|
|
|
From
the Desk of Ron
Restaino,
Broker/Owner
As our first month comes to a close in 2012 we are delighted at the
increased traffic flow we are seeing through our open houses, as well
as the increased numbers of transactions we are getting ready for
closing. Agent experiences of 12 - 24 groups of buyers through a single
open house are not uncommon. What is uncommon is that we experienced
this level of traffic during a time when the Packers were still in
playoff contention! In most years, our market has waited for the end
of the NFL season before truly kicking off. The translation from our
early season numbers is clear: Buyers are aware of the low interest
rates and the near record high level of inventory and neither cold
weather nor professional football is keeping them from taking advantage
of those market conditions.
On a company front, a check with our showings management company on
January 24th revealed that showings on homes listed with Restaino
&
Associates were up 32% over the first 24 days of 2012 and the number of
pending sales (offers where final contingencies were removed and
closing scheduled) up a whopping 409%
The bottom line for everyone? Its time to get in the game now. Don't
wait until after the Super Bowl. Contact your Restaino &
Associates
sales professional today to take advantage of the current market
conditions. History has shown us, the current level of activity cannot
be sustained permanently without the inevitable increase in interest
rates. Get a great price and a great rate by calling Restaino &
Associates today!
Sincerely,
Ron Restaino
|
.............................................................
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Message From The Banking
Industry
This month, January 2012, I had the opportunity to attend an Economic
Forecast forum, presented by Ph. D., Scott Anderson, one of the top10
recognized economic forecasters by USA Today.
Even though much of Scott Anderson’s presentation represented the less
enlightening “state of our economy”, there were significant signs that
the economy, in part, appears to be turning the corner.
Within our geographic area, statistics demonstrated positive signs of
improvement, particularly in the Manufacturing sector which then flowed
through to a graph that confirmed a consistent increase in employment
numbers.
In analyzing the Real Estate sector, statewide, the total number of
purchase transactions in 2011 increased over 2010, signaling a positive
rebound. This was significant in that this increase followed previous
year’s numbers that had been influenced by the Income Tax Credit
incentive.
However, the less than positive information provided confirmed a “sign
of the times”. The median sales price continues to decrease. This
decline is primarily fueled by foreclosures, bank sales, and short
sales.
Recently, two Federal Reserve Bank Presidents and one Federal Reserve
Board Governor voiced strong recommendations that the government exert
their influence to focus on reducing interest rates. They represented
that the 2 key factors in improving the economy is the housing market
and consumer spending. They firmly believe that lowering long term
interest rates is necessary to motivate the purchase market, creating a
demand which would then help absorb the over-supply of homes on the
market, with the ultimate goal to “stabilize” values. Reducing current
supply and stabilizing values will also have a positive impact on new
housing Scott Anderson confirmed that the government is continuing to
move forward with their “Twist” program, in which they are converting
approximately $400 billion of short-term treasuries to long-term
mortgage backed securities, in an effort to accomplish just this.
Anderson also boldly stated that it is likely that Fannie Mae and
Freddie Mac are not going anywhere. He emphasized that the “policy
makers” recognize that without the GSE’s, we really do not have loan
term mortgage financing, which is why they were created by the
government, in the first place. He also implied that, given current
situations, they may even become stronger and more viable in the
market.
Dan Imhoff
SVP, Residential Lending Manager
State Bank of Cross Plains
 Products
and services subject to bank/credit approval. Member FDIC.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restaino
Relocation Team
Pictured left to right:
Nadya Nahirniak-Hansen,
Relocation
Director
Miki Smith,
Relocation Consultant
Gail Johnson,
Corporate Relocation
Manager
1-800-637-1138
1-608-395-3103
A Leading Global Relocation
Division Assisting Candidates, Transferees and Families Moving
In and
Out of the Madison Area
Restaino
& Associates Relocation Division is a vital
resource for
your
recruitment and relocation needs. Our dedicated team prides itself on
assisting your recruitment efforts to acquire world class talent to
grow your company.
We partner
with you to provide customized and comprehensive relocation services
for
your candidates, transferee and families moving in and out of the area.
Let us assist your recruitment efforts offering our relocation services
at no charge to you or your candidates.
Our
Comprehensive Relocation Services Include:
You sell the job while we sell
the community!
608-395-3103
* 800-637-1178
|
|
New To Madison?
Feel Welcome Right Away!
We want you to explore all of
the wonderful activities, natural
treasures, and entertainment that Madison offers to its residents. To
do that, there are many great clubs and organizations to meet to
friends, explore the area, get active, and have fun!
Madison Newcomers’ Club –
Visit Website
This organization has been in the Madison area for over 30 years and is
a premier group for women and their loved ones who are looking to
become active in the community, both through social events and
community service work. Activities include book clubs, movie nights,
“Moms and Tots” weekly playgroup, bowling, family outings, golf,
gardening, and couples nights out.
