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Middleton, WI Real Estate News

 5117 Shorecrest Drive Click HERE to view the virtual tour. Opportunity knocks for the savvy Buyer! MLS# 1632685. Friendly Middleton neighborhood, very special setting. Seriously, check out the screen porch and back yard overlooking endless NATURE! Master suite with enormous closet. Big, solid home, needs cosmetic improvements (see Cond Report). Recent updates include chimney ('09), A/C ('06), water heater ('05). To view a picture gallery, click here. Full, dry basement. Welcome to the neighborhood! Price reflects need for improvements. 1-year Home Warranty included. To schedule a private showing, call me at 608-219-8989 or email at jennyswain@kw.com.
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
Besides new clients, referrals, online presence, a great education and great friends from all over the country, blogging on ActiveRain can be deliciously satisfying as well. I had grabbed a bite to eat at Villa Dolce  in downtown Middleton with a friend last night. When we had finished we wanted to see if Bloom Bake Shop was still open and strolled to the other end of the block only to see the sign on the window indicating the shop was closed.  However, my alert friend noticed the door was open, so we stepped inside  just to take a look and see what we could see.  Annmarie, the owner, greeted us with great exuberance.  After her very warm welcome, and hinting to my friend, whom had never been there before, that she would offer him a free cupcake of his choice, she remarked that I looke...
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By Tim Peterson, Realtor Safety Training Classes
(Wisconsin Realtor Safety and Concealed Carry Classes)
Saturday April 16 1pm – 3pm Sponsored by the Middleton Jaycees-great they are doing it in the afternoon-the kids can do one in the morning at other places Lakeview Park (East Shelter) - 6300 Mendota Ave Middleton, WI Easter egg hunt for the kids
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
This morning I received a phone call from a man in California who has Lakefront property in Wisconsin.  He was a wee bit panicky about registering his pier with the Wisconsin Department of National Resources before the right-around-the-corner April 1, 2011 deadline. He had come across my post on January 31st which detailed the new regulations.  People do read our posts! I am happy to have provided the service.   The good news is that there are no fees to register with the DNR, and after that occurs, most property owners will find that their piers require no changes-it grandfathers 99% of all existing piers from future regulations. With the enactment of the Pier Protection Act in 2007,  waterfront property owners with existing piers now have clear standards as to what size of pier is all...
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The cool thing about living in Wisconsin: when the Packers win the Super Bowl, everyone gets a trophy. A woman from Oregon got my attention on Wednesday evening. She was calling from a IMX Advertising to sell Google Search placement. How many of these calls do we get weekly? For years I have said "Not interested. No, I do not want more business. No, I do  not want to be found." Maybe it was the way the caller's ability to laugh at herself and her script that kept me from saying, "Thank you, goodbye now", or it was the free month, no contract required offer that got me to stay and eventually say, "OK". I bought the service. Today I am the owner of Middleton Wi real estate in Google Search. Of course Middleton isn't the only market I serve, but it's where I have always done business, I li...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
  Middleton Wisconsin Market Report for January 2011.  Nine single family homes sold in Middleton Last month and that compares to five sold in January of 2010.  Here is a chart of these homes as found on the South Central Wisconsin MLS.    One Single  Family Home Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 under $200,000 Two Single Family Homes Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 from $200-300,000    Four Single Family Homes Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 from $300-400,000 One Single Family Home Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 from $400-500,000 One Single Family Home Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011 from $600-700,000 One Condo Sold in Middleton Wisconsin in January 2011  for $275,700 Are you considering moving to Middleton Wisconsin?  CNN/Mone...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
 A very exciting Super Bowl to be sure! And the Packers pulled it off with a 31 to 25 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers!     The most unique professional football team in the country.  Rachel Maddow tells you why and honors the Green Bay Packers.  This from her MSNBC show.   
