Affordable Florida Family Vacation Offer

I thought I would take a break away from my busy Real Estate business today and share this great opportunity to take the kids to Orlando this year.  Click here for more info and have a great time.

Waiting Until Spring Could Be Very Expensive

Over the last 30 years, many sellers have waited until the spring to sell their homes.  The logic was that demand for homes increased in the spring and therefore you may get a better price for your home.  Demand will again increase this spring.

However, the big difference is that supply will also increase this spring especially as hefty inventories of distressed properties find their way to the market.  Most experts feel that this increase in discounted properties will be greater then any increase in demand thus putting additional downward pressure on prices.  for more information on this, read http://www.kcmblog.com/2011/10/18/house-prices-where-they-will-be-in-the-spring/

If you are in the market to buy and not sell this effects you as well.  Even though prices will soften, that does not mean you should not buy now.  Remember, as a seller you are concerned about PRICE.  As a buyer you are concerned about COST.  The additional costs in obtaining a mortgage in the future may far outweigh any depreciation in value.  You may not believe me so here are some statistics from other sources that might sway you;

Forbes Magazine: The Next Mortgage Crisis
Wall Street Journal: It's Time to Buy That House
MarketWatch.com: Now Might Be the Best Time Ever to Buy a Home

JP Morgan Market Insights: Housing: A Time To Buy

Questions, I am sure there are many . . . .  contact me anytime at 608-354-8107 or starks@firstweber.com

Real Estate Tracks December E-Newsletter

For the Fourth Straight Month, Wisconsin's Monthly Home Sales Outpaced Last Year

To Learn More Read My December Real Estate Tracks Newsletter by Clicking Here

Strong Lure for Prospective Home Buyers

As shared in a recent Wall Street Journal article, "Mortgage rates are a big reason why affordability continues to improve. In 1991, a $1,700 mortgage payment allowed a borrower to take out a $200,000 mortgage. Today, it gets that homeowner a $350,000 loan, a 77% increase in borrowing power, says Dan Green, a loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage"  read more

Spectacular Luxury Dining Rooms

With Thanksgiving almost upon this we are all thinking of Holiday Decorating. Check out these amazing dining rooms on Luxury Homes.

Spectacular Luxury Dining Rooms

Why You Need an Expert – Part II

Why You Need an Expert – Part II

Housing to gradually improve in 2012, NAR economist says

Housing to gradually improve in 2012, NAR economist says

October Housing Report for South Central WI MLS

Year to date data as well as comparisons by month for the Month of October for Dane County and South Central WI are now available. If you have any questions feel free to give me a call.

Click Here to view the October Housing Report

My Madison Wisconsin Luxury Home of the Week

This week I am kicking off a new feature to my blog. My Madison Wisconsin Luxury Home of the Week. This will feature the "best" new luxury home listing from all the listings I review each week. This category is properties in the $700,000 and up range. This week I have selected a lovely Tudor home in Nakoma that has been completely renovated. Enjoy!

Luxury Home of the Week

My Madison Wisconsin Best Buy of the Week

I scour the MLS every week and bring you my "Madison Wisconsin Best Buy of the Week". If you have any questions please feel free to contact me anytime at 608-354-8107.

My Best Buy of the Week

How To Use Twitter for Your Successful Job Search

Great Article on how to use twitter for a successful job search. My Twitter Job Search

Prices: Where They Have Been and Where They Are Headed

Interested in how much your home has increased in value? Check this out.

Prices: Where They Have Been and Where They Are Headed

Freddie Mac launches Winter REO promotion

Happy Holiays from Freddie Mac! Receive an accepted offer by January 31st and close by March 15, 2012 and receive up to 3% on closing costs. Woo Hoo!! Contact me for details
Freddie Mac launches Winter REO promotion

Taking Reservations for Luxury Portfolio Magazine

Although the next Luxury Portfolio Magazine isn't scheduled for release until March 2012 the deadline for ad submissions is January 2012 and reservations are now beginning. This magazine advertising is just another service I provide for listings priced $750,000 and above.

