Heidi's Blog

Madison Homeowners, Tips To Combat The Rising Fuel Prices

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:17:18 -0500

Summer is here and it is hot! I can hear the screams of joy by some and the sighs of disgust by others. For many this is the time of year that their electricity bills soar as they run their air conditioner units almost 24/7 in an attempt to keep their Madison homes cool. Unfortunately, as the fuel prices rise so does the electricity costs, making it even more costly to stay cool. Between the oil, gas and electricity expense, many Madison homeowners are feeling a bit pinched financially. I therefore wanted to share some ways to keep your home cooler while saving some money and minimizing your impact on the earth's atmosphere. (Yeah a chance to be green!)

Some passive cooling techniques for your Madison home:

1. Try to prevent the heat from entering your home. On very sunny days, keep the blinds closed. You can also plant bushes and trees in strategic places so they provide extra shade for your home and direct breezes towards your Madison home and windows.

2. Look into some heat reflective film for your windows where the sun shines the strongest. This will help keep the temperature down in a big way.

3. Keep in mind that the accent pieces on your home should be lighter in color so they will reflect the sun rays. Examples of this are shutters and roof shingles for the next time they need to be replaced.

4. Utilize fans to circulate incoming breezes. This is much less expensive than running an AC. (Also when done in conjunction with an AC for those days that an AC is a must for you, it can minimize the amount of time it has to run.

5. If the heat is really getting you down, just remember you own a home in Madison. Chances are it will be snowing again before you know it!

Madison Homeowners, Staying Local On The Fourth Of July

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:11:52 -0500

Summer is the time of year that so many people in Madison plan their annual vacations. They pack up the car and drive to those sought after destinations that seems to be offering the most fun or relaxation. As you probably know, the fourth of July is usually one of the biggest vacation weekends and weeks of the year.

Things are going to be different for many Madison homeowners and residents this year as they take a closer look at their gas expenditures and look for some fun and relaxtion a little closer to Madison. Luckily, we live in a fantastic city, that really knows how to throw an AMAZING fourth of July celebration! So feel good about staying home, saving money on gas, being green and having a WONDERFUL time right here in your hometown.

Take a quick look at some of the upcoming events happening this week and weekend right here in the Madison area.

July 2nd - Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra kicks off its summer concert series on the square with some great music followed up by fireworks.

July 3rd - Live Reggae at the Edgewater with no cover. The band Gibraltar Rockets will play from 5 to 7 PM.

July 3rd and 4th - Deforest 4th of July Celebration with beer tents, the Freedom Run, live music and fireworks.

July 3rd and 4th - Monona Community 4th of July Festival with an Art Fair, Carnival, Food and Beer Tent, Hole in One Contest, Live Music, Crafts, The "Wife Carry Race" (HOW CAN YOU MISS THAT!!) and fireworks.

July 4th - Elver Park Fireworks in Madison, they start around 9:30 PM.

July 6th - Visit the Theatre in the Woodsto see Ah, Wildnerness. it will be the 4th of July in 1906 in a small Connecticut town right here in Wisconsin!

Also, for a more detailed listing of other area fireworks visit nbc15 for the 2008 schedule

Happy Fourth of July!!

Wow $15,000 Home Price Reduction in Arlington WI!

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:15:54 -0500

This is a beatuiful remote home meant for realaxing. Located on a 6.8 wonderul acres. It is just minutes away from Lake Wisconsion, Madison, and Wisconsion Dells. You can watch wildlife from you 3 tier deck or from the comfort of your family room with a double-sided brick fireplace. It has 3 beds and 3 baths, with a lovely 2 car garage. It is being offered at $284,900.

Get There Green in Madison

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 11:01:40 -0500

Save your gas and Save Your Money, Get There Green in Madison!

There is no question that gas prices both nationally, and here in Madison, are through the roof! Everyone I know is relying a little more heavily these days on public transportation. I am therefore providing a great link which is a complete reference map for alternative transportation in Madison. This site is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Madison Environmental Group. It has an interactive map with all your public transportation options in Madison.

