Cheese Country Realtor

Wordless Wednesday: Congratulations (aka the Tax Credit in action)

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:33:00 -0600

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Looking for a place to live a real life? Know your neighbors, eat local, abandon your commute, be part of a community - come to Green County. Whatever your preference is, we have it all from surprisingly urban to truly rural and everything in between.

Things to do around Monroe WI - Thanksgiving weekend

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:25:36 -0600

Happy Thanksgiving! Are you looking for something to do after the traditional dinner is finished?

~ Come to Downtown Monroe on Friday evening for the annual Lighted Holiday Parade. The parade kicks off from the middle school starting at 6 pm. This year's theme is "Frosty and Friends". Many of the entrants will be creative in their use of lighting, and generators are donated for use by PDC.

~ New Glarus lights the Community Holiday Tree this Friday evening at 6:30. Come downtown for all the festivities and join your neighbors to see the magic of the lights.

~ Turner Hall is the setting for the local Christkindlmarkt. This old world holiday shopping event has its roots in the markets dating back to 1432 in Germany. Stop by the Grand Hall between 9 am and 4 pm either Friday or Saturday. There will be a variety of fiber and fabric arts pieces, candles, soaps, floral arrangements, decorations, Scherenschnitte, Kerbschnitte, Holzschnitte (traditional Swiss-German crafts) along with a European cafe and Swiss baked goods.

~ Come to Flannery's William Tell restaurant in New Glarus this Saturday to enjoy live music by Amber Skies starting at 8:30. Amber Skies plays everything from americana to rock. Amber Skies is a popular local band with roots in Belleville.

~Higher Grounds is hosting a Turkey Jam. Enjoy great music from Aaron Whalen, Nate Yeske and Dustin Hyatt, and Anneliese Schrader. Admission is $5 which includes a $1 coupon. This is our favorite Freeport coffee shop, and a very comfortable place to spend time.

~ Stopy by the Monroe Middle School this Saturday for "Shop for the Cure." Sponsored by the Green County Relay for Life, all proceeds from the day go to the American Cancer Society. There will be more than 40 independent local consultants, vendors and crafters offer a wide variety of gift items, making this a great place to work on your holiday shopping. The day will also include door prizes, raffles, baked goods, and a light lunch.

~ The Family Movie at Lindo Theater in Freeport this Saturday morning will be Planet 51. Bring the kids for a fun movie experience. $5 per person, and the kids will receive a holiday gift.

~ Stop by the Monroe Arts Center to view the items for this year's Silent Auction. This annual event supports all the great programming at MAC. There is usually everything from Dr Najat's honey to framed art pieces, special event dinners in your home to gift cards to local businesses. There is always something for everyone and every price range.

~ The Mighty Richland Players Dinner Theater will present A Christmas Madrigal: Handel and Gretzky" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This laughter filled show will feature songs and comedy from the Renaissance era. Bring your appetite as dinner will be an English groaning board (roast beef dinner). $40 per person, call 815-819-1310 for ticket information.

~ Pick up your tickets for the upcoming Festival of Trees or performance of A Christmas Carol. The deadline for tickets for Festival of Trees is Monday at 10 am; contact Pam at the Chamber to reserve yours (3257648). A Christmas Carol will be performed by the Monroe Theatre Guild the second and third weekends in December. This year, all children under 12 are free with an adult ticket thanks to the generosity of Scrooge (aka John Bauman).

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Property of the Week - Affordable home in Freeport, IL

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:56:19 -0600

This week's featured property is a three bedroom home in Freeport

This is a great house for the price! The asking price is only $39,900!

This 3 bedroom home has gorgeous hardwood floors, huge living room with fireplace, eat in kitchen, formal dining room and a open staircase. There is over 1800 square feet of room in this large home.

Relax and enjoy evenings on the front porch with removable screen panels. Let the kids run in the fenced in back yard. This home is conveniently located to shopping and schools. Move in to a great home for your family.

The owner is a licensed real estate agent.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

One way to keep your money local

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:52:26 -0600

Have you heard of Monroe Money or Monticello Money?

Both of these area communities have special programs where area residents can purchase certificates to be spent at any one of a number of local businesses. Monroe Money may be purchased at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and can be spent at any Chamber of Commerce member business.

Monticello has Monticello Money, and the certificates can be spent at any of the Monticello Business and Professional Association members. Monticello Money may be purchased at the Bank of Monticello's Main Street location or at the Village Hall.

