Anna's Blog

Since this week is the Democratic National Convention and next week is the Republican National Convention, it got me thinking about voting. A quick check of the internet revealed information about how simple it is to register to vote. If you need this information, click here.

Mark your calendars! The 14th annual Home Run 10K run and 5K run or walk is scheduled for October 18, 2008 at McKee Farms in Fitchburg! Details about this event may be found by clicking here. The Home Run 10K/5K event is presented by the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin and benefits the South Central Wisconsin Housing Foundation. There are many generous sponsors for this event, including Stark Company Realtors.

I'm planning to run the 5K - should I look for you on race day? I hope so!

Stark Company Realtors® publishes a quarterly newsletter that is packed with real estate market information. The broad market is discussed, but the market in south central Wisconsin is the main focus. I'm delighted to announce that the second quarter issue is available for review. Take a look by clicking here.

Past issues of the newsletter may be viewed here. Additionally, I send clients and friends a complimentary copy of the newsletter in the mail each quarter. If you would like me to send you future copies, please email me and I'll add you to the list.

Happy real estate reading!

Recently I posted about a generous credit available to new buyers. Read about the Home Buyer Tax Credit by clicking here.

Today I want to add that the Home Buyer Tax Credit is one component of something called the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. This bill was signed by the President on July 30 of this year, and offers a wealth of programs that will be helpful to buyers and sellers in our current market. Review a summary of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 by clicking here.

If you have additional questions about any of this information, let me know! 

Here is Wisconsin, we are experiencing some awesome summer weather that allows for clicking off the thermostat. No furnace. No air conditioning. Just fresh air - YES! Turning off the thermostat had me contemplate a few other really easy and effective energy saving tips:

Hang those clothes out to dry! While the humidity is vastly reduced, clothes dry quickly on the line. Be sure to use a bit of fabric softener when you wash so towels and clothing aren't scratchy. Mmm, the smell of bed sheets that have dried outside - love it! This will save you on the energy bill, or if you utilize a laundromat, will save you some cash!

Use the dishwasher. Yep, I'm giving you permission to be lazy! Fill up your dishwasher and go outside and have some fun! Newer dishwashers use far less water than washing dishes in the sink. You will save on water and save on the energy it takes to heat the water!

Unplug whenever you can. If you will be gone for a few days, unplug items such as your coffee maker, hair dryer, cell phone charger, and other non essentials.

Turn off the water to your garden hose. A friend was telling me that her husband often forgets to turn off the water outside to the hose. Since there is a spray nozzle on the hose, he figures all is well. The reality is that hoses often leak. Even the tiniest leak can cause a big waste of water and a drain on your bank account when the water bill comes. Make sure those water spigots are off when not in use!

Last but not least, get walking or biking or bussing or whatever works for you. Reducing time in your car by just one trip per week doesn't seem like much, but if we all do it we are in for some good energy savings!

I want to bring to everyone's attention a new tax credit available to many buyers. This is helpful for many buyers that want to buy, and it should help sellers as it will hopefully bring more buyers out to actively look and purchase.

The link for info about this new tax credit can be found by clicking here.

This is very exciting news for the housing market! If you have any questions, be sure to get in touch with me!

There are many ways that I learn about new listings in our market or monitor existing inventory. One tool that I find extremely efficient and effective is an auto email system tied directly to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). I work with clients to determine what they are looking for in a property - price range, location, style, amenities, etc. I then enter all the criteria (anonymously/without the client's name) into the MLS. Every time a new listing comes on the MLS that matches the client's criteria an email is instantly sent to the client as well as myself for review.

If you would like to stay in touch with our real estate market, get in touch with me and I'll gladly set you up to receive valuable information as soon as it's available! 

Over the weekend I test drove a Smart car. As you can imagine, I drive a lot for work. My current vehicle offers good fuel efficiency, but I'm always interested in ways to become more efficient on the road.

For anyone that may not know what a Smart car is, click here. The Smart was designed with size in mind - parking in tight spaces is a breeze in this vehicle. Smart is also reported to get up to 40 miles per gallon - and that's good news too!

The wait list for a Smart in Wisconsin is currently 14 months. I'm not on the list as of today, but I'm thinking about it!

Drive safely and efficiently!

Here in the Midwest it's nice and hot out these days - perfect swimming weather! I have a pool (and I love it!) in my yard, as do many households. Reviewing swimming pool safety tips is a good idea every swim season, and some basic tips can be found by clicking here.

Happy swimming!

I currently have a west side Madison condo listed that is barrier free. This means the all entrances into the unit are level with the outside, there is no basement, the carpet is low pile, and the widths of the hallways and doorways are wider.

I found a web site that exclusively lists barrier free properties that are for sale for for rent. The site is called Barrier Free Home, and you will find listings all over the country by clicking here.

If you have questions about barrier free living, let me know!