Firsts

In our lifetime, there are many "firsts".  First steps, first tooth, first Christmas, first day of school, you know what I mean.  As we age, those "firsts" become less common, but no less memorable. 

I was a part of a "first" for a young couple a few weeks ago.  I was hosting an open house and greeting guests as they entered.  The young couple walked in the door and announced that this was their first open house...ever!  I was delighted!  If I'd had balloons, I'd have launched them and sprinkled them with confetti!

Of course, an inaugural open house isn't perhaps as exciting as a 6-year-olds first visit from the tooth fairy, but for a young couple out searching for a new home it might be close.  The anticipation, excitement and joy that accompanies that experience is hard to imagine if you haven't experienced it, and hard to remember if it's been a while since you have had a "first" in your life.

The young couple wandered through the house, picked up the necessary material and went on their way.  I hope their maiden voyage into the house hunting arena was positive.  For me, it was a life lesson to remember the special feeling of a "first".  Here's to more "firsts" in the new year!

Lucky Day!

Twelve days of Christmas.  Twelve months in a year.  Twelve citizens sit on a jury.  And 12 is the number worn by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers.  It could be said that 12 is a lucky number.

According to an article in the New York Daily News, some people are betting on it!  Lottery tickets are being purchased at a fast and furious pace and weddings will be taking place on 12/12/12.  Why not?  We won't see another triple digit date for another 100 years!

This isn't the first time it's happened.  If you recall, just last year was the year of the "1's".  We had significant dates such as 1/1/11, and 11/11/11.   Those days were also heralded as people were sure the unusual numerical sequence was going to bring something noteworthy.  It probably did for some!

I don't have anything extraordinary planned for the day, although I may sneak in a few "twelves".  Maybe I'll do 12 reps in my workout, or call 12 friends just to say hello.  What's your plan for 12/12/12?  Getting married?  Flying to Vegas?  Whatever you do, make it special!

Who has a Realtor?

My kids attend a school on the west side of Madison that asks parents to work lunch duty a few times a year.  Sometimes it's inside helping kids open milk containers or washing off tables.  We also work outside on the playground which requires a general supervision of children playing.

I have some clients who have a daughter who attends the same school.  I was working inside lunch duty the other day when this young daughter of my clients' entered the lunch room.  When she saw me, she asked her teacher if she could say hello to her Realtor...me!  The teachers and the lunch ladies thought it was hilarious that a 4-year old had a Realtor.

Needless to say, I have spent many hours with her and her parents looking at houses for sale and getting paperwork in line for the sale of their home.  I've evidently made an impression on her, since she referred to me not by name, or as her friend, but as her Realtor!  I expect I've left a positive impression on her and one that will last until she is ready to purchase her first home.  I can only hope that she'll enlist the help of a Realtor.

So, who has a Realtor?  Even some 4-year olds have Realtors.

Catalog Craziness

The holidays have officially arrived.  I know this not because of the Christmas lights strung from tree branches around town, or the holiday music playing on the radio but rather by my mailbox.  Yes, my mailbox! 

Yesterday I received 13 catalogs in the mail.  Yes, 13!!  Everything from cooking guides to clothing catalogs were stuffed into my postal box.  The poor postal carrier!

I rarely order from catalogs.  At some point I did and my name has now been sold to companies I have never heard of.  I know this because I receive their catalog!  In the past catalog shopping was more mainstream, but with the advent of the Internet, I find shopping with the keyboard much easier. 

But companies still believe catalogs work.  Perhaps they trigger an idea for the hard-to-buy for relative or maybe they spur customers to visit a store or go online.  Whatever the reason, I think catalogs are here to stay, at least for the short term.

As for mine, they are destined for the recycle bin!

Remember to...

I'm a calendar person.  I used to be able to keep everything in my head, but the older I get and the busier I am, the less effective this method is.  So, I use a calendar.

Here are a few things to add to your calendar:

Daylight Savings Time  - don't forget to turn clocks back one hour Saturday November 3rd.  Fall back...

Alternate street parking in the City of Madison begins November 15th.

Leaf pick is underway and will continue as long as the weather permits, typically until the first week of December.  Please don't put leaves in the street.  Leaves can wash into the lakes and cause nutrient build up and algae growth.