Monticello Money or Monroe Money also make great gifts in and of themselves. Both can spend these at any member businesses. With lists of members that include hair salon, grocery stores, bowling alleys, repair centers, gift shops and much, much more, there will be myriad options for the lucky recipients.

Monticello is doing a special Black Friday promotion to encourage people to shop locally this holiday season. Monticello Money will be 10% off on Friday, November 27.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

First tim home buyer's tax credit extended and expanded

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:42:06 -0600

(All the details on the expanded and extended homeowner's tax credit as explained by the CEO of Coldwell Banker, Jim Gillespie)

President Obama has signed the extension of the First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit. This is exciting news because this bill also expanded the parameters of the Tax Credit, allowing for larger income maximums of the people receiving the credit.

Move Up Buyers are also considered in this tax credit. People who have lived in and owned their primary residence for at least 5 years are now eligible for a Move Up Credit of $6500.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Property of the week - 4 year old ranch in Browntown WI

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:52 -0600

This week's featured property is a 4 year old ranch in Browntown, WI.

If you have been looking for a newer ranch, here is the house for you! This ranch in Browntown is only four years old, and everything has been meticulously maintained.

The kitchen with island is bright and sunny, and there is plenty of space for any cook. The large living room is the perfect place for entertaining. There are three bedrooms, and the master bedroom does have an attached full bath. Enjoy summer evenings on the deck while the kids play in the yard. The full basement is unfinished, giving your the opportunity to increase your equity just by finishing it off the way you like. The home has energy efficient features including an Energy Star furnace, helping you to save on your utility bills.

Newer ranches don't have to cost a mint, and this one is priced to sell at only $124,900. Call or email today for your private showing.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Annual Festival of Trees in Green County, WI

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:48:10 -0600

Help out four local non-profit groups while having a good meal and entertaining evening. Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn't it?

The annual Festival of Trees is coming up quickly. This event is scheduled for December 5 this year. The silent and live auctions are always great fun, and all proceeds will benefit either Monroe Theatre Guild Stage Right Youth Theatre, Green County Humane Society, Green Haven Family Advocates or Green County Habitat for Humanity.

Entertainment this year will be provided by the Monroe Theatre Guild Stage Right Youth Choir. Forty members of the youth choir will perform a variety of songs at 7:30 with the live auction following their performance.

The evening takes place at Peppercorn Banquets and Catering starting at 6 for cocktails and 7 for dinner. Tickets are $40 for the evening, and they include the entertainment as well as the dinner (chose from prime rib, rosemary chicken, butternut squash ravioli or stuffed mushroom ravioli).

Contact any of the charities to purchase tickets (and this way your favorite gets a little more of the proceeds) or contact the Monroe Chamber of Commerce.

Brenda Carus
Re/Max Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Selling a home and doing a short sale? Start early.

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:46:21 -0600

We have found that though most people have heard of a short sale, there is confusion over exactly what it is.

If a homeowner is in a position of needing to sell a house, but the current value of the home is less than the mortgage, that owner is in the position of needing to sell short. Sometimes sellers will bring money to the closing table from savings to cover the shortage. Sometimes sellers will be able take out a personal loan to cover the shortage. Other times, the seller will ask the bank to write off the extra amount, take a loss.

It is this third instance that the media keeps talking about. There is no such thing as a typical short sale, but all short sales have one thing in common: they take extra time. There are things that sellers can do, however, to shorten the amount of time it takes.

Before a bank will agree to a short sale, they need to gather certain data from the homeowner. They need documentation of the hardship the seller is experiencing, the reason why the seller is in trouble. The bank will need a complete financial statement from the seller to document that there are no liquid assets that could cover the loss and that the seller is unable to continue paying the mortgage as it stands. The bank will have to order an appraisal of the property to determine current value.

If a seller is proactive and starts talking with the bank as soon as listing a home at a short sale price, the process will be a bit quicker and easier. Buyers are not always willing to wait in limbo for three months or more for the short sale process to be completed. Also, there are no guarantees that short sales will go through at the price that a buyer accepts. A bank might determine that the house is worth more and reopen negotiations.

When hiring your realtor, ask how familiar with short sales he or she is. It is a more complex process requiring more work of your realtor, and an realtor with short sale experience can help the process go more smoothly. Start the process with your bank as soon as possible. Contact the bank, explain the situation and request that they send you the packet of documents you will need to fill out. When you get the packet, tackle it immediately; it really will be a weight off your shoulders.

