Home for the Holidays – and All Year ‘Round
Hopefully, if you were looking for a new home in the Fitchburg or Greater Madison area, you’d think to call Coldwell Banker-Success Realtors. But what about a new home for your feathered friends?
Having a birdhouse or birdfeeder in the backyard is a great family activity for any time of the year. It’s fun to see what types of birds you can attract and watch in fascination as they eat you out of house and home. Even the smallest finches, with their tiny beaks, manage to consume an incredible amount of food.
There’s a science to attracting certain types of birds. I haven’t entirely mastered it yet, but it’s fun to try. Different types of birds are attracted to different houses. Some birdhouses may be tiny and others quite large. You need to be sure the holes are the right size for the bird – large enough for them to easily get inside, but not so big as to attract their larger predators.
We used to have a custom-designed birdhouse at our last house. It was large, with several stories and a “porch” that wrapped around the dwelling. I’m not sure how much the birds liked it, but it was definitely an architectural work of art.
If you want to become a bird landlord, you might want to set up a birdfeeder or birdbath (in the warmer months) nearby. You’re more apt to attract feathered tenants by providing them with food and water. Any good pet food store can help you determine what type of birdseed will best suit your needs.
Although there are a lot of birds that fly south for the winter, don’t forget about the ones that stay behind. If you fed them in the summer, be sure to keep the buffet going in these cold and snowy months when finding their own food is even more difficult.
We wanted to share a little holiday spirit with those hearty birds that chose to brave our Wisconsin winters. I’m not saying these lights attracted more birds, but the ones that stopped by, certainly seemed to be having a good time.
You can hardly go anywhere today without hearing about e-readers. There are ads on TV and in magazines. Walk into any bookstore — or office supply store or electronics store – and you’ll find a display of these little hand-held devices.
It’s not just the young and tech-savvy gravitating toward these readers, either. In the neighborhood book club, over half the people are now using Nooks, Kindles, or iPads to read the monthly selection. One Nook-user is a grandmother with severe arthritis who says the e-reader is much easier on her hands than holding a big old fat hardcover book.
Now even the library is getting in on the act. The Fitchburg Public Library, a part of the Wisconsin South Central Library System, has just added eight Kindles, available to any card-holding library patron. They are already loaded with a wide variety of books, from best sellers to non-fiction to young adult literature.
Ever wondered whether you’d like using an e-reader? Here’s your chance to try it for free – and not just for ten minutes with a store clerk looking over your shoulder. Each Kindle can be checked out for a 14-day period, so you’ll have plenty of time to curl up in your favorite chair and see how it feels. Experiment a little. Is it suited for a dimmed bedroom if you’re someone who likes to read before falling asleep? How about in a moving car (only if you’re a passenger)?
The nice librarian at the Circulation Desk informed me that you could even download your own choice of eBooks to the borrowed Kindle – as long as you delete it when you’re done reading.
What if you already own a Kindle, Nook or iPad? No problem. Just go to dbooks.wplc.info to find out what’s available through the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium and how to download an eBook to your e-reader today.
Fun Facts:
– The Fitchburg Library checked out 131,040 books in 2011
– 25,308 holds were filled
– 2,990 parents and children attended one of 97 programs
– 11,042 computer sessions occurred
– 289 meetings scheduled
And don’t forget to contact us at Coldwell Banker Success Realtors if you’re looking for a home in Fitchburg or the Greater Madison area!
The Rose Bowl may take place a long way from here in Pasadena, California, and yes, the University of Wisconsin Badgers just lost for the second year in a row. But none of that matters. The mere fact that the Badgers won the first annual Big Ten Championship and earned a spot in the “Granddaddy of them all,” puts the spotlight clearly on the Badgers and the city they call home — Madison, Wisconsin.
Not only have the Badgers proved themselves to be consistent winners, but the days of cable and satellite TV are upon us and the UW football games are televised almost every week during the fall. And that puts the spotlight on Madison.
