About Rock County, WI

Do I have a deal for you! I have a home listed in Janesville for $229,000 that sold in 2007 for $274,000.

Is that a great deal or what??? It is truely amazing how much home you can get for your money! If you

have 5% down, your monthly payment could be as low as $1250 per month. My goodness. This

could be a very exciting Spring market. But many people are waiting. Why? Most of the sales occuring

right now are negative ads from the media. They are doing the negative selling.

How do you know when the bottom is really the bottom. What if the prices go down more?

It just seems hard to believe they could go down much more.

Besides, if you are currently renting, you are paying rent without gaining anything

on your investment. I would have to think this would be a better situation. Also, what about getting the

move up home. The time is right for so many people to get a home in 2009. Why not take a look

at what you can get for your money. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Good bye and Thanks....

This is the headline for the local newspaper.

Today was the day. The last official day of employment for so many people in our community.

I know it had to be an emotional day for those folks wondering what will happen next.

The news crews were there from all around giving their reports. So, what was a good thing for

our economy for several decades has ended. We will need to figure out how to move forward.

So, my heart goes out to all those with sadness and worries this Holiday season.

You are not alone! We're all here with you.

Merry Christmas

Tonight as I watch the Packer/Bear game I wonder how everyone will do tomorrow. It sounds like

it will be a very emotional day for those who will go in to work for the last time.

If you happen upon this blog and want to give us an idea of how you are doing, many would love

to get your perspective on this. It just seems to be happening at such a bad time of

year. Although, is there a good time of year for a major plant closing?

We rang bells on Saturday for the Salvation Army and found people to be generous this year.

Even with the tough economic times, people were friendly and giving.

It just goes to show you what a great city we live in.

People really do care about one another. I'm glad for that. It will be needed in the near future!

We will get through this tough time, togheter....I just know it!

This coming week, December 23, 2008 will be a date in history for our area. It is the official closing

of the GM Plant in Janesville, WI. This plant has been a huge part of the lives of many in our area for

100 years. We are now going to be heading into uncharted territory. What is it going to mean

for us and our community. There are many opinions. There are many fears.

What do I believe? I believe we are a very strong community. We are going to be ok.

It may take some time, but we will make it together. I am home here. I am not leaving, nor are many

strong people. We will get through this tough time together. I am sure of it.

I will continue to blog how this process goes. It may help many people going through similar situations in

other area. Please feel free to comment. I look forward to working together to a happy ending!

With the Year just about over, we are finding that Sale Prices are about what they were in 2004.

The number of sales are down about a third.

For Sales, Sellers have been averaging about 93% of their asking price.

It certainly is a good time to buy with interest rates hovering around 5% for fixed rate mortgages; first time buyer's may still be able to qualify for the $7,500 tax rebate until about June of 2009.

It may also be a good time for sellers to put their homes on the market, because seasonally some have come off the market and I think you will see renewed interest and activity once the New President and staff take office. Plus tax return money will be available.

MAY EVERYONE HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!

JERRY MORSE, REAL ESTATE MARKETER.

608 436-6858