When Range pricing first came to Madison Wisconsin, I shied away from it.  I did get a good background on it was too new in the market to be acceptable.   Now it is well known but it has really not been used to it's full extent.  Now, in a slower market, I have embraced it almost totally.  After a number of swift successes, I feel like I am some what of an authority on the subject.  It is still a bit of an unknown to most clients, agents are better informed but I still get questions like why wouldn't people just bit the base price.So I thought it time to create a consumers guide/explanation.  First a bit of background, then I will give a good example of how it has just worked.Let's start with it's origin.  Range Pricing was thought up in Australia in a slow market. It was scientifically... 06/25/2007

20 June 2007 - Madison, WisconsinWell, they like us in Canada anyway - but we weren't their first choice.  We forgive them.A few weeks back Bill Quigley and I were interviewed by Vanessa Chris from Canadian Mortgage Professional Magazine about YHYM for an article they were writing on the use of technology in the mortgage industry.   As Vanessa researched the Canadian cyber waves for her article, she soon realized there weren't any Canadian Podcasters up there, so reluctantly searched neighboring states and found us - and Your Home-Your Money - in Wisconsin.  Close enough.  (Good thing she chose us over anyone else - I was ready to trump the competition by playing the "race" card - my MOM was born in Canada!)The print article, entitled, "Digital marketing: The wave of the future," came o... 06/20/2007

It's amazing that on a weekly basis we've had the pleasure of discovering yet another great place to dine on Madison's East Side.One of the most recent is the aptly named "Cloud 9 Grille" located at 876 Jupiter Drive in the Grandview Commons subdivision.Since it's discovery just 3 short weeks ago, I've had the pleasure of dining there on 4 separate occasions.  You might come out for the view (it's got the best sunsets in the entire area) but you'll stay for the food and service.  The decor is very upscale and metropolitan in feel.  The very first day we wandered in it felt like the interiors had to have been done by Madison interior designer, Laurie Tobe.  I was right about that as well.  Her flair for metropolitan feel exudes in this wonderfully comfortable atmosphere.The menu is creat... 06/17/2007

Ridgewood neighborhood, Madison Home for sale.  Immaculate, bright, cheery, cul-de-sac Ranch,  Check out Our Virtual Tour The inside greets you with the warmth of a natural gas fire, beautiful wood floors, open vaulted living space, and lots more.  Located on the East side, close to major trafic routes, for shopping-2 minutes, interstate, 5 minutes,    Loads of space...........................loads of amenities...............large exposed lower level   4 bedrooms, 2500 sq ft, Amazing price for a quick sale!!   $229,900-239,900 (Was $259,900) Check out our free mapping search function.Homes Marketed by Real Estate Guy, Madison Wisconsin, http://www.realestateguy.net/  Email realestateguy@kw.com   Real Estate Guy is affiliated with Keller Williams Realty, Crossroads 06/14/2007

Vilas Area, Bay Creek Neighborhood, 1 block to the Zoo, Arboretum & St Mary's Hospital. Walk, bike or scoot everywhere.This delightful bungalow home, has gorgeous hardwood floors, through out,   A wonderful cozy living/dining area   Re- modelled kitchen and new appliances!!   Add in 2 nice bedrooms, ad large basement rec room, a newer garage, with double wide driveway for extra off street parking, a great deck and a garden.  What more could you want for just $179,900-$189,900?Check out our free mapping search function.  more homes for saleHomes Marketed by Real Estate Guy, Madison Wisconsin, http://www.realestateguy.net/  Email realestateguy@kw.com   Real Estate Guy is affiliated with Keller Williams Realty, Crossroads   06/13/2007

We had the pleasure last night of having dinner at Madison's newest Mexican restaurant "El Pescador".  What a treat!This new treasure has opened in the past 2 weeks in the location formerly housing "Las Palmas" at 2810 E. Washington Avenue.  The interior hasn't changed much but the food was wonderful!  I enjoyed the "cocktelle de campachana" which, in my opinion is the perfect summertime dinner.  Served in a jumbo margarita glass this entree was full of fresh shrimp, octopus and avocado, all swimming in an ocean of perfectly seasoned tomato sauce.My companion ordered the grilled red snapper prepared "de diablo" style with a very hot red sauce.  The entire snapper came to our table with it being perfectly grilled.If you're a seafood and fresh fish fan, you must try this new discovery!Oh,... 06/10/2007

