USA Today Article

As I'm still playing with all of my loot that I got from Santa this year I don't have much time to blog. I did find this article in USA Today over the weekend however and thought you'd find it interesting. I'll be back to the 'real' world soon..........see ya in 09'!

How Long Will the Economic Plunge Go On?

It may come as a surprise, but the U.S. economy is expected to emerge from the recession sometime around mid-2009.

Until that happens, the economy will remain mired in one of the deepest and longest downturns the nation has seen in decades.

If the recession continues past the spring, as many economists predict, it will be the most prolonged one since the Great Depression. Employers are expected to continue to shed jobs at a rapid pace. Consumers will pull back spending. Businesses will cancel equipment purchases. Unsold, empty homes will dot city blocks.

Once the massive amount of fiscal stimulus currently being crafted by lawmakers and aggressive action by the Federal Reserve kicks in, the economy is expected to improve, according to several economists and business owners.

Can you believe it's finally here??

I hope you all have a blessed and very merry Christmas!

Love, Maggie and family

No Real Estate News is Good News, Right??!!??

Top Peeves Dogs have with Humans

1. Yelling at me for barking. I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG

2. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?

3. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose. Stop it!

4. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.

5. The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo oooooooo what a proud moment for the top of the food chain.

6. Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back!

7. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.

8. Dog sweaters. Hello ??? Haven't you noticed the fur?

Be Thankful Contest Winner

Recently my mom held a contest called the 'Be Thankful' contest. People could submit a person or family that they were thankful for. The winner would receive a $50 gift certificate to a local restaurant.

Well the winning entry was sent in by Dave and Judy Weiss and here is a portion of their submission.

Congratulations Gale and Rita!

I would like to nominate a great family from Omro. The family consists of the parents, Gale, Rita and their eight children. Gale works evenings and Rita home schools the children who range in age from four to thirteen. I see Rita and the children in church each Sunday and they are so well behaved. The kids are very likable. Twice a month Rita teaches Science at the home schoolers meeting. She also attends a Bible study on Tuesday evenings while the 13 year old babysits - something Rita feels a bit of guilt about, but feels she needs the fellowship of other women. This family needs mom and dad to have a night out. It's been a long time for them and I thank you for considering them as you search for the right folks for your award.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Okay, the snow can melt now. I'm already over it! My mom and dad left me at grandma's house while they ran off to warmer weather....AGAIN! Who do they think they are anyway?!?
Can you believe it's less than a month now until Christmas?!? Wow, how time flies!
However, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. Take time to be with family and friends and be thankful for all the blessings we have. I'm thankful for all the treats that grandpa is going to give me while I'm at their house and thankful that I didn't have to take any stupid new pictures for my blog! AND....I'm very thankful for my mom and dad!!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I AM as miserable as I look!

Here's the latest........

Home sales in Winnebago County continue to slump
By Larry Avila • for The Northwestern • November 19, 2008

Home sales in Winnebago County were down 13 percent between July and September, slightly better than the statewide drop of 16.7 percent compared to last year.
The county joined most of northeast Wisconsin in a continuing home sales slide, according to data released Tuesday by the Wisconsin Realtors Association.
K.C. Maurer, with ReMax 24/7 in Appleton, said the Northeast Wisconsin MLS region logged 7,363 sales between January and September, down from 8,614 the same time last year.
"The (Multiple Listing Service) third quarter number (for northeast Wisconsin) is down 14.5 percent year-to-date," he said. "We still saw a lot of transactions, but it is down."
Winnebago County reported 423 sales, down 13 percent from 486 in 2007. Outagamie County logged 430 sales, down 18.4 percent from 527 a year ago, and Waupaca County recorded 116 transactions, down 25.6 percent from 156 last year.
Still, there were some bright spots.
Calumet County was among a dozen counties in Wisconsin that reported sales gains. A total of 109 homes were sold during the third quarter in Calumet County, a 4.8 percent increase from the same time a year ago when 104 homes sold.
Real estate experts could not pinpoint why some counties across the state saw gains in existing home sales between July and September, though no one is complaining.
"I cannot point to any single event," Maurer said.
David Clark, economist for C3 Statistical Solutions in Milwaukee, whose firm works with WRA in compiling sales data, said buyers still are sitting on the sidelines.
"Our belief is that it's the economy right now," he said. "Sellers are motivated but consumers are being cautious."
Maurer said while trends show sales are down, the data is showing some signs of improvement.
"Every month this year, the year-to-date numbers get a little better," he said. "None the less, they still are negative. The turnaround is slow in coming, but at least the slide is not continuing in the wrong direction and it seems like it's starting to turn in the right direction."

