Mt. Horeb Area Real Estate Blog

Kindergarten Registration is this Week for Mt. Horeb School District

 

If you have a child about this size, its time to register him/her for Kindergarten in the Mt. Horeb School District. 

It's not screening--that's April 17.  This is just a "pop in" process that takes very little of your time.

 

DETAILS:

Where:  Mt. Horeb Early Learning Center at 300 Spellman St.

When:  This week (Dec. 1-5) during the hours of 8-4 M-F.  They are offering the evening hours of 6-8 on December 4.

What to Bring:  Birth Certificate and proof of residency.

Why this is important:  This is how the administration determines number of teachers needed for next year's Kindergarten class.

You will also have the opportunity to sign up for a screening time when you register. 

For more information, please visit the Mt. Horeb ELC website.

Is Mt. Horeb Recession Proof? Part II

There has been a lot of letters to the editor in the Mt. Horeb Mail disputing Mt. Horeb as recession proof.  I have to  agree.  We may not see the drastic changes that some places are seeing but we are still feeling it.  As one letter pointed out:  Look at the stagnant business park and the surrounding new development sitting largely vacant.

In real estate terms, we have seen a decrease is sale prices from 2007.  Perhaps these declines are not what other more urban areas are seeing, and we certainly are not seeing the number of foreclosures and short sales as those areas are experiencing, but the current numbers suggest a decline nonetheless.

The numbers (taken from Southcentral Wisconsin MLS):

2007 and 2008 average list prices are about the same:  $308K.

2007 Average SOLD price:  $244,845 in 106 homes sold.

2008 Average SOLD price (so far):  $224,844 in 87 homes sold.

Is Mt. Horeb Recession Proof?

In case you missed the article in last week's Mt. Horeb Mail, you can click here to read!  Realtors speak out about local housing market.

Weekly Special

I get tired of talking real estate sometimes, so today I'm starting the weekly tradition of  blogging about my favorite things (aka stealing from Oprah).

My favorite thing today is Bistro 101.  It's a newer restaurant in Mt. Horeb, and I'd really like to see something of this caliber stay in town.  And here's why:

1) Wine Pairing Nights.  Think of it as Wine 101.  Enjoy 4-5 amazing mini-dishes paired correctly with wine.   Next one is November 11th. 

2) Happy Hour that includes wine and not just taps and rail drinks.

3) A great menu that doesn't include a burger or anything deep fried (well, they do serve chips).    Every week they have a main course special, a flatbread special, a pasta special and a panini special in addition to their regular menu.  This week's main special is a Chicken Pot Pie puff pastry.

4)  Special events like a open mics, wine and cheese tastings and holiday parties.

5) Owners and managers dedicated to Mt. Horeb and creating something special.

This is not to say that other great restaurants in town do not have some of these things.  When I write about the best burger, breakfast, bakery or Grump chips, they too will have their turn in the spotlight.

For more information on Bistro 101 visit www. hoffbistro101.com or  to get on their special mailing list email events@hoffbistro101.com

Mt. Horeb AREA Market Statistics for September

I know I promised you these on Wednesday, but I was waiting for homes that I know have closed to be mosted on our SouthCentral WI MLS system.  Those homes still haven't been posted but I'll give you what I have available to me.  As always, this information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. 

Furthermore, this information shouldn't be used in determining whether or not you should sell or buy or what your house may be worth.  This is simply an overall, general market snapshot.  There is more specific interesting information available  like:

In addition to what is listed below, Mt. Horeb has 11 additional homes with accepted offers and pending offers.  Of homes with accepted offers, pending offers OR sold, the price ranges look like this:

• Under $200K - 9
• $200-$250K - 1
• $250-300K - 2
• $300-$400 - 5

If you want a deeper or more specific look at your situation, never hesitate to call! 

VILLAGE OF MT.  HOREB

• 89 homes on market/ 5 sold 

• Ave Sale Price $234,400

VILLAGE OF BARNEVELD

• 20 homes on the market
• 0 Sales

VILLAGE OF BLUE MOUNDS

• 8 homes on the market

• 0 sales

CITY OF VERONA

• 61 homes on the market/ 3 sales
• Ave Sale Price $343,133

CITY OF MIDDLETON

• 75 homes on the market/5 sold

• Ave. Sale Price $354,113

VILLAGE OF CROSS PLAINS

• 13 homes on the market/ 1 sale

• $184,900

Random Monday Thoughts

I don't know if my coffee isn't strong enough or if my weekend was just too fun, but I cannot form a fluid thought today.  I have many real estate thoughts running through my head, but none strong enough for a daily blog.  So here are the things running through my head after reading Realtor magazine and running stats yesterday:

• Interest rates are at 6%--the lowest in probably 6 months.  15 years are at about 5.75%.  Coupled with the fall market prices, it's time to shop!

• Buyers often ask me when prices will hit bottom.  My crystal ball doesn't have this answer.  Maybe they are as low as they will go. Maybe they will stay the same.  Maybe they will go up. 

• Despite current market conditions indicating that 75% of US homes decreased in value, 75% of home sellers believe their home value has increased or stayed the same.  This suggests pervasive denial about the effect of the market on their own properties

• Consumers perceive exact prices, such as $324,567 to be lower than round prices like $325,000

• Turns out, studies show buyers don't want the least expensive home in the most desirable neighborhood.  Afflicted with what is called the "comparison complex" (aka "keeping up with the Joneses), buyers actually will be happier with the most expensive house in a lower cost neighborhood.

