR certification, he is better equipped than ever to assist clients in need of guidance through these complicated transactions.

Here’s a breakdown of what Tyler can do for buyers and sellers in these situations:

Representing Buyers in Foreclosure Situations

  • When a property is in foreclosure, time is of the essence. Tyler can help buyers move quickly and confidently to secure the property they want while navigating the complexities of the foreclosure process.
  • Tyler can work with buyers to determine what they can afford, identify properties that meet their needs, and negotiate with the lender to secure the best possible deal.
  • Tyler will help buyers navigate the inspection and appraisal process, and ensure that they have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities throughout the transaction.

Representing Sellers in Short Sales (or Other Situations Where They Are in Default with Their Bank)

  • Short sales can be an attractive option for sellers who are facing financial hardship and can no longer afford to make their mortgage payments. Tyler can help these sellers navigate the process and avoid the devastating consequences of foreclosure.
  • With his expertise in negotiating with lenders, Tyler can help sellers secure a short sale that works for them and avoids a foreclosure on their record.
  • Tyler can help sellers understand their rights and responsibilities, and work with them to develop a comprehensive plan to manage the sale and transition to a new living situation.

To earn his SFR certification, Tyler completed extensive training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk. He stays current on the latest national and state-specific information related to distressed properties, so his clients can feel confident in his guidance.

If you’re looking to purchase a foreclosed home, or if you’re having a hard time making your mortgage payments and need help getting out of that terrible situation, don’t hesitate to contact Tyler. With his expert guidance and compassionate support, you can achieve your real estate goals and move forward with confidence.

DesignationsMKEHomesTyler Kristopeit September 24, 2021

Unlocking Doors for Our Service Members: Tyler Kristopeit Earns Military Relocation Professional Certification

Tyler Kristopeit, a real estate agent with MKEHomes powered by Coldwell Banker Realty, has been awarded the nationally recognized Military Relocation Professional Certification. This prestigious certification is awarded by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to real estate agents who specialize in helping military personnel, veterans, and their families find housing that meets their unique needs.

Relocating can be a stressful time for military staff and their families. By working with a real estate professional who understands their needs and timelines, the transfer can be made easier, faster, and less stressful. REALTORS® who have earned this certification are equipped to work with active duty military buyers and sellers, as well as veterans. This provides them with the resources they need to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Moreover, this specialized training provides NAR members with valuable resources to assist military service members at any stage of their career. To earn this certification, REALTORS® must complete the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification course and two webinars. Furthermore, they must maintain good standing with NAR.

For more information about the MRP certification, visit www.militaryrelocationpro.org

If you’re a military member or veteran in need of expert guidance and support for your real estate needs, look no further than Tyler Kristopeit of MKEHomes. With his Military Relocation Professional Certification and extensive knowledge of the Milwaukee area, he is dedicated to serving those who serve our country. Contact Tyler today to learn how he can help you find your ideal home or sell your current property with ease and confidence.

DesignationsHome BuyersHome SellersMKEHomesTyler Kristopeit September 16, 2021

Your Go-To Expert for Milwaukee-area Real Estate Negotiation

Tyler Kristopeit of MKEHomes, powered by Coldwell Banker Realty, has earned the prestigious Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) certification. The RENE credential, conferred by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI), is the gold standard for negotiation skills among real estate professionals. He is now part of a select group of agents from around the world who have successfully completed extensive coursework on negotiation and adhere to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.

Real estate negotiations can be complex and stressful, but Tyler’s RENE certification ensures he is equipped with the skills to navigate even the most challenging scenarios. Whether negotiating offers, resolving conflicts, or any other part of a real estate transaction, his expertise can help clients achieve the best possible outcomes.

The RENE certification provided Tyler with in-depth training on the tactics, techniques, and tools needed to successfully negotiate real estate deals. The coursework emphasized the importance of understanding personality types and cultural differences, as well as the legal and ethical implications of real estate negotiations. Armed with this knowledge, he can skillfully negotiate on behalf of clients, from first-time homebuyers to experienced investors.

The REBI, which administers the RENE certification, is a not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®. Its mission is to provide real estate professionals with top-quality education and resources to help them achieve success. The organization’s commitment to quality and professionalism aligns with Tyler’s values, making the RENE certification an essential part of his ongoing professional development.

If you’re buying or selling a home, working with an expert negotiator like Tyler can make a significant difference in the outcome of your real estate transaction. With his extensive training and experience, Tyler has the tools needed to guide clients through the negotiation process and help them achieve their goals.

To learn more about how his negotiation skills can benefit you, visit his website or get in touch with him today.