You Can't Be Serious?!?!

Well my mom is pretty discouraged today after reading a housing market prediction for 2009 in Money Market Magazine. Yes, she knows that this is just one prediction out of many but after such a tumultuous two years more bad news is pretty depressing.

My mom works really hard for her sellers and will continue to do so. Things with the housing market will eventually turn around. We all need to stay positive and encouraged!

Forecast 2009: Your Home
By Stephen Gandel, Money Magazine
Nov 11th, 2008
(Money Magazine) -- Forget the old saw that all real estate is local. What's pummeling housing prices in your nabe is the same thing that's hurting them around the country: the credit crisis.
You know the drill - banks' troubles have made it harder for many home buyers to get mortgages and those who do qualify have to pay more. A borrower with good credit and a 20% down payment recently got charged an interest rate of 6.7%, on average, according to HSH Associates.
It's true that this rate is not historically high (rates often surpassed 9% in the early 1990s). But it's more than the 6.2% that the same borrower would have paid at the beginning of 2008.
The fact that mortgage rates have remained stubbornly elevated despite the government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac leads some experts to believe that those rates are not headed down anytime soon.
Then look at the fact that 18.6 million homes in this country are now sitting vacant, more than at any other time since the Census Bureau began tracking that figure in the 1960s. And that 2.8% of U.S. mortgage loans are now at least three months in arrears, up from 1.4% a year ago. That rate is projected to peak in early 2009.
But if a recession lasts for three-quarters of the year, as some economists are predicting, the number of foreclosures could remain high longer. Add it all up and you have another lousy year for real estate.
Home prices are down 20% nationwide since their peak in July 2006, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index. Economist Nouriel Roubini of New York University, who accurately predicted the housing slide and credit crisis, expects another 20% decline in home prices next year. Patrick Newport of economic forecasting firm Global Insight projects a 15% drop.
The damage will likely hit even areas that have so far escaped many problems, such as New York City. "We don't see the market turning until late 2009," says Newport.
The wild card:
· How much home values fall early in the year
If they go so low that investors can start renting out homes for enough to cover their mortgage payments, we could see a wave of people snapping up bargain houses in 2009 - which could push prices higher by the time the next 12 months draw to a close.
Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the perpetually optimistic National Association of Realtors, says he expects prices to rise 2.8% in 2009.

Elections Over...Now What?

As my mom has been out and about enjoying this weather I've been the one left to work around this joint. Ugh....

Now that we have elected a new president, like it or not, I'm hearing that the economy and housing market are going to start a slow recovery. This recession has been hard on all of us. I have certainly been seeing a lot less of my mom and dad because they're working hard and longer hours (even though my mom is out horsing around now while I'm working).

I wanted to pass along some encouraging information that I heard from a local mortgage expert here in town. She knows her stuff and has really been a help to my mom by keeping her posted on the latest news in the mortgage world.

"The U.S. should be braced for more financial changes in the upcoming months and into 2009. The changes that have occurred already and future ones are both frustrating, but necessary. We have seen a cleansing of the mortgage environment by stricter underwriting guidelines and elimination of "riskier" type loan products. So even though it is more difficult to obtain financing, monies are readily available to more traditional borrowers. This includes minimal down payment. Overall the mortgage industry will continue to be healthy and make home purchasing affordable so indications are that 2009 should be a productive year. "

Michelle O'Mahoney

M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank

Mortgage Banker

920-236-6927 Direct

20-236-6925 Fax

20-229-7936 Mobile

Now let's turn this market around and go buy and sell some houses!!!!!

I'm off to go find my mother.......................

McCain or Obama????

Well tomorrow is the big day....election day. We live in such a great country with the freedom and right to vote. Please exercise those rights by voting tomorrow. Polling places open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. If you're not sure where to vote I have attached a link for all polling locations in Winnebago County.

http://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/countyclerk/PollingPlaces.pdf

Regardless of who wins, one thing I do know is that those annoying automated political calls will stop!! Thank goodness...it's about to drive my mom and dad nuts!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

My dad, my mom and I want to wish you all a Happy Halloween!