Utilizing public transportation is a great way for Madison homeowners and residents to save money on gas as well as live a little green! The fact that Madison has such great alternative transportation options is also a great reason to consider Madison and its surrounding towns as your next place to live. If you are interested in learning a litte bit more about the Madison real estate market, just send me an email and I will gladly send you a link with some great real estate buys in the Madison area.

Are You Painting Green in Your Madison Home

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:45:00 -0500

Since it is Spring, and there seems to be many people buying Madison real estate and moving to new homes these days, I thought I would share another green decorating tip. This one is about painting.

We all know that paint is not the most environmental friendly to produce and that it needs to be discarded of properly to avoid causing environmental contamination. With that being said though, we all still need paint so that we can make our Madison real estate investments look and feel like home!

The last post included a link to the mod green pod, which offers some great green paint products. But on top of that it is also important to ensure that we don't buy more paint than needed. HGTV has this great paint calculator you can use before you start your next project. Check it out before you start painting the next room in your Madison home.

Cleaning Up Your Yard in Madison, Important to Your Real Estate

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:57:22 -0500

So the weather is great, everyone is a bit happier and without a winter coat (FINALLY!!)! Another highlight, the Madison real estate market is picking up.

All the signs are pointing to the start of the spring/summer season. With this season, comes the yard clean ups that are so very important in protecting your Madison real estate investment, your home!

Performing your yard clean up is important for all homeowners, but especially important if you are trying to sell your Madison home. I would encourage all Madison homeowners to take advantage of the Spring Leaf and Garden Waste Collection that is being provided by the city of Madison. It will continue until May 2 and pick up times are dependent upon your Madison property address. Take a look at Madison's site for more details.

If you happen to miss the pick ups or have a need to drop off the waste yourself you can do that as well. There are 3 locations available to Madison city homeowners;

EAST: 4602 Sycamore Ave.
SOUTH: 1501 W. Badger Rd.
WEST: 402 South Point Rd. (Brush will not be accepted)

All three locations accept the following;

Leaves,
Grass clippings,
Garden debris,
Flowers and other plant waste. The sites will also accept
Shrub trimmings shorter that 18". Tree and shrub trimmings longer than 18" are considered brush. Brush is accepted at the 1501 W. Badger Rd. and 4602 Sycamore Ave. sites only. Do not bring brush to 402 South Point Rd.

Good Luck and Enjoy the Warm weather while performing your Madison yard clean up! And for all the home sellers in the Madison real estate market right now, don't forget the importance of curb appeal!

Preserving Madison, A Place to Call Home!

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:39:08 -0500

What I have come to learn as a Madison realtor is that most prospective buyers are not shopping for a house, they are shopping for a place to live, a place to call home. And there is quite a difference.

Although the number of bedrooms, the square footage, and the condition of the hardwood floors may mean a lot when trying to sell Madison real estate, so is the surrounding community. Lucky for us living here in the Madison area, we have a community that would appeal to most. The Madison area community is unique, I find it to be filled with wonderfully creative and nurturing people, and the location itself is just a gem. It is one of the few places where can you be in a country atmosphere one moment and then in the city the next. Right here in the Madison area, we have great parks, museums, restaurants, theaters, and events!

I am bringing all this up because I believe the Madison area should be celebrated and preserved in all of its wonderfulness. Just as we all will celebrate the Earth on Earth Day. Thankfully, the Habitat for Humanity Restore program, who has already done so much for the Madison community and Madison real estate, has planned a great event at their location on Grove St. It will be held on April 19th from noon to 4 and will include a number of auctions, festivities, and educational booths. So come and visit the Habitat for Humanity Restore and celebrate the earth, celebrate our Madison area community, the place we all live and call home.

The grass is always greener!

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:41:23 -0500

Isn’t it funny how as homeowners and local residents living in a community for years upon years, we often never realize all that our community has to offer. We look at other areas, like coastal resorts, historic settings, or even other state parks, and think we would love to explore them. Yet we often forget that when living in Madison we have some of the most interesting activities and areas to explore right in our backyard. I am always searching on-line and in our local Madison publications so that I can stay on top of all the local events and activities in our community. I think it is important as a realtor to be a community expert especially when working with prospective Madison buyers. This week, while doing my research, I came across a really neat activity that combines two of my favorite things. Films and music!

