Brenda Carus

Asbestos in homes is more common than most often realized. It can hide in the insulating wraps around pipes, in the siding or in the insulation. The only way to know for sure that asbestos is in a home is to test for it. However, industry experts recommend only testing materials that are damaged or have been disturbed. Undisturbed asbestos in good condition will not normally release fibers into the air.

New rules regarding asbestos went into effect in Wisconsin in May of this year. Vermiculite insulation, which is often found in older homes, now is assumed to contain asbestos unless it has been tested and proven otherwise. This is a bit of a catch-22 for some sellers. It is best to leave undamaged or undisturbed asbestos containing materials alone, yet in order to test, it must be disturbed, potentially releasing fibers into the air.

The only other option for these sellers is to disclose the presence of the vermiculite insulation and let buyers know that the sellers do not know if this contains asbestos. Another change these rules bring with them is that asbestos or suspected asbestos materials may only be removed by certified asbestos contractors. Do it yourself-ers need to be aware of these changes.

Bottom line is that when it doubt, sellers must disclose to buyers the presence of any material adverse fact (anything that has a significant adverse effect on the value of a property, could reduce the integrity of the property, pose a significant health risk to the occupants, or information that indicates that either party is not intending to meet their obligations under the contract). Sellers, if your home has vermiculite insulation or "slate" siding, buyers must now be given that information.

Buyers, if you are looking at a home that discloses possible or actual asbestos, ask questions and have an expert in to advise you. Asbestos concerns can range from minimal to severe, and it is important to know exactly what you are dealing with.

I am huge fan of older homes in general, loving the higher ceilings, plaster walls and charming woodwork. However, older homes bring with them older technology. Things that were once standard practice but now are considered outmoded or even dangerous. Old electrical systems including knob and tube wiring. Lead paint. Asbestos. These three are among the most common hazards in old homes.

When you are looking at homes, talk with your realtor, and when you make an offer, be sure to address these issues if you have any concerns about them. Home inspectors are an invaluable asset to any home buyer, and the cost of a home inspection can be money very well spent in the long run.

Are you looking for something to do in the Green County area this week?

~ Stef from Goose Chaser Farm is doing a workshop entitle Sustainable Styling from Thursday through Saturday. Photographers, come learn from an expert. Stef is a professional, and she teaches this workshop that blends photography, love of food and sustainability to help other professionals capture the essence of green styling. There is one day on location at our favorite herb farm, one day in the studio, and a workshop session on marketing. Contact Stef immediately to check on availability if you are interested.

~ The Monticello Homecoming Celebration takes place this week. From Thursday evening through Sunday, enjoy small town festivities with a carnival, softball tournaments, fish boil, beer stand, talent show, motorcycle ride, chicken barbecue, water fights, parade and more.

~ Downtown Monroe plays host to another Concert on the Square at 6:30 on Thursday evening. The band this time is "Stranded in Iowa". Boxed suppers are available from Turner Hall, Garden Deli and Cafe Claudeen.

~ New Glarus hosts their annual Maxwell Street Days. Walk around town and browse for deals on the sidewalk table on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Shop for bargains through the entire town on Saturday at the annual New Glarus Citywide Garage Sale.

~ Green County Humane Society's Pedal for Paws takes place on Saturday. Bike 12, 15 or 30 miles in support of the Humane Society. Registration is $35 for individuals or $60 per family.

~ Cheer on your favorite team as the Cubs take on the Cards at Little Cubs Field in Freeport. These are the Little League versions of those teams, of course. The Black Earth Cards are coming in to play the Freeport Cubs. Game time is 3:10 pm. Even if you don't like the majors, there is a special exuberance to a Little League game.

Here's to another great weekend in the Green County area! Don't forget to check Monday's post for additional things to do this weekend.

This weekend is shaping up to be a full one here in Cheese Country, so I am giving a heads up on some of the Saturday activities. Spend a day vacationing here in your backyard or make a day trip to our area.

I've often talked about Inn Serendipity here on this blog. Lisa and John are great friends of ours, wonderful people. If you have never met them or are curious about their eco-destination B&B and farm, this is the weekend for you. Every July, they have an open house day on their farm celebrating energy independence and the good life. You are invited to join them for an all-day feast of friendships, food, fun and renewable energy.

From 10am to 5pm, Inn Serendipity will host a farm celebration, welcoming those who yearn for a bit of the good life in the country. Children's activities, farm tours, and potlucks (bring a dish to pass) for lunch (12noon) or snacks (anytime). The day-long educational event is free of charge. Bring along a dish to pass (to share with 5-6 people), and your questions about wind turbines, solar panels, squash and the employment world of free-agency. Copies of ECOpreneuring: Putting Purpose and the Planet before Profits and Rural Renaissance: Renewing the Quest for the Good Life, co-authored by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko, will be available for sale, as well as John's children's books.

The open house will be followed by the Piazza Potluck and Concert featuring "Andina and Rich" at Terry and Nancy's at Prairie Herbs Farm about twenty minutes from the farm. The Piazza Potluck begins around 6:30 pm (theme is foods and drinks made with or that go with caffeine) and concert begins at dusk (8:15ish); a hat is passed to pay for the band (suggested donation is $12/per person).

Before or after your visit to Inn Serendipity, stop on at the Downtown Square in Monroe. Don't be afraid of the construction down here; businesses are still open and people are still here!

Laura at Kookaburra's on the north side of the Square is sponsoring a visit from the Swiss Colony NASCAR drivers and cars. NASCAR on the Square event July 11th, 2009. Drivers Jeremy Miller and Nathan Haseleu will be available for autographs and pictures from 10a-4p. Bring your family and friends and make a day of it on the square!