Viewers have the chance to see the UW campus, Madison’s four lakes, the beautiful autumn foliage, and our majestic capitol. Even the opportunities to experience all manner of snow sports in the area is right there on TV for all to see
This year the Badgers attracted even more media attention with the addition of senior transfer quarterback Russell Wilson who quickly made Madison his home sweet home. And when junior running back Montee Ball tied an NCAA record number of touchdowns and found himself in New York as a Heisman Trophy finalist, The University of Wisconsin — and all that Madison has to offer — were in the spotlight again. Ball’s parents were so impressed when he first joined the UW football team that they picked up and moved lock, stock, and barrel to Madison from Wentzville, Missouri. And all eyes will be on Ball next year, too, after his recent decision to stay here for his senior year.
It might be that the Badgers sports success has attracted the attention of the media and the public, but those of us who live here already knew what a great town it is. If you’re looking to move to — or around — the Madison area, remember that Coldwell Banker Success Realty can help you find your new house in this place that we like to call home. And Go Badgers!
I heard over the weekend that 62% of Americans feel ‘positive’ about 2012. So almost two-thirds of those asked actually feel good about moving into the future. Why is that? What data are they reading to arrive at that conclusion? Is it their faith? Do they think an election year is going to turn things around?
Whatever it is, I agree with them. And further, what is wrong with the other one-third who feel otherwise? Unless someone is physically or mentally incapable of being productive, what is the sense of continuing to mope around, blaming the government or big business (by the way, we need both) for whatever bad is happening in life.
Seems to me the two-thirds feel it is our responsibility as individuals to go out and be as productive as we can, for ourselves and family. That is not to say obstacles are not out there….we are all dealing with them, but it’s how we go about resolving them and moving forward that determines our success.
I read a post on FaceBook recently, and it was evidently a real estate agent complaining that the government needed to do something to help the economy so she could sell more homes, and said she had only sold 7 in 2011. Well, there are many Madison area real estate agents who sold dozens of properties in 2011, with the top agent selling 84. I would wager that top agent doesn’t get up every morning wondering who is going to help her sell more…she goes out and does it. The playing field is absolutely level for everyone.
You could replace real estate with whatever product you may sell, or service you provide and it wouldn’t make any difference. An effort to succeed and to believe positive things will happen through our own actions, has never been more important. And I believe the 62% is ready to prove that obstacles can be overcome, goals reached, and a positive outcome will emerge.
I am thrilled 2012 is here….it is going to be a great year!
McFarland, Wisconsin is a small village just south of Madison, on the eastern shores of Lake Waubesa. With a population of just over 6,000 residents McFarland is big on small town charm.
McFarland is close enough to big city life to be convenient without being intrusive. The University of Wisconsin is close by, about a 10 minute drive, and the Dane County Airport is a mere 15 minutes away. It’s a short 10 miles north to Madison, 90 miles east to Milwaukee, 150 miles south to Chicago, 100 miles west to Dubuque, and 250 miles north to Minneapolis, putting McFarland in the sweetest spot in Wisconsin.
The rate of development in McFarland has been moving along at a steady pace, with the next two decades promising to bring an increase in development, population and economic growth. McFarland has controlled plans for these increases, and aims to keep the great community feel in McFarland, while allowing for betterment of its residents.
Because of the trend towards quieter living and a need to return to a world where we know our neighbors and have a say in our future, more and more people are moving to McFarland. Living and buying real estate in McFarland means a wonderful lifestyle at an affordable price.
Whether you’re looking for lakefront property with your own private dock, or a single family home in the town center, McFarland has affordable prices, large lots, and quality built homes for you to choose from. There are condominiums, apartments and homes for rent as well if you aren’t looking to buy at this time.
You’ll never run out of things to do in McFarland; try fishing, boating, canoeing, biking, picnics in one of our many parks, hiking, swimming and biking, to name just a few. In addition there are three churches, a public library, an indoor ice arena, and a curling club, as well as a number of service clubs and organizations. McFarland has a bustling business community and wonderful schools, including six schools, ranging from early learning, to grade 12, with the University and easy drive away.
Choosing to live in McFarland, Wisconsin, and making your home here is a decision you won’t regret. With affordable real estate, all the benefits Dane County has to offer, and a community that has a vision for the future, McFarland really does have it all.
