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Monroe, WI Real Estate News

By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
The days are getting longer and we Wisconsin natives know that spring is just around the corner even if it is only a chilly 16 degrees right now. This is the time to start planning yard care and gardening for the upcoming warm weather. Taking some small steps in your yard care this year can have a big payoff for nature. Standard yard care in the US dumps chemicals into our soil and spews pollutants into the air. Mowing a yard with a gas powered lawn mower or using a gas powered leaf blower produces a lot of hydrocarbons. Do it the old fashioned way instead. Take the kids outside, get out the rakes and spend some fun family time raking up winter's debris instead of blowing it. If you have an average city or suburban yard, consider a reel lawn mower. These are quiet, good exercise and eas...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
When we first moved to Monroe, Luis became entranced by the musical chimes that played whenever we walked into some of the Downtown businesses. A conversation with Scott over at Chocolate Temptation led us to Bauman Kitchens and Giftware, the store selling the chimes and so much more. We have been back often over the years. Like so many stores in the area, Bauman Kitchens has wonderfully eclectic offering of goods. Walk in, and you see racks of collectibles and gift items. Figurine lines include Precious Moments, Seraphim Angels, My Little Kitchen Fairies, Cherished Teddies and more. They offer a large collection of Rossi cranberry glass and leaded crystal items too. You will find gifts large and small, something for every taste and every budget in the giftware areas that span three flo...
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By Scott Larson, SRES
(First Weber Hedeman Group )
Scott Larson | ReMax Towne Square Realty | scott@greencountyhomeguide.com | 608-329-2177 226 E. Park Ave, Monticello, WI Close to Schools 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $117,700 Year Built 1960 Sq Footage 1,200 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 9,900 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION A place to hang your heart is found in this 3BR, 1 3/4 Bath Ranch home. Imagine your flowers planted in the brick step entry area, that say welcome home as you drive into the 2-car attached garage, with built in storage. Experience the flowing floor plan of the living room, kitchen, and dining area. Hardwood floors in the bedrooms Built-in hutch in dining area. There is a 1st floor laundry. The unfinished basement has a ¾ bath, and an additional hook...
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By Scott Larson, SRES
(First Weber Hedeman Group )
Do you highlight all the features of your property? This is a photo of the front of my home. I became the owner of water front property, well for a day as the winter snows melted. But this event reminded me that we need to look at our properties with a fresh look. Sometimes we miss or take for granted some special features our property has to offer a prospective client. It may be built-in cabinets in a garage, a handy 1st floor laundry with a fold-out ironing board, or even that the kitchen island has wheels on it so it can be moved and used in different locations. Consider what features are important to you and then show them off.  
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
If it is Wednesday, it must be Things to Do day. What is happening in the Green County area in the upcoming week?~ Put on your dancing shoes! Line Dancing with Marlene starts on Thursday in Monroe at the MTG's Stage building from 6:30 until 7:30 pm. This five week classes is only $10 for MTG members, $15 for non-members. ~ The Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors group has their monthly meeting on Monday, March 3 from 6:30 until 8:30 pm in the New Glarus room of the Monroe Clinic. This month's topic is "Myths & Realities of Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights." Free to the public, refreshments are provided.~ Cherokee Rose is playing country music at the Roadhouse on the south side of Monroe on Saturday evening.~ The New Glarus Hotel is also having live music this weekend. Badge is play...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
A child tells his parents that he loves to play Legos.  He says knows that lots of other kids like Legos too.  He thinks there should be a club for kids like him. Welcome to the beginning of  the Monroe Lego Club. The Monroe Lego Club is a the newest addition to the groups in Cheese Country.  The group is for people of all ages who simply enjoy playing with Legos.  Come to the Community Room at the Monroe Public Library any time between noon and 3 pm on the third Saturday of March, April and May.  Lego enthusiasts 10 and under must have a parent or guardian in the library at all times.Bring your cool designs to display to the group, but please do not bring your Legos to build with to avoid mixing up sets.  There will be ample Legos provided for building opportunities.  There is no cost ...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
There are many wonderful things about being a realtor, but I think my favorite has to be the terrific people who I have gotten to know as a result of helping them buy or sell a home.  Many times, clients become friends who are present in my life long after we leave the closing table.There is the couple who dropped off a bag of cucumbers at the office for me last summer because they had too many and they knew I could find a use for them.  I made freezer pickles, and every time I open a jar this winter, I think of Jay and Ann.There is the couple who invited us to watch the annual Monroe Cheese Days parade from their new front yard.  We had family over and couldn't go, but I really appreciated Nancy and Mike's invitation.One former client who lives a few hours away called me today because ...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