There's been rumor that the Smart car was coming to the states.  I finally saw my first Smart on the highway while stuck in traffic yesterday.It had Canadian license plates so I'm guessing it isn't here yet.I remember being enamored by this car on my first trip to Paris a few years ago.  How convenient for city parking!Might be hard to show buyers property using this but might make one focus on only taking listings!  06/05/2007

25-29 May 2007 Madison, WisconsinGas prices are up!  Memorial Day is here!  Summer begins in America, heralded by the World's Largest Brat Fest!Little did I know when I moved to Wisconsin a half-decade ago that I'd be participating the event that makes even the greediest cardiologist flinch!  BRAT FEST! This memorial day weekend join us in Madison Wisconsin as we celebrate the consumption of artery-clogging foodstuffs that helped make this nation great -  well, great big and fat!   When I moved to WI in spring 2002 I'd never even heard of Bratwurst.  One day while at my sister's, my brother-in-law asks if I'd like a "brat" (a what?).  OK.  It was hot and it had that fat-taste our tongues just can't refuse.  Next day, nice weather - we're grilling.  Same question - brat? (I guess so).  A... 05/24/2007

16 May 2007 - Madison, Wisconsin#12 Mortgage Title 101 w/Ben Smaglick - Getting the BasicsEncore performances from Your Home-Your Money Mortgage Talk RadioDescription: Why on earth do we need Title Insurance?! Ben Smaglick, Wisconsin Business Development Manager for First American Title Company joins the Your Home-Your Money Mortgage Radio as a special guest to explain the HOWS and WHYS of the seemingly mysterious (and costly) Title Insurance. Listen here and find out why lenders require it and learn why homeowners really need it! Super Ben delivers in a fun, easy, and informative episode - don't miss it! Link to the recording: http://recordings.talkshoe.com/TC-1009/TS-737.mp3  (Be patient - it will happen eventually...)In a hurry?  Listen here to the "chipmunk version" - a minor hoot!h... 05/16/2007

"If your clothes, shoes and car look better and cost more than where you rest your head at night, please make a visit to China..."Just a note on what I'm seeing out here in the Dane County with the young folks, and yes I'm one of you to an extent...The process of getting the keys to your own personal crib may seem stressful in the beginning but it is so awesome people.  To see your son(s) or daughter(s) play in your own yard, have family over to your own place and know that when and if you decide to move in 5-7 years, your home would have appreciated in value AT LEAST  5.5-6% EACH YEAR since you bought it.  Making it possible to make your next home purchase bigger and better.  When you rent you fatten the pockets of your landlord.  Did you know you can even acquire YOUR OWN income prope... 05/16/2007

The figures are for sales of single family homes in Madison in quarters, homes priced between $100,000 and $500,000    20062007Jan-MarApr-JunJul-SepOct-DecJan-MarAprEastHomes Sold29937726719121810Days on Mkt7258658190List Price202207212208199Sold Price 199204207202193WestHomes Sold4295412882752678Days on Mkt6850598482List Price272276279268271Sold Price 267271270260264 Notice how number of home sales are down, days on Market are up, so homes are taking longer.  Average prices are down too.  With an exception that West stats improved in early 2007.   One thing, these stats can not give us a trend for this year. Even the latest figures take into 4 month old data.    At the time of writing, I have a very rosy view of things.  Real Estate Guy Team has just come off the busiest time ever.  Be... 05/01/2007

One of my relaxation items is to attend live theater either locally or throughout the world.  I have the chance to see theater in the West End of London, Broadway, Las Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C. and even here in Madison.On Friday night we attended a production of "Urinetown...the Musical" produced by the University of Wisconsin Theater Department.  It was an AWESOME show!This show may sound a little bizarre and actually it is to a point.  It's set in a fictitious town where water is over shortage and a monopoly controls all of the "Public Ameninties" or toilets in the town.  The story line is truly secondary to the play on musical theater that has been expertly written in to this show.  The production has been garnering great reviews.  The Wisconsin State Journal, the Capi... 04/30/2007

 3 monthly sales data, comparisons (Figures extracted from SCWMLS.)Jan/March 2006  306 Sold:  69 DOM:  Ave list price $204K:  Sale Price $203KOct/Dec 2006191 Sold:  81 DOM:  Ave list price $208K:  Sale Price $202KJan/Mar 2007173 Sold:  94 DOM:  Ave list price $199K:  Sale Price $192KThis info is indicative of a slower market.  Period to period comparisons are reasonable accurate to compare markets.   Twice as many homes sold in the 1st quester of 06 versus the 1st qtr of 07.  Days on Market (DOM) are way up indicating slower sales times.Also average sales and listing prices are down from a year earlier, even though they were up in December.   This indicates it is still a tough market.   One where when people need to move, there is activity and they can get moved.  They better not hold p... 04/22/2007