As always … we’d love to have you hear about life in McFarland Wisconsin direct from a resident (video below)
Post by Phil Sveum
Deciding to buy a home as opposed to renting has many considerations, some having nothing to do with finances. For example, is there a possibility you may have to relocate for employment in the near future? If that is the case, owning a home may not be the best choice. Then there is the emotional part….are you really cut out to own a property, maintain it, etc. Some people aren’t and the best thing for them to do, for their own peace of mind, is to rent.
But the financial considerations are typically the more common. Are down payment funds at your disposal, and the monthly payments and real estate taxes within your budget? A numbers game for sure, and one that goes beyond the electronic transfer you will make each month.
Comparing to rent, which is more of a “user fee”, the after tax cost of owning a home is less than the growing cost to rent a 2-3 bedroom apartment in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Rent is not deductible, but mortgage interest and real estate taxes are, and that reduces the net cost of owning.
The other aspect is the wealth building of owning a home. Yes, the market has had it’s bumps along the way over the last few years, but historically owning a home, even with just a little average annual appreciation and principal pay down, has created equity for homeowners that only the renter’s landlord will enjoy. Additionally, the financial return on a home, even during these times, has compared very favorably to the stock market.
If it comes down to a financial decision, work with an experienced Realtor and you will find the home in the right location for you, at the right price, with a financing package to fit your budget.
One might think that when the headlines continue to point to continued housing disaster, that it must be true for everyone. But the first day of real estate school, agents are taught these six words……”real estate is local in nature”.
Wisconsin is different than Florida, Dane County different than Rock, Madison different than Waunakee, and assessment rolls reflect the differences even between neighborhoods in Madison. It doesn’t mean one neighborhood is “better”, only the rise and fall of values in specific locations tells us that generalizations about the market may not be true where you live.
There are plenty of statistics for everyone, but the city assessment roll is the one constant that follows the local housing market in any community and it can be used for analysis. That is not to say the assessed values are market value, only that trends of particular neighborhoods’ real estate assessments can help you determine which direction an area is heading.
These valuations are all available if you want to do the research. The Wisconsin State Journal also publishes these for Madison, by neighborhood, in April. In the meantime, if you feel your 2011 real estate tax bill reflects a higher value than your home is worth, there is a process to contest this valuation….too late for this year, but possible for next. An experienced Realtor can assist you in the process of providing you a value, and how to contest the assessment.
Real Estate 101 may save you some money.
Things to do in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin is a short five minute drive from Madison. There are currently around 24,000 residents, though with the rate of smart growth that Sun Prairie is currently on, those numbers will only continue to go up. Sun Prairie is the fastest growing municipality in the state and Family Circle magazine has named Sun Prairie “one of the best cities to raise a family”. It is a family oriented community, with affordable real estate that gives you more for your dollar than nearby Madison.
If you are looking for things to do in Sun Prairie, you won’t need to look for long. Whether you choose to live in Sun Prairie, or are just a visitor, there are plenty of attractions and activities to keep you busy. You may want to visit the Sun Prairie Museum and learn about the history of this city. The exhibits change annually and are a great source of information about everything from the railroad to the original 1868 jail.
Golf is a popular recreational activity, and if golf is for you, Sun Prairie can deliver. Established in 1961, the Sun Prairie Golf Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the area. Other choices if you are looking for some physical activity are to take a visit to any one of the recreational facilities in the area. You can choose from the Sun Prairie Ice Arena, Sun Prairie Aquatic Center, Sun Prairie Skate Park or the Prairie Athletic Club.
It’s all about family in Sun Prairie, and year round there are opportunities to spend time as a family in the community and get to know the people in your neighborhood. Take in a show at the Civic Theatre, a summer concert in the park, or attend one of the many festivals. The Sweet Corn Festival in August is fun, as is Winterfest. Be sure to celebrate Groundhog Day with Jimmy the groundhog who boasts an 80% success rate! There are 32 parks to choose from and two nearby lakes as well.
With its high quality educational system, affordable real estate, and proximity to a bustling major city, Sun Prairie has it all. Sun Prairie was home to the world famous artist Georgia O’Keefe and her family was one of the first to settle in the area. Ask anyone living in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin what their favourite thing to do here is, and they will answer, “Everything!”. You can always start your Sun Prairie Wisconsin Home search here: Sun Prairie Home Search