Will I see you around town this week?  There certainly will be options for getting out and about. ~ Go out to dinner and help the Albany Music Department raise money. Their annual Spaghetti Dinner happens on Thursday, February 19 from 4:30 pm until 7:30 pm in the school . Adults are $6, students and seniors are $5, and kids under 7 are $4. Students from the music department will be performing throughout the evening. ~ Turner Hall has their monthly Styles Ala Carte fashion show from noon until 1:30 pm on Thursday. The show is free, and fashions from area businesses are featured. ~ Also on Thursday from noon until 1:30 is the Revitalizing Wisconsin's Downtown Webinar series sponsored by UW Extension and Monroe Main Street. $12.50 includes lunch. Call Cara at 328-9441 to register. ~ Go Hog...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
As you begin the home buying process, your Realtor will likely ask if you want him or her to work as a Seller's Agent or a Buyer's Agent. What is the difference?The state of Wisconsin requires that we as Realtors have a signed contract with one of the parties involved in the sale of home. Unless you are looking at an FSBO, the sellers have a signed contract with the listing agent. With MLS and Wisconsin rules, the Realtor helping the buyer can be considered a subagent of the Seller. It is like building a home. Someone hires a general contractor (the listing agent) who may hire someone else to do parts of the building process (the agent who is helping the buyer). In a case like this, the Realtor who is helping the Buyer is still considered to be working for the Seller and must put the Se...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
For anyone who is living in or interested in the Green County, Wisconsin area, Green County Spotlight is a must see website.If you have not been to Green County Spotlight before, click over and take a look around. This website has been a work in progress for many months now. It is a portal to all about the Green County area.You will find guides to many local businesses as well as specialized guides for different quality of life features: There is a Food and Dining Guide with information on local restaurants, food tours and culinary events, even recipes. The developers of Green County Spotlight let me know that online menus are in the works as well. If you are like me and want to preview what is available before deciding where to go, this is news worthy of rejoicing! The Agricultural Gui...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
Valentine's Day is nearly here!  Have you made plans yet for something to do with your sweetheart this weekend?  ~ Chocolate Temptation on Monroe's Downtown Square is having a fondue event on Valentine's Day evening.  It is nearly sold out, but I just spoke with them and there is one spot left for a couple at their 8 pm seating.  Cost is $28, which includes chocolate fondue, dippers and drinks.  Call them at 328-2462 to nab the final spot for you and your Valentine. (And if you do, please let me know so I can edit this!)~ The Belleville EMS is having a Sweeatheart Dance at the Sugar River Lanes in Belleville on Saturday evening from 9 pm until 1 am.~ The Monroe Arts Center 2009 Entertainment Series has a Valentine's event as well.  Bring your country lover to a concert by the Hughes Bro...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
 In today's market, the first time home buyer, someone who has no home to sell, is a very desirable buyer for many sellers. The question is then how can sellers make a home more appealing to first time home buyers? It helps to know what first time buyers tend to look for in a home. According to statistics from the National Association of Realtors, over 80% of first time home buyers want a home that is already in move in condition. These buyers want to be able to move right in without having to spend time or money getting a home in to shape. This means that a seller should spend a little time before listing make sure that all the little things are taken care of. Take the trim that has been sitting in the garage and put it on to walls in the new family room. Put the quarter round in the d...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
The process of buying your first home can be wonderful and worrisome at the same time. For most people, their homes are the largest purchases they will make in their lives. You might wake up at three a.m. worried about taking on the mortgage. You may start mentally arranging your furniture and forget to look at windows and roofs.You may be tempted to look "just $10,000 higher" than you can truly afford. Approaching the processes sensibly is important. If you are thinking about buying your first home, consider these tips from the National Association of Realtors: 1. Be picky, but don’t be unrealistic. There is no perfect home. 2. Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you. 3. Get your finances in ord...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
Young Professionals of Green County is a group with a mission: "Our mission lies within our motto of 'Connecting, Celebrating, and Developing Green County's Young Professionals.' Our purpose is to provide existing and future YPs who live or work in Green County with a means to network while having fun." The group is sponsoring two events in the month of February. Their scheduled event is a trip to Rockford to watch the Icehogs play the Lake Erie Monsters on February 20. They will meet at the Swiss Colony parking lot at 5 pm, with a stop at the Culvers in Winnebago for dinner and to give any stragglers a chance to catch up with the rest of the group. Tickets are $18, and you can email ypofgc@yahoo.com to RVSP. A bonus event was just added to the February line up as well. Come bowling wit...
