Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate Blog

Happy May Day!

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:13:21 -0700

Did you make May baskets in elementary school? I had a great art teacher at Allen Road School in North Syracuse NYand she showed us how to make a May basket made of a paper cone and a handle from construction paper. We filled them with flowers and candy and were then supposed to hang them on someone's doorknob, ring the bell and run. You were to do this with a sweet little old lady you knew. So today, on the very first day of May, my sweetie thought he'd bring a May basket to my office.

He told me he said that he could not find any little old ladies, so he made one for me. It had the flowers, shown here and little treats and even a heart shaped tea infuser. I was making one of those little, very feminine squeals and giving him a smooch so he says I did not hear him mention that he could not find any old ladies. I wondered for a moment if he really did make that disclaimer but then decided it was such a sweet romantic gesture, what did it matter?

An international holiday not too widely celebrated in this country, but I have danced around a pretty authentic Maypole and when living in Rhode Island, helped cook and serve a May Breakfast at my church. That is a very fine tradition indeed.

Wish I could attend this marvelous colorful parade in South Minneapolis, the 39th Annual MayDay Parade!

How have you celebrated May Day?

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Rave Reviews! 7510 Farmington Way, Madison WI 53717 MLS 1679836

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:56:11 -0700

The essence of elegance! This meticulous Sauk Creek custom 4 bedroom Colonial features 9-foot ceilings, crown molding and stunning herringbone wood floors in living and dining rooms. No telling what you’ll cook up in this chef's kitchen with cathedral ceiling, granite countertops, SubZero refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, & Thermador dual-fuel range. The family room, highlighted by a cherry fireplace, opens to a four-season sunroom overlooking a unique brick patio and walkway with professional landscaping, and a fully fenced in back yard for peace and privacy. Newly upgraded master bath, neutral-colored newer carpets in most rooms. Escape to the lower level rec room to watch the big game or just chill out. Full bath and hobby room or office, workbench, extra refrigerator, along with plenty of storage, too!

This dramactic living room provides a big Wow factor with herringbone wood floors which flow into the dining room.

Take the tour now:

7510 Farmington Way, Madison, WI 53717

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description
Neighborhood

$427,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 3,852 sqft
Lot: 0.26 acre(s)

Location

7510 Farmington Way
Madison, WI 53717
USA

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Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Record High Temperature or How To Put 200,000 People In A Good Mood

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 19:08:16 -0700

A Record High Temperature or How To Put 200,000 In A Good Mood.

It's a record! Temp of 82 degrees marks earliest 80-degree day ever in Madison Wisconsin reports The Wisconsin State Journal today. Here is the article in it's entirety.

The all-time record for the earliest 80-degree day in Madison has just been broken, according to Jonathan Martin, chair of the UW-Madison Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Studies.

As of 6 p.m., the official Madison temperature had reached 82 degrees, Martin said, eclipsing the previous first 80-degree day by two weeks. Prior to Thursday, the earliest day to see 80 degrees in Madison was on March 29, 1986, he said.

The hot spell — which is expected to last well into next week — prompted UW-Madison to hasten its normal schedule for putting out its signature chairs and tables at the Union Terrace.

Wisconsin Union spokesman Marc Kennedy said the 650 chairs and 260 tables will arrive from a facility in Verona as early as noon Friday, a full two weeks earlier than planned.

March can be a fickle month, just as it was this year. Cross-country skiing and sledding early in the month have in short order been replaced by bike riding and canoeing.

And now, sun bathing.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Have Your Pi and Eat It Too!

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 16:57:20 -0700

Have Your Pi and Eat It Too!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how many calories is it worth? This one? In the millions, nearly.

Have you had your pi yet? Since it is National Pi Day, Hubbard Avenue Diner in beautiful downtown Middleton Wisconsin, is serving their delectable pies for $3.14 per slice. Can you say blackberry rhubarb? That is the one I selected. I think there is nothing better than pie and coffee for breakfast so we hit the diner at 8 am this morning. There is still time.

Here is a Pi Cake, believe it or not.

What a sweet way to celebrate a transcendental number to a solution. And pies are appropriately round!

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Bold Enough? Guess What I Did On Leap Day?

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:55:46 -0800

It only comes once every four years.

As you know, February 29th is Leap Year Day. An old Scottish tradition dating back to the 5th Century is the alleged source of the tradition that a woman can ask a man to marry her on Leap Day. A very sweet committed relationship and HE has been mentioning getting on the same insurance plan and lots of little details which can only happen when you are married. We have been planning to move in together, but he did not quite get there with those actual words a woman wants to hear.