Left over jack-o-lanterns?  Leave those at the curb too!  The city streets department will pick up pumpkins at the curb.  Help keep those old jack-o-lanterns out of the landfill and save taxpayer dollars.

Happy Fall!

Halloween Trivia

Halloween conjures up images of small people dressed as ghosts and goblins traveling from house to house in search of candy.

The tradition of trick-or-treating was actually brought to America in the 1840's by Irish immigrants escaping the Great Potato Famine. On Halloween, Irish peasants begged the wealthy for food and played tricks on those who refused them. To avoid being tricked, the wealthy handed out treats - a practice that is now our present day trick-or-treating.

The Irish can also be credited with Jack-o-lanterns. An old Irish tale tells of a man named Stingy Jack. He was unable to enter heaven due to his stingy ways and wandered the world looking for a resting place. On his journey, Jack used a piece of burning coal in a hallowed out turnip - our modern day jack-o-lantern. The turnip carving turned into pumpkin carving when the Irish tradition reached America.

Who knew the Irish played such a significant role in our current day traditions. Today, Halloween has become a tradition enjoyed by young and old, no matter your nationality. Happy Halloween!

Youth Hockey Fundraiser

Did you ever wonder just how spirits are distilled?  Beyond the grain and vats, what's the secret to distilling fine spirits?  Here's your chance to take a peek beyond the bottle! The West Madison Polar Caps are holding a fundraiser at Death's Door Distillery in Middleton beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday October 18th.  The distillery is headed by a Polar Cap hockey dad, who will be hosting the event.  Attendees can tour the State's largest craft distillery, learn how their award winning spirits are made, enjoy fresh local cocktails and great food and help the Polar Caps at the same time. This fun night out will take place on Thursday, October 18th. Tours and tastings start at 6:30pm. Tickets are just $15, and get you one cocktail and food, plus a distillery tour. Additional cocktails can be purchased for $5 and non-alcoholic options are offered at no cost. Roman Candle will also be providing a variety of food for the night.  Tickets will be available at the door or by clicking the link below (tickets available to print). Not a hockey family, no problem...we are a friendly bunch!  It should be a fun night!  Join us! Click to Purchase Tickets

Number 1 Titles

You and I both know Madison is a great place to live!  Well, it seems others agree!  We've all heard that Madison is ranked number 1 for "this" and number 1 for "that", so I did a little search to find out just how many number 1's Madison has accumlated.  Hang on, the list is long (but I may have missed some)!


Madison Ranked #1 City to Raise a Family
24/7 Wall St. Wire, January 2012

Madison Ranked #2 in Overall Health
Men’s Health Magazine, 2012

Madison Ranked 3rd Best-Run City
24/7 Wall St. Wire, January 2012

Madison Ranked #5 Most Bikeable City
Walkscore.com, May 2012

Madison in Top 12 for Water Conservation
Wyland Foundation, May 2012

Madison Ranked as One of Top Retirement Cities in the Midwest
Where to Retire Magazine, 2012

Madison Ranked 8th Best Music Scene
Livability.com, March 2012

Madison Ranked 3rd Healthiest City for Women
Huffington Post, January 2012

Madison Ranked #7 Best Place to Find a Date
TheDailyBeast.com, 2012

Madison in Top 12 Places to Work and Live as a Young Entrepreneur
Under30CEO.com, 2012

Madison Ranked #15 Greenest City in America TheDailyBeast.com, April 2012

Madison Ranked #2 Best City for Men to Live
Men’s Health Magazine, December 2011

Madison Children’s Museum Ranked 5th Best Children’s Museum in the Nation
Parent’s Magazine, February 2011
Madison Ranked Best City for an Active Retirement
Forbes Magazine, February 2011 


Madison in Top Ten for Greatest Cycling Cities
USA Today, 2011
Madison has 6th Most Dog Parks


It's no wonder Madison is such a great place.  The biggest problem is that the secrets out.  But then, you and I have known all along!

Gates & Brovi Opening

The sign is up, the tables are dressed and the long anticipated opening of the new restaurant Gates & Brovi is only a few short days away. 