After visiting with the drivers and getting photos of the cars, be sure to stop in at Kookaburra's. Laura has a new stash of wonderfully funky aprons in stock. Be sure to walk all around the Square to check out the specials and changing inventory. If you haven't been there recently, you might be surprised by some of the new offerings in the stores.

While you are walking around the Square, head over to Europa. Heather is celebrating her first anniversary as the owner of this long-established Monroe business. She will be having specials and surprises through the day.

If you are on the Square before noon, be sure to pop down for the Farmer's Market. Every Saturday, Kurt is there with free coffee, lemonade and snacks. I will also be in the office until noon, so pop in and say hi!

Whether you spend all day at Inn Serendipity or on the Square or bop back and forth between the two before heading to the concert, you are sure to have a great day here in Green County!

In the spirit of Independence Day, I present How to Declare Mortgage Independence.

No, I'm not suggesting anything shady here. This isn't like how to stop paying taxes. This is how to plan ahead so that down the road you can be one of the people who own their American Dream outright, no mortgage, nothing owed to the bank. 

The key here is planning ahead. This is a crucial thing to do when buying any home.

Don't let yourself get house poor. Talk with the bank first and know your buying power. Then, decide if you want your house payment to be the maximum that it can be or if you want something lower. If you buy a house at a price that is under your maximum, you will be more able to cope with emergencies, save for luxuries or pay extra on your mortgage.

Go for the shortest term mortgage you can afford. A 30 year mortgage is pretty standard, but in the long term, it costs you thousands upon thousands more in interest than a 15 year mortgage. With a 30 year mortgage, many also feel like paying it off will be impossible. I mean really, 30 years to own my house? Most of us scoff and feel like that will never happen. However, a 15 year mortgage, now that is something different. Hey, just 15 years ago, I was graduating college. That is a time period that feels more doable to many people.

Pay extra on that mortgage when you are able. If you already have an adequate savings, direct a little extra towards your mortgage. If you paid attention to buying under your ability, you are more likely to be in this position as the years go by. Surprise money? Instead of spending all of it on a vacation or treating yourself, take at least a portion and put it towards your mortgage.

Plan to stay put. Houses are not like cars. You cannot trade them in every 3-5 years for something newer. Well, you can, but you'll end up losing money in most markets. The early part of this decade, when people were selling after 3-5 years and making large amounts of money on their homes, was an anomaly when you look at history. When you look at homes, plan for your long term needs. How many kids do you think you'll have in 5-7 years? Plan for enough bedrooms. Are you getting older with retirement on the horizon? Look for things than can accommodate reduce mobility just in case. Think long term, not just "Oh, we'll sell in a couple of years and get what we need then." If you can stay in a home for the better part of a decade or more, you will reap bigger benefits when you do sell.

Surprised to see a realtor giving some of this advice?  I don't make my living at the expense of others.  I am a partner in the home buying process for my buyers, not the cheesy steroetyped realtor who looks out for herself.  

If you wait for enough years in order to have your home appreciate significantly and have a significant chunk of your mortgage paid off when you do sell, you can buy a more expensive home without having to increase your mortgage expenses.  You and I can celebrate together when we sell your first house and I help you find the second one.  We'll have an easier time selling your first house because you will have accumlated enough equity to have room to negotiate comfortably.

You can declare mortgage independence, but only by planning ahead.

~ Have you made reservations for this month's Famous Fossil Wine Down and Cookout? Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the day of. The July menu includes rib eyes on the grill, seasonal salad, Mrs Mike's chips, wine specials and Famous Fossil Sangria, all served on the patio at the winery overlooking the vineyards.

~ Enjoy live music at Tofflers in New Glaurus on Friday night. Enjoy the sounds of Mark Harrod on the patio. On Sunday, the Alex Wilson Band will perform at Caribbean Coffee and Cream in Brooklyn from 2 until 5 pm.

~ There is still time to sign the kids up for Fairy Tale Theatre through Monroe Theatre Guild, and scholarships are still available. Visit the MTG website for details.

~ Washington Church in Monticello celebrate their anniversary with an annual music fest on July 4. There will be 5 bands playing starting at 11 am and going until 4 pm.

~ From Friday through Sunday, "Eight Miles of Ag-tiques" will line highway 69 from Monroe to Orangeville. International Harvestor. John Deer. Minneapolis Moline. Oliver. Allis Chalmers. Massey Harris. If these names mean anything to you, come see your favorites. If these names mean nothing to you, find out why the are special. There will be displays at farms and businesses lining Highway 69 filled with vintage farming equipment and one farm will even feature a draft horse demonstration.

~ Monroe's big Fourth of July celebration takes place on Saturday at Twining Park. Events kick off at 11 am. Watch the soccer, volleyball and softball games or enjoy entertainment in the band shell. Food vendors will be in the park all day. Children's events are scheduled from 11 am until 3 pm. The big fireworks display starts about 9:30.

~ Brodhead's Fourth of July celebration on Saturday starts with a parade at noon and finishes with fireworks at dusk. This year's event will feature special events celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Fire Department.

~ You can also find fireworks celebrations in Brooklyn at Legion's park. There will be bands, games for the family and a grand fireworks finale.

~ Stephenson County will be having a big fireworks display for Independence day on Friday evening at dusk at the fairgrounds in Freeport.

~ Green County Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club meets on Monday evening at 6:30 in the New Glarus Room of the Monroe Hospital. This month's featured speaker is James Schneider of Blue Chip Training & Marketing. His topic will be "Building and Maintaining a Winning Business Attitude."