We had breakfast together and then parted knowing we would get back together in the early evening. So I put my heart on my sleeve and wrote him an email sharing my dreams and desires but still giving him an "out." I mentioned that I was writing this, insread of saying it, because I was just a little bit "chicken." He wrote me a short answer back, saying, yes he had been that way too but that we would talk more when I arrived.

When I got inside his apartment, he gave me a kiss and asked if I wanted to take a walk. We bundled up again and as we stepped out the door, the most lovely gentle snowfall had just begun-the kind with the big soft flakes floating all around you. We strolled and casually chatted, neither of us bringing IT up. After we had climbed our 2nd steep hill and paused to catch our breath, he turned to me, with a deep embrace and whispered, "The answer is yes." We were just all smiles and grins on the way back to his place. We do not have all the specifics into place yet, but we are sharing the story. He wrote to his extended family email list, that "Barbara took advantage of Leap Year and asked me to marry her." There are quite a few cute comments accompanying the congratulations. It is lots of fun.

I decided I am going to be bolder this year. With my other committed relationships-the ones with my buyers and sellers-I am going to plunge in and just pop the questions which need to be asked. The price changes, the upgrades, the get yourdelf a pre-approval, the let's make up our minds here or stop looking. As I did with my sweetie, the questions are not going to be prickly, just clear and directed and goal oriented. And then I will just shut up and wait for the answer. Works for me!

Happy Leap Year!

Oh, and just in case you have a very special guy in your life, don't forget Sadie Hawkins Day is November 15.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Just How Important is Staging-Fur Goodness Sake!

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 13:33:00 -0800

Just How Important is Staging-Fur Goodness Sake!

Take a look at these before and after photos of this home for sale at 322 Acadia Drive, Madison WI in the Parkwood Hills subdivision on the West side in Madison Wi.

Living room photo: BEFORE.

Living room photo: AFTER

Dining Room photo: BEFORE

Dining room photo: AFTER

What is this seller of 322 Acadia Drive, in Madison WI going to get back? His listing MLS #1633936 has already had more showings and two parties who are ranking it in their top 2 or 3 favorites.

And what did the seller offer me for my help in making his listing show to his best advantage

A full length mouton fur coat-that's what! This was his mother's coat bought by saving silver dollars which came over the counter into the family produce store. Every time his father received one, he would match it with a paper dollar of his own. The coat was purchased using this method entirely.

Thank you Jim and we are on our way to a successful close!

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

550 Market St Oregon

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:26:11 -0700

Small town, small price-a lot of house! Here is a home to fit your needs and wallet.Classic 4 bedroom farm house on oversized lot with yesteryear charm. Spacious living room and eat in kitchen. New hardwood flooring in master, new paint inside and out. Lots of room for a huge vegetable garden! For the kids-their own tree house, too! Wait till you see the garage with workshop and plenty of space for a boat, riding mower and other "toys." New boiler and home warranty too.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

New Listing by Barbara Chatterton! 322 Acadia Dr, Madison WI MLS# 1633936

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 18:55:09 -0700

322 Acadia Drive, Madison WI MLS#1633936

Parkwood Hills! Need more “ living” room? Nearly 3000 sq ft 4 bedroom, 2 bath beautifully maintained bi-level features 2 family rooms and an all season 20 x 13 sunroom. Fireplace, 2 car garage and formal dining room, plus an eat-in kitchen too! Nestled in a quiet park-like setting but close to everything. Possible theater room in lower level! Walk to all schools, neighborhood pool. Lots of shopping, restaurants and many other nearby conveniences! New roof, high efficiency furnace, and newer triple pane low E windows assure you peace of mind. May we tell you more?

Parkwood Hills Community Association has lots of good information about this lively and connected neighborhood. You can obtain details on the swimming pool and much more.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Eric Kodner named President of the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 11:51:01 -0700

Eric Kodner, CRS, AHWD of Madeline Island Realty in LaPointe, Wisconsin and Wayzata Lakes Realty in the Minneapolis - Saint Paul Area, has just been elected President of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP).

