Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Madison- Voted Top City to Live in
Once again, Madison comes out on top. Kiplinger voted Madison Number 7 as one of the best cities to live in in 2009.
It is so nice to have the rest of the country see what we recognize as a great place to live. The Kiplinger Letter slide show featured some of the hot spots and things to do in Madison. Of course, it showed our beautiful Capital and Lady Forward, the Memorial Union, Campus, the fantastic and colorful Farmers Market, Taste of Madison, and biking to work.
Kiplinger mentioned the remarkable stem cell research done by the university that is bringing new business and research to Madison. It also mentioned that both Google and Microsoft have offices here making us a center of technology. And yes, while we may enjoy a beer and music on Memorial Terrace, dreaming on our lake fronts, and the MOOVING Experience of the Cows on the Concourse at the Farmers Market, the residents of Madison are not backwards. Just like Lady Forward points out, Madison is a very forward looking city.
Of course the weather was not mentioned in the article. Not to worry, as I type this, the sun is about to shine once again and the temperatures are rising. Spring is really here and summer is around the corner. Even the state bird has hatched!
Not only do we have a wonderful place to live because of the university, economy, and our beautiful natural surroundings, it is extremely affordable. Just ask the many first time home buyers who are plunging into today's real estate market. Madison is a very affordable place to buy a home. Given that we never really experienced a housing bubble, therefore we did not experience a true bust, the market is relatively stable. Interest rates are good, prices are affordable, and NOW is the time to buy a house in Madison before too many outsiders jump on Kiplinger's news and move to Madison.
Enjoy,living in one of the top cities in the country- you deserve it!
It is so nice to have the rest of the country see what we recognize as a great place to live. The Kiplinger Letter slide show featured some of the hot spots and things to do in Madison. Of course, it showed our beautiful Capital and Lady Forward, the Memorial Union, Campus, the fantastic and colorful Farmers Market, Taste of Madison, and biking to work.
Kiplinger mentioned the remarkable stem cell research done by the university that is bringing new business and research to Madison. It also mentioned that both Google and Microsoft have offices here making us a center of technology. And yes, while we may enjoy a beer and music on Memorial Terrace, dreaming on our lake fronts, and the MOOVING Experience of the Cows on the Concourse at the Farmers Market, the residents of Madison are not backwards. Just like Lady Forward points out, Madison is a very forward looking city.
Of course the weather was not mentioned in the article. Not to worry, as I type this, the sun is about to shine once again and the temperatures are rising. Spring is really here and summer is around the corner. Even the state bird has hatched!
Not only do we have a wonderful place to live because of the university, economy, and our beautiful natural surroundings, it is extremely affordable. Just ask the many first time home buyers who are plunging into today's real estate market. Madison is a very affordable place to buy a home. Given that we never really experienced a housing bubble, therefore we did not experience a true bust, the market is relatively stable. Interest rates are good, prices are affordable, and NOW is the time to buy a house in Madison before too many outsiders jump on Kiplinger's news and move to Madison.
Enjoy,living in one of the top cities in the country- you deserve it!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Madison- One of 25 Unique Places to Live
Yes, Madison rated in the polls again. It was voted one of the top 25 unique places to live. Most of that refers to the wonderful international restaurants that are all over the city. And most of them are so affordable that is is an easy meal out. Just last week we went to a Jamacian Restaurant and today a little French cafe for lunch.
Once again, I spent the last couple of days playing tour guide to some out of town relatives. Usually when they come it is so cold and rainy that we do not get to enjoy much of Madison. This week, we were really able to take in the sights. First, I took them to the Capital to view the phenomenal tulip display. It was still in full bloom although the end is near. Between the stark white of our beautiful Capital , the blue sky, and the colorful tulips it was an enjoyable sight. Then we drove through the University, enjoying the lake,( my father wishing he still had his sailboat), the flowers and the trees. We stopped by Allen Gardens to take in the ever changing gardens and colors. Our last stop of the day was at the Arboretum and Longnecker Gardens. Be sure to stop by in the next few days and enjoy the lilacs and flowering trees. We drove down Arboretum Drive stopping along the way to ogle the different flowering trees and express delight at the unusual yellow magnolia trees. What a beautiful sight!
Today, we went to Olbrich Gardens. There we tiptoed through the tulips, enjoyed all of the up and coming perennials, the flowering trees, and the natural plantings. Of course, the winding paths and the glimpses of the lake made it even more enjoyable.
All of these sights that we took in the past few days were totally free to the public to enjoy. They are definately a way to welcome spring and summer to Wisconsin. No wonder so many people decide to settle in Madison. It is always amazing how many people move away and then return. so many older people choose to retire in our unique and beautiful community.
Once again, I spent the last couple of days playing tour guide to some out of town relatives. Usually when they come it is so cold and rainy that we do not get to enjoy much of Madison. This week, we were really able to take in the sights. First, I took them to the Capital to view the phenomenal tulip display. It was still in full bloom although the end is near. Between the stark white of our beautiful Capital , the blue sky, and the colorful tulips it was an enjoyable sight. Then we drove through the University, enjoying the lake,( my father wishing he still had his sailboat), the flowers and the trees. We stopped by Allen Gardens to take in the ever changing gardens and colors. Our last stop of the day was at the Arboretum and Longnecker Gardens. Be sure to stop by in the next few days and enjoy the lilacs and flowering trees. We drove down Arboretum Drive stopping along the way to ogle the different flowering trees and express delight at the unusual yellow magnolia trees. What a beautiful sight!