Yesterday began the start of the 10^th annual Wisconsin Film Festival. It will run through this Sunday, April 6^th. There will be many local Madison establishments involved in the film festival for movie showings, release parties, and receptions. The movies are shown at 10 different Madison theaters all within walking distance to one another downtown. Entering and exiting the movies you will find areas to sit and enjoy the music of some of the movies. You can also go to one of the many parties to see live music including some great local Madison talent. So if you are looking for some fun this weekend or interested in seeing a great side of Madison, check out the Wisconsin Film Festival this weekend.

Madison Spring Clean Up, Improve Your Curb Appeal

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 20:15:56 -0500

In an earlier post this week we discussed home maintenance/improvement items that would be most likely to attract Madison area buyers in this competitive real estate market. One of the items on the list, and probably the most important, was to keep your Madison property clean, uncluttered, and constantly in show ready condition. This is crucial on the exterior of your home because it will be the first impression of your curb appeal that may prompt prospective buyers to want to view your Madison property. It is therefore essential that attention has been made to your landscape and yard clean-up.

I therefore wanted to let you know that Spring Leaf and Garden Waste Collection will begin in the city of Madison on April 7^th and run through May2, 2008. If you take a look at the cities site, you will be able to find specific collection pick up dates and times for your neighborhood, as well as directions on how to prepare the leaf piles. So take advantage of this great Madison city offering and get your property show ready. Give yourself the best possible advantage to effectively compete in this Madison real estate market.

Metropolitan Place ReSale - Open House Saturday March 29th from 1 to 3 PM

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 08:07:05 -0500

We are having an open house at this great new listing in Metropolitan Place. It is luxury living within walking distance of downtown Madison with a water view. City Views and natural light filter into this corner unit. Double-Pocket Doors incorporate the living space into the den. A 40″ stainless steel double-oven stove is perfect for cooking treats from the Farmer’s Market. This condo boasts an open floor plan, hardwood floors, tile floors, solid surface counters, 1460 square feet of living space, extra parking, private laundry, and much, much more. Call Heidi for Details. Open House is Saturday, March 29th from 1 to 3 PM.

Worthwhile Renovations When Preparing to Sell

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:02:14 -0500

I am often asked the same question by Madison area home sellers, "what home repairs hold the most value?" It is a very natural question as everyone is trying to get the highest return on their investment. Who wouldn't?

And with this same question that comes from seller to seller, comes almost always the same answer from me. Buyers are looking for a clean, well-priced home with updated kitchen and baths. Now please understand that I am not necessarily suggesting that everyone interested in selling their Madison area home run out and perform major renovations on their kitchens and baths. I do understand that this is not necessarily realistic. I can however offer some advice that may set you apart from your competition in this competitive Madison area real estate market.

•1) Make your home show ready by always keeping it clean inside and out. This is a must in every market, but it is extremely important during a time when Madison real estate inventories are high. Buyers have a lot to choose from and you don't want them to get turned off because you fell behind on your spring cleaning.

•2) Bold colors are in this year. With a little bit of money, you can give your Madison home a little makeover with bold colors on the exterior and interior. Since the appearance of your kitchen and bath is generally the most crucial to your sale with a Madison buyer, start with a paint job in those rooms first.

•3) Madison area buyers are "greener" than ever! If you do decide to renovate your kitchen or bathroom, research eco-friendly materials that will set your renovations a part from your Madison real estate competition. In the bathroom you can put in a green faucet and shower head that conserve water and give your bathroom a luxurious modern look. You can also use recycled eco-friendly glass tiles. They come in bold colors and are usually made form 100% recycled glass. An extra bonus...they also clean easier that most other tiles. Another cool touch you can add is recycled glass door knobs. They also come in great bold colors that will compliment those recycled glass tiles.

You can check out GetWithGreen.com for more great tips and eco-friendly home repair materials.

New Listing in Metropolitan Place Madison, WI, 360 W. Washington Ave.