Sellers, if you are facing a situation that might require you to sell short, it is better to be open and up front with your bank and your realtor. Some people find financial matters hard to deal with, especially when they are experiencing hardships. Procrastinating and ignoring these issues, though, will not make them go away. Instead, it can cause delays in the short sale process that prevent a short sale from being able to happen in a timely fashion and result in the home going into foreclosure instead.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Taking "Go Local, Go Independent" to the next level

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:06:11 -0600

Frequent readers know that we are strong supporter of locally owned, independent businesses. We are joining their ranks.

Towne Square Realty has always been locally owned, but we've been part of the Re/Max family for a while now. Our company decided to return to our roots and go independent again as of this month.

This move gives our company more flexibility to serve our clients to the best of our abilities. We still advertise our properties in all of the same venues and all of the same website (including the Re/Max site and all of the other major franchise sites thanks to the wonders of internet data exchange).

Go local, go independent!

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Time is running out for the First Time Home Buyer's tax credit!

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:02:48 -0500

60 days and counting for the First Time Home Buyer's $8000 tax credit...

This video is from last spring, but it does a nice job covering information on the tax credit itself. Time is running out, so if you want to take advantage of this tax credit, contact us today!

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Things to Do Around Monroe WI

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:01:05 -0500

Here is our weekly look at events going on in the area in the next few days.

~ Frehner Gallery in the Monroe Arts Center has a new exhibit opening on Thursday evening. "Out of the Woods - Remembering Nate Roth" is a tribute to long-time area resident and woodworker, Nate Roth.

~ The Green County Humane Society has their fall garage sale/bake sale fundraiser going on. Located at Monroe Auto Sales, the sale takes place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

~ Bring your tastebuds to the Downtown Square in Monroe on Saturday for the annual Chilifest! This tasty tradition kicks of at 11 am, and will feature food and beverage vendors, artisans, bands and more. Have you seen how great the newly completely renovations to the north side looks? Come check it out!

~ The Orangeville Education Foundation has a 5K run/walk on Saturday morning. The race starts at the Jane Addams Trailhead shelter house, and runs along the trail, a flat crushed limestone surface accessible to all. $20 for race day registrations. Registration starts 7 am, and the race begins at 8 am.

~ Big Brothers and Big Sisters Tour de Cheese bike ride is also on Saturday. These 15, 30 or 60 mile rides begin at Spring Square and end at Minhas Brewery parking lot in Monroe. Same day registration is available for $40, and minors under 17 are free with a paid parent or guardian. Helmets are required. Registration is from 7 until 9 am on Saturday.

~ Saturday is also the day for Albany's annual Fall Festival. Come celebrate the changing of the season with your friends and neighbors!

~ Don't forget about the Monroe Firefighter's Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning. Fill up on pancakes from 7 am until noon at the firehouse, and stay for rides and games. Adults are $6, children from 4-12 are $4 and kids 3 and under are free.

~ Come out to the Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club meeting on Monday at the New Glarus room of the Monroe Hospital. This month will feature information and discussion on internet strategies for business.

~ Woo00OOOO00oooo! Get ready for the Haunted Bike Ride. Earth Rider Cycling is leading this evening ride on the Badger State Trail to the Haunted Mill in Orangeville on Saturday, October 10. Registration is not required for this ride. Gather at Twining Park, and the riders will leave at 5 pm. Contact Sharon at Earth Rider if you have any questions.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Property of the Week - Affordable home in Freeport, IL

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:59:34 -0500

This week's featured property is a three bedroom home in Freeport This is a great house for the price! The asking price is only $44,997!

This 3 bedroom home has gorgeous hardwood floors, huge living room with fireplace, eat in kitchen, formal dining room and a open staircase. There is over 1800 square feet of room in this large home.

Relax and enjoy evenings on the front porch with removable screen panels. Let the kids run in the fenced in back yard. This home is conveniently located to shopping and schools. Move in to a great home for your family.

