I've never read "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" or "Two Years to a Million in Real Estate," or anything like that. I've never even been tempted. That's not my style, nor my ambition.

I do like helping people sell houses, though.

I enjoy getting to know people. I enjoy advertising and marketing properties. I like new technologies that open up the real estate market to everyone. I really like amazing houses and great yards. I am committed to helping people save money when they sell!

Why I started Sunlit Realty
I have nothing against traditional full-service real estate companies. They serve many people well. I know a few outstanding full-service agents, and one of them may help you find a buyer. But, full-service means full-price.

The thought of paying $10,000 or more for a commission makes me look for other options. Some agents undoubtedly earn their commissions, but that is a lot of money.

If you ever hear a full-price agent dismissing or down-talking a discount company they are probably just frustrated with the new low-cost competition in the marketplace. The truth is, though, that a good discount broker like Sunlit Realty can provide most, if not all, of the same services for clients and save them thousands of dollars in the process.

I started Sunlit Realty to give homeowners a new and affordable way to sell their property. Sunlit's prices are discounted, but our services are rich.

My philosophy
I have a do-it-yourself attitude about real estate. Transactions can sometimes be tricky, but they aren't rocket science. A little common sense and persistence goes a long way.

Even before I earned my real estate licenses, I knew I could do much of the same marketing that agents do. I knew I'd have to keep my house in tiptop shape for showings whether I was using an agent or not. I knew I would have to get title insurance and hire an attorney to help me with the closing conditions and paperwork. I also figured I could arrange all this for much less than 6% of the selling price – even factoring in the extra time and effort it took me.

The missing link, in the past, was always MLS exposure for my properties. The MLS is a powerful sales and marketing tool, and it greatly increases a seller's odds of success. Most buyers these days are searching online for MLS properties. These are the properties that generally sell fastest and usually get the most money.

Today it's a lot easier to get your home listed on the local MLS (and, by the power of the Internet, hundreds of other web sites too). You don't have to hire a full-price firm to do this anymore.

Now you can contract with any number of "flat-fee" or "fee-for-service" brokers (i.e. "discount" companies), both local and national, that can get you on the MLS covering your area. This is a big money-saving advantage for do-it-yourselfers and others willing to take responsibility for a few activities related to the sale of their property.

I encourage everyone to give discount services serious consideration when deciding how best to sell their homes. It's a great middle ground between for-sale-by-owner and full-price.

All real estate is local
I strongly recommend hiring a local discount company. There is a real benefit to having your broker nearby, and invested in and knowledgeable about the community where you live.

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I am not trying to get rich at your expense. I have set my fees as low as I think I possibly can while still earning a modest living. I'm not even sure if my prices are sustainable over the long term, given the many hours of effort I put into each listing. But I'm going to try.

I really want my community, and the broader area where I live, to grow and prosper. I want this to be a dynamic and interesting place to be. I want to help my friends and neighbors and other people in the area buy and sell houses with the lowest transaction costs possible.

Personal stuff
Beyond real estate, I am blessed with a wonderful family and great friends! I grew up in Delafield and Pewaukee. I have lived in Watertown for the past 8 years.

Previous employers include the Wisconsin State Legislature, the League of Conservation Voters, the Wisconsin Humane Society, Practical Political Consulting and Redefined Realty. I am a licensed attorney and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. I have served on a number of different public policy boards and commissions. My personal interests range from cooking to kayaking to racing, traveling and politics. I'm also well known at the local bakery.

I really hope to be useful and contribute to the community where I live. I'd like to help you too. Give me a call or send me an email if you want to talk more.

Thanks for your interest in Sunlit Realty.

Best wishes,

Barry Ashenfelter, Broker-Owner
Sunlit Realty, LLC

Sunlit Realty, LLC | Phone: (920) 261-0036 | Fax: (888) 375-0102 | Email: barry@sunlitrealty.com | By Owner Blog
P.O. Box 636, Watertown, Wisconsin

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