Tips for Moving with Children

As a mom and a realtor I can tell you moving is tough - moving with children can be downright terrifying. Each child and family is different, but I have some tips and tricks that may help ease the transition and help you as a parent feel a little less frustrated during a potentially stressful time. The picture on the left is my friend Crystal and her two oldest children, Carmen and Andre. They asked my advice a few years ago when they sold their home in Two Rivers and moved to Reedsville. The move went smoothly and she encouraged me to share some of my tips and tricks for softening the blow of a move. Here are my top 8 suggestions:


1- Take the children on a tour prior to the move. Accent all parks, playgrounds, & fun features which they will have access. When your children take ownership in something, it gives them back a feeling of control. One of the scariest parts of moving for a child is the unknown and that feeling of dread that comes with being out of control. Allowing the children to tour the area will help them get excited about all the possibilities that come with a new home, new neighborhood, and a new beginning!

 2- Try to transition as slowly as possible. If you can give your children some time to adjust to the idea, then make more and more weekend plans to separate them slowly from their friends it can make the situation a bit more comfortable. Always be sure to distribute your new address to the children's parents. If your child or children are old enough, have them help you write out address cards Ask friends and families of friends if they'll send a letter to the new address as well as keeping in touch after you've moved.

yummy yogurt pops for your party! 

 3- Let the children decorate a special box. Let them pack their favorite items in a "special" box. If possible, hold that box out of the moving van or truck. They can keep the box of special items next to them in the vehicle so it's the first one they open at the new house.

 4- Sight see on the way to your new home - make it an adventure! No one likes a move but everyone likes an adventure! Before you leave, you can make a list of things to look for on the voyage and allow your children to have a scavenger hunt of types. They'll be on the lookout for fun and excitement instead of worrying about what lies ahead or asking "are we there yet?"

 5- Have a going away party. I love a party - and as I get older, I love them even more. It doesn't pay to get together just for funerals and sad occasions - and what better reason to have a party than to celebrate the new beginning that comes with moving. Gather your friends and family for some fun - and include children's games and plenty of activities to keep the children interacting with one another. (my little friend Delphine pictured on the right recommends plenty of yogurt pops at the party too!)

 6- Start a scrap book dedicated to your new home and community. If your children are old enough, they can help you snap pictures, make drawings, and who doesn't love to add some glitter and embellish an album? This will help your child take ownership in the move and they'll be making something they can be proud to share with relatives who may live too far away to come see the new house in person.

 7- Help and encourage your children to write letters to their old friends. Remind them that old friends are silver but new friends are gold (remember the song?). They can tell their old friends about the new people they are meeting and this will help them stay connected to their old community while still finding their own place in the new community.

 8- Involve your kids in  sports, clubs, & activities. Just because your little soccer star can no longer be on the same team, it doesn't mean they have to give up their dreams of playing soccer. Help find a team and befriend some of the other parents. This will help you settle in to the new community while helping acclimate your child as well.


Lisa VanLanen has been a WI certified Realtor since 2001 and has been using her expertise to help sellers sell and buyers buy. Lisa networks with lenders to help both buyers and sellers and she goes the extra mile to make the process as smooth as possible. Past clients have referred friends and family to Lisa knowing they are in good hands. Lisa's proven track record speaks for itself. Call her today to see what she can do for you. 920-901-8004

What's Happening on the Lakeshore?

I love Manitowoc County (which is probably why I'm still here after all these years, and still so passionate about real estate in our area) and I'm quick to tell people about all Manitowoc/Two Rivers/Mishicot etc... has to offer. This is such a great place to live. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, here are just a few events that might interest you. Maybe I'll even see you out and about - be sure to say hello. I'm more than just your Realtor, I'm your friend and neighbor too!

October 27th at 7:30pm
Ricky Nelson Remembered at the Capitol Civic Center - http://cccshows.org/bims-ricky-nelson-remembered-starring-matthew-gunnar-nelson/ (Presented by the Baileigh Industrial Marquee Series, this unique multi media entertainment event featuring the live music of Ricky Nelson’s hit songs (including Hello Mary Lou, Travelin’ Man, Garden Party) performed by Ricky’s own twin sons Matthew & Gunnar.)


October 27th 5-7pm
Miracle League Trick or Treat at the Baymont Inn & Suites 
Kids with disabilities and their families can come out and join a trick-or-treating party with the Miracle League of the Lakeshore. This will be a safe, barrier-free experience for kids with physical and cognitive disabilities. Information: Jason Ring, at jring@manitowoc.info or 920-686-3070


October 28-29th: 
Haunted Sub, Wisconsin Maritime Museum. Haunted submarine experience 7-11 P.M. Oct. 28th &  29th: Admission $8

October 29th:

Family Friend Fun on the Lakeshore! 

Luncheon & Fashion Show, Agricultural Heritage Farm, Kewaunee. Enjoy a luncheon with regionally recognized fashion show. 682- 6615.