I think my mom and dad lost it a little....take a look at these Halloween costumes they chose! An 80's era prom date and a plate of spaghetti?!?! What the heck? They have way too much time on their hands! Ugh, the things I put up with around here!

Also, as a reminder...don't forget to set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night. It's time to 'fall back'!

Have a great weekend!

We Love Wisconsin

With all the bad real estate news out there, I thought I'd pass along some fun and interesting info about us good ole' Wisconsin folk......

I'm off to carve some pumpkins!

"75 Percent Who Live in Wisconsin Were Born Here, Census Finds"

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (09/22/08) Glauber, Bill; Poston, Ben

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's new American Community Survey, three out of four of the U.S.-born population in Wisconsin--75.2 percent, to be exact--were born in the state. In fact, the Midwest leads the nation's regions, with 70.3 percent of residents living in the states where they were born. The survey results provide a snapshot of the social, economic and housing characteristics of the nation. The ebb and flow of people sticking close to home or moving between states provides a measure of the popularity of places where people live. States with fewer native-born residents, such as Nevada and Florida, tend to have higher population growth rates. William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, comments, "The good news [for Wisconsin] is you have a sense of 'rootedness' in a population like this. These are people who really care about their communities." For a lot of residents, leaving Wisconsin isn't even a possibility. Of the state's biggest cities, Appleton (78.1 percent) has the highest rate of U.S.-born residents from Wisconsin, while Madison (63.3 percent) contains the lowest. Milwaukee County led the state with 8.4 percent foreign born population, with Dane County trailing in second at 7.2 percent. Waukesha County shared the state average at 4.5 percent.

A New Idea

As the housing slump drags on, homeowners unable to sell their properties are taking an unusual approach. Instead of taking in long-term renters, many are offering unsold properties as fully furnished rentals for corporate housing.

Since these leases are typically short term, homeowners can easily put their property back on the market should the buying activity increase.

Companies benefit because renting private homes can be cheaper and more desirable than traditional corporate housing options.

A host of websites and organizations have cropped up to help homeowners advertise their houses to business travelers and corporations. http://www.corporatehousingbyowner.com/ now has 14,500 registered corporate users in search of private rentals.

It's nice to have options in this tough and strange housing market.

10 Ways to Cut Energy Bills This Fall

My dad doesn't like to turn the heat on until 'it's absolutely necessary'. Um, hello....it's getting cold and it's a high of 34 degrees tonight!! My mom and I freeze our butts off until we whine enough and dad relents.
I decided to do some research to let you know how we can all stay warm while saving some money.

When the leaves start falling, you know that the heating bills are about to start rising. But keeping your home warm and cozy on chilly autumn nights doesn't have to break the bank.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers these simple tips and relatively inexpensive home improvements that will help ensure cold gusts stay out and your furnace doesn't have to work harder than it should.

The goal: Conserve energy and keep more of your hard-earned dollars in your pocket.

Share these ideas with customers and use them for your own house. After all, who doesn't need to save a little money these days?

1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Save 10 percent ($190 per year) or more on energy bills. Focus on windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.

2. Properly maintain the heating system. Heating accounts for half the average family's energy bill (approximately $950 per year). Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. The small cost (about $75-100 for most service calls) will pay back in better performance all year long.

3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72ºF to 65ºF for eight hours a day while no one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will cut the heating bill up to 10 percent ($90 per year), paying for a basic unit in less than a year.

4. Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register (wasting $570 in warmed air per year) if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.

5. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on home energy bills ($630 per year). Focus on the attic. (Heat rises.) Most homes should have between R-30 and R-49 insulation in the attic. Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer.

6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch, close doors to the room, and lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF.

7. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.

8. Stay out of hot water. Water heating accounts for 15 percent of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.

9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Energy Star qualified windows reduce heating and cooling bills by an average of $345, but could be higher in cold and hot climates, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.

10. Net big savings with a little label. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30 percent ($600 per year) with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find retailers at http://www.energystar.gov/.

These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of a home can save home owners money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later. Be sure to save receipts, documentation, and manufacturer’s information.

Not sure where to begin? Try the Department of Energy's online energy audit tool at http://www.hes.lbl.gov/. In the long run, a whole-house energy audit is a fool proof way to make a plan to address wasted energy and make a home operate efficiently for years to come. Visit http://www.natresnet.org/ to find a qualified auditor in your neck of the woods.

Urgent, Urgent, Urgent...Info about today's market news!!!