• Average Sale Price in Mt. Horeb in July (6 homes sold) was $228,000.  Average Sale Price in August (8 homes sold) was $191,000.   

Happy Monday Everyone!

Ironman Comes to Town

If you live in Madison, Verona or Mt. Horeb--or if you plan on visiting those areas on Sunday--don't forget the Ironman routes are all around you.  The complete course can be found here.  Some of the roads they bike on are winding and, in my opinion, dangerous for bikers (as in Hwy 92 S. outside Mt. Horeb). 

It's only an inconvenience for one day out of our lives, and they have been training months or years for this one day's accomplishment.   Please drive safely or plan a detour around these racers.  Or even  take a detour to stop and cheer them on!

Mt. Horeb Rated #1 Suburb

Mt. Horeb has flown under the radar as a great place to live for years, but now it's official.  Madison Magazine rated it the #1 Madison suburb.  The magazine looked at things such as population, crime rate, property taxes, housing, appreciation, culture, schools and government services.

If someone asked me why Mt. Horeb is a great place to live I would give you the following top 3 reasons:

• Schools:  AMAZING teachers and low class sizes have equaled a great educational experience for kids
• Rec Department:  Parent volunteers play a large part in the great sport/activity offering from our rec department.  Soccer, baseball, gymnastics, and swimming programs are not only cheap--they are excellent.
• Sense of community: While hard to measure on a day to day basis, certain community events like the lighting of the fire house Christmas tree, Relay for Life, and the high school Homecoming make you feel like you are a part of something really cool.

Of course, I have kids so I'm looking at this town through those eyes.  Feel free to weigh in on why you think Mt. Horeb is a great place to live!

Relay for Life Comes to Mt. Horeb

This weekend is the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at Grundahl Park.  It's an amazing community even here in Mt. Horeb.  There are many activities going on for the family and EVERYONE is welcome.  You don't need to raise money or even register to stop down and partake in the fun, join in the walk or just hang out with the crowd.  Stop down to support those battling cancer, celebrate those who have beaten it, or remember those who went before us.  Check out the scheduled events below!

Friday July 25:
5:30 PM
Cancer Survivor Registration
Mt Horeb Community Band
6:00 PM
Opening ceremony
Cancer Survivors Lap and Reception
6:30-8:30 PM
DJ-Solid Gold of Madison
Wolf Haven Wellness Center massages (Relaxing and Free!)  White canopy along the track
Funny Faces Children’s Entertainment (Balloon Artist)
Professional Kite Flyers
Bouncy House for Kids
Face Painting
Food Stand Provided by:  Kalscheur’s Fine Foods, Pizza Pit and Culvers
Popcorn
7:30 BassMeister - bring the kids for a great show, come and see Mojo the talking fish
8:30 - 10:00 PM
Luminary Ceremony (Candles will be lit and names of cancer victims read aloud)
10:00 PM
Fireworks display
Saturday July 26:
7:00 AM-11:00 AM
Enjoy a Community Pancake Breakfast with live entertainment at the score board shelter
Music provided by Staff Infection (7:00-8:45) A great sound, a great band!
Music provided by Clear Blue Betty (9:30-11:00)
2007 Madison Area Music Awards - Entertainer of the Year, Best Rock Artist, Best Rock album
8:30 AM
Entertainment by Mt. Horeb Rec. Dept. Cheerleaders
9:00 AM
Free Professional Chair Massages (White canopy along the track)  Wolf Haven Wellness Center (Relaxing and Free!)
Come and see Maynard the Mallard of the Madison Mallards
9:30 AM
TJ Howell and sons - see them juggle and ride their unicycles
10:00 AM
Mt. Horeb VFD Fire Truck Rides
11:00 - 11:30 AM
Closing Ceremony and Awards

Service with a Smile (or My Experience at Bistro 101)

To some degree I'm a customer service rep.  I provide a service, and I represent my client's best interests.  If I were to take one of those strength and weakness inventories, I would say this is my strength.  In no way, do I ever have delusions that any of my business relationships or transactions are all about me.  I don't think of any transaction in terms of winning or losing, what it will do to my "stats" or how good or bad I'll look.  I figure doing the right thing and doing it well will ultimately take care of anything else.

Because of this outlook on my career, I am very sensitive to customer service in general.  When I get great customer service, every one in my life knows about that company.  Even something as simple as a friendly voice answering a phone can make me excited about that business.  The opposite is also true.  I wouldn't say I'm one of those statistical unhappy customers who tells 11 people, but if that business comes up I usually share my unhappy experience.

A new restaurant opened in my little town called Bistro 101.  It's a big deal. We don't have a lot of restaurant choices.  As one of those people who loves to keeps business local, I'm happy to have another place to go to eat in this town.  Apparently, many feel the same way I do as the place is packed.

The problem with any new restaurant is that they have to work out the kinks.  The staff needs time to learn the menu, the drink list, the flow of service.  Bistro 101 is definately experiencing kinks, but thank goodness the chef and the manager are smart enough to do whatever it takes to keep us customers happy.   I will honestly tell you our service was not great, the timing of food and drink was not the best---all things that are normal for a new restaurant.  However, because of the way my party was treated, I still walked away thinking it was a great place to eat, drink and be merry and I do plan on returning.

The moral of my story is that in almost any customer service situation:  it's not about you.  It's not personal, it's not about you being right or wrong, it's about the person on the other end of the service.  A little sunshine goes a long way.  Even when there is a screw up (real or perceived), there is still an opportunity to leave a lasting positive impression if you just remember: its not about you.