Jeff Berger, founder of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP) who envisioned the idea of amending Article Ten of the Realtor Code of Ethics back in 2007, invited Eric to join the Board of NAGLREP after reading Eric's December 5, 2007 ActiveRain blog post, entitled ,"Tell NAR It's Time to Rewrite Article 10 of the Code of Ethics"

Eric brought the Article Ten amendment to include sexual orientation as a protected class before our Wisconsin Realtors Association Equal Opportunity in Housing committee in early 2009. Many others participated in bringing forth this important amendment, including Debbie Conrad and Kevin King (of Wisconsin Realtors' Association), Fred Underwood (NAR Community & Political Affairs Department), former NAR President Dick Gaylord and President Vicki Cox Golder, members of the NAR Professional Standards Committee, Interpretations & Procedures Subcommittee and the NAR Board. That proposal moved through channels within NAR until it passed by affirmative delegate vote at the end of 2010, at the NAR Annual Convention in New Orleans.

Eric also serves on the NAR Equal Opportunity - Cultural Diversity Committee, as well as the CRS Diversity Committee. Eric was recently named Chairman of the Equal Opportunity and Diversity in Housing Committee of the Wisconsin Realtors Association, and he takes office in September 2011.

In April, Eric received a Wisconsin Fair Housing Network 2011 Individual Fair Housing Award (in cooperation with HUD). He has also received the 2010 "Exceptional Service Award" from the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR) for his work on civil rights and social justice in real estate.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

2 Lancaster Ct, Madison Wisconsin 53719 MLS #1632176 offered by Barbara Chatterton

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:46:27 -0700

Summertime and the entertaining is easy on this oversized multi level deck with pergola. The retractable canvas cover will shade you but to cool off even more, how about a dip in the hottub? The landscaping with trees and many perennial garden spaces will have you wanting you keep that grill going and the beverages flowing.

Cooler weather? Pull up to the living room fireplace or hang out in the lower level family room to watch the game.

This lovely home has fresh paint, carpeting and all you have to do is schedule the moving van and move right in before the leaves start to turn. Take a closer look here and then schedule a showing.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Another of the Many Benefits of Blogging-Free Yummy Cupcakes!

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Thu, 12 May 2011 23:15:59 -0700

Besides new clients, referrals, online presence, a great education and great friends from all over the country, blogging on ActiveRain can be deliciously satisfying as well.

I had grabbed a bite to eat at Villa Dolce in downtown Middleton with a friend last night. When we had finished we wanted to see if Bloom Bake Shop was still open and strolled to the other end of the block only to see the sign on the window indicating the shop was closed. However, my alert friend noticed the door was open, so we stepped inside just to take a look and see what we could see.

Annmarie, the owner, greeted us with great exuberance. After her very warm welcome, and hinting to my friend, whom had never been there before, that she would offer him a free cupcake of his choice, she remarked that I looked familiar to her. I said yes that I had blogged about her shop at the open house last October and I told her my name. Yes! Oh yes! I loved your blog-you emailed it to me and I sent it on to my Mother and friends around the country. She was effusive in her praise and now offered us two cupcakes free of charge-strawberry with butter cream and lime with coconut frosting. She went on and on-nearly to the point of embarrassment (well, OK, I was able to actually soak it all in).

It was just adorable, mainly because of the enthusiasm of Annmarie.

I have been a lapsed Rainmaker lately, but this little event reminded me of the delicious benefits of ActiveRain and has prompted me to post 4 times today (so far).

And, oh boy, were those cupcakes yummy! If you are anywhere close to Middleton or Madison, you owe it to yourself to stop in and try some of these tempting delights.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Sale Pending: 1613 Lynndale Road, Madison Wisconsin 53711; Listed by Barbara Chatterton

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Thu, 12 May 2011 11:42:32 -0700

It is a cycle. I sold this house to first time homebuyers 5 years ago and they are now building their dream home in New Glarus Wisconsin. This house, which started to feel to small to them because of a new addition to the family, is now just right for a new first time home buyer, Andrew. Because of the sellers' attention to detail, lovely upgrades including bamboo flooring, hickory cabinets and other kitchen upgrades, all new windows, furnace and roof, this house sold in a neighborhood where others have been on the market for a long time.

As we know, selling your home in today's conditions is a beauty contest and price war. The sellers did all of the right things in sprucing up their home. Only one quick price reduction was needed after they "listened" to the what the market was telling them to see if they could get exactly what they hoped for out of the house. As soon as they dropped the price a bit, it was snapped up. When you do sell your home, getting a solid offer is what you want so that you can move into the future. The contingencies have all been met and we are now waiting for the closing date.

Before you sit down with another Realtor, give me a call and see how I can help you market your home so that you can move on to your dream home, too.