What does the recent news in the market mean for Bank of America and the market in general?

Consumers should be confident in the safety and soundness of the nation’s strongest banks – including Bank of America – as regulators take steps to react to issues affecting the industry.
Bank of America continues to be a strong and powerful company, as evidenced by our recent acquisition of Merrill Lynch. We have leadership positions in three key consumer products (Deposits, Card and Mortgage), an unparalleled distribution network and the leading financial brand.
The Lehman Brothers announcement does not have any impact on Bank of America or Countrywide investment accounts, or on our ability to open or service deposit, card or mortgage accounts.
Bank of America remains very well-positioned to provide the financial safety and stability our customers have come to expect from us.

Customer Q&A:

What does the market volatility mean for the banking industry?

Consumers should continue to be confident in the safety and soundness of the nation’s strongest banks – including Bank of America – as regulators take steps to monitor and react to issues affecting the industry.

Is Bank of America in any financial danger?

Bank of America is the most profitable bank in the United States, and has more capital than any bank in the country. We continue to be a strong and powerful company, as evidenced by our recent acquisition of Merrill Lynch. Bank of America has leadership positions in three key consumer products (Deposits, Card and Mortgage), an unparalleled distribution network and the leading financial brand.

Are any other financial institutions in danger?

We do not speculate about the safety or financial health of any other bank or financial institution.

What does Lehman Brothers’ announcement mean for Bank of America?

This announcement does not have any impact on Bank of America or Countrywide investment accounts, or on our ability to open or service deposit, card or mortgage accounts. We are well-positioned to respond to the impacts of institutions that are facing uncertain times and continue to focus our attention on working with customers to address their financial needs.

What does the Lehman Brothers’ announcement mean for my investment account?

Customers are encouraged to contact a Banc of America financial advisor or client manager to discuss account details.

Are Lehman Brothers customers able to open accounts and access their money at Bank of America?

Yes. Bank of America welcomes customers to use checks drawn on Lehman Brothers accounts, including cashier’s checks, to open new accounts or deposit funds into their existing Bank of America accounts. While we pride ourselves on the speed with which we make funds available to a customer, to help us protect customers and their finances, we do place extended holds on some large deposits, no matter which bank the check is drawn upon. Based on recent events, large deposits drawn on Lehman accounts will be subject to additional scrutiny and are likely to be held for an extended period (up to 11 days). We will continually assess the situation and adjust our policies to best help customers manage their financial well-being, in accordance with the guidance of the federal regulators.

Can you tell me if my accounts with Lehman Brothers are insured?

The FDIC guarantees all traditional types of deposit accounts (checking, savings, trust, money market, CDs) up to $100,000 and IRAs up to $250,000. Investment products (mutual funds, annuities, life insurance policies, stocks and bonds) are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and are not guaranteed. However, most brokerage accounts have insurance through the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) that protects customers if the broker fails. We cannot know the extent of the coverage you have, and suggest you contact them directly with specific questions.

Get the house ready for back to school time...

Well it's that time again.....back to school time! Okay, okay, so I can't exactly go to school. Mom says it's because I'm too cute and would put the other kids to shame! I have to modestly agree! So I'm not heading off to school but my mom and dad are actually going back to school. They decided to continue their education by taking a Spanish class. They both want to learn a second language and also know it will benefit their businesses.

As they and many other people prepare to start school I thought it would be beneficial to post some tips on getting your home 'back-to-school' ready.With the start of school, families face new organization challenges.
School bells ring--and so do early-morning alarm clocks. Shorter autumn days bring a hectic round of sports, activities and events, and calendars fill with cryptic notes.
Can the holidays be far behind?
Get organized now for the best school year ever!
Use these ideas to prepare your home and family for the busy days ahead:
Create Calendar Central

Nothing calms school year chaos like Calendar Central: a centralized site for all family calendars and schedules. You'll need a family event calendar to track after-school activities, school programs and volunteer work. Add specialized calendars and schedules, and you have it: a one-stop shop for family time management.

Ease the family into a school year schedule.

Re-introduce a school year bedtime. Begin waking late sleepers earlier and earlier, closer to the hour they'll need to rise when school begins.
Don't neglect mealtimes! Younger children, in particular, need to adapt to new meal routines before the school day demands it of them. Plan meals and snacks to accustom little ones to rituals of the school day before the school year begins.

