Monroe, WI

Buying a home can be a frightening process, even if you have done it before.  The National Association of Realtors has assembled the following list of tips to help ease the process:

1. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, any more than there’s a right time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting. Changes don’t usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.

2. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love.

3. Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.

4. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. A home’s most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.
5. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself—room size, kitchen—that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, etc., that have a big impact on what it’s like to live in your new home.

7. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home-buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits.

10. Find a real estate professional who’s simpatico. Home-buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the practitioner you choose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.


(adapted from the National Association of Realtors Realtor Magazine Online)

It is even more important than ever right now to take the little bit of extra time necessary to get to the Downtown businesses. The construction on Monroe's Downtown Square is in full swing.

Yes, it is more difficult to get where you want to go in the Downtown area these days. The local, independent cafes, stores, salons, restaurants, offices, and pubs need our business to stay alive.

Pretty much every business is still operating under standard business hours even if the sidewalk is missing and the street is torn up. Many have alternate entrances through the alleys to the rear of the buildings during the times that the fronts are inaccessible. If you are unsure of the best way to get into a business, call ahead and ask.

Some businesses will even offer curbside service right now. Call ahead with what you need. They will give you a total and meet you at your car when you arrive. Schultz Pharmacy has long done this for people who need it, and many other businesses are happy to offer the same service.

Keep our Downtown vibrant. The construction will be over in just a few months, and the Downtown will be even better. Let us all do our part to keep our favorite businesses here to enjoy it. 

A great way to start off your week

A client bought a new home and the broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion.
They arrived at the home and the owner read the card; it said "Rest in Peace".

The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist said. "Sir, I'm really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, "Congratulations on your new home".

Have a great week

From Scott Larson of Towne Square Realty in Monroe, Wisconsin

“Your Realtor of the Region”

E- Mail scott@greencountyhomeguide.com

On the web at http://www.greencountyhomeguide.com

I think you will be surprised how affordable the Dairyland is,

so come to my land of cows and plows and visit for a day, but stay for a lifetime

608-2124-9844 Direct

I was walking back to my office and I noticed these traveling elves. They said they were the Christmas in July band. They played We wish You a Merry Christmas, and were gone. You just never know what going to happen in Monroe Wi.

From Scott Larson of Towne Square Realty in Monroe, Wisconsin

“Your Realtor of the Region”

E- Mail scott@greencountyhomeguide.com

On the web at http://www.greencountyhomeguide.com

I think you will be surprised how affordable the Dairyland is,

so come to my land of cows and plows and visit for a day, but stay for a lifetime

608-2124-9844 Direct

What is this guy doing?

From Scott Larson of Towne Square Realty in Monroe, Wisconsin

“Your Realtor of the Region”

E- Mail scott@greencountyhomeguide.com

On the web at http://www.greencountyhomeguide.com

I think you will be surprised how affordable the Dairyland is,

so come to my land of cows and plows and visit for a day, but stay for a lifetime

608-2124-9844 Direct