The new restaurant, located at 3502 Monroe St. at the new Parman Place complex at the corner of Glenway St. and Monroe St. is slated to open on Tuesday October 9, according to Phillip Hurley, a co-owner of the restaurant along with John Gadau.  The two are also owners of the popular Sardine and Marigold restaurants.

The new restaurant is expected to be a family friendly, neighborhood establishment.  Gates & Brovi will be open for lunch and dinner.  Hours of service are Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m.-midnight.  It will be closed on Mondays.

Check it out!  I plan to!

World Dairy Expo

In the middle of Madison, a small "country" city all it's own has grown and will live at the Alliant Energy Center for the next few days.  Of course, I'm talking about World Dairy Expo (WDE).

This premiere dairy industry trade show has a long and rich history in Madison.  The first WDE was held in 1967 at the new coliseum, a state-of the-art exposition center at the time it was built.  Today, WDE has grown and prospered to include more than 810 companies from 28 countries, 43 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces. The Dairy Cattle Show continues to attract elite show cattle fans from around the globe. A record 2,587 head of dairy cattle were exhibited by 1,130 exhibitors. They converged to the show site from 37 states and seven Canadian Provinces to vie for the coveted Grand Champion and Supreme Champion titles.

It may seem odd that Madison would be the host of such an agricultural-based event, but considering Wisconsin is the dairy state and Madison is it's capital, it makes perfect sense.  And in a time when the population is becoming more and more removed from the farm, it's a wonderful tradition to have such a prestigious event grace our city.

I hope to get the World Dairy Expo in the coming days.  I have found it's a wonderful experience and great exposure to an industry with roots that run deep in all of us, no matter how far removed we may be from the farm!

Youth Hockey Boot Camp

I've written before on this blog about my family's involvement in youth hockey.  It has been a great sport for our kids and for the whole family. 

 

As the weather turns colder, I can't help but think of the upcoming season.  The West Madison Polar Caps (the west side club organization) is holding a few events that can help you and your children get a taste of what hockey is all about.

 

The first event is the Try Hockey Boot Camp.  It is a three week "crash course" in hockey for interested skaters to let them see how much fun hockey is!  It includes FREE equipment rental, and the $25 fee is refunded if they join the Polar Caps.  The camp starts Saturday September 29, but there's still time to join the group!

 

The Polar Caps are also planning two USA Hockey events to let kids try hockey for free.  They will be hosting another Try Hockey for Free Day on November 3rd, and a Girls Hockey Weekend on October 13th which will allow kids to try hockey for a couple of hours and get a taste for the game.  These events are being held in conjunction with Madison Ice, Inc., the organization that runs Madison Ice Area and Hartmeyer Ice Arena.

 

Here's hoping for lots of ice this winter!

HPAJSC September Meeting Scheduled

For a little more than a year, the Hoyt Park Area Joint Steering Committee has been hard at work developing a master plan for the neighborhoods bordered by Franklin Ave., Mineral Point Road, Midvale Blvd. and University Avenue. 

A draft plan has been prepared which addresses park and open space, housing, Owen Parkway improvements, and bike and pedestrian improvements.  Neighborhood associations have had the opportunity to review the plan and make comments on draft plan. 

Planning continues to progress with the September meeting of the Hoyt Park Area Joint Steering Committee (HPAJSC) scheduled for September 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church located at 518 N. Franklin Ave.

For more information on the plan visit the HPAJSC website.

Situated unassuming at the end of a strip mall at the corner of University Avenue and Farley Street is a bookstore called "Booked For Murder".  Dubbed the the mystery reader's paradise, you may have guessed that the shop specializes in murder mysteries.

"Booked For Murder" is more than a bookstore, however.  They are home to a number of book clubs and like their big store brothers, hold book readings and signings by local authors.

One such event is scheduled for this Thursday September 6 at 6:00 p.m. where local author Teri Woods will read from her first novel "The Fixer".  This self-published novel is gaining critical acclaim and Internet chatter that is unusual for self-published authors.  Considering most self-published books only sell about 150 copies, "The Fixer" is blowing that statistic out of the water.  Woods has sold more 10,000 copies!