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:17:07 -0500

We have a great new listing for the Madison Real Estate market at Metropolitan Place. It is luxury living within walking distance of downtown Madison with a water view. City Views and natural light filter into this corner unit. Double-Pocket Doors incorporate the living space into the den. A 40″ stainless steel double-oven stove is perfect for cooking treats from the Farmer’s Market. This condo boasts an open floor plan, hardwood floors, tile floors, solid surface counters, 1460 square feet of living space, extra parking, private laundry, and much, much more. Call Heidi for Details.

New Price on Great 3 Bedroom in Oregon

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:58:08 -0500

Here is the home for your pups to roam! Just under 1 acre fenced backyard for outside play. New Roof! New Kitchen with solid surface counters. New family room flooring! Beautiful stone fireplace! 10 min from Beltline & Epic. Storage galore. Large 2 car garage and large exterior storage building! Call today for more details and your personal showing. 955 Harding St. Price reduced to $229,900.

How Eco-Friendly is Your Madison Home – A Tip to Appeal to the Madison Buyer

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:25:16 -0500

Most people know how important it is to you have your home “sell ready” before putting it on the Madison real estate market. Today’s market is quite competitive with a great deal of inventory available for prospective buyers to choose from. It is therefore very important to consider what home items are most important to Madison area buyers. It is essential that these items have been given consideration before putting a for sale sign in the front yard. When a Madison area seller has given consideration to the buyer’s likes and dislikes, I am seeing that these well maintained and well priced properties are selling rather quickly.

An area that is becoming increasingly important to many Madison area buyers is the home’s eco-friendliness level. They want to ensure that they will not be wasting resources or money when making a home purchase. I found a great site that is sponsored by the Green Built Home Program in Wisconsin. It provides a quick point system to determine how eco-friendly your Madison area home is as compared to the standard. The site also provides tips on making your home more green.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting some tips to appeal to area buyers in this competitive Madison real estate market. So Stay Tuned!!

Do You Like to Move?

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:37:14 -0600

My Assistant’s Thoughts on Moving!

The official start of spring is less than 15 days away and I have to admit that the moving itch has returned. I love to move! I would buy a new house every couple of years if it wasn’t for the fact that my family doesn’t share my same level of enthusiasm. This is how my husband and I have come to feel very differently about spring. He loathes the spring, while I love the spring. You see, I am an open house addict! And with the spring, usually comes more open houses than any other time of year. So, I tend to disappear for a couple of hours many Sunday afternoons, leaving my husband at home cringing. He is just waiting for me walk through our back door and announce that I have found the perfect one.

I can’t think of anything that bothers me about moving. The home search, the loan search, the selling of my current home, the packing, the un-packing, and the ultimate re-decorating that I absolutely LOVE to do!!! I actually think of the whole process is refreshing because it provides me a great opportunity to re-organize all of my things. When you move on a regular basis, you don’t have those mystery boxes in the basement or clothes that you haven’t worn in years because none of it is worth keeping to just move around.

What do you think? Do you like to move or do you think I am just plain crazy?

New Price on a Great Home in Madison

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:29:52 -0600

Don't miss this amazing opportunity to enter into Madison home ownership. You can own a property on Myrtle Street for less than most rents in the Madison area. This home is being offered for $139,900 which is a great bargain considering the newer roof, hardwood floors, and central air! Priced below assesment, this is perfect for Madison area 1st time home buyers. There is also a great 1.5 stall garagae that can be used for an outdoor workshop, storage area, or garage and a fenced in yard to keep in the pets and kids. 2710 Myrtle Street, Madison. Call today for your personal showing. 608-444-6831.

Reminder of a Great Charity

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:32:53 -0600

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.

Focus on What Counts...

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 15:27:23 -0600

At Keller Williams, we call it the "Big Why." In our fast food world , it's easy to forget what really counts. Oprah eloquently points to the heart of the matter in an article that was posted on the Young Entrepreneur Blog.

All the responsibilities of being a parent, pet owner, business owner make it easy to forget to "Be quiet. Part of your responsibility is to honor the quiet inside yourself so you can hear the call. Take five minutes to center yourself in the morning...set your intention every day...if you don't have five minutes, you don't deserve to have the life of your dreams."

I know that I am blessed because I am doing what I love. Watching as a new home owner finds their own signs about a house; a cardinal feather in the snow to a bird watcher, the colors of their home country in the cabinetry, the perfect climbing tree, these things make my long days worth while.