October 29th 1-4pm:
 Zoo Boo at Lincoln Park Zoo

Have some fun at the zoo before trick-or-treating and get wild with the animals. Fun for the whole family will include games, surprises and refreshments. Costumes and candy buckets encouraged. Online: www.manitowoc.org/lincolnparkzoo


October 29th 7:30pm
N.E.W. Symphony
Join in the festivities of Europe with the inaugural concert of the N.E.W. Wind Symphony, composed of more than 60 of the area’s best musicians. Green Bay Symphony principal trombonist and Manitowoc native Andrew Zipperer will be featured along with soprano Emily Laurin. Online: www.cccshows.org

October 31st:

Trick or Treating Times

Manitowoc-  5 to 7 pm
Two Rivers- 5-7:30 pm

Lisa VanLanen has been a WI certified Realtor since 2001 and has been using her expertise to help sellers sell and buyers buy. Lisa networks with lenders to help both buyers and sellers and she goes the extra mile to make the process as smooth as possible. Past clients have referred friends and family to Lisa knowing they are in good hands. Lisa's proven track record speaks for itself. Call her today to see what she can do for you. 920-901-8004

A Gift as a Realtor

Once of the nicest gifts you can give a Realtor is a referral.

Lori's son Adam

Here is what Lori Riha had to say about her experience with Lisa Van Lanen of Lakeshore Inc., Realtors

Lisa is the best realtor .She went above and beyond to help 

find the special house we were looking 

for and did it .... We will be forever friends. 

I really appreciated the love and respect she 

showed towards my son who has special 

needs and found the perfect house for us

 to help him in.I stongly recommend her 

because she goes above and beyond the extra mile

Here is what Vaness Kinney Durbin had to say about her experience

Lisa is amazing! She worked hard to find us just what we wanted & fast!

John D writes:

 This was my first time buying a house and 

Lisa made it a easy and great experience. 

Very knowledgeable and great to work 

with. When the time comes to

 sell or find a new house i will 

definitely work with Lisa again. 

 Heather A writes: 

 Lisa Van Lanen sold our home for us in 2015. 

She was diligent on finding a perfect buyer 

in that she ended up showing the house 

9 times to the family as they were all on 

different schedules. She kept us abreast of the 

family's reactions, feedback and comments on the home. 

We were exceptionally appreciative of 

Lisa's diligence in selling our home, 

her professionalism 

and passion for what she does every day at her job. 

Her 15-year experience really shows 

that she knows her real estate well and will do 

what it takes to get your home sold. 

 Jet writes: 

 Lisa is the cream of the crop! She truly out shines all other

 real-estate agents. She truly listens and works

 with you to find what your looking for. 

 Magnum Writes: 

 A very out going and knowledgeable person in her field. 

She treats you like family. 

I had a 2nd floor Condo to sell and she came through 

with flying colors. I would recommend her to all of my friends. 

 Cindy Writes: 

 Lisa Van Lanen is a joy to work with. I am happy to 

help Lisa's clients & am proud of the work

 Lisa does with each & every client.

You can find other words of encouragement and feedback on my Facebook Page  and I encourage you to scroll through the pictures of smiling buyers and sellers who have allowed me the opportunity to help them with their home goals!

Lisa VanLanen has been a WI certified Realtor since 2001 and has been using her expertise to help sellers sell and buyers buy. Lisa networks with lenders to help both buyers and sellers and she goes the extra mile to make the process as smooth as possible. Past clients have referred friends and family to Lisa knowing they are in good hands. Lisa's proven track record speaks for itself. Call her today to see what she can do for you. 920-901-8004

Thinking of Selling Your Home? I've got Great News - Hot Off the Presses

MLS #1486578

As I'm sure you can imagine, Realtors have to keep a close watch on the economy as well as the real estate market. As I perusing the business pages this morning, I came across great news in the form of this Bloomberg article: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-10-20/u-s-existing-home-sales-rose-more-than-forecast-in-september

In case you don't have time to read the entire article, the thing I would like to highlight is this:

“Buyer traffic was notably higher compared to one-year ago,” Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the Realtors group in Washington, told reporters as the figures were released. “We are entering a seasonal slowdown. Once the spring buying season returns, it’s going to be quite heated. What is lacking is inventory. The supply situation is not improving.”

This means that right now is a great time to sell your house! Demand is high and supply is low - so it's a sellers market. If you're interested in finding out what kind of opportunity this will bring for you and your home, please give me a call and I'd be happy to look at your home with you!

Thanks!

~Lisa

Lisa VanLanen has been a WI certified Realtor since 2001 and has been using her expertise to help sellers sell and buyers buy. Lisa networks with lenders to help both buyers and sellers and she goes the extra mile to make the process as smooth as possible. Past clients have referred friends and family to Lisa knowing they are in good hands. Lisa's proven track record speaks for itself. Call her today to see what she can do for you. 920-901-8004

Tips for Home Buyers

Buying a home is exciting but can also seem overwhelming. I've been a real estate professional for
over 15 years and here are some tips I've learned along the way:


 1) Get Pre-Approved. It's never good to fall in love with a home and then find out there's something goofy on your credit report and you won't be able to get financing. Your bank/credit union/financial institution will help walk you through any credit problems and will help you know how much you can comfortably afford. Once you know this, your Realtor can help you find a house you'll love for a price you can afford.