The owner is a licensed real estate agent.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Survey on learning opportunities in Green County, WI

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:57:19 -0500

Future Forward! is working through a series of surveys on life in the Green County area this year. Future Forward! is a local non-profit that is looking to retain and attract younger professionals in our area to keep Green County vital and competitive in the coming years. In order to improve the life here for current residents and make our area more attractive for new residents, Future Forward! is assessing our assets and areas for improvement in seven key areas. They are doing a series of seven surveys over the year, one in each area. Two surveys are already complete, and a third is going on right now. Each survey ends with a drawing for a prize, and at the end, all survey participants will be entered into a drawing for an iPod Touch. The current survey is about learning opportunities in the area. It is a quick survey, so please take a moment to fill it out.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Things to Do Around Monroe WI

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:51:54 -0500

Are you looking ahead to the weekend plans? Here is a snapshot of area events in the upcoming days:

~ Behring Senior Center in Monroe has a Brat Fest every fall, and it is here again. On Thursday from 10 am until 6 pm, you can stop in for single brats at $3 each or a meal for $6 (brat, chips, soda/water, and a cookie).

~ The Young Professionals of Green County are playing wiffleball and kickball with the YP of Freeport on Saturday at Little Cubs Field at 2 pm. Bring the whole family for a day of fun. Afterwards, some of the YPs are planning to head over to Cannova's in Freeport for dinner.

~ Bag Ladies in Monroe has an open house event this week from Thursday through Saturday. New fall purses are in, so come and browse.

~ Get your registration in for the collaborative class between Stef at Goose Chaser Farm and Laura at Kookaburra's in Monroe. The October 5 class will feature Oktoberfest foods. Who better to teach it than a native German? Brats, kraut recipes and much more including the beer. Also sign up for the Fall Foods class on October 11 where Stef will be cooking soups and stews.

~ Artisan Gallery in Paoli has a new exhibit opening on Friday evening. The opening reception of the 6th Annual Ceramics Invitaional Art Show is on September 25 from 5 until 9. The show will be on display through November 1

~ It is Oktoberfest weekend in New Glarus! Festivities kick off with a brew master from New Glarus Brewing Company tapping into a keg of their Oktoberfest Staghorn beer. There will be classic cheese fondue, a tractor pull, chainsaw wood carving demonstrations, and plenty of food and live music all weekend long.

~ Monroe Arts Center has Big Top Chautauqua’s “Wild Woods & Waters" coming to the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm on Saturday. The Blue Canvas Orchestra and singers travel to Monroe with an original musical theatre production highlighting the natural beauty and history of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. The multi-media performance features live music and songs by talented musicians, dramatic storytelling, and hundreds of breathtaking large screen, historical images.

~ Dance to beat of your own drummer. Oakdale Nature Preserve in Freeport will be the site of a Community Drumming Circle on Friday evening from 7 until 9. All ages are welcome and a variety of percussion instruments will be available or bring your own. Reservations are preferred by the day of the event; call 815-235-6114. $4.

~ Argyle has a Homecoming celebration this Sunday with a parade and high school football game. Come support the youth athletes! The parade starts at noon and kickoff for the football game versus Benton/Scales Mound is at 2 pm.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

"As-is, where is" provisions

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:49:36 -0500

Usually when a buyer is purchasing property or a home, the seller provides a form called a real estate condition report. The seller is legally required to make no mis-representations about the property and its condition.

Sometimes, though, the condition report is not filled out or the contract contains a provision that states "The buyer accepts the property as-is, where-is. Seller makes no warranties, expressed or implied." This happens most frequently in the case of bank-owned properties (foreclosures) or when a personal representative fills out the documents for an estate, but it can also happen in regular transactions as well.

Buyers need to be very aware of what they are signing when they agree to an as-is, where is statement in a contract.

When a buyer agrees to an as-is, where is statement in the contract, they effectively lose their right to sue the seller later for mis-representation. This statement implies that the buyer is purchasing a property that is not in perfect condition and cannot rely on the seller to diclose any or all defects. Wisconsin Court of Appeals recently heard a case regarding a real estate transaction where the seller assured the buyer that the property had a clean environmental analysis, but where there was soil contamination. The buyer signed a contract with an as-is, where is provision. Because of the provision that the buyer agreed to, the court ruled that the buyer was in breech of contract when attempting to back out of the deal.

Buyers should tread carefuly with any offer that has an as-is, where is provision attached. Try to obtain any inspections or testing that could help determine condition prior to submitting an offer. Perfect properties rarely come with the as-is, where is language, so keep buyers need to be aware of any potential hidden risks.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Don't miss out on the first time home buyer's tax credit!

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:19:21 -0500

August 28 already. Back to school time is here. Labor Day is just around the corner. How quickly this year has flown. Four more months left in the year.