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
    One- and two-family dwellings need smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are required in Wisconsin as of February 1, 2011,  There are Wisconsin requirements for both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in almost all one- and two-family dwellings, regardless of the building's age. The new carbon monoxide safety net is for dwellings with fuel burning appliances, fireplaces or attached garages. Owners and Renters Have Responsibilities You, as an owner, are responsible for alarm installations and if you afre the occupant, you also have responsibility to maintain the alarms. Owners must repair or replace alarms within five days of written notice from an occupant or an inspector. It is also very possible that an authorized inspectors may enterbuildings and homes to inspect alarms wh...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
                                                                Now these are some pretty chiily cherubs on this frozen fountain on Hubbard Avenue in Middleton Wisconsin.  I took this in the autumn at the first freeze before the fountain was drained.  Now, it just looks like a dry empty fountain-not enhanced by the "ice sculpture" you see here. I had been planning to post this photo for a few months now.  The double coincidence is that Karen Krushka   just posted this "ice sculpture fountain on Speechless Sunday on January 23rd!She has allowed me to post this picture!  In ways we do not alwys even know, we are so connected to each other!                             The double irony is that in early November, we had each posted similar pictures of an old Town Hall in New Glarus Wisconsi...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
This weekend, as we attend multiple gatherings of screaming fans to watch the Packers vs the Bears this Sunday, I estimate that we are collectively going to gain an average of two pounds each in Wisconsin with all the beer, chips and dips and brats and potato salad and, more beer with a grand total of: 11,309,548 pounds So we may as well enjoy the calories. Here is my favorite Green and Gold appetizer: Pinwheel Appetizer 14 oz can of artichokes, drained 10 ozof frozen spinach, thawed and drained 1/2 cup mayonaise 1/2 cup grated parmesancheese 17.3 oz package of Pepperidge Farm puff pastry 2 cloves of garlic 1/2 tsp pepperProcess all ingredients except puff pastry in blender till smooth. Roll out thawed pastry. Divide blended mixture and spread half on each pieceof pastry. Roll up like a...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
        Trust me.  Unfortunately,  that phrase has such bad press due to blatant misuse.  It's not just because of those old time fast talkers who could hypnotize a crowd into paying their last nickle for a Magic Elixer, or politicians who promise to lower taxes, or used car salesmen.  It is too often Realtors, too.  Realtors who will tell you things you want to hear. $400,000-sure, we can certainly get that for your house.You are not going to hear that from me if your home in current market conditions, may fetch $350, 000 at the most. I will always communicate, give you  a steady stream of  feedback,  show your house to it's very best advantage, arrange custom photography and get it out there to grab the right buyer's attention. Some of the things I am may  tell you will be things you...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
There are so many ways to give back to your community. Once you overcome the inertia, I think the hardest part is figuring out how to spend your volunteer time.  Here are some of the organiztions for which I volunteer.  It is so rewarding and makes such a difference in so many lives. 1) For the past 30 years, Middleton Outreach Ministry, 7432 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton Wisconsin 53562 led a community-wide effort to improve the quality of life and provide basic needs for Those neighbors in need. Through business partners, area schools, affiliated churches, service clubs, and numerous individuals, MOM helps those who need us most by providing:Food, Clothing, Housing Assistance, Emergency Funds and Services for Seniors.For additional ongoing ways to serve your community in Middleton visit t...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
The change of seasons brings fresh ways to view the same place.  It makes you pay attention when you would have just driven by, immersed in your own thoughts.  In Middleton Wisconsin, ice skates are being pulled out of storage, toboggans waxed.  We are ready for the 6 to 10 inch winter storm warning on Saturday.  This photo of Strickers Pond shared with me from Adam Michie.            