Testimonials

I chose Barbara Chatterton as the realtor to sell my late mother's house because she was such a good friend to my mother, and my mother always made it clear that whenever and however that house was sold, she wanted Barbara to handle it. Well, Mom knew what she was doing. Barbara has been hard-working, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. She has been a great communicator all along the line, letting us know what to expect and what was happening, explaining our options, giving advice, but applying no pressure when we occasionally did things differently, and listening to what was most important to us. She has been generous with her time, expertise and resources, even helping us find a free piece of carpet for staging the house.
The bottom line -- the house sold as soon as it was listed, at a price we were very happy with. In fact, we had 3 offers, all above the listing price,in spite of significant drawbacks to this house. As we approach the closing, she continues to help us with everything that needs to be done. I can whole-heartedly recommend Barbara Chatterton as a realtor.

-Kathy W.

Dear Barbara, I just wanted to write a bit of a thank you for all that you have done to sell my house. After moving from Madison to Denver I had wondered how on earth am I going to sell my home in Madison without being around to take care of things or oversee what was happening. With all due respect and trust towards you I didn't have a problem. We had daily conversations involving your expert advice and I honored your voice every time. You staged my house beautifully and you took your personal time to make sure things were up to par. I could not have done this without you. I truly believe that your hard work, wonderful personality and great spirit is what sold the house. I really enjoyed working with you and I enjoyed our dinner once the house sold. I wish all the best!

-Sarah S.

I am so glad I chose Barbara Chatterton to be my real estate agent. Barbara sold my house in the difficult market time of 2008/2009 and for a good price. The property, a one hundred year old house, presented some unique challenges-out of date wiring and the lack of a driveway to name two. Adding to the complexity of the transaction, I, the owner, lived in Puerto Rico during the winter. Barbara took these challenges on energetically and brought the sale to a successful closeting. THANK YOU BARBARA!!!

-Jean M.

"After having had our home on the market eighteen months, we deceided to hire a professional. Barbara came, listened, offered a plan to us which she asked us to review. We agreed with her ideas. And within four days, we had an accepted offer! Thank you"

-Robert M.

It took Barbara over six months to get us into the property we wanted in a complex, non-classic situation. Her tremendous persistance, creativity, and thinking outside the box got us there when we thought many times over we had lost out. She flooded us with information to let us see things for ourselves, was assertive, yet easy to deal with. I highly recommend Barbara for any real estate matter you are facing. Thank you Barbara! --FBW

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

HUD Asst Secretary John Trasviña Speaking at NAGLREP Mid-Year Meeting Today in D.C.

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Thu, 12 May 2011 10:49:49 -0700

John D. Trasviña, HUD Assistant Secretary is the keynote speaker today at the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Realtors' mid year meetingtoday at 2:30 in the Nathan Hale Room at the Marriott Wardman Tower.

John Trasviña was nominated by President Obama to be Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity on April 20, 2009, and confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on May 1, 2009. The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) administers and enforces federal laws and establishes policies that make sure all Americans have equal access to the housing of their choice. As Special Counsel in the Clinton Administration until 2001, he led the only federal government office devoted solely to immigrant workplace rights and was the highest ranking Latino attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice.

Also, an important presentation on the agenda will be a special recognition award presented to Bill Malkasian, President of the Wisconsin Realtors Association for introducing to the National Association of Realtors EOC Committee in 2009, a provision to amend the Code of Ethics to prohibit housing discrimination based on sexual orientation.

On November 8, 2010, at the National Association of Realtors' Annual Convention in New Orleans, this provision was passed to amend the Code of Ethics to include sexual orientation as a protected class. This is the amended language: REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation.

and

REALTORS®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation.

Much credit is to be given to NAGLREP's Jeff Burger and Eric Kodner who promoted this initiative with years of work and dedication to this cause and they are tremendously grateful to Bill Malkasian to moving this forward and presenting it to NAR. The amended code came into effect on January 1st, 2011.

The concepts of Equal Housing Opportunity and Fair Housing are at the core of the real estate industry. HUD enforces Federal Fair Housing compliance. This is the amended language:

REALTORS® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation. REALTORS® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or sexual orientation.

and

The NAR Midyear Convention Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo, May 9-14, 2011, is where NAR members take an active role to advance the real estate industry, public policy, and the association. There is still time to join in on the activities in Washington, D.C., for special issues forums, committee meetings, legislative activities, and the industry trade show.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

The Same Place is Always Different: Marshall Park, Madison WI

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Thu, 12 May 2011 08:36:35 -0700

You have those places where you can visit over and over again and the experience is always new and refreshing. Marshall Park on Wednesday May 11. A misty twilight walk in the park. . .the glow of streetlights appearing as multiple moons peeking through the trees. . .the foggy evening light softening the view. . .the subtle sunset, a delicate wash of watercolors.. . . a very late Spring with the trees just starting to sprout delicate green leaves. . .only a few sailboats on their moorings, leaving room for the remaining ones. . .

