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Wisconsin Home Sales Dip in 2007 But Prices Stable
2/14/2008 10:11 AM
State’s housing news much better than nation Madison - Wisconsin housing sales decreased but prices increased in 2007, leaving Wisconsin’s real estate market in much better shape than many parts of the Midwest and the nation, according to the year-end analysis of existing home sales conducted by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA).Wisco......

Metropolitan Place Phase II Hits Foreclosure Filings
2/7/2008 8:46 AM
Another victim of the real estate bubble? Not enough people want to live in downtown Madison? Development that was underfunded? Misunderstanding between the developer and his bankers? YOU DECIDE. Below are the local press articles regarding the recent foreclosure filings against the developer of Metropolitan Place Phase II and his lending/funding......

To honor retiring football coach Barry Alvarez, Madison,WI erected this phallic sculpture
2/7/2008 7:38 AM
Camp Randall Stadium Madison,WI - Sculpture by by sculptor Donald Lipski It looks a bit like an eroding Washington Monument with a core made out of footballs. The 50-foot obelisk was designed by sculptor Donald Lipski, who is evidently famous enough to convince people this was a good idea. Lipski named his work “Nail’s Tales,” wh......

When Should You Sell Your Investment Property?
2/7/2008 7:21 AM
When Should You Sell Your Investment Property? The ultimate purpose of investing in real estate is to make money. I make this statement with no apologies, though it may sound greedy; however, real estate is just like any other investment — whose primary purpose (at least should be) is to build wealth. Thus — there should [.........

When Should You Sell Investment Property?
2/7/2008 7:20 AM
When Should You Sell Investment Property? If you believe what it says, late night TV is full of great ways to invest in real estate. Most investors — they seem to suggest — are looking at big paybacks with no money down. That’s unlikely, like going to the store to buy a watermelon and offering to [.........

Welcome to Matthew Costello’s Blog!
2/6/2008 8:45 AM
Welcome to Matthew Costello’s Blog! This blog will provide you with valuable information, tips, and general insight into the real estate market in Madison. ......

Matt's Blog

Time to Turn Around
5/8/2008 3:58 PM
Sellers cannot wait for the real estate market to turn around. Many find themselves asking when this market is going to hit bottom. Though economic analysts vary on their predictions, these real estate professionals are optimistic about the market’s near future, some claiming that we already have hit bottom. Buyers must consider [.........

Spring Sales
5/7/2008 6:19 PM
The attractive aroma of spring horticulture is in the air. Buyers are coaxed from their homes, as the weather permits a much more joyous viewing experience. Hoping for their investments to show increasing returns, sellers hold open houses to allow the busyness of spring to venture into their yards. Is the new [.........

Where Does All That Money Go?
5/5/2008 12:53 PM
To help the economy, President Bush has signed into action an Economic Stimulus Package that many are looking forward to. With the recent decline in loan eligibility, families are finding themselves in more and more need of financial leverage. However, with rebates equivalent to $300 per dependent, $1,200 for joint returns filed, [.........

Preventative Measures
5/4/2008 9:00 AM
Your home is not just shelter. It’s your own personal sanctuary, your comfort zone, your unique piece of solitude. It’s a lifetime investment filled with years upon years of hard work and dedication. As a family member, you should take pride and look after your house with gingerly care. So it’s essential [.........

Local Markets: Up, Down, and Everywhere in Between
5/3/2008 9:00 AM
Down markets are prime for purchasing. And while many cities claim to be stabilizing, and perhaps even rising in home values, others are still experiencing the harsh economical blow from last year. It seems that homes will not be seeing skyrocketing values any time soon. But, the question remains: will home values continue [.........

Three Steps to Sell
5/2/2008 11:57 AM
There are different stages in selling a home: deciding (planning) to sell, undergoing the selling process, and moving out. All three have equally challenging obstacles to overcome. Plan ahead so you can anticipate any situation you may encounter and be prepared. After everything is said and done, you are moving into your [.........

Forget a White Christmas: Have a Green Mother’s Day!
5/2/2008 11:30 AM
With Mother’s Day approaching in the second week of May, moms everywhere expect to spend a sentimental day rejoicing over their relationships with their children. Let us not forget that the most cliché, and probably most appropriate gift for your mom doesn’t have to be so cliché. Flowers are a staple for [.........

Facing Your Fear: Appraisals
5/1/2008 3:30 PM
As a seller, it is wise to have your home appraised before it is registered with any listing service. After labeling your home for sale with a considerably high price, it becomes more difficult to show humility when confronted with the fact that your house may not be worth the amount you had originally [.........

Keeping Up Appearances
5/1/2008 12:50 PM
Keeping up your home’s exterior appearance affects your neighbors as well as yourself. Whether you own the land on which you live, share ownership with a neighbor, or your home owner’s association handles your yard work, home values are influenced by aesthetics of surrounding areas. Equally as important in dollar appraisal is [.........

Is Your Real Estate Information Past its Pull Date?
4/30/2008 6:51 PM
By Errol Samuelson President, REALTOR.com When you shop for milk at the grocery store, “best if used by” labels alert you to the age of the product and keep you from buying a quart that’s about to spoil. Freshness counts in real estate, too. Whether you end up the owner of the home of your dreams or [.........

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