Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
NOTE: This is a shameless plug for Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus Spring Cabaret….
Time is running out. You only have 2 chances yet today (3 p.m. and 7 p.m.) to see Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus’ production of “Dark Mirror” at the West Side Club.
It’s an odd show but many of the performances more than make up for the concept. It’s worth the price of admission alone (it’s a fundraiser) to hear and see Terrence Gilles perform the great Sondheim number “I’m Still Here”. Never has it been done in such a way.
Another highlight of the show is Ed Anderson’s version of “Mr. Cellophane”. Truly brings down the house with his subtle interpretation of this classic number from “Chicago”.
The show builds to a fun ending with your’s truly performing “I Am What I Am” from La Cage Au Folles and a rousing rendition of “Keep it Gay” from The Producers performed by Keith Eccarius. All in all a fun 2 hours of entertainment.
Seats are still available for the last 2 shows today. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the West Side Club.
Time is running out. You only have 2 chances yet today (3 p.m. and 7 p.m.) to see Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus’ production of “Dark Mirror” at the West Side Club.
It’s an odd show but many of the performances more than make up for the concept. It’s worth the price of admission alone (it’s a fundraiser) to hear and see Terrence Gilles perform the great Sondheim number “I’m Still Here”. Never has it been done in such a way.
Another highlight of the show is Ed Anderson’s version of “Mr. Cellophane”. Truly brings down the house with his subtle interpretation of this classic number from “Chicago”.
The show builds to a fun ending with your’s truly performing “I Am What I Am” from La Cage Au Folles and a rousing rendition of “Keep it Gay” from The Producers performed by Keith Eccarius. All in all a fun 2 hours of entertainment.
Seats are still available for the last 2 shows today. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the West Side Club.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wisconsin Home Price Declines are Modest
Fourth Quarter 2008
Wisconsin Home Sales Fall Significantly but Home Price Decline is Modest
http://www.wra.org/online_pubs/press_releases/2009/pr0212_hsgstats.html
Date: February 12, 2009
MADISON, WI – There was good and bad news for Wisconsin's housing market in 2008. While housing sales fell significantly last year as a result of the national financial turmoil and recession, home prices remained stronger than in many parts of the country, falling only modestly according to the year-end analysis of existing home sales conducted by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA).
Wisconsin home sales declined in 2008 by 19.2 percent as compared to 2007, whereas median prices fell 3.7 percent to $158,000 over that same time period according to the REALTORS® report. Home sales in the Midwest were down by 14.9 percent, which is slightly higher than the national decline of 13.1 percent.
“Wisconsin’s housing market is not immune from recessions,” said WRA President William Malkasian. “Combining this strong recession with the financial meltdown last fall, it’s not surprising that home sales suffered in 2008. But our prices seem to have weathered the storm thus far, falling just 3.7% below 2007 levels, and outperforming the nation and the Midwest region,” he said. Wisconsin home prices were much less volatile than markets like Arizona, California and Nevada, a fact Malkasian attributes to less exposure to subprime mortgages and much less speculative buying and selling in the Wisconsin housing market. “Most people buy homes here to live in, not flip,” Malkasian said.
WRA Board Chairman Michael Mulleady suggested that home buyers are taking a wait and see attitude when it comes to home purchases. “With consumer confidence at all-time lows and recent job losses making headlines, buyers are understandably timid about getting into the housing market,” said Mulleady. “Those who otherwise would be inclined to trade-up are waiting for the market to improve, and even credit-worthy first-time buyers are choosing to remain spectators for the time being,” he said. “There is no doubt that this is a buyer’s market and this could be a great time to get into the market, given that mortgage rates are now in the 5 percent range and Congress is currently debating a stimulus package that may offer some very favorable tax breaks for home buyers,” Mulleady said.
Malkasian struck a cautious tone, suggesting that the housing market will start to improve once there are signs of growth in the economy. “New tax breaks and low mortgage rates will get some buyers off the fence, but sustained growth in housing demand will only take place after buyers are confident that the economy is once again growing,” said Malkasian.