Who’s New in Madison –
Visit
Website
This organization strives to help newcomers familiarize themselves with
all the great features of the city, as well as promote friendships
through social gatherings. There are monthly luncheons as well as
groups devoted to hiking, biking, Women’s Investment Club, tennis, card
games and Mahjong, book club, and much more.
Madison Sports and Social Club
– Visit
Website
This organization features leagues for sports such as kickball, flag
football, and volleyball. It promotes healthy lifestyles and acts as an
outlet for people to organize for sports-related activities and social
events. It is a great organization for individuals who have relocated
to the area, as one of the main goals of MSSC is to build lifelong
friendships around a love fitness and recreation.
Wisconsin Outdoor Group
– Visit Website
This group introduces outdoor enthusiasts to unique outdoor experiences
in some of the most scenic locales of Wisconsin. Explore state parks,
forests, and other natural wonders. Events include hikes and
canoing/kayaking.
Madison is one of the most
bike-friendly cities in America. What better way to get to know people
than through a bicycle club? Explore the many trails that travel
through the city and into scenic rural Wisconsin, while getting to know
other enthusiasts.
Bombay Bicycle Club
– Visit
Website
Join Madison’s largest bicycle club, featuring a range of leisure rides
throughout the year at a variety of distances and difficulties. There
are no fees associated per ride!
Wednesday Night Bike Rides
– Visit
Website
This informal group gathers each Wednesday night at sunset for great
riding along the back roads of Dane County. Rides are between 20-35
miles, with minimum traffic and maximum scenery. Rides begin in April
and end in October.
Capital Velo Club – Visit
Website
This women’s road cycling club focuses on the development of women’s
skills in road riding for a variety of interests such as triathlon,
fitness, and adventure racing. This organization is great for any woman
who enjoys cycling for sport, fitness, and transportation. Thursday
evening rides are held, with two groups for different paces.
|
.............................................................
|
|
Change of Address Procedures
Important Information To Keep In
Mind When Relocating
The U.S. Postal
Service provides two ways to change your address. There is a Mover’s
Guide which features a "Change of Address" form that can be simply
completed, detached, and mailed. Or, visit www.usps.com and click on
the "Change of Address" link to enter your new address information
online and receive immediate email confirmation.
It is important to individually notify senders of your address change.
The US Postal Service will forward packages, newspapers, magazines, and
First-Class/Priority/Express Mail, but only for a set amount of time.
For standard mail and catalogs, notify mailers directly of your new
address. If you receive mail with a yellow label attached, notify the
sender of your change of address, as the yellow label indicates that
they don’t have your new address.
Sending out a short e-mail to your
friends, relatives, and coworkers is an easy start in the process of
changing your address.
Some important reminders for whom
to contact regarding a change of address:
- U.S. Postal Service
- Internal Revenue
Service
- Social Security
Administration
- State Department of
Motor Vehicles
- U.S. Customs and
Immigration Services
- Department of
Veterans Affairs
- Passport Office
- Electric/water/gas/sewer/waste
company
- Telephone/cell
phone/TV/Internet providers
- Home services
(housecleaning, pool, lawn/garden, pets)
- Insurance Companies
(home, life, auto, medical, dental, disability etc.)
- Banks/Credit Unions
where you may have accounts
- Tax
consultant/Accountant
- Investment
Broker/Retirement accounts
- Lenders (car, auto,
home, etc.)
- Credit
cards/department store cards/online pay services (PayPal)
- Friends
- Family
- Employer (notify the
Human Resources department)
- Schools/Daycare/Babysitters
- Newspaper/Magazine/Catalog
subscriptions
- Attorney
- Doctors/eye
doctors/dentists/orthodontists/veterinarians/pharmacies
- Church/House of
worship
- Social groups,
community groups and civic organizations
- Health clubs,
children’s clubs and extracurricular activities
- Professional
associations/Licensing and Certification Boards
- Do Not Mail/Do Not
Call Lists
- Air Miles/Rewards
programs
- Voter Registration
|
|
|
|
|
Kids Rock!
February 4, 1 – 4 pm
This fundraiser gives kids the chance to take the stage at the High
Noon Saloon, one of Madison’s most popular music venues, to perform
like a rock star. The main event KiddieOke allows kids to choose their
own karaoke song to perform for the audience. Other events include
crafting and face painting. Snacks are provided. Admission is $12
individual or $40 family.
Visit Website
Frostiball
February 4, 9pm – 1am
The Frostiball is downtown Madison’s most glamorous Winter Gala. To
perform are the Michael Walters Orchestra and The Doug Brown Trio.
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages will be included.