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Eric Kodner Selected for HUD & WRA's, Wisconsin Fair Housing Network Award

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:17:08 -0700

Congratulations are in order! It was announced late last week that real estate broker Eric Kodner has been selected to receive a HUD/Wisconsin Fair Housing Network 2011 award.

The Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) partnered to create the Wisconsin Fair Housing Network. These fair housing awards are granted to individuals as well as organizations. The 2011 awards will be presented during the luncheon program at the WFHN Fair Housing Conference, to be held on April 29, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin. Eric also will be a featured speaker at the conference, addressing recently-proposed legislative measures prohibiting discrimination in housing based upon sexual orientation and gender identity.

I am proud to have been one of several individuals who nominated Eric for this award. I like to think that I played a role in helping Eric receive the award. Below is a portion of my nomination letter on behalf of Eric Kodner:

It is hard to imagine a more qualified candidate for the Individual Fair Housing Award than Eric Kodner.

Eric has been the initiator, catalyst and facilitator of an historic event in November of 2010 when the National Association of Realtors amended its Realtor Code of Ethics to include sexual orientation as a protected class. Eric was the primary advocate who initially presented this proposal to the Realtor community and who moved the proposal forward.

One of the unique and outstanding reasons I think Eric is a particularly outstanding nominee is that these efforts and the resulting change in the Realtor Code of Ethics is far-reaching. It affects millions of people in the United States and not merely Realtors alone. It governs how Realtors treat each other, and how Realtors treat their customers and clients. That is a huge portion of the nation's population, amounting to tens of millions of people. And it all began here in Wisconsin through Eric Kodner's initiative, follow-through and diligent focus over the past three years.

Throughout the process, Eric brought this proposal along, working with and engaging many in this noble effort. It all began in December of 2007 because of something Eric posted on his ActiveRain Blog, calling for NAR to rewrite Article 10 of the Realtor Code of Ethics. Jeff Berger, founder of the National Association of Gay & Lesbian Real Estate Professionals (NAGLREP) read Eric's post, they exchanged emails and began to strategize. Jeff had begun to contemplate this effort in 2007, so their collaboration was a natural partnership. Jeff invited Eric to join the Board of NAGLREP and Eric accepted. The collaboration resulted in Eric bringing this proposal before the WRA Equal Opportunity in Housing Committee on March 6, 2009.

Eric, as a Director on the Wisconsin Realtors' Association Equal Opportunity in Housing Committee, introduced the proposed amendment. It was then considered and approved by the WRA Board (including WRA President Bill Malkasian), the NAR Equal Opportunity - Cultural Diversity Committee, the NAR Interpretations and Procedures Subcommittee, the NAR Professional Standards Committee and finally by the NAR Board of Directors last October.

Eric credits many individuals who were involved in the process, including Wisconsin Realtors Association Director of Legal Affairs Debra Peterson Conrad, Kevin King of the NAR Professional Standards Committee, Fred Underwood (Director, Diversity and Community Outreach Programs at NAR), and former NAR President Dick Gaylord.

And what an award winning Real Estate Broker Eric is! Last month, deservedly so, Eric Kodner was also awarded the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors 2010 Exceptional Service Award as an advocate for helping amend Article 10. These changes in the code make us proud to be Realtors.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Accepted Offer: 2736 Regent Street, Madison Wisconsin - Buyer Procured by Barbara Chatterton

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:17:48 -0700

We just received an accepted offer today on this well maintained Cape Cod in Near West Regent Neighborhood. Inside this 70 year old home are original doors with glass door knobs, oak floors and trim, archways and a stone trimmed wood burning fireplace with a heat exchanger fireplace. Kitchen has great natural light and attrective custom display cabinets. Spring is almost here (really it is!) and the two bay wndows are great for starting seedlings to compliment the perennial gardens and raised beds. Great closet space. Walk to parks and UW Hospital Fenced yard has mature maple trees, perennials, raised beds, two decks and garden shed.