Three more months before the $8000 first time home buyers tax credit expires.

Three months. That is about 90 days. 95 days including today to be specific.

Are you or someone you know hoping to take advantage of this tax credit? Time is running out. You must close on a home on or before November 30, 2009 in order to claim this credit.

Considering that the average closing happens about 30-45 days after an offer is accepted, there is not a lot of time left to find the perfect first home. If you are writing an offer on a short sale home, it can easily take 60-90 days to close, sometimes more.

Now is the time to be looking for your home if you want to take advantage of this offer. There are great homes out there, and with inventory very high right now, local sellers are willing to negotiate considerably more than they ever have in the past.

Give me or Luis a call if you are thinking of looking for a home. We will be happy to show you what is currently available in the area, and we can help you connect with a reputable mortgage banker who can help you figure out what you can afford in a home. Our market has houses from under $75K to hundreds of thousands, and everything in between. People start at all price points, and each buyer is valuable to us.

95 days and counting. Don't miss out on this credit; call us.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Things to Do Around Monroe WI

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:17:07 -0500

Here is a look ahead at area happenings in the upcoming week:

~ If your children are attending a Monticello school this year, remember that the open house night is on Friday at 6 pm.

~ Also in Monticello this weekend, Habitat for Humanity is working on this year's home. Come out to the site on Summet Avenue to help out or call Cathy at 513-1626 for more details.

~ There is a concert at the Piazza on Saturday evening. This is a private party concert, but the hosts love meeting new friends so gate crashers and new people are always welcome. Andrew Calhoun and Campground are performing folk music spanning spirituals to prison ballads. The potluck theme is 'Tis a Gift to be Simple. Call Terry or Nancy for details at 608-328-4023

~ Stef at Goose Chaser Farm between New Glarus and Blanchardville is having a tomato party on Saturday. Bring your ripe tomatoes and your canning jars. Together, attendees will boil, peel and puree their way to the scarlet jars of tomato sauce. Work like this is more fun with a group, so come out and participate. No canning knowledge or experience is necessary, so come learn. RSVP to Stef at 608-523-4165.

~ The Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club meets on Monday evening at 6:30 in the New Glarus room of the Monroe Hospital. This month's topic is "Legal Aspects for Small Business. This meeting will be the September meeting due to the Labor Day holiday.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Monroe Theatre Guild Capital Campgain Begins

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:15:25 -0500

The Monroe Theatre Guild officially announced plans to conduct a major $750,000 capital campaign for the purchase and renovations of the Stage Building located in downtown Monroe. Earlier The Swiss Colony announced a challenge grant of up to $100,000 if the community pledges reach certain levels during the effort. The announcement of the community campaign and plans for the building were revealed at a dinner for the Guild’s Inner Family. The “Inner Family” includes members of the Theatre Guild’s board of directors, committee members and campaign leaders.

The campaign is divided into four phases: Inner Family Gifts, Pacesetting Gifts, Major Gifts and Community Teams Gifts. Rick Maliszewski, owner of Ekum Abstact is the Chair of the campaign.

The goal of the Inner Family campaign was to raise $75,000 and to receive 100 percent support from the board and committee members. , Maliszewski, stated that he is extremely happy that the Theatre Guild’s “Inner Family” has reached its goals as he announced that the Inner Family has pledged a total of $92,700. He adds, “It demonstrates to the people of Monroe and Green County and the surrounding area that the Inner Family of the Monroe Theatre Guild supports this tremendous project; our first capital campaign ever.”

Additional campaign leadership was also announced. Jeff Ingebritsen will chair the Major Gifts Committee, Joe Peters will chair the Community Teams effort, Mary Soddy will chair the Prospect Committee, Stephen and Katee Eliasson will chair the P.R. Committee and Suzanne Miller will chair the Speakers Bureau. The campaign is scheduled to begin quietly over the next few weeks and conclude with the Community Phase which well begin in October and run through November.

The funds raised during the campaign will assist in renovating The Stage. Specific plans call for a flexible performance space and theatre, full modern lighting and sound system, large scale rehearsal area, costume storage and work area, full scene shop, prop storage, rehearsal space for youth theatre programs and workshops, conference room and offices.