Take aim on morning madness

Each evening, think ahead to the following morning. Set the breakfast table as you clear the dinner dishes. Lay out children's clothing the night before. Multi-child households may need a bathroom schedule so that everyone gets equal time before the mirror.

Spiff up household systems

A new school year quickens the tempo of family life. Sports activities, music lessons, church programs and volunteer commitments tap parental time and put new mileage on the mini-van.
Get organized! Spiff up your household systems to meet autumn's faster pace"
Take a stab at speed cleaning and whip through household chores in record time.
Cut time in the kitchen: create a menu plan and never again wonder "What's for dinner?"
Try a session of freezer cooking and stock the freezer with prepared meals for stress-free dinners on sports nights
Happy New School Year! Time to swing into a new school year--from an organized home.

Have a great Labor Day holiday weekend!

My mom, dad and I want to wish you a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day holiday weekend! See you next week!

Great news for first time homebuyers!!!

New tax credit for 'first-time' home buyers

The new housing-relief bill will give some people an opportunity to hit a tax trifecta.

Homeowners already enjoyed the ability to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes. They also have an opportunity to exclude capital-gains tax on most if not all profits on a primary residence.

Now there's a new credit or dollar-for-dollar tax reduction for "first-time" homebuyers - a valuable break that will help a lot of people get in the door.

The homebuyer tax credit is a big part of the housing-relief legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Bush. At an estimated cost of $4.8 billion over 10 years, it amounts to nearly one-third of the $15.1 billion in total incentives.

Already, real estate groups are praising the legislation, which also strives to help imperiled borrowers refinance into government-backed mortgages, shore up Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and more.

"This is the most important housing bill in a generation, " said Keiran Quinn, chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association. "The tax incentives will encourage potential buyers to get off the sidelines and help stabilize home prices." Gannett News Service

****For more detailed information on this credit contact Tifani at (920) 279-1213 or Tifani@TifaniAndCompany.com.

Treading Water

My mom and dad thought it would be real cute to put me in the water with them the other day. First off, I'm not a swimmer. I like to stay looking cute at all times. Secondly, swimming means a bath....ugh! They know I love boating but keep me at least 10 feet away from the water! Oh the stress.......

I'm sure the stress of me treading water is similar to those people facing foreclosure on their home. Okay, treading water may not be anywhere near as stressful but you have to remember I'm a DOG!!!

I thought I'd offer up some advice for those people who are nearing the big 'F' word.

Some homeowners who are three months to a year behind on their mortgages have chosen to leave their homes altogether. Anyone can walk away from a house — even a retired baseball great, Jose Canseco, who abandoned his Encino (Calif.) property earlier this year.

But attractive as "just walking away" may seem to a homeowner at the end of his or her financial tether, leaving a property to the mortgage-holder or other interested parties carries a serious credit risk and significant legal responsibility.

It's a good idea to call the person you may least want to talk to: The lender. Cash-strapped homeowners can get forbearance from their lender if they act early. This agreement reduces or suspends the mortgage payment for a limited time, giving homeowners a temporary reprieve.

A forbearance is not the same as loan forgiveness. Ultimately the mortgage payments have to be reinstated, and anywhere from three to six months of missed payments have to be accounted for. The very lucky — and reasonably well-off — can pay off the amount accumulated during forbearance in one lump sum. But for those who still find themselves in short-term financial trouble, most lenders offer specialized payment plans in which the borrower agrees to add a portion of the missed payments to the mortgage until the account is current.

Speaking directly to a lender seems logical enough. But surprisingly, homeowners who struggle and fail to meet their mortgage payments month after month rarely contact their lenders. And the further they fall behind, the less likely they are to reach out for help.

Walking away from a mortgage severely damages your credit and is not a good solution. If you're in trouble, TALK TO YOUR LENDER!

There are other ways to solve things and prevent ruining your financial future as opposed to walking away from your mortgage. Talk to my mom. She'll help you in any way she can with ideas and suggestions you can try.

It's my birthday!!!

Well it's my 8th birthday today! I have no intention of working today or answering any real estate questions for my mom! It's party time!!!

I have two things I want for my birthday this year...........TREATS and BABIES!!! I like to rip the heads off my 'babies' (stuffed animals) and eat the whole box of treats. Oh, how I LOVE birthdays! I know daddy will hook me up later with something off his plate...yay!

I'll talk real estate tomorrow.....today I'm busy ; )! See ya!

I'm Bored!