Two years ago, I sold the buyers' home in Madison and they moved to North Carolina. They found a gorgeous home in the mountains but they were called back to Madison by the many friends with whom they had connected; these strong ties just could not be broken. This home is exactly to their liking with all its classic old fashioned elegance. They will be very happy here. It was such a joy helping them move back to where their hearts are: a new home in Madison Wisconsin.

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Emotions Run High in Madison Wisconsin as Collective Bargaining Bill is Passed Without a Quorum

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:56:57 -0800

Breaking News: In Wisconsin, GOP maneuver pushes anti-union bill forward

Senate Republicans omit financial provisions from legislation to curb public workers' collective bargaining rights, skirting a requirement that a quorum be present.

A video from WISC TV as shown on their Channel3000.com website. Protestors are chanting a call and response: Tell me what Democracy Looks like: THIS is What Democracy Looks Like.

This is beyond Madison Wisconsin-there is much national and international Coverage of the protests in Madison Wisconsin. This Following Los Angeles Times Article follows (abby.sewell@latimes.com Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times)

Senate Republicans in Wisconsin used a surprise legislative maneuver to advance a bill that would strip collective bargaining rights from most public sector workers, a move accomplished without the presence of 14 Democratic senators who fled the state to stall the measure.

Republicans voted 18 to 1 Wednesday night to pass the non-fiscal provisions of Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill, including those that would eliminate or severely limit collective bargaining rights for most public employees.

By omitting the financial provisions from the bill, Republicans were able to bypass a requirement that a quorum be present to vote on fiscal legislation. When all 14 Democratic state senators fled to Illinois on Feb. 17, they denied the GOP majority a quorum and thereby stymied action on the initiative.

The fight over the legislation in Madison, the state capital, has drawn national attention, with unions calling it an attack on all organized labor and some Republican lawmakers and governors calling it a necessary step to control state spending.

The amended bill will go back to the Republican-controlled state Assembly for a vote Thursday. The Assembly had already passed the bill prior to the changes.

Senate Republicans assembled a conference committee Wednesday, held jointly with Assembly members, to address the changes in the bill, and then quickly moved on to a vote of the full Senate. With no Democrats present, Republican Sen. Dale Schultz cast the only dissenting vote.

In a statement, Schultz said he had spent the last four weeks working for compromise.

"Ultimately, I voted my conscience, which I feel reflects the core beliefs of the majority of voters who sent me here to represent them," he said.

Rep. Donna Seidel, assistant minority leader in the Assembly, said the move caught Democrats "totally and completely off-guard."

"In 30 minutes, the 18 Republican senators stripped away 50 years of worker rights," she said.

The measure is almost guaranteed to pass in the Assembly, but Democrats were not ready to give up the fight, and Seidel said they intended to take the fight to the courts.

Assembly Minority Leader Peter Barca decried the hastily convened conference session as a violation of the state's open meetings law, which generally requires 24 hours' notice, and a minimum of two hours' notice, for meetings.

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald did not respond to a request for comment.

At the brief and contentious joint conference session, where Barca was the only Democrat present, he told Fitzgerald, "Mr. Chairman, this is a violation of law! This is not just a rule - this is the law."

Walker issued a statement praising the Republicans' action.

"The Senate Democrats have had three weeks to debate this bill and were offered repeated opportunities to come home, which they refused," the governor said.

Walker has said the scaling back of public sector union power is a necessary tool to help local governments and schools deal with impending budget cuts intended to plug a $3.6-billion deficit over the next two years. In his initial budget presentation last week, Walker laid out more than $1 billion in proposed cuts in state aid to schools, universities, municipalities and counties.

The bill that passed the Senate on Wednesday retains provisions that would eliminate collective bargaining rights for some workers, including small-scale child care providers and University of Wisconsin hospital and clinic employees. For other non-public safety employees, it would allow bargaining only on wages.

Meanwhile, a quickly growing crowd of protesters assembled outside the state Capitol, pounding on the door and shouting, "Democracy is knocking on the door!"

abby.sewell@latimes.com Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times

Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

New Furnace Inspections in the City of Madison Improving

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:55:34 -0800

More Furnaces Being Inspected In Madison - Some Safety Inspections Weren't Happening

Inspired by Maureen McCabe with her Furnace Friday posts. They are consistantly valuable and very informative. Take a look at her archived posts for much pertinent information.

Sixty-one of 70 Madison homeowners contacted by WISC-TV said that after their new furnace was installed, the city did not follow up with an inspection.

