Peggy Wester Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County Real Estate

While Memorial Day signifies the beginning of summer for most of us, it is a day meant to remember those who have fought and given their lives to provide us with the freedom we enjoy every day. Take some time this Monday, May 25, to say "thank you."

PORT WASHINGTON -- Parade begins at 10:30 am. The parade starts at the corner of Wisconsin and Grand Avenue and proceeds through downtown to Veterans Memorial Park. Events following the parade include an address by keynote speaker, Joe Dean, president of the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight; presentation of the Badger Boys and Girls representatives, and representatives from the Army thanking the public for their support of our troops and veterans. Music will be provided by the Port Washington High School band.

SAUKVILLE -- A prayer service will be held at 8:00 am at Saukville Union Cemetery. The parade begins at 9:00 am and will go north on Main Street to Veterans Park on Green Bay Avenue. Following the parade there will be placing of a wreath at the Veterans Memorial, the firing of a rifle volley, and the playing taps. An open house and light lunch will be offered at the Legion clubhouse, which is located at 601 W. Dekora Street.

GRAFTON -- Grafton's festivities begin with a parade at 10:00 am, beginning at the Legion hall, 1540 13th Avenue. A program at Veterans Memorial Park will follow, honoring soldiers and recognizing local students. Lunch and beverages will be available after the program at the Legion hall.

FREDONIA -- Fredonia's parade begins at 9:00 am at Firemen's Park on South Milwaukee Street. Joe Demler, a Fredonia native and World War II veteran, will be among the speakers following the parade. The keynote speaker will be Bob Piaro, founder of the Veterans Assistance Foundation. Also featured in the events will be veterans color guard, Ozaukee High School band, and youth groups.

BELGIUM -- A Mass at St. Mary's Church in Lake Church will be celebrated at 8:00 am and will include the reading of the names of veterans whoare buried in local cemeteries. The village's parade will begin at 10:30 am, ending at Community Park. The Master of Ceremonies will be Joe Sopko, Post Commander of Belgium American Legion Memorial Post 412. A memorial plaque will also be unveiled. The Cedar Grove-Belgium High School Band will perform, and food and beverages will be available.

Alas! The grass is green and even needs to be cut! The daffodils are in full bloom. The temperatures are on the rise. People are coming out and enjoying the new life we call spring. And it seems like the real estate market in Ozaukee and Washington counties is continuing to come back to life, as well.

The number of single family homes that sold in Ozaukee County rose from 39 in March to 45 in April. In Washington county, that number rose from 52 to 69.

During the month of April, Ozaukee county didn't see the sale of any two-family dwellings, but Washington county increased by one over March.

Condominiums continue to sell, as well, with the number of sold units remaining steady in both Ozaukee and Washington counties with 10 and 22, respectively.

SUMMARY OF SALES IN OZAUKEE AND WASHINGTON COUNTY JANUARY - APRIL 2009

The tables below illustrate the number of units currently on the market and with the status of "pending." (The status "pending" means the property has an accepted offer and all contingencies have been removed.)

Interest rates continue to hover around the 5% mark, and the $8000 credit is still available to first-time homebuyers. So if you've been thinking about jumping into the real estate market, this may be the time to spring into action!

Looking for even more incentive to buy a home??

Wisconsin Mortgage has recently introduced The Rate Relief program, which offers advantages for both buyers and sellers. With this program, the seller agrees to pay 3% of the purchase price toward a financing package offered by Wisconsin Mortgage.

How can this program benefit a buyer?

• It provides a permanent interest rate buydown.
• Your monthly mortgage payment is reduced considerably by obtaining a below-market interest rate.
• With this lower interest rate, you could qualify for a larger home.
• If cash savings are a hindrance, this program creates more opportunity for you.
• You may qualify for a larger home as a result of the preferred financing.
• The program creates an opportunity for you if cash reserves are an obstacle.

How can this program benefit a seller?

• Preferred mortgage rate financing will distinguish your home from others on the market.
• With a higher level of interest from buyers, home showings will grow, as well.
• Your pool of qualified buyers grows due to lower interest rates.

Visit Wisconsin Mortgage's web site for more information and an illustration of how much money you can save over time.

(Wisconsin Mortgage is owned by Shorewest Realtors.)

I think sometimes we all tend to get so wrapped up in the stresses and struggles of everday life that we lose perspective of the smallest blessings that find their way to us.

When I learned of a service project being done at my church, I knew that I wanted to get the word out so that as many people as possible could assist in getting some much needed items to our military personnel --most of which are things we just assume will be available to us as we need them.

Wisconsin We Care is an organization that accepts food and other items from various businesses and individuals, packages them and then sends them to Wisconsin military units in Irag and Afghanistan. You can find out more information about this organization at wiwecare.com.

St. Joseph Parish in Grafton is setting up a drop-off point in their parking lot on Saturday, May 2, 9:00 am-3:00 pm. Cash donations to help cover shipping will also be accepted. Those checks can be made payable to "Veterans Day Parade of Milwaukee," and should have "Wisconsin We Care" written in the memo line.

Below is a list of items requested by the troops. Those with an asterisk are in short supply.

Items can be dropped off in the parking lot near the main entrance. If you have questions or would like assistance in picking up your items, please call Ann Wissmueller, 262-227-3347.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Renee passed away early this morning, Saturday, April 18, 2009. Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

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Please consider attending a benefit being held for Renee Feider Alexander, who is battling cancer.

Renee, a Belgium native, is 49 years old and currently lives in Kewaskum with her husband, Mike, who has been staying home to care for Renee. This benefit is to help the family with the medical bills they have incurred.

This event is planned for Saturday, May 2, 2009, at Bic's Place, 129 Spring St., Belgium, 11:00 am-10:00 pm.

There will be a brat fry, bake sale, and refreshments. Many raffles, music, poker showdown tables and bing, as well.

Monetary donations are also being accepted. Checks may be made payable to Renee Alexander Benefit and dropped off at any Port Washington State Bank branch or mailed to:

Rhonda Krier
113 Lilac Lane
P.O. Box 174
Belgium, WI 53004

More detailed information will be posted as it becomes available. Thank you for your consideration.

Please keep Renee, and the Feider and Alexander families in your prayers.