As the weather has been getting nicer I've been getting a case of cabin fever. I'm ready to get out and do something!! I've been listening to my mom and dad talk and they said that gas prices are really high and it's hurting a lot of families financially. This got me to thinking about things we can all do that are close by and not that expensive. Here's what I came up with...

Go to Menominee Park. It's filled with fun things to do like the zoo, bumper & paddle boats, playground, beach, a train ride and lots of picnic areas.

The Gallery Walk which is the 1st Saturday of every month. You get to see what downtown has to offer while looking at art.

Live at Lunch which is on Wednesday's downtown near the sundial. You can eat lunch while listening to area bands.

The Farmer's Market. This is every Saturday once summer begins. Dad likes to buy mom flowers here because they're cheap but very pretty!

Area softball games. You can find a softball game most nights of the week at many of our area parks. There's nothing like America's past time!

WaterFest on Thursday's! Listen to live music and people watch!

The Speedzone. They have auto racing every Friday night. Mom thinks it's loud but dad likes the cars.

Ripon Good Cookies. Take a trip to Ripon for a taste of cookie heaven!

Tour a cheese factory. Get to know why Wisconsin is the dairy state. You can take a short trip to Freemont and tour Union Star Cheese Factory.

Go fishing. The Fox Valley area is surrounded by beautiful bodies of water. Take advantage of it!

Here are a few websites filled with many more ideas for what to do this summer. Here ya go!

http://www.travelwisconsin.com/

http://www.oshkoshevents.com/

http://www.wiparks.net/

http://www.savorwisconsin.com/

Time to spiff up the curb appeal...

My mom and dad are in the process of updating the exterior of our house. They've been doing quite a bit of stuff but the thing mom likes the most are the flowers they planted. She said it adds curb appeal. I wasn't sure what that meant so I did some research and found out what a great thing curb appeal is....especially for mom's sellers.

Flowers are one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make the front of your house look inviting and instantly increase the curb appeal of your home. Without any real landscaping at all, flowers can transform a rather drab and dreary looking front yard into one that looks colorful and lush. Especially during spring and summer, you should take advantage of the season by planting pots and flower boxes.

You should choose colorful flowers that will be in bloom during the time you're selling your home. Planting the flowers in planter boxes and pots is easier than planting them in the ground and lets you more easily place them where they can have the most visual impact. You don't need to have a green thumb, or spend a lot of money to get great results either. Visit your local home improvement center or nursery and they will be happy to advise you of the best flowers and plants for your purpose. You can put together several very nice planter boxes and pots of flowers for well under $100. And it's easy!

One of the nice things about using flowers in this way is that you'll see the results immediately. And so will buyers visiting your home!

I think my car trips with mom are over....

I'm a little depressed. My mom and dad usually take me with them to run errands throughout town and I LOVE it! I get to bark at everyone in their cars and see tons of fun stuff...it's a blast. My mom said that since gas prices are so high that she wouldn't be going on as many errands in the car. Instead, my mom bought a brand new bike. She said she's going to be biking to places that are close and only driving to places that she absolutely has to. Bummer....and her bike doesn't even have a basket for me!

As I sat pondering all of this I decided to do some research and find out who else is getting a little tired of paying more and more money every single time you have to stop at the gas pump to fill up? Although not directly related to the real estate or mortgage industries, continually rising gas prices are hurting us all.

Gas prices are up 19.9% from what they were last year. A month ago, the nationwide average was $3.246 a gallon.

Gasoline prices normally rise during the spring as people travel more. However, the record pump prices have also been supported by high crude prices as shrinking profit margins cause refiners to pull back on production.

Higher gas prices are affecting (although not directly) our children as well. The cost to fuel the buses that carry children back and forth to school has jumped 35% over the same time a year ago, and that's 35% less money schools have for teachers, computers, and whatever else our children need to become well educated.

It seems higher gas prices have affected more and more industries including the airline and mid-to large sized automobile industries.

I wonder if mom and dad will take the boat out as much this year? I love going on the boat with them.

Where will it all end? I just want to get back to the good ole' days with car rides with my mom and dad.

Time to put the dock in...

We're moving into my favorite time of the year...WARMER WEATHER! I can't wait to lay in the sun, go for walks, smell all the food cooking on the grill, and my absolute favorite....go on the boat with my mom and dad! I LOVE it!

My mom had to work all weekend so I spent time with my dad helping him put the dock in. Well truthfully, I am a princess so actually, I watched the dock being put in. The guys got most of it in but still have a little bit left to go.