Luxury Portfolio Distribution includes;

• Luxury Portfolio Internation Members


• Direct Mailed to Luxury Home Enthusiasts


• Sold at Barnes and Noble Newsstands throughout the US


• International Newsstands in 51 Countries


• International First Class Airline Lounges

Total distribution: 85,000 high-net-worth consumers

The PRICE Is the Same, But the COST Is Less

Most financial analysts are saying now is the best time in history to purchase a home. Read the article below for more details.

The PRICE Is the Same, But the COST Is Less

QR Codes Are Making Their Way Into the Holiday Season - PRNewser

Do You Use QR Codes? QR Codes Are Making Their Way Into the Holiday Season - PRNewser

Tips for Selling a Home in the Winter

Thinking of selling your home during the winter. Here are some great tips.

Tips for Selling a Home in the Winter

First Weber the Leader in Luxury Homes Sales in South Central WI

Check out these numbers from the South Central WI MLS. Click Here to view the graph

Only Madison Based Real Estate Firm in the Luxury Portfolio International

First Weber is the only Madison Wisconsin based Real Estate Firm and one of only two Wisconsin based Real Estate firms that lists $1,000,0000+ properties in the Luxury Portfolio International. If you are thinking of selling a luxury home property wouldn't you want your property marketed globally?

Click Here to view our 171 available listings

Looking For A Luxury Home?

Whether you are looking for a Country Estate or an Elegant Penthouse Condo, here are some great options. Enjoy the tour and call with any questions you may have.

Click Here and enjoy my video of these lovely luxury properties.

Sue's Monthly Report November E-Newsletter

Good Afternoon Blog Followers. Here is the early edition of my November E-Newsletter "Sue's Monthly Report" Everyone else will receive their copy on Friday. Enjoy and please feel free to contact me anytime.

CLICK HERE to view the November Early Edition of Sue's Monthly Report

Five Great Thoughts

If you've been on the fence about homeownership, now is the time to take a leap! Don't let the negative press deter you from one of life's greatest joys.

Take a look at five short and sweet reasons that homeownership is great!

1. Equity. When you pay rent, you never see that money again. It is lining the landlord's pocket. Yes, buying a home may come with some hefty initial costs (downpayment, closing costs, inspections), but you will make that money back over time in equity built in the home. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4 to 6 percent a year. Some areas are still experiencing normal appreciation rates. For the areas that have seen harder times since the recession, experts feel that the housing market will recover. Homeownership is about building long-term wealth. A home bought for $10,000 in 1960 is most likely worth 10 times that in today's market.

2. Relationships: Renters tend to see their neighbors come and go quickly. Some people sign year leases while others are in the community for much shorter terms. Apartment complexes also tend to have less common shared space for people to meet, greet, and socialize. Homeowners, however, have yards, walking trails, or community pools and clubhouses where they can get to know each other. Neighbors stay put much longer (at least three to five years if they hope to recoup their closing costs). This means more time to develop relationships. Research has shown that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress.

3. Predictability: Well, as long as you have a fixed-rate term on your mortgage it's predictable. Most people buying homes today know that a fixed-rate is the way to go. This means your payment amount is fixed for the life of the term. If your mortgage payment is $500 today, then it will still be $500 a month in 10 years. This allows for people to budget and make solid financial plans. The sub-prime crisis meant many homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages saw their monthly payments rise and then rise some more. Homeownership, though, generally comes with a predictable table of expenditures. Even the big purchases are predictable. You know most roofs last just 15 years (or so). You know that each year you'll need to pay for the gutters to be cleaned, and so on.