The Monroe Theatre Guild offers performances, workshops, seminars and artistic opportunities for local constituents throughout Green County and the surrounding area.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Historic Commercial Building

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:21:46 -0500

This week's featured property is a commercial building in Monroe, Wisconsin. Here is your chance to own a piece of Monroe’s history dating back to circa 1865.

The historic Lanz Building is a rare property with over 14,000 square feet on 3 levels located on corner lot in Downtown Monroe. This location is ideal for your business or non-profit, a well traveled corner between Turner Hall and the Square. There is newer electrical, 16” solid masonry walls, exposed brick walls, 11’ ceilings on main floor and 9’ ceilings in basement. The building is loading dock capable, and there is underground parking available. For your customers or employees, there is plenty of parking available thanks to street parking on two sides and a large public lot to the rear.

This building is easily divided inside with multiple exterior access points. Whatever you are thinking - restaurants, retail space, art gallery, museum, office spaces or anything else - this space is wide open and waiting for someone with a vision.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Attention Scavenger Hunters!

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:18:48 -0500

Hey scavenger hunt fans! Come to Downtown Monroe during the rest of the construction process and do some searching.

Monroe Main Street and the Downtown Businesses are sponsoring Truck'in Downtown, a contest starting now that will run through the end of the construction time. Every day, a different Downtown business will have a yellow dump truck on display around the Square. Find the truck and you can fill out an entry for the prize basket of the week donated by Downtown businesses.

The drawings will start on Friday, August 28 and happen every Friday until the construction is finished. At the end, all entries will be eligible for a grand prize drawing as well.

Happy hunting!

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Tips for taking the trauma out ouf home buying

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:33:28 -0500

Buying a home can be a frightening process, even if you have done it before. The National Association of Realtors has assembled the following list of tips to help ease the process:

1. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, any more than there’s a right time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting. Changes don’t usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.

2. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love.

3. Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.

4. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. A home’s most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.
5. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself—room size, kitchen—that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, etc., that have a big impact on what it’s like to live in your new home.

7. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home-buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits.

10. Find a real estate professional who’s simpatico. Home-buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.

(adapted from the National Association of Realtors Realtor Magazine Online)

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Property of the week - Ranch home in Browntown WI

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:46:39 -0500

This week's featured property is a three bedroom home in Browntown.

Space, space and more space. Need more space for the family? How about space for the workshop and big boy toys? This three bedroom home on 1.13 acres has everything you need. The rambling ranch has a unique floor plan that includes the all the basics - living room, dining room, bathroom, bedrooms - along with an eat in kitchen and an enormous rec room that has a wet bar and half bath.

Privacy is yours when you relax on the the secluded back porch. Overlook a landscaped yard and miles of valley without seeing the neighbors.

The enormous detached garage is large enough to park two semis with room for more, so bring on the big boy toys! You are near the Cheese Country trail for riding an ATV or snowmobile and only minutes from Cadiz Springs for fishing. Trailer the boat a short drive up to Yellowstone or take the camper and spend the weekend. This garage has room to store all of these and more, more, more!

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

A call for help for our Downtown business owners

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 16:38:35 -0500

It is even more important than ever right now to take the little bit of extra time necessary to get to the Downtown businesses. The construction on Monroe's Downtown Square is in full swing.

Yes, it is more difficult to get where you want to go in the Downtown area these days. The local, independent cafes, stores, salons, restaurants, offices, and pubs need our business to stay alive.

Pretty much every business is still operating under standard business hours even if the sidewalk is missing and the street is torn up. Many have alternate entrances through the alleys to the rear of the buildings during the times that the fronts are inaccessible. If you are unsure of the best way to get into a business, call ahead and ask.

Some businesses will even offer curbside service right now. Call ahead with what you need. They will give you a total and meet you at your car when you arrive. Schultz Pharmacy has long done this for people who need it, and many other businesses are happy to offer the same service.

Keep our Downtown vibrant. The construction will be over in just a few months, and the Downtown will be even better. Let us all do our part to keep our favorite businesses here to enjoy it.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

About housing inventory

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:21:24 -0500

Just a couple of days ago, I posted the market report for June of 2009. It was very interesting to note that things are holding steady with regard to home sales and that the prices actually rose slightly.

Some may wonder why homes seem to be moving so slowly around the area when the numbers show that about the same number of homes are selling right now. The answer lies in the housing inventory, the number of homes that are for sale right now.

Every month, new listings appear on the market. I took a look at most of the decade today. About the same number of homes have been listed every month for years; between 55 and 65 new listings appear most months.

