Julie Press-Raese, LLC Realtor, ARB, CRS, GRI

We all seem to have an opinion on the $8000.00 tax credit that is set to expire on November 30, 2009.

It seems to have sparked some new interest in real estate and caused some serious sales. Do you think that if the credit does expire the market will come to a halt again?

Should we push to have the tax credit extended? Would it make a difference in our business thoughout the winter months? Would it make a difference in the economy?

I would love to hear what your thouhts are! I know the folks in congress are working on what is the right thing to do.

Happy Selling!

Julie

Washing machines use a ton of energy, but did you know that 90% of that energy goes into heating the water? Forget the warm and hot wash cycles, and instead keep the dial on cold and rub a little eco-friendly detergent on those harder-to-clean stains. Not only are you saving the environment, but using less energy means a lower electric bill at the end of the month. Who could argue with that?!

Friday, Sept. 25: YWCA Walk a Mile in her Shoes. This event--in which men walk one mile in women's shoes to help raise money for the YWCA of Rock County--starts and ends at Kutter Harley-Davidson and includes a party afterward. Go to www.ywcawalkamile.org for more information.

2009 YWCA Walk a Mile In Her Shoes Supporting women and girls, one step at a time...

Last year, nearly 100 men, boys, and even women and girls, joined the YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes one mile trek in high heels through downtown Janesville. (Like Paul Benish here of M&I Bank.) Help us reach our 2009 goal of 150-200 participants who will walk down Hwy 14 and Hwy 26 starting and ending at Kutter-Harley Davidson/Buell on September 25! Stay for the Walk a Mile After Party beginning at 5pm, sponsored by Kutter Harley Davidson. Everyone is welcome and will enjoy great live music, drinks, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction in a fun venue at the Rudi Kutter Pavilion. Tickets are $25 each and may be purchased here or by calling 608-752-5445.

When you are finished with your cell phone, make sure it gets disposed of properly.

The average lifespan for a cell phone is a brief 18 months, and currently, only 1% are recycled. On average, 130 million are retired annually in the U.S. alone.

Yet almost all cell phones contain enough lead to qualify as hazardous waste under federal regulations. And even lead-free phones are considered hazardous under California regulations because of the high amounts of copper, nickel, antimony and zinc that leach into landfills.

So do something good for the environment and recycle your old phone.

Here are 4 places that accept them (and will make a contribution to charity):

cellphonesforsoldiers.com

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/tips/1062#ixzz0OM2I3xQW

Date: August 12, 2009 MADISON, WI - Wisconsin home sales and median prices both fell in the second quarter of 2009 relative to that same quarter in 2008 according to data just released by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). But despite significant job losses in manufacturing and other sectors that have pushed the state unemployment rate to 9 percent in June, REALTORS® say the state housing market is actually showing signs of stabilization. The decline in home sales was 10.5 percent, which was higher than both the Midwest region, which fell 5.3 percent, and the nation, which was down just 2.9 percent, but it was well below the steep reductions in Wisconsin sales volume that we have seen over the last few quarters.


Mulleady also pointed out hopeful signs that the national economy may be starting to emerge from the depths of this steep recession. He noted the Conference Board's Index of Leading Economic Indicators was up for the third consecutive month in June of this year, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 9000 in July with the upward trend continuing into the first half of August. "These are positive developments because improvements in the national economy will help stimulate job growth in the state, which will directly improve Wisconsin's housing market," said Mulleady.

Median home prices in Wisconsin fell 9.9 percent to $146,000 in the second quarter of 2009 compared to the second quarter of 2008, according to the WRA. However, William Malkasian, WRA President, cautioned that these numbers are unique to this market. "These data need to be taken with a grain of salt because lower priced homes are moving more briskly than higher priced homes, thus skewing the median price downward," Malkasian said. "The most important factor is the federal tax credit on housing, which qualifies first-time buyers for up to $8,000 in tax credit on their purchase. This is a strong enticement for first-time buyers who typically buy lower cost starter homes, but it also brings down the state median price," noted Malkasian.

Still, sellers remain highly motivated," Malkasian said, "and when you combine the available tax credit with mortgage rates at near historic lows it makes this an excellent market for credit-worthy buyers." With such strong inventories statewide, buyers have a lot of options, and there are solid advantages to working with a REALTOR® to help identify the best values in this market.

For More Information Contact: David E. Clark, Economist, C3 Statistical Solutions Inc. Office phone: 414-803-6537

About the WRA
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state, representing more than 15,000 real estate brokers, salespeople and affiliates statewide. Sales estimates for the state are provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, which seasonally adjusts quarterly sales figures. All county figures on sales volume and median prices are compiled by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and are not seasonally adjusted. Median prices are only computed if the county recorded at least 10 home sales in the quarter.

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