Today, we went to Olbrich Gardens. There we tiptoed through the tulips, enjoyed all of the up and coming perennials, the flowering trees, and the natural plantings. Of course, the winding paths and the glimpses of the lake made it even more enjoyable.
All of these sights that we took in the past few days were totally free to the public to enjoy. They are definately a way to welcome spring and summer to Wisconsin. No wonder so many people decide to settle in Madison. It is always amazing how many people move away and then return. so many older people choose to retire in our unique and beautiful community.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Generosity is alive and well in Dane county
Last Friday evening my husband and I attended a Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Glida's Club in Madison. I have been volunteering with Gilda's Club for over 2 years and I recruited my husband to sing for Glida's Glee Club. For those of you that don't know,Gilda's Club is a [place where anyone that is touched by cancer can go for social and emotional support. It is named after Gilda Radner who died from ovarian cancer. She wanted a place where people could go for laughter, tears, and hugs. It is free to the whole community and a beautiful place.
The dinner was wonderful and a great opportunity for networking. But the greatest part of Gilda's Club is that it was built entirely from donated dollars, time, and sweat equity. It is run the same way. In a time when the world feels negative, it is wonderful to go to something like Gilda's Club and observe those who give freely of themselves.
The other wonderful part of the evening was to hear the members talk about how Gilda's Club has made coping with their diagnosis easier. It gives them the support that they need and gives their family members the support that they need. The whole evening was touching.
It is nice to know that a smile, a touch, and a few volunteer hours can make such a difference in someone's life. It is again great to know that here in Dane County, so many people care about those that they do not even know!
The dinner was wonderful and a great opportunity for networking. But the greatest part of Gilda's Club is that it was built entirely from donated dollars, time, and sweat equity. It is run the same way. In a time when the world feels negative, it is wonderful to go to something like Gilda's Club and observe those who give freely of themselves.
The other wonderful part of the evening was to hear the members talk about how Gilda's Club has made coping with their diagnosis easier. It gives them the support that they need and gives their family members the support that they need. The whole evening was touching.
It is nice to know that a smile, a touch, and a few volunteer hours can make such a difference in someone's life. It is again great to know that here in Dane County, so many people care about those that they do not even know!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Remodeling:where to get the Best Value
Yes, I know it is April 21st and it is snowing in Madison. But not to worry, that is not so unusual. The good thing about a cold rainy day in April is that it gives us time to daydream about the warm weather projects that we will soon start.
The big question is- If I am going to sell my house in the next few years, where should I put my money?
Appraisers and Realtors have concluded that exterior improvements give you more than an 80% Return on Investment. Some of the projects that you should consider to add value to your home are: wood deck additions and siding and window replacements. Interior remodels are a major midrange kitchen and bathroom remodels. Both of these will give you approximately a 76-79% Return on Investment.
Home offices, sunrooms, backup power generators, and unexposed finished basements give you the least return on your investment.
Of course as you are thinking about spring, well placed trees add great value to your home as well as provide energy efficiency. Nice neat gardens with fresh mulch always adds curb appeal. Don't forget to clean your front door and make sure that the paint is fresh and not peeling. Adding a fresh doormat, a pot of cheery flowers, and a water feature are a great way to welcome Buyers home.
For more information on how to stage or get your home ready to sell, do not hesitate to call me. You will receive a 3% higher price on selling a Staged Home versus an unstaged home.
Welcome to Spring in Wisconsin!
The big question is- If I am going to sell my house in the next few years, where should I put my money?
Appraisers and Realtors have concluded that exterior improvements give you more than an 80% Return on Investment. Some of the projects that you should consider to add value to your home are: wood deck additions and siding and window replacements. Interior remodels are a major midrange kitchen and bathroom remodels. Both of these will give you approximately a 76-79% Return on Investment.
Home offices, sunrooms, backup power generators, and unexposed finished basements give you the least return on your investment.
Of course as you are thinking about spring, well placed trees add great value to your home as well as provide energy efficiency. Nice neat gardens with fresh mulch always adds curb appeal. Don't forget to clean your front door and make sure that the paint is fresh and not peeling. Adding a fresh doormat, a pot of cheery flowers, and a water feature are a great way to welcome Buyers home.
For more information on how to stage or get your home ready to sell, do not hesitate to call me. You will receive a 3% higher price on selling a Staged Home versus an unstaged home.
Welcome to Spring in Wisconsin!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Madison- Again Tops the Quality of LifeList
How exciting! Madison once again received the High ranking for quality of life. The city was ranked third, because we have a stable and upscale employment base. the University, being the Capitol city, and all of the scientific technology including stem cell research creates higher employment, especially for professionals.
Is it any wonder that our Real Estate Market has really survived the national downturn? The home values in Madison are really holding their own and we constantly have an influx of new residents. We also have a lot of people that move back to Madison, having graduated from the
university, they find it is like coming home again.
Now is really the time to start looking for that new house in Madison. The flowers are beginning to bloom, the grass is greening, and the interest rates are low. And for you first time home buyers, don't forget the Home Buyer's $8000 tax credit!
Come join us in Madison- one of the best cities to live in!
Is it any wonder that our Real Estate Market has really survived the national downturn? The home values in Madison are really holding their own and we constantly have an influx of new residents. We also have a lot of people that move back to Madison, having graduated from the
university, they find it is like coming home again.
Now is really the time to start looking for that new house in Madison. The flowers are beginning to bloom, the grass is greening, and the interest rates are low. And for you first time home buyers, don't forget the Home Buyer's $8000 tax credit!
Come join us in Madison- one of the best cities to live in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg)
Posts
