Heidi Uhrig

Madison area winters generally never fail to bring plenty of snow and cold, and this winter was no different. Looking at the 10 day forecast for Madison on weather.com, you will see that 34 degrees is the warmest projected temperature, with 2 degrees being the lowest. I am sure if we take a look ahead into the very near future, we will see that the daily temperature range will get even larger. We will experience days in the 50’s with nights in the teens.

Here in Madison, this time of year and type of weather poses some maintenance issues for homeowners. This is especially true with respect to the roof after a long winter of ice damning. The effects of ice damning, if left ignored, can create some serious roof damage, gutter damage, water problems, and potential mold issues. I therefore wanted to post a few tips that my help in keeping down the potential damage and consequent expense to your home.

1. Be proactive about checking your roof. You should make a habit of inspecting your roof at every season change. Look for buckling, loose or curled shingling, and interruptions in flashing. An easy way to perform this inspection is with a quality pair of binoculars.

2) Check your gutters. If there are a lot of granules from the roof in your gutters, then chances are the asphalt on your roof is becoming brittle and in need of attention.

3) If you have a metal roof, look for signs of deterioration and ensure there are no open seams.

4) Inspect your attic several times as the temperature warms up. You may find evidence of leaking as the snow and ice begins to thaw.

If you find that your roof is in need of attention or further inspection by a professional, you should contact someone immediately. Leaving your roof in a compromised state will undoubtedly lead to many areas of damage. If you need some assistance locating a qualified professional, just give me a call. I’ll gladly provide you with some resources that will help you find a contractor in your area so that you can protect your Madison area real estate investment.

By now you have likely heard on more than one occasion that Money Magazine voted Middleton the best place to live in 2007. With the community as strong as ever and all the amazing parks and conservancies, I am sure it will place on their list again in 2008!

People that are relocating to the area often ask about Middleton because of this attention it received from Money Magazine. I therefore wanted to share a link to the town site and January's real estate market report. Although January's activity level was a bit light, Middleton is truly a great place to purchase real estate. I'll keep you posted on what February brings. Please call if you would like a more detailed market report of Middleton or any other communities in the area.

There has been a great deal of Real Estate talk throughout the country and here in Madison with interest rates falling to a 2 year low. Currently the 30 year fixed rates are averaging between 5.4% and 5.7%. With a high level of inventory currently available there are some great opportunities out there for Madison first time home buyers and individuals wishing to buy second homes or investment properties. Below is a quick recap of January's activity. If you would like to discuss how your property may fit into the current Madison market, give me a call, I'd love to discuss it with you and provide a full market report and complimentary market analysis of your property.

Keller Williams Realty West will be taking part in a service project which collects and distributes suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks for foster children in the Madison area. Last year we had the most suitcases gathered from any single real estate office and we plan to do it again. All donations will be accepted from now until March 13th. Full information for the drive is included below. For more information on how to get involved in this Madison area charity, please give me a call. 608-444-6831. Thank You!!

Returning to the Blitz: Suitcases for Kids
"In 2006, RASCW joined the national service project designed to collect and distribute new and gently used suitcases, duffel bags and backpacks for foster children who are frequently forced to move from home to home. Since that time, we have donated more that 700 suitcases and just under $1,000 to foster care programs throughout Dane, Sauk and Columbia counties. We will once again be collecting donations at Blitz 2008 and distributing them throughout the three counties. Please remember to bring a suitcase to the Blitz on March 13, 2008." (http://www.rascw.org/)

Any contributions will be greatly appreciated and will be stored at the Keller William West real estate office until March 13th.

Thanks so much in advance on behalf of those without.