12 April 2007With the April 17th Federal Income Tax deadline looming as a reminder, "taxes" in all forms moves to the forefront of our minds.  Property tax in particular is becoming a major issue in Florida (although I think insurance should).  No one is certain as how to get rising taxes under control - the massive real estate appreciation of the first five years of this century didn't help a bit - I received this email today from a "Doris Jones".  I do not know who Doris is (I did not find her on AR either) and my Google search  under "Doris Jones - Florida Realtor" revealed nothing.  However, I DID find the web address "Doris" provided went to a website entitled No More Property Tax, which states it is sponsored by the Republican Party of Florida.  I Googled "nomorepropertytax" and m... 04/12/2007

This is an unbelievable deal for anyone selling a home unrepresented in the Madison Area.Get a free web site to display your home.   Yes, a free site. You can create your own site, place photos, description and sales details and promote to buyers.  In turn, buyers can request showings online too.Sign up here  or www.FreeSellerWebSite.comWhy would a Realtor help someone to sell on their own?First, because, I believe that I will help people get what they want. If I do this then good things will happen.Second, I want to be there for you if you decide you do need help.  Whether it is a quick question, or whether you find the process is more than you had bargained for. So Go and sign up for a free web site now. again www.FreeSellerWebSite.Com 04/10/2007

I  love the old greasy spoon diner.  One of the ones I loved to stop at was Bev's on East Wash (For those outside of Madison this is East Washington is the main traffic flow through to the capital from the East.  It was a pretty seedy area and the restaurant and location and decor matched. Now it is gone!I drove by the other day and it looked like this.Yes the hole in the ground just behind the large sign post.  But the good news is that the whole area will be so much improved.  The neighborhood is looking forward to seeing the changes. The area has been flattened for a large scale development which takes up, amongst other things an old grocery store, various retail and a large Rayovac plant.   Read more here     04/06/2007

4 April 2007                                                                                                                                             Reprinted form Tom Domin's Mortgage Marketing Toolkit article pages.  As some of you may have figured out, I like Tom and his advice, tools, and helps.  He asks what appears to be a more-than-fair price for his materials, but also gives away much for free.  While his info is geared toward Mortgage Professionals, there is much in the way of truth for all pros here.  I also like this article as I am a Tiger fan and enjoy the stats.  (Art Blanchet)                                         A Valuable Mortgage Lesson Learned From Tiger WoodsUnless you've been living in a cave or under a rock the last few years, you've seen first hand how Tige... 04/04/2007

1 April 2007 Modified reprint of our March 9th  Your Home-Your Money.com website blog.  This was the final show of an eight-week radio series we did on selling For Sale By Owner, subtitled "FSBO RADIO".  The series was broadcast through Madison 1670 - the Pulse (WTDY) every Saturday mornindg at nine and included interviews with local real estate professionals.                                       FSBO Radio - Final Show of the Selling Your Home By Owner Series.1. Intro: Need to begin with the basics - best market is the local market. People like to explore the neighborhood they want to move into. AFTER your home is staged and ready to show on an hour or two's notice...Get your yard sign out* - 76% of all sales start with a yard sign being noticed and read Put out directional signs* Get... 04/01/2007

Today I was apart of one of the best experiences I have had in local real estate. A number of different agents, from a number of different offices came together and shared their thoughts about the market. Ideas on how to build and maintain business in this type of market were also shared. Competition helping competition.  Because when we get better then consumer wins. That is what it is all about.As real estate professionals we can't do this alone. Co-broking is what makes the business, the business.There was a tremendous amount of incredible information shared and different insights debated. What was agreed on by the panel of professionals is that the current market is the market. It is not changing any time soon. Some comments from the event that stood out to me:"2006 was not a bad ma... 03/29/2007

26 March 2007Monday, March 12th, the  Wall Street Journal carried an article entitled "Why Your Home Isn't the Investment You Think It Is."  In this article WSJ reporter David Crook focuses only on the financial aspects of owning a home, and not very positively at that.  He quotes a large investment firm - competitors with the real estate market - touting investments over home ownership.  Here are our comments:                                           Skewed for a purpose.  The article was skewed for a purpose.  Someone should tell Mr. Crook about a certain family we're currently working with that made their decision to buy because of their landlord's insensitivity.  As is always the case, people vote with their feet - and these folks have voted to leave."Randy and Cathy N". were debat... 03/27/2007