 2) Check out the Neighborhood. I love it when people come to me and give me an idea of what neighborhoods they prefer and which they would like to avoid. For parents, this means knowing what schools are close by. It's also a great idea to check the Sex Offender Registry. If you don't like driving very much, you'll want to consider a neighborhood within walking distance of the bus or close to grocery shopping and other activities important to you.


3) Consider monthly costs. Know what you are currently paying each month for utilities, garbage, etc... and keep that amount in mind when looking for a new home. If you are increasing your square footage, chances are you'll be increasing utilities each month. You don't want to cut yourself short. Knowing what you can comfortably afford for utilities and other monthly costs will help your Realtor find a home that is just the right size for your family.


4) Put on your rose colored glasses.  When you look at a space, you sometimes have to use your imagination to envision it after the sellers have moved out. The shag carpet and paneling may remind you of grandma Helen's basement, but don't judge a book by it's cover. Those things can be removed or upgraded for a reasonable amount and suddenly grandma Helen's basement is transformed into your very own trendy art-deco oasis.


5) Know your outdoor limitations. A large yard sounds fabulous, doesn't it? A long private driveway looks lovely in July, right? Let's be realistic. If you're working and traveling and don't love yard work, you'll want to find a manageable size yard or factor in the cost for a service to come do the work for you. Same thing with the driveway, you'll definitely need more than a shovel to tackle that quarter mile gravel driveway.


Your Realtor will be better able to help find you the right home if he or she knows what you are looking for. The more you've considered ahead of time the better prepared you'll be to answer questions that will help you and your Realtor become a team. Before you'll know it, you'll be unpacking boxes in the house of your dreams!/



 Lisa VanLanen has been a WI certified Realtor since 2001 and has been using her expertise to help sellers sell and buyers buy. Lisa networks with lenders to help both buyers and sellers and she goes the extra mile to make the process as smooth as possible. Past clients have referred friends and family to Lisa knowing they are in good hands. Lisa's proven track record speaks for itself. Call her today to see what she can do for you. 920-901-8004

Tips for Home Sellers

Selling your home can be a difficult decision. I've been a Realtor in Manitowoc County for quite some time (a lady never discloses her age...but) I've been a licensed real estate professional in Wisconsin for over 15 years. I have some tips that might make it easier if you find yourself in the position of selling your home:

1) Know what you owe on your mortgage: You want to be sure you have enough equity in your home before placing it on the market. Give your bank a call or go online and find out what the payoff is.


2) Pull your credit score: Getting a copy of your credit report has become easier in the last few years. Before you make a large financial decision, you'll want to know your credit score, but you'll also want to know if there are any discrepancies on your report. If there are any liens or problems, it's best to get them resolved before listing your home.


3) Do your homework: Knowing what to expect can make selling your home a more pleasurable experience for all parties involved. Find out what similar homes in your area are selling for. Your Realtor will tell you what they think your home is worth, but if you already have an idea, you won't be shocked by the price they recommend listing at.


4) Tidy things up a bit. It's much easier for a potential buyer to see the beauty in your home if the clutter has been removed. This is a great time to take old clothes to be donated, clean up the yard, and decide what you really want and need.


5) Don't get too motivated. Don't grab that list of improvements you've been putting off. Save that time, energy, and money for your new place. I've seen too many people put in brand new carpeting and fresh paint right before listing their house. They think it will help. The problem is, you don't know if the buyer is going to have the same taste as you. Imagine the waste if that brand new carpet is immediately torn out and replaced with hard wood floors. Spend your time and energy tidying things up but not making aesthetic improvements - a $200 faucet will not increase your home's value by $200.

I would love to take a look at your home with you and see if 

I would be a good fit as your Realtor in Manitowoc County!

Lisa VanLanen has been a WI certified Realtor since 2001 and has been using her expertise to help sellers sell and buyers buy. Lisa networks with lenders to help both buyers and sellers and she goes the extra mile to make the process as smooth as possible. Past clients have referred friends and family to Lisa knowing they are in good hands. Lisa's proven track record speaks for itself. Call her today to see what she can do for you. 920-901-8004

Why Choose Lisa VanLanen as your Realtor?

Lisa Van Lanen 920-901-8004

Hi! I'm Lisa VanLanen. There are many realtors to choose from and it's important for every buyer and seller to find a realtor they are comfortable with. If you answer yes to several of the questions below, I just might be the right realtor for you:

* Is honesty and integrity important to you?

* Do you want a realtor with a proven track record of helping sellers achieve their goals?

* Do you want to work with a realtor who really understands what type of home/property you are looking for?

* Do you want a realtor who is motivated to work within your timeframe?

* Do you want a realtor who has stability and has been with the same company for over 15 years?

* Do you want to work with the Lakeshore areas oldest residential real estate company?

I pride myself as being a straight shooter and a hard worker. Being a realtor is not just a job for me. I've been doing this a long time because I am passionate about people, passionate about properties, and I absolutely love what I do.

I would be honored if you would give me a call 920-901-8004