For More Information Contact: David E. Clark, Economist, C3 Statistical Solutions Inc. Office phone: 414-803-6537
About the WRA
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state, representing over 14,000 real estate brokers, sales people and affiliates statewide. Sales estimates for the state are provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, which seasonally adjusts quarterly sales figures. All county figures on sales volume and median prices are compiled by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and are not seasonally adjusted. Median prices are only computed if the county recorded at least 10 home sales in the quarter.
Wisconsin Home Sales Fall Significantly but Home Price Decline is Modest
http://www.wra.org/online_pubs/press_releases/2009/pr0212_hsgstats.html
Date: February 12, 2009
MADISON, WI – There was good and bad news for Wisconsin's housing market in 2008. While housing sales fell significantly last year as a result of the national financial turmoil and recession, home prices remained stronger than in many parts of the country, falling only modestly according to the year-end analysis of existing home sales conducted by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA).
Wisconsin home sales declined in 2008 by 19.2 percent as compared to 2007, whereas median prices fell 3.7 percent to $158,000 over that same time period according to the REALTORS® report. Home sales in the Midwest were down by 14.9 percent, which is slightly higher than the national decline of 13.1 percent.
“Wisconsin’s housing market is not immune from recessions,” said WRA President William Malkasian. “Combining this strong recession with the financial meltdown last fall, it’s not surprising that home sales suffered in 2008. But our prices seem to have weathered the storm thus far, falling just 3.7% below 2007 levels, and outperforming the nation and the Midwest region,” he said. Wisconsin home prices were much less volatile than markets like Arizona, California and Nevada, a fact Malkasian attributes to less exposure to subprime mortgages and much less speculative buying and selling in the Wisconsin housing market. “Most people buy homes here to live in, not flip,” Malkasian said.
WRA Board Chairman Michael Mulleady suggested that home buyers are taking a wait and see attitude when it comes to home purchases. “With consumer confidence at all-time lows and recent job losses making headlines, buyers are understandably timid about getting into the housing market,” said Mulleady. “Those who otherwise would be inclined to trade-up are waiting for the market to improve, and even credit-worthy first-time buyers are choosing to remain spectators for the time being,” he said. “There is no doubt that this is a buyer’s market and this could be a great time to get into the market, given that mortgage rates are now in the 5 percent range and Congress is currently debating a stimulus package that may offer some very favorable tax breaks for home buyers,” Mulleady said.
Malkasian struck a cautious tone, suggesting that the housing market will start to improve once there are signs of growth in the economy. “New tax breaks and low mortgage rates will get some buyers off the fence, but sustained growth in housing demand will only take place after buyers are confident that the economy is once again growing,” said Malkasian.
For More Information Contact: David E. Clark, Economist, C3 Statistical Solutions Inc. Office phone: 414-803-6537
About the WRA
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state, representing over 14,000 real estate brokers, sales people and affiliates statewide. Sales estimates for the state are provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, which seasonally adjusts quarterly sales figures. All county figures on sales volume and median prices are compiled by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and are not seasonally adjusted. Median prices are only computed if the county recorded at least 10 home sales in the quarter.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Friday, July 18, 2008
Capitol West, Downtown Madison's Newest Offering
One of the most ambitious residential construction projects in the cities history has just finished it's first phase of construction and the first residents have moved in. Capitol West is an agressive redevelopment project by developer Randy Alexander and it proves to be a winner.
According to today's Wisconsin State Journal, almost 50% of the first multistory condo tower is sold. Very good numbers for this housing economy.
You can read the WSJ article here.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Best time to Lock in Your Mortgage Rate
“What do you think about rates … should I lock in now or wait to see if they fall further?” Think I’ve been asked that a time or two over the past 18 years? You better believe it. It’s a good question—one that goes through every single buyer’s head at some stage.
A quoted interest rate is no good unless you’ve confirmed, in writing, that your loan is indeed “locked,” or guaranteed for a designated period of time. You need to be proactive with your locked rate as well and don’t assume that your loan officer already locked you in. In fact, your loan officer shouldn’t lock in your rate without your specific instructions. If it was locked in and rates went down you’d be pretty mad, wouldn’t you?
