From the Desk of Ron Restaino, Broker/Owner With the current state of the economy today, a consistent theme we weave here at Restaino & Associates is based on a simple idea: "Control what you can control." Know more about our client's plans and expectations makes a considerable difference in helping THINGS GO RIGHT. We believe that getting prices right the first time, whether helping our clients price a home to sell or to structure an offer to buy, is important in feeling secure. A transaction has the best chance of having no surprises when the buyer, seller, appraiser, AND today, the loan underwriter, agree on a value. Condition matters. Anything we address before opening the doors to the public is one less opportunity for disruption. We do plenty of expectation counseling. Today the great expectation might be finding a distressed sale property (short sale or foreclosure) where the buyer hopes to acquire a house significantly below market value. The distressed market represents possibilities of up to 25% of the inventory in our area. People with time, good credit, and great flexibility are in the best position to ride out the negotiating process to own these properties. The work our agents do to gain knowledge of this new market gives our clients an advantage. We continue to control what we can control and try to minimize unpleasant surprises. That makes for smooth real estate transactions which is everyone's goal. Short sales have become such an important part of our market that we, as a company, are hosting a short sale and foreclosure workshop headed by one of the nations leading experts. ............................................................. A Message From The Banking Industry Home Mortgage Rates are at their lowest levels in years. Many home buyers in the Madison-Metro market are taking advantage of low interest rates. Home buyers have a number of loan options including both fixed rate and adjustable rate programs. Additionally, government and state backed loans such as FHA, VA and WHEDA programs are available. Those loans, coupled with low interest rates in the Madison- Metro market, may make it a good time to consider buying. Clearly, predicting if/when interest rates rise and home values increase is impossible. Rising interent rates and increasing home values impact the number of potential new home buyers to the market. In addition to low interest rates and finance options, the Madison/Dane County market currently has ample inventory at all purchase points. Prospective home buyers are encouraged to investigate all of the mortgage options available to them and work with dedicated professionals who can provide advice and direction on making informed decisions. Dale Judd Vice President, Mortgage Banking M & I Bank (608) 231-5685 dale.judd@micorp.com Products and services subject to bank/credit approval. Member FDIC  ............................................................. A Leading Global Relocation Division Assisting Candidates, Transferees and Families Moving In and Out of the Madison Area Taking client service and satisfaction to the highest level of excellence has been the force behind the Relocation Division of Restaino & Associates Realtors. Our dedicated team of professionals prides itself on providing relocation assistance customized to the needs of the individual. Our specialists coordinate all aspects of the relocation process from providing an area orientation tour of our community to helping navigate the entire process of adjusting to a new community. At Restaino & Associates, finding you a home is what we do. Making you feel at home is what we do best! Contact Us   Nadya Nahirniak-Hansen, Director of Relocation Gail Johnson, Corporate Relocation Manager CaSonda Shim, Relocation Consultant www.MadisonRelocation.com Click Here To Reply 608-395-3103  or  1-800-637-1178 Did You Know? Madison was rated #3 in Parents Magazine's "The Best Cities for Families" featured in the July 2010 issue. The immense amount of parks, walking and biking trails and short commutes were cited as key elements to the family friendly nature of the city. They also gave Madison high marks on home values, saftey and solid schools. Wisconsin ranks 9th in the nation for sustainability in Site Selection Magazine's first Green Guide. Worldwide ERC publishes members Top 10 List for Green Initiatives: Plant a tree~ Composting~ Each person generates 1.3 lbs of food scraps daily. Reduce waste~ Unplug your phone charger when not in use. Recycle~ Use Energy Efficient appliances, windows and doors. Check the ingredients~ Read the label and learn dangerous ingredients. (www.thegreenguide.com) Shop smart~ Look for Energy Star™ ratings. Eat smart~ Look for USDA certified organic foods. Commute smarter~ Bike or walk when you can. Meet / Learn smarter~ Learn virtual meetings online methods. Thanks for your commitment towards going green! What's Happening Dane County Fair July 14 - 18 Alliant Energy Center www.danecountyfair.com Maxwell Street Days July 16 - 18 State Street, Madison www.visitdowntownmadison.com Opera in the Park July 17 at 8:00pm Garner Park, Madison www.madisonsymphony.org/opera Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Concert on the Square Capital Square Downtown Madison Wednesdays, June 30 - August 4 Time: 7:00p.m. Restaino & Associates Annual Golf Outing Friday, August 20 Call Brooke for details. 833-7777 Calender of Events www.VisitMadison.com ...................  Quote of the Month  "You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who is lonely and discouraged. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime."  -  Dale Carnegie  This month's quote brought to you by:  Terry Siebert  terry.siebert@dalecarnegie.com Dale Carnegie Training ................... Concierge Preferred Vendors Spotlighting These Four Quality Service Providers. For a complete list of referrals please visit: www.MadisonRelocation.com  Universal Home Protection Wisconsin's premier home warranty company based right here in Madison, WI. Great service with more coverage at less cost. Contact: James Imhoff Web: Visit Website Phone: 608-831-0285 Hilton - Madison Monona Terrace Short and long-term housing, meeting and event options. Contact: Emily Wendt Web: Visit Website Phone: 608-234-1038 Reynolds Transfer and Storage - Moving Companies Moving Madison and Wisconsin since 1888. Specializing in tailoring moves to your budget and needs. 10% discount offered to Restaino & Associates' clients on local moves. Contact: Nils Johansson Web:  Visit Website Phone: 608-257-0206 Green Cleaners LLC Offering house cleaning and power washing. One-time or frequently. Fully-insured, Owner Operated. Exceptional Service. Contact: Josh Butz Web:  Visit Website Phone: 608-219-6916 ************* For a complete list of referrals please visit: www.MadisonRelocation.com      .............................................................                                                                                               Restaino & Associates Relocation Division, 26 Schroeder Court, Madison, WI 53711   608-395-3103 To unsubscribe to this email, click here and send an email.