If you are looking for something to do on Thursday, join me at Booked For Murder.  Or pick up a copy of the novel at Booked for Murder.  You won't be disappointed!

Is Your Home Worth as Much as You Think?

A survey of home buyers and sellers taken earlier this year by HomeGain.com, a real estate services website, indicated that 76 percent of homeowners believe their house is worth more than the list price recommended by their real estate agent.

Not surprising, since homeowners have an emotional investment in their property.  They have memories and nostalgia wrapped up in four walls and a roof.  In reality, your house is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it.  No more and no less.  That figure doesn't always jive with the homeowners opinion of the value.

Home buyers today usually have a better handle on the value of a property than the home seller does.  Buyers are out there looking.  They know what's on the market, how long it's been listed, what sells and how quickly and they can usually pinpoint why a property doesn't sell.

If you are thinking about selling, rely on logic rather than emotion when pricing your home.  It also might be wise to enlist the help of a Realtor to have a third-party provide expertise and guidance.

They're Baaaack!

If you live anywhere near the west side of Madison, you know they are back!  There are telltale signs; increased scooter traffic, empty grocery store shelves and the most telling sign of all, heaps of trash along curbs and parkways spilling from downtown streets to the avenues and boulevards that abutt the downtown area.  Of course, I'm talking about the college students.

As a Madison native, I enjoy the serenity of summertime in Madison.  Most of the students have headed home or to an internship or overseas adventure.  The campus is quiet and so are the surrounding neighborhoods. 

But I am engergized as Fall approaches and the students return.  There is an increased intensity in the city and the sleepiness of summer begins to wake with the renewed enthusiasm of these young people full of hope and promise.

Oh, there are certainly drawbacks to their presense - try to find a shower curtain at the Hilldale Target and you are out of luck - but in my mind, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.  The college students are as much a part of Madison as the residents that welcome them each Fall.

Gates and Brovi

If you travel the near west side of Madison in any regularity, you have watched the progress of the new retail/apartment complex Parman Place.  If you recall, Parman Place is located in what was formerly a long-time Madison business Parman's service station, at the corner of Glenway and Monroe St.

Gates and Brovi, a restaurant owned by Phillip Hurley and John Gadau of Marigold Kitchen and Sardine Fame will occupy the first floor of the new development.  The name of the restaurant may sound more like a business firm than a restaurant, but Hurley assures me the name has meaning.

"It's named after my grandfather and John's father, two people who have had great influence on each of our careers," explains Hurley.

The restaurant is expected to be family friendly and neighborhood oriented.  It is slated to open in September. 

The restaurant will be a welcome addition to an already vibrant neighborhood. Watch for details about an opening soon!

Home Sales on the Rise

The numbers are in...and the news is good if you are selling or purchasing a home. Wisconsin home sales continued to grow at a healthy pace during the first half of 2012.  Sales of existing homes were up 19.3 percent in June over June of last year, according to the most recent monthly report by the Wisconsin Realtors Association.  This continues a pattern that began last summer.

Since the beginning of the year, home sales were up 20.6 percent. The report also showed June median home prices increased 1.4 percent to $142,000 relative to the same month last year which is the fourth straight month of increasing median prices.

Closer to home on the near west side of Madison we are seeing similar trends.  Some homes in the Westmorland area are receiving offers within days of being listed.  Also, for the first time in recent history, inventory is down.  While it's still a buyers market, those buyers are finding fewer choices.  We also continue to see the most sought after homes in the $200,000-$250,000 price range.

It's a fabulous time!  If you are thinking of buying or selling...jump in, the water's fine!

Keyes Vs. Keys

There are some odd street names in Madison.  Segoe Road, for instance is pronouced See-go.  Some newcomers pronouce it  Seh-gow, I presume because of the spelling.

I recently had a conversation with a woman about Keyes Ave. on the near west side in the West Lawn neighborhood. The street name is pronounced as though the first "e" were an "i" and the "es" at the end were a "z" as in Kih-z.

During our conversation, she mentioned that the new homeowners in the area pronounced the street "Keys".  That made me sad, since the street name has historical significance.  It was named after Elisha William Keyes, who was a Republican politician, postmaster of Madison for many years and Madison Mayor from 1865-67 and again from 1885-86.  He was also a state assemblyman.