Last month, WISC-TV found that Madison building inspectors are lax when it comes to checking on newly installed replacement furnaces in houses across the city. Sixty-one of 70 Madison homeowners contacted by WISC-TV said that after their new furnace was installed, the city did not follow up with an inspection,

Here is the rest of the story from Channel 3000:

Homeowners who had furnaces installed even more than a year ago who never received an inspection are getting calls from city staff and having important safety checks made.

"What we need to do is follow up more fastidiously with the installers to make sure they do that, and George (Hank) has put a program in place to get that done," said Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz.

The city said it's also working on putting together a training session with contractors to get everyone up to speed. Hank said that since the story ran, more contractors are letting them know work is ready for inspection

A representative for the mayor said the city will now be sending a letter to homeowners with open permits, asking them to demand an inspection be done before they make final payment on the work.

The furnace in Steve Bruns' north side home is running smoothly.

"If the story wouldn't have aired, I don't think (the inspectors) would have come out," Bruns said.

But a city of Madison inspector did find violations, just days after Bruns appeared in WISC-TV's story saying he was never contacted by an inspector.

"The piping was installed too close to the vent that is on top of the water heater," Bruns said.

The problems were minor, and his contractor came back to fix them for free.

"But nonetheless they did find something wrong," Bruns said.

Per city ordinance, contractors must contact the city to say the work is complete. WISC-TV found that wasn't happening but also that building inspection officials weren't following up with as many homeowners as they suggested.

When asked whether the city was following up on them, George Hank, Madison Building Inspection director, said, "On a lot of them, I'd like to say most of them, but there are some that never get inspected."

Since the report, things have changed.

"What we need to do is follow up more fastidiously with the installers to make sure they do that, and George (Hank) has put a program in place to get that done," said Madison Mayor Dace Cieslewicz.

"If they find something that was wrongly installed, they're the people that can have it corrected and it could end up saving somebody's life, or saving somebody's home," Bruns said.

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Pier Pressure on State of Wisconsin Lakes

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 23:35:12 -0800

This morning I received a phone call from a man in California who has Lakefront property in Wisconsin. He was a wee bit panicky about registering his pier with the Wisconsin Department of National Resources before the right-around-the-corner April 1, 2011 deadline. He had come across my post on January 31st which detailed the new regulations. People do read our posts! I am happy to have provided the service.

The good news is that there are no fees to register with the DNR, and after that occurs, most property owners will find that their piers require no changes-it grandfathers 99% of all existing piers from future regulations.

With the enactment of the Pier Protection Act in 2007, waterfront property owners with existing piers now have clear standards as to what size of pier is allowed without obtaining a special permit from the DNR.

Specifically, the new law contains three different regulatory schemes for existing piers, depending upon the size of the pier and the platform at the end of the pier. While the law itself doesn't name the different regulatory schemes, it is easier to understand the regulations if existing piers are classified with respect to their size - regular, big, and too big.

Do not hesitate, you only have about 2 weeks. And spring and summer will arrive, much as a look out the window today would seem to contradict that fact. Did we need that 5 inches of snow last night? I guess we did.

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

The Capitol in Madison Wisconsin, Wednesday Evening February 16 2011

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:24:30 -0800

Let there be peace and cooperation and understanding in this fair state and in all others. Wednesday evening in Madison Wisconsin at the State Capitol. Thhis has been an unprecedented week in the history of Madison Wisconsin.

Some words from Bill Delaney of Madison Wisconsin:

"Love unites and creates. Hate divides and destroys.

Please repeat these words. Let them resonate deeply within you today as you merge with thousands of others at our capitol. Let them be the motivation for you to reach out and cooperate with each other, our public safety civil servants, and even with our legislators. Let them guide you in your thinking, and in the words you choose to use today. If your spouse, your child, your neighbor is with you today, let them remember you being calm, confident, compassionate, and respectful."

The Capitol in Madison Wisconsin, Wednesday Evening February 16 2011

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

506 Dapin Rd Madison Wisconsin - MLS #1615263 - New Pictures! Take a Look!

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:21:09 -0800

Take a video tour through the house at 506 Dapin Rd, Madison Wisconsin. What you don't see are the two family rooms, one extra bedroom and the big fenced in yard. The is also a 39 x 12 storge area which can be a great spot for a workshop and, of course much space to store those extra things we all accumulate over the years.

Email, call or text me at 608.239.2777 and I will give you a personal tour.