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By Scott Larson, SRES
(First Weber Hedeman Group )
Here is a repost that was sent to me from one of my local bankers. Take a look     This could help get the buyers back out looking and buying. Last night, the Senate added a significant homebuyer tax credit to the housing stimulus plan.  Here are the key elements of the credit:  *  The tax credit is for the amount of $15,000 or 10% of the purchase price (whichever is less), with the option to utilize all in one year or spread out over two years.  The credit does not have to be paid back.  *  The tax credit is available to all purchases of any home from date of enactment for one full year - no longer just a first time homebuyer credit.  *  Able to claim the credit against the 2008 tax return  *  Buyers must occupy the home for two years as their principle residence  *  Includes a two yea...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
Come out, come out, where ever you are! There is always something going on here in Cheese Country.  In addition to the regular recreation opportunities like cross country skiing or enjoying a book and a mocha at Fat Cat Coffee or Café Claudeen, consider the following: ~ The 22nd annual Wisconsin Regional Arts Program Competition and Exhibit opens at Frehner Gallery in the Monroe Arts Center on Thursday. The exhibit will run for the entire month of February. The program will culminate with an artist’s workshop from 10 am until 3 pm on Saturday, February 28. The workshop is open to the public, and there is a $5 admission fee. ~ The first Saturday of the month means live music at Baumgartner’s on the Square in Monroe! ~ Thinking of working on the house this year or building a new one? Come...
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By Scott Larson, SRES
(First Weber Hedeman Group )
I have lived in Green County most of my life and I have enjoyed the abundance of cheeses made from our many fine cheese-makers. When I give tours to clients, one of their favorite places to stop is a cheese factory. We can take for granted the unique industries that our community, our housing market has to offer. What does your market have that would make it a great place to live? For me and Green County it's the cheese. If you are in my area, stop by one of these fine factories and say "cheese!" Chalet Cheese Cooperative Specializing in: Limburger, Baby Swiss, German Style Brick, Brick N4858 Cty. N Monroe, WI Phone: 608-325-4343 Mon-Fri 7am - 3:30pm, Sat 8am - 10am Chula Vista Cheese Company Specializing in: Hispanic Varieties, Queso Blanco, Brick 2923 Mayer Rd Monroe, WI Phone: 608-43...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
We all need to get out and exercise this time of year. With that in mind, our family spent the afternoon roller skating at The Den in Monroe for the first time in far too long. It was such a great place for the entire family.  Skating at The Den is much more fun than a treadmill, and the kids will love it too. The Den changed hands a while back, and the new owners are certainly doing a wonderful job making their establishment a place that is fun for kids of all ages as well as adults.They have a choice of skate types available for rental. There is the classic roller skate that we grew up with, now called "quads." Some may prefer roller blades, and these are available too. Prices are very reasonable, with quads renting for $1 a pair and blades renting for $2. The Den has three open skati...
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
Students at the Monroe Middle School are spending some time helping others this week.  On Friday, students from the school will be collecting non-perishable food items from businesses around the Downtown Square and delivering them to the Interfaith Food Pantry. If you are able to contribute, drop off your donations at a participating Downtown business before 11:15 on Friday morning. Re/Max Towne Square Realty is a drop off point. Bring your donation in and just let Deanna at the front know that you are contributing to the food drive. Thank you in advance for anything you are able to donate.
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By Brenda Carus
(Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate)
What if... What if every adult in the United States gave a couple of hours of time every month to volunteering in 2009?  Four hours a month is not much time, is it?  It is one evening a month of watching of television.  An hour once a week of playing around on the computer. What good could be done in four hours a month? It is one hour once a week at a local nursing home playing cards with seniors, reading aloud to a bedridden elder, playing guitar or piano. When you pick up your child from the after school program, could you take off your coat and spend 15 minutes quizzing kids on flash cards or spelling words before continuing on your way home? Four hours is one Saturday morning a month spent picking up donation for a local food pantry, sorting clothing donation at the domestic abuse p...
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