Street names with historical significance are plentiful on the near west side.  The streets near Vilas Zoo are named for U.S. Presidents.  In University Heights, street names such as "Summit" and "Prospect" suggested high class as well as geograhy.  Most other streets in University Heights were named in honor of University professors and presidents.

As homes turnover and new families move into neighborhoods, I hope we don't lose the history of the city.  It may only be a street name, but it's also a part of the legacy of Madison. 

2nd Quarter Homes Sales

I had a conversation with a buyer at an open house recently who said she hasn't been able to purchase a house, not because she can't find one she likes, in the right location at the right price, but because the ones she has found already have offers.  Quite a change from a year ago at this time!

Media reports indicate that home sales have not reached "normal" levels after the housing collapse of the last few years.  That may be true, but on the west side of Madison, sales have been steady with some houses selling at or above the asking price.  We may not be back to bidding wars, but we are in a better place that we have been for some time.

Buyers are still looking for a good deal and they are persnickety, but less so recently.  Here's what happened on the near west side during the second quarter:

  Sunset Village Home Sales - 2nd Quarter 2012

Address	1st Price	Last Price	Sold Price	SP/FP	SP/LP	Cum. Days of Market	# Days From Last Price Change Until Offer
34 Hillside Ter.	$190,000	$190,000	$190,000	100%	102%	1	1
322 S. Owen	$205,000	$205,000	$203,000	99%	97%	3	3
18 S. Meadow	$224,900	$219,900	$206,000	91%	94%	42	15
3705 Zwerg	$229,900	$219,900	$217,000	94%	98%	131	20
3533 Heather Crest	$220,000	$220,000	$222,000	101%	99%	5	5
214 N. Meadow	$234,900	$234,900	$225,000	96%	96%	29	29
4210 Bagley	$242,000	$242,000	$230,600	95%	95%	13	13
317 S. Owen	$239,900	$239,900	$234,129	97%	97%	10	10
329 E. Sunset	$244,000	$244,000	$244,000	100%	100%	27	5
301 N. Owen	$249,900	$249,900	$249,900	100%	100%	11	7
4333 Felton Pl.	$274,900	$269,900	$270,500	98%		30	10
4312 Upland Dr.	$360,000	$244,000	$325,000	90%	94%	209	150
Average Total	$242,950	$239,950	$234,761	97%	98%	43	22

Westmorland Home Sales-2nd Quarter 2012

Address	1st Price	Last Price	Sold Price	SP/FP	SP/LP	Cum. Days of Market	# Days From Last Price Change Until Offer
591 Toepfer	$214,000	$185,000	$177,400	83%	96%	108	17
449 Toepfer	$197,500	$197,500	$195,000	99%	99%	9	9
609 Frederick	$200,000	$200,000	$205,000	103%	103%	5	5
4210 Somerset	$255,000	$255,000	$249,400	98%	98%	14	14
4104 Paunack	$269,900	$269,900	$260,000	96%	96%	60	30
3805 Paunack	$259,900	$259,900	$267,000	103%	103%	22	7
454 Holly	$340,000	$319,900	$301,000	89%	94%	41	19
602 Frederick	$349,900	$332,500	$337,500	96%	101%	53	23
3 Frederick Cir.	$389,900	$379,900	$365,000	93%	96%	174	25
Average Total	$275,122	$266,622	$261,922	96%	98%	54	16.5

Dudgeon-Monroe Home Sales- 2nd Quarter 2012

Address	1st Price	Last Price	Sold Price	SP/FP	SP/LP	Cum. Days of Market	# Days From Last Price Change Until Offer
610 Gilmore	$225,000	$225,000	$216,000	96%	96%	1	1
3314 Gregory	$250,000	$224,900	$230,000	92%	102%	46	6
607 Copeland	$259,900	$259,900	$245,000	94%	94%	46	6
502 Leonard	$310,000	$299,000	$295,000	95%	99%	173	29
749 Baltzell	$425,000	$425,000	$425,000	100%	100%	8	8
616 Pickford	$435,000	$435,000	$435,000	100%	100%	1	1
Average Total	$317,483	$311,467	$307,667	96%	98%	46	8.5