4. Ownership: Okay, this is a given. Homeownership means you "own" your home. That comes with some incredible perks, though! You can renovate, update, paint, and decorate to your heart's desire. You can plant trees, install a pool, expand the patio, or do holiday decorating that would rival the Kranks (if the HOA allows!). The bottom line is this is your home and you can personalize it to your taste. Most renters are stuck with the same beige walls and beige carpet that has been standard apartment decor for 20 years. Now is your chance to let your home speak!

5. Great Deals: It's a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historic lows. We're talking 4.0 percent instead of 6.0 or higher. This means big savings for today's buyers. Home prices have also taken a dip since the recession, which means homes are more affordable than ever. If you have steady income and cash for a downpayment, then be sure to talk to your local real estate agent about what homes in your area could be a fit for you.

Homeownership can be a real joy. It's time to get off the fence and into a home that is right for you!

The Ship Appears to be Turning

Income is at a 2007 level, home prices are at a 2002 level, interest rates are at record lows and rents are going up . . . . . The time to wait is over.

The Ship Appears to be Turning

Madison: Great City, Great Moment

Great Video on Madison. Be a part of the future. Click Here to view the video

Buyers Market . . . Perhaps Not For Long

Today as I was catching up on some reading I found it interesting that for the month of September 2011 in comparison to September 2010 listings were down 21.3% This compares to an increase in sales of 17.7%

As listings continue to dwindle and sales continue to increase we will begin the move from a "Buyers Market" to a "Sellers Market" Perhaps the time to wait is over. Check out the article

CLICK HERE to view monthly MLS housing reports

My Madison Wisconsin Best Buy of the Week

Every week I scour the MLS to bring you the "Madison Wisconsin Best Buy of the Week"

This week we are in the ever so popular neighborhood of "University Heights" on Madison's Near West Side. This lovely home currently priced $30k below assessment has hardwood floors throughout, a wood burning fireplace in the living room and five bedrooms. All bathrooms are updated. All new windows, large finished lower level. Large master bedroom and a great screened porch. This one is a keeper. Check it out!

CLICK HERE for additional information and to schedule your private tour.

Homeownership: Reports of Its Death are Exaggerated

The DEATH of Homeownership is a FALSE Rumor . . . . good article to check out

Homeownership: Reports of Its Death are Exaggerated

Real Estate as a Longer Term Investment

Real Estate has always been a long term investment. Here is a good chart outlining the process.

Real Estate as a Longer Term Investment

Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday November 6th

Don't Forget To Turn Your Clocks Back One Hour on Saturday, November 5th. Daylight Savings Time Ends on Sunday, November 6th.

Insurance Anyone?

Here is a good article on the different types of Insurance. If you are in the marketing for an insurance agent, give me a call I have a good referral list.

Insurance Anyone?

Is It Really Time to Buy a Home?

When I bought my home eight years ago it was a pretty quick search. I found a house in my price range, in the schools I wanted and a kid friendly neighborhood. What more did I need. My basic criteria was; price (I did not want to pay more than I was paying in rent), location (I wanted to keep my son in his same school), and kid friendly (I wanted my son to have plenty of friends in the neighborhood to hang out with). Anything over that I could fix or improve myself over time. I found three homes and picked one. Moved a month later and continued on with life.

Many of my buyers are so focused on finding the "perfect home" which you can create and don't necessarily have to buy that life is just passing them by as they spend every night and weekend online looking at homes, visiting open houses and getting more and more frustrated on what to do. Ask yourself, "Why Do I Want To Buy A House?" Then pick two or three things you must have (tops) and go for it. Here is a a great article today on if the time is right.

Is It Really Time to Buy a Home?

When Do You Cut the Price to Sell the Listing?

Often the topic of a price reduction comes up with my sellers. This typically happens after an offer has come and gone that was not exactly what the seller was looking for. The topic of price reduction comes up with activity has slowed down. Quite often this price reduction can be below the "passed by" offer amount. This article does a very nice job of outlining when it is appropriate to think about a price reduction.

Remember, the 1st offer is typically always the best offer. Enjoy the article.

When Do You Cut the Price to Sell the Listing?