Going with the stream is much easier than against it. Life finds ways of showing us where our happiness lies. "...if you do work that you love, and work that fulfills you, the rest will come."

I hope that this article inspires you as it did me.

Focus On Being Better, Not Bigger - Oprah Winfrey

Our Wisconsin Weather, How does a Roof Take It?

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 07:54:55 -0600

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 to your home.

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 so that you can protect your Madison area real estate investment.

Oregon Open House Sunday, February 24 - 955 Harding Street

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:20:35 -0600

Come take a peak at this great home on a great lot. Plenty of room for the kids or pups to roam on the almost acre fenced in lot. New roof, kitchen, and family room flooring. 10 minutes from Beltline & Epic. Very large family room with stone fireplace. This one has it all!!

Middleton Real Estate Market Update

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:24:14 -0600

By now you have likely heard on more than one occasion that Money Magazine voted Middleton the best place to live in 2007. With the community as strong as ever and all the amazing parks and conservancies, I am sure it will place on their list again in 2008!

People that are relocating to the area often ask about Middleton because of this attention it received from Money Magazine. I therefore wanted to share a link to the town site and January's real estate market report. Although January's activity level was a bit light, Middleton is truly a great place to purchase real estate. I'll keep you posted on what February brings. Please call if you would like a more detailed market report of Middleton or any other communities in the area.

Middleton Property Type	Total Listings	Total New Listings	Sold Listings	Average Days on Market Sold Listings	Average Days on Market Active Listings	Average List Price Sold Properties	Average List Price Active Properties	Average Sold Price
Residential	146	34	6	44	124	$338,616	$496,071	$331,983
Condo	123	43	8	101	264	$209,162	$208,151	$210,542

Open House in Middleton - 1912 Middleton St - February 17th from 12 to 2

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:30:53 -0600

New Price!!! Being offered for only $231,800. Walking distance to the Library, schools and the heart of Downtown Middleton. Charm and character are evident in the small details of this home; from the built-in china hutch to the gleaming hardwood floors. Other features include: archways, ample storage, Walk-up Attic for storage or expansion, full basement with high ceilings and a summer studio space above garage. An updated kitchen gives a view of the private back yard. The hot tub is included. HSA Home Warranty Inc.

Open House in Madison - 2710 Myrtle St 02/17/08 from 2:30-4:30

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:20:50 -0600

1st Time Homebuyers check out this solid home. Hardwood floors, brick exterior, CENTRAL AIR, new roof, 1 1/2 car garage, screen porch, fenced yard... This home is ready for you to move right in. Current owner has refinished the hardwood floors, put on a new roof. Complete the partially finished basement for added value. An open house to be held this weekend on Sunday. Please stop by to be pleasantly surprised at what all this home has to offer.

New Price - 1912 Middleton Street - $231,800

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:26:18 -0600

Come check out this charming home in Middleton being offered at a new price of $231,800. This home has it all; charm, location, and an updated kitchen. You can walk to downtown Middleton from this spectacular piece of real estate!! The tiled foyer and circular floor plan make this home a dream for entertaining. A half bath and updated kitchen was just added to the features on the main floor. The hardwoods in this home absolutely gleam. Upper level bathroom has an amazing cast iron tub and the master bedroom has his and her closets. Additional living space can be created from the large attic and the basement which has high ceilings and a half bath. There is also finished room above the 2 car garage that could be used as a summer work studio or playroom. There is also a wonderful hot tub included with this home. Please call me for more details, 608-444-6831. Now is a great time to enter into the Middleton real estate market.

Great 6.8 Acre Retreat For Sale in Arlington, WI - Butternut Road

Heidi Uhrig (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:59:03 -0600

Every season is breathtaking on this private 6.8 Acre Retreat just minutes to Lake Wisconsin, Madison & Wisconsin Dells. This single-owner home is Energy Efficient with all new mechanicals! Watch wildlife from your 3 tier deck or from the comfort of your new home or enjoy the double-sided brick fireplace in the Family Room. If you like relaxing, then this home might be for you! Property is located at N2746 Butternut, Arlington. Please call for more details, 608-444-6831.