Visit Website
Super
Bowl XLVI
February 5, 5:30 pm
Midwest
Garden Expo
February 10-12
Get ready for the upcoming spring season with this event at the Alliant
Energy Center. Share ideas, experience and learn something new about
gardening and landscaping. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at
the door and vary with the number of days attending.
Visit
Website
Valentine’s
Day
February 14
A dining guide for dinner with that special someone.
Visit Website
Boys
& Girls Club Annual Hearts for Helping Wine & Cheese
Tasting
February 17, 7-10pm
An elegant evening has been planned at the Madison Concourse Hotel with
an extensive selection of wines and gourmet cheeses to sample. Take
part in the silent auction while enjoying live music and complimentary
hors d’oeuvres. All proceeds go directly to the Boys and Girls Club of
Dane County.
Visit Website
Gaelic
Storm
February 17, 8 pm
Come enjoy a modern take on traditional Celtic music at the Memorial
Union Theater. This increasingly popular and unique band draws their
influence from American pop and many other musical styles across the
globe. General Admission is $32.
Visit Website
Zor
Shrine Circus
Feb 17-19 with various show times
People of all ages will love this performance including clowns,
exotic
animals and aerial acts.
$16 for general admission and $20 for reserved seating.
Visit Website
Polar
Plunge
February 18
Become a below zero hero! Come to Olin-Turville Park in Madison and
take the plunge for this unique fundraising opportunity. Admission is
the cost of registration.
Visit Website
Capture
the Beauty Planetarium Show
February 15, 6:30 and 7:45
An amateur astrophotographer teaches some basic astronomy while sharing
some amazing photos and many tips and techniques.
Admission $2.50, Tickets go on sale at 6 pm.
Visit Website
Madison
Winter Festival
February 18 – 19
The Capitol Square is transformed into a winter race and recreational
venue with over 90 truckloads of snow that are hauled in for the
weekend. Events include a Frosty 5K Run and Walk, tubing, cross-country
skiing and a snow-carving contest.
Visit
Website
Brad
Paisley Concert
February 23, 7:30pm
The country singer will be performing at the Alliant Energy Center with
American Idol winner Scotty McCreery and The Band Perry.
Visit Website
Madison
Fishing Expo
February 24-26
Come to the Alliant Energy Center to learn all about new fishing
techniques and tricks. This year’s latest boats, tackle and equipment
will be featured. Kids can also join in the fun and participate in a
fishing contest.
Admission is $8 for adults and kids (age 12 and under) are free.
Visit
Website
Indulgence!
Wine and Chocolate Tasting
February 25, 5:30- 8:30 pm
Experience a decadent evening at Olbrich Gardens. The event will
feature an array of local wines and handcrafted chocolates. Meet the
chocolate artists and wine makers as you stroll through the candlelit
conservatory.
Admission $20 members and $25 for general public.
Visit Website
Badger
Cheerleading and WI State Cheerleading Champions
February 25-26
Come to the Alliant Energy Center to witness the biggest event of the
year for Wisconsin Cheerleaders. The groups will be competing for the
Badger Cheerleading Championship on Saturday and then the Wisconsin
State Cheerleading Champions will be crowned on Sunday.
Visit Website
Calendar
of Events
www.VisitMadison.com
...................
|
"When you get up in the morning,
you have two choices - either to be happy or to be unhappy. Just choose
to be happy."
– Norman Vincent Peal
Quote
provided by:
Carol Thompson
Carol Thompson Cosmetics.
Our
area of expertise is helping women choose their perfect makeup colors
based on skin tone.
Visit
Website
Call: 608-836-1012
|
|
Concierge Preferred Vendors
Spotlighting Quality
Service Providers.
We have assembled a comprehensive list of qualified, certified local
service providers who can assist you with the multitude of projects and
responsibilities you need to get handled before, during, and after your
move. For a complete list of preferred vendors:
Click on our Concierge Page
www.MadisonRelocation.com
Monona Plumbing and Fire
Protection
A trusted source for plumbing and fire protection needs. Licensed
technicians serve residential, commercial and construction clients.
Help is only a phone call away with their 24-7 emergency services.
Contact:
Don Hron
Email:
Send
Email
Website:
Visit
Website
Phone:
(608) 216-9036
Environmental Initiatives
Call for concerns with water damage or indoor air quality. Immediate
results are provided by their ability to analyze results on site.
Contact:
Cassidy Kuchenbecker, MS
Email:
Send
Email
Website:
Visit
Website
Phone:
(608) 790-2665
HSA
HAS wants to be your home warranty company. Gain the peace of mind that
comes from safeguarding your asset.
Contact:
Karen Starich
Email:
Send
Email
Website:
Visit
Website
Phone:
(800) 397-1700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