Please let me know if you need any additional information on Madison Schools or Parks or Bus Schedules. Have you been pre-approved for a loan? I can assist you with that as well so you can be ready to make an offer when you see the right house. And it may be this one-right here on 506 Dapin Road, Madison Wisconsin 53705.

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

1613 Lynndale Rd Madison Wisconsin MLS#1613066: Open House February 13

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:04:40 -0800

See for yourself why this home has been getting rave reviews! From the bamboo flooring to the hickory cabinets in the updated kitchen and the tiled corner gas fireplace, to freshly painted and carpeted bedrooms-this home has charm and warmth. Peace of mind comes with the new roof, furnace, newer windows and home waranty.

Stop by 1613 Lynndale Rd in Madison from 2 untill 4 this Sunday the 13th of February. What a great valentine gift this would make! Only $184,900.

Take Whitney Way North to West on Barton to South on Lynndale Road.

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

Wordless Wednesday-Winter Scenes from Marshall Park in Madison

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:14:06 -0800

Last Saturday morning, I ran accross the street to catch the sunrise at Marshall Park. I think I will take pictures of this tree in all seasons and compare them all. The second picture is the channel where the boats enter Lake Mendotan from the launch. It does not look like that from this picture!

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

506 Dapin Rd Madison Wisconsin $189,900 MLS #1615263 - Just Listed! Barbara Chatterton Realtor

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:45:40 -0800

Need a solution for lack of space? Problem solved! This roomy bi-level in Madison Wisconsin with its 4 bedrooms and not one, but two rec rooms in the lower level plus a unique 39 x 12 indoor storage or workshop. Sunshine streams in from 3 sides in the bright sunroom just off the upgraded kitchen.

As spring approaches, and we know it will, I'll just bet you will be entertaining and grilling out on the oversized deck and enjoying the large fenced in yard, too. Volleyball or croquet anyone?

This home has 1 and 1/2 baths and 1850 sqaure feet with a lot of 12,099 square feet. A newer roof and central air plus a home warranty offer peace of mind, as well.

Please contact me for more information on this or any other Madison homes for sale. I am Your Real Estate Personal Shopper©

506 Dapin Rd Madison Wisconsin $189,900 MLS #1615263 - Just Listed! Barbara Chatterton Realtor

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777

January Market Report and Details About Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate & the Area

Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:36:03 -0800

Middleton Wisconsin Market Report for January 2011. Nine single family homes sold in Middleton Last month and that compares to five sold in January of 2010. Here is a chart of these homes as found on the South Central Wisconsin MLS.

One Single Family Home Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 under $200,000

Two Single Family Homes Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 from $200-300,000

Four Single Family Homes Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 from $300-400,000

One Single Family Home Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 from $400-500,000

One Single Family Home Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 from $600-700,000

One Condo Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 for $275,700

Are you considering moving to Middleton Wisconsin? CNN/Money Magizine ranked Middleton the #1 place to live in the country in 2007. Middleton is The Good Neighbor City, and you can feel that neighborliness when you are here. It is full of walking trails near the Conservancy, an outdoor swimming pool, the Walter R. Bauman Aquatic Center at 2400 Park Lawn. It is open during the summers for swimming lessons and open swim, and features a waterslide and diving well. An indoor pool is located inside the High School but is available to the public at various times.

The Performing Arts Center is a beautiful new facilty with many offerings and events throughout the year. It is connected to the Middleton High School on Bristol Street. Receive information about enrollment and all schools in the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District

There are now two fresh open air markets in Middleton. The Middleton Farmer's Market runs from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm every Thursday from May through October, held at Greenway Station off Deming Way. The Downtown Middleton Farmers' Market is Tuesday evenings, 3:00-6:30 PM, east on Terrace Avenue
from Parmenter Street.

Madison Metro has bus routes in Middleton. We can take advantage of UW Madison and all the services, amenities, cultural events and dining the city of Madison had to offer and still maintain the small town neighborly feel here.

Lots more information on schools, business is available from the Middleton Chamber of Commerce and from this Realtor who lives loves and works in Middleton. I can help you shop for a new home in Middleton. I know just the right neighborhoods to shop in for something that fits you perfectly and looks good on you. Call text or email me before you sit down with another Realtor.

I put together a video of some scenes of the Good Neighbor City for your information and probably a few chuckles. It is my first voice-over! It does give you a peek at some of Middleton. Of course there is a lot more!

January Market Report and Details About Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate & the Area

Middleton Wisconsin Real Estate

The Stark Company

702 N High Point Rd, Suite 100

Madison Wisconsin 53717

Call or text 608.239.2777