I listen to my mom talk to the neighbors about some new regulations that the DNR is trying to have imposed. It sounds like quite the controversy but my mom isn't worried about anything yet.

I wanted to make sure our dock is the appropriate regulation size so I looked on the DNR website and found the size restrictions. I thought I'd pass the information along in case you wanted to know.

Length and width of piers
• A pier may extend out to the 3-foot water depth, or to adequate depth for mooring a boat or using a boat lift or boat hoist. A pier may also extend out to a DNR-approved municipal pierhead line. Contact the municipality to see whether it has a pierhead line ordinance.
• Six feet is the maximum width allowed for any portion of a pier or wharf. This width allows safe loading of gear and passengers, and meets ADA requirements.
• Piers may be placed in a variety of configurations, including straight, or with a "T" or "L". Catwalks, finger piers or similar features may be used for access to boat slips, as long as they meet the width and length limits above. A pier may not enclose or isolate any part of a waterway.

You can find more information at http://dnr.wi.gov/.

Rain, rain go away.....

Yes, I know we've had a couple of nice days but now more rain is on the way. UGH! I'm ready to chase squirrels, the neighbor's cats and all the ducks in my backyard!

My mom has been showing many homes with water in the basements and is ready for this rain to quit too.

It got me to thinking though. A lot of times, water in basements can be prevented with just a few simple 'fixes'.

Start by sloping the ground away from the outside foundation (should be about one inch per foot). Extend the slope for at least ten feet. Seed it with a good lawn grass. Sodding is a common practice and prevents the washing away of newly graded areas during heavy rains. Where a large area of land slopes toward the house, surface drainage should be intercepted and rerouted some distance from the house. Dig a shallow, half-round drainage ditch or depression designed to route the water around the house. Sod the ditch or plant grass in it. If even a shallow ditch is objectionable, drainage tiles, with one or more catch basins at low spots, may be installed.

Next you can install gutters and downspout's wherever needed. Keep them free of debris. Where leaves and twigs from nearby trees may collect in a gutter, install a basket-shaped wire strainer over the downspout outlet or place screening across the length of the gutter. Repair gutters and downspout's as soon as the need appears. To prevent concentration of water at the point of discharge, use a concrete gutter or splash block to carry the water away at a slope of one inch per foot. Roof water can also be piped underground to a storm drain, dry well, or surface outlet fifteen feet or more from the house.

Trim heavy growths of shrubbery so that soil gets more sunlight and dries quicker. When digging up the plantings, remove any pieces of masonry, mortar, or other waste material buried near the house after the basement was excavated.

Windows or parts of windows below grade should be protected by metal or masonry window wells, with bottoms consisting of gravel to permit good drainage. Clear plastic bubbles are available to cover the entire window well like an awning.

Lastly, you can apply waterproofing paint the the basement walls.

Start by doing these simple things and I bet it will solve a lot problems. Here comes more rain....

Vacation and Second Homes...

My mom and dad abandoned me and went to Sedona, Arizona for a few days. I can't believe they didn't take me with them.....AGAIN! While I stayed at grandma's house I decided to research the second and vacation homes market. It was interesting what I found so I decided to share it with you.

The combined total of vacation- and investment-home sales declined with the overall market in 2007, but still accounted for 33 percent of all existing- and new-home sales, which is close to historic norms, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

The market share of homes purchased for investment last year was 21 percent, down from 22 percent in 2006, while another 12 percent were vacation homes, compared with a 14 percent market share in 2006. The total share of second homes declined from 36 percent of transactions in 2006.

NAR’s annual Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey shows vacation-home sales dropped 30.6 percent to 740,000 in 2007 from a record 1.07 million in 2006, while investment-home sales fell 18.1 percent to 1.35 million last year from 1.65 million in 2006. At the same time, primary residence sales declined 10.0 percent to 4.34 million in 2007 from 4.82 million in 2006.

The median price of a vacation home was $195,000 in 2007, down 2.5 percent from $200,000 in 2006. The typical investment property cost $150,000 last year, unchanged from 2006.

Fifty-nine percent of vacation homes purchased in 2007 were detached single-family homes, 29 percent condos, 7 percent townhouses or rowhouses, and 5 percent other. In 2006, single family homes accounted for 67 percent of vacation-home sales, while condos were 21 percent. (information taken from NAR)