Looking at history, between 30 and 35 homes sold on average every month until last fall. Things slowed down for a while in 2008 and early 2009 with all the worry about the housing bubble, the presidential election and the economy.

Even though the number of homes sold dropped, the number being listed did not. This resulted in a build up of our housing inventory. This is why the days on market number is so much higher than this time last year even though we are currently selling the average number of homes every month once again.

The market will even out, but in the short time we do have to work through the increased inventory. Some sellers are pulling their listings from the market until later, others are decided to wait a year or two before selling. This is helping us to reduce the housing inventory even with only the average number of homes selling each month.

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate

Things to Do Around Monroe WI

Brenda Carus (Towne Square Realty) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:14:27 -0500

I should have posted some of these events a few days ago because there are some great things happening tonight!

~ The second Stirring the Pot picnic and discussion event takes place this evening on the lawn of the Monroe Arts Center. Chef demonstrations begin at 5:30. Bring your blanket, your dinner and enjoy watching Representative Brett Davis with his friends from Peppercorn Banquets as well as Chef Kate Thomas from BTC as they show us how to prepare some favorite dishes. Discussion will follow the cooking demonstrations, and stay for the live music.

~ Also this evening is the annual Pork Producers Dinner. This popular annual event moved to July this year, and it now takes place at SLICE. Tickets are $8 at the door, and serving starts at 5 pm.

~ The Young Professionals of Green County have a business showcase at Kookaburra's on Monroe's Downtown Square on Thursday evening. Laura will be demonstrating how to make some fun and easy summer appetizers and dinners along with Stef from Goose Chaser Farms. $10 per person.

~ Belleville hosts Bastille Day this Saturday. Who knew we celebrated that here in Green County? The day is full of family events: K-12 talent show, live music, fishing demonstrations and contest, quilt show, bike races, wine and cheese tasting and more. Stop by the Green County Humane Society area in Liberty Park to celebrate Bastille day fully - by liberating a pet and adopting it. Hey, we can be cheesy here in Green County, can't we?

~ Brodhead hosts Twilight in the Park on Sunday evening. This live music event in Veteran's Park is free for everyone. This week's featured act is Opan Jii playing jazz. There is also music at Toffler's in New Glarus on Saturday evening. Join them to hear the Kristy Larson Honky Tonk Trio.

~ The Stephenson County Fair is going on all weekend at the fairgrounds in Freeport. From 4-H judging to grandstand events and demolition derbies, all the classics are here. Are you up for something special? Participate in the American Barnstormers Flying Circus! Aviation enthusiasts have the opportunity to go up in a vintage bi-plane for ride. Go all out and sign up for the Stearman flight. This is a trainer plane, and for 30 minutes, the passenger will be able to fly. The pilot will handle take off and landing, but once in the air, the flying is up to you. No flying experience is required. Interested? Call 815-232-1078 to sign up.

~ Lena is host to wilderness survival skills workshop this Saturday. The focus is Nature Observation, Movement and Camouflage. Learn to how move in the woods without being seen or heard. All ages are welcome, contact the Lena Parks Department to register (815-990-0146).

~ Finish off a fun filled Freeport Saturday with Stargazing at Oakdale Nature Preserve. The Tricounty Astronomers will be at Oakdale at dusk to watch the night sky.

~ Next week, be sure to keep your calendar clear! It is Farm Technology Days (interesting even for cityfolk in my opinion), the Green County Fair, Fairy Tale Theatre performances, the youth triathlon, and Christmas in July on Monroe's Downtown Square. Can we get a couple more days in our weekend please??

~ Biking enthusiasts! There is still time to sign up for next week's Swiss Cheese and Spotted Cow bike tour. This event takes place from July 22 through July 26. Tour the gorgeous back roads of Green and Lafayette Counties as you travel from Mineral Point to New Glarus, Monroe, Galena and finally back to Mineral Point. All of these communities are well know and frequently mentioned in Midwest Living as places to go. Microbrews, local foods, wineries, art studios, bakeries, chocolates, cheeses, beautiful countryside and charming small communities await. You'll average about 60 miles a day over rolling terrain with stops in all of the best places. Participants rave about this tour and come in from all over the nation. Local bike riders, are you ready for a vacation in your backyard?

Brenda Carus
Towne Square Realty
Certified EcoBroker, Re/Max Green Agent
Monroe Area Real Estate