While neither real estate agents nor loan officers are in the business of predicting the future, it’s still possible to make a prudent choice in the face of uncertainty. Would you rather lock in your rate and watch rates fall or not lock in your rate and see rates go up?
If you decided to lock and rates go down, you’ve secured the market rate that you were happy with. But if rates went up and you didn’t lock, you’d be paying for that mistake for the rest of the loan.
There is an even worse possible scenario: After not locking in your rate, rates shoot up and you no longer qualify for the loan. So it’s important to ask yourself: “Which way would I rather be wrong?”
If you are comfortable with the rate you’ve been quoted, talk to your real estate agent about the possible consequences of waiting to lock it in.
Written by David Reed, author of Mortgage 101 and Mortgage Confidential.
A quoted interest rate is no good unless you’ve confirmed, in writing, that your loan is indeed “locked,” or guaranteed for a designated period of time. You need to be proactive with your locked rate as well and don’t assume that your loan officer already locked you in. In fact, your loan officer shouldn’t lock in your rate without your specific instructions. If it was locked in and rates went down you’d be pretty mad, wouldn’t you?
While neither real estate agents nor loan officers are in the business of predicting the future, it’s still possible to make a prudent choice in the face of uncertainty. Would you rather lock in your rate and watch rates fall or not lock in your rate and see rates go up?
If you decided to lock and rates go down, you’ve secured the market rate that you were happy with. But if rates went up and you didn’t lock, you’d be paying for that mistake for the rest of the loan.
There is an even worse possible scenario: After not locking in your rate, rates shoot up and you no longer qualify for the loan. So it’s important to ask yourself: “Which way would I rather be wrong?”
If you are comfortable with the rate you’ve been quoted, talk to your real estate agent about the possible consequences of waiting to lock it in.
Written by David Reed, author of Mortgage 101 and Mortgage Confidential.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Keller Williams Listings Now On Zillow
Thanks to a newly formed business relationship between eAgentC, the technology arm of Keller Williams Realty, and Zillow, all Keller Williams Realty listings are now searchable on the popular search engine, increasing our agents’ and home sellers’ exposure to potential buyers.
Each listing Keller Williams Realty feeds to Zillow includes a description of the property with multiple photos and contact information for the listing agent. Also included are links back to the Keller Williams Website where Zillow users can find more information and connect with a Keller Williams associate to guide them through the home buying and selling process.
“We know that over 80% of all homebuyer’s use the internet for their real estate searches” states Keller Williams Realty Madison West Team Leader, Jessica Fox. “This increased exposure only means our home seller’s are increasing their chances of getting their home sold in a challenging market.”
Keller Williams Madison’s offices increased online exposure seems to be working. The company is posting a 13% increase in sales through April 2008 vs. the same period of time in 2007. According to South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service (SCWMLS) the overall real estate market is down nearly 30% in sold units.
“The constant training of our agents as well as keeping on the cutting edge of all the technology tools is truly driving our success in early 2008” states Madison Crossroads Team Leader, Brett Boettge.
Keller Williams Realty Madison has 2 locations with over 200 real estate agents. The company started operations in the greater Madison area in January 2003.
Each listing Keller Williams Realty feeds to Zillow includes a description of the property with multiple photos and contact information for the listing agent. Also included are links back to the Keller Williams Website where Zillow users can find more information and connect with a Keller Williams associate to guide them through the home buying and selling process.
“We know that over 80% of all homebuyer’s use the internet for their real estate searches” states Keller Williams Realty Madison West Team Leader, Jessica Fox. “This increased exposure only means our home seller’s are increasing their chances of getting their home sold in a challenging market.”
Keller Williams Madison’s offices increased online exposure seems to be working. The company is posting a 13% increase in sales through April 2008 vs. the same period of time in 2007. According to South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service (SCWMLS) the overall real estate market is down nearly 30% in sold units.
“The constant training of our agents as well as keeping on the cutting edge of all the technology tools is truly driving our success in early 2008” states Madison Crossroads Team Leader, Brett Boettge.
Keller Williams Realty Madison has 2 locations with over 200 real estate agents. The company started operations in the greater Madison area in January 2003.
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