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
Curb appeal: it is different in the wintertime in colder climates such as the greater Madison Wisconsin area and throughout the Midwest and Northeast.  Besides cutting the grass for the last time and removing dead annuals and adding fresh layers of mulch all over your gardens (you have already done that though, right?) there is Holiday Decorating.  There is still time to makes things more festive outside.  And Santa may be watching.  Have you been naughty or nice in sprucing up your curb appeal? Nice:  A wreath makes a great focal point on almost any door on which you can attach one.  You can use a wire hanger which drops down in many situations. If you can't, get a friend or someone to help you locate another spot which can use the  bold accent of a wreath, making sure the proportion i...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
During this holiday season, I am working on two transactions for buyers with multiple lending challenges:  appraisal issues and FHA and Freddie Mac balancing acts, We are keeping it together with the excellent help from Matt Horabik, Mortgage Consultant from South Central Mortgage Solutions, LLC (An affiliate of US Bank). Is he ever doing a superb job for these folks!  We are almost there! They will close! Sometimes, if you don't laugh, you might cry,  so I wanted to share this video on the " 12 Days of Closing"- Humorous Typical Shortcomings of a Real Estate Closing From: 44mortgage featuring Victor Bals, Jim Lasota, and Dave Saylor as they "take a humorous look at themselves as Loan Officers, and the Real estate industry . 2010 has brought a new respect for the Realtor and Lender rela...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
Tis the season to be jolly. Are you buying a new home in Middleton Wisconsin or the greater Madison Wisconsin area? You will feel much more jolly if you follow these handy do's and don'ts during the loan process for purchase of your new house. Don't be naughty or it will be much harder for Santa to deliver you the keys for your new home. Do respond to any calls or emails from your lender or Realtor ASAP. Time is of the essence. Do continue making payments staying current on your mortgage/rent and ALL accounts. Do keep working at your current employer. Do choose your new insurance company as soon as possible. Do continue living at your current residence. Do continue to use your credit as normal. Do keep extremely accurate records, making copies of checks for  lender approved  pay offs. D...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
No Time to Make a Pie?  How About a 4 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake?   Four Ingedient Pumpkin Cake. Now that's my kind of cake! Are you running around crazily, already cooking up a storm but thinking you need one more dessert?  I am missing my children and dear sweet grandchildren and grand-dogs this Thanksgiving-they are all in New York State and I am not!  But even so, my former in-laws and a couple groups of friends are keeping me busy and engaged.  I get to play games too. My cousin, Ann, a licensed dietician passed this on to me (and a few others on her email list). Disclaimer:  I have not made this cake myself in my test kitchen.  But, hey,  she is certified and she has to deal with the Health Department and with sweet litle ol' ladies in nursing homes.   SO hereit is- a pumpkin CAKE re...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
 "I can't find Willy Street on the map of Madison Wisconsin." "Oh yeah.  That's because it is a street with a nickname.  The street is Williamson Street, but everyone calls it Willy Street." And nearly everyone, unless they live down a rabbit hole,  knows Willy Street Co-op. Anya Firszt, General Manager, Willy Street Co-op, just won an Isthmus Indie award for "Fresh Food Friend". Nominees The nominees criteria for this category had to be an independent business who " nourish a commitment to support and deliver local, sustainable food resources, through restaurant or retail channels."  He is the third person from the left in the image above. About 10 days after Anya received the award, Willy West opened in Middleton in the Parkwood Plaza shopping center at the corner of University Avenu...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
The emphasis is on people, small town life and a strong sense of Community in  Middleton Hills, a unique neighborhood located in the City of Middleton. Front porches are featured as well as smaller friendlier streets, walking paths and plenty of Greenspace.  You have to walk to get your mail, and you can stroll over to buy groceries, too, at the Copps food market. Other small shops and businesses are integrated in this friendly community, designed to get back to simpler times and a better quality of life not found in typical developments. In addition to a variety of residential units including condominiums, apartments as well as over 400 single family homes, Middleton Hills provides commercial, retail and business space as well as live/work units.  It all works together beautifully. As ...
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By Barbara Chatterton, Greater Madison Wisconsin Area Realtor
(The Stark Company Realtors, Madison WI)
  Are You Being A Mugwump In Middleton Wisconsin?                     Answers.com provides this definition: "Sitting on the fence" is "mugwump" - someone who sits uselessly "on the fence" of indecision, with their "mug" on one side and their "wump" on the other side.  Do you find yourself in need of a new home? Are you sitting on the fence in Middleton Wisconsin? Here is why it is a  good time to buy a house:  Loan rates have been slowly rising lately. We may have hit the bottom and are on our way back up. On November 12, 2010, a 30-year Fixed rate was 4.375%  On November 17, 2010, 30-year Fixed  rate was 4.625%  What if it goes to 5.125% in the near future? I do not have a crystal ball, but is that not a logical possibility? Let's just say that you take out a loan for $225,000. That wo...
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