Tag: Madison

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Our Wisconsin Weather, How does a Roof Take It?

Madison area winters generally never fail to bring plenty of snow and cold, and this winter was no different. Looking at the 10 day forecast for Madison on weather.com, you will see that 34 degrees is the warmest projected temperature, with 2 degrees being the lowest. I am sure if we take a look ahead into the very near future, we will see that the daily temperature range will get even larger. We will experience days in the 50’s with nights in the teens.Here in Madison, this time of year and type of weather poses some maintenance issues for homeowners. This is especially true with respect to the roof after a long winter of ice damning. The effects of ice damning, if left ignored, can create some serious roof damage, gutter damage, water problems, and potential mold issues. I therefore wanted to post a few tips that my help in keeping down the potential damage and consequent expense.

1. Be proactive about checking your roof. You should make a habit of inspecting your roof at every season change. Look for buckling, loose or curled shingling, and interruptions in flashing. An easy way to perform this inspection is with a quality pair of binoculars.
2) Check your gutters. If there are a lot of granules from the roof in your gutters, then chances are the asphalt on your roof is becoming brittle and in need of attention.
3) If you have a metal roof, look for signs of deterioration and ensure there are no open seams.
4) Inspect your attic several times as the temperature warms up. You may find evidence of leaking as the snow and ice begins to thaw.

If you find that your roof is in need of attention or further inspection by a professional, you should contact someone immediately. Leaving your roof in a compromised state will undoubtedly lead to many areas of damage. If you need some assistance locating a qualified professional, just give me a call. I’ll gladly provide you with some resources that will help you find a contractor in your area.

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Madison Market Update – January in Review

There has been a great deal of Real Estate talk throughout the country and here in Madison with interest rates falling to a 2 year low.  Currently the 30 year fixed rates are averaging between 5.4% and 5.7%.  With a high level of inventory currently available there are some great opportunities out there for Madison first time home buyers and individuals wishing to buy second homes or investment properties.  Below is a quick recap of January’s activity.  If you would like to discuss how your property may fit into the current Madison market, give me a call, I’d love to discuss it with you and provide a full market report and complimentary market analysis of your property.

Madison Property Type

Total     Listings

Total New Listings

Sold Listings

Average Days on Market For Sold Listings

Average Days on Market For Active Listings

Average List Price For Sold Properties

Average List Price For Active Properties

Average Sold Price

Residential5771423279121$239,284$224,207$228,636
Condo44253771222$163,357$171,643$155,971
Residential Income180334118178$245,700$373,318$237,575
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Prevent Your Ice From Damning

Each season’s weather is unique here in Madison; consequently we have unique concerns during each season that we need to stay on top of as homeowners. In the winter, the snow and cold temperatures can cause ice damning. It is a very common problem among Madison homeowners that has the potential to cause some serious damage to your Madison real estate investment. Ice damning occurs when the accumulated snow stays on the roof for a period of time while the temperatures remain very cold. The heat coming from the home’s roof then melts some of the snow. As this snow melts, it drains down to the soffit where it refreezes. When enough ice gathers at the soffit, a dam is formed preventing the remaining melted snow from draining off the roof. This melted snow, with no where else to go, can then back-up and go under your roof shingles. The water will then enter your Madison home and create plenty of havoc and damage that you will have to deal with in the spring.Some Good Tips to Prevent Ice Damning
1) During large snow storms, remove excess snow from your roof.
2) Eliminate leaks from your home into your attic. This will prevent your attic from getting to warm and decrease the amount of snow that will melt.
3) Make sure that all bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are vented outside and not into the attic.
Good Luck this winter and please feel free to call me if you have any questions about preserving your Madison real estate investment.

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Returning to the Blitz: Suitcases for Kids

Keller Williams Realty West will be taking part in a service project which collects and distributes suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks for foster children in the Madison area. Last year we had the most suitcases gathered from any single real estate office and we plan to do it again. All donations will be accepted from now until March 13th. Full information for the drive is included below. For more information on how to get involved in this Madison area charity, please give me a call. 608-444-6831. Thank You!!

Returning to the Blitz: Suitcases for Kids
“In 2006, RASCW joined the national service project designed to collect and distribute new and gently used suitcases, duffel bags and backpacks for foster children who are frequently forced to move from home to home. Since that time, we have donated more that 700 suitcases and just under $1,000 to foster care programs throughout Dane, Sauk and Columbia counties. We will once again be collecting donations at Blitz 2008 and distributing them throughout the three counties. Please remember to bring a suitcase to the Blitz on March 13, 2008.” (http://www.rascw.org/)

Any contributions will be greatly appreciated and will be stored at the Keller William West real estate office until March 13th.

Thanks so much in advance on behalf of those without.

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Madison Foreclosures

One of the biggest real estate headlines in 2007 was the high rate of foreclosures. RealtyTrac’s most recent foreclosure data was posted in late November with a 94% increase in national foreclosure filings over a 1 year period. Although real estate experts believe that the foreclosure rate likely peaked in 2007, foreclosures will still have an enormous impact on the real estate market in 2008. Through October 2007, Wisconsin was 22nd in the U.S. for total number of foreclosures with 2506. The 22nd ranking only assesses the total number of foreclosures which does present some misleading statistics. When comparing the number of foreclosures per households, Wisconsin is well above the average. The US average is 1 foreclosure for every 555 households, but we are recording 1 foreclosure for every 997 households. We are therefore performing well above the average when looking at defaulted mortgages. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has put together some suggestions for avoiding foreclosure. This article contains some great information, as well as helpful resources that may benefit many home owners in fear of foreclosure in the Madison area. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be detailing how foreclosures will impact our Madison area communities; so please stay tuned for more information or please feel free to contact me to inquire how this foreclosure rate may affect you and your real estate plans.