This past week I was reading the Historical Vignettes section of our infamous ‘Visitor”, Hayward’s original Visitor Magazine; the piece was a wonderful recap of the stories of the Chicago Club and Lakeshore Fishing Club. It was full of the memories of national regattas, dances, moon reflections on the lake, fishing and the guides who made those trips adventurous. There were anecdotes of the dreams, plans and ambitious building projects of the several owners and accounts of the guides, vacationing guests, parents, children and grandchildren. One guide said “The best part of my job was meeting all the interesting people and exchanging stories with the guests as well as the other guides”.
The best part of my work is meeting the many interesting people who want to be a part of this north woods experience; making their own memories and sharing those with family and friends.
Have a great weekend, make it memorable!
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
No Guarantees
Investment in real estate is much like the stock market and many other investments, there are no guarantees of return. If you have had the privilege of making any investments lately you know there are a plethora of disclosures to read and sign. They all make you aware of the fact that you are making the decision to buy and/or invest on the basis of your own free will, no one encouraged you to invest and that no one is standing over you with an axe in hand.
Some stocks do well and some are a nightmare; the old “you win some and you lose some”. For some of us the losing was pretty painful. The upside to real estate, at least in our area, is that there has been little downside. True, if you overpaid you may get beat up. While there are no guarantees with real estate you at least get to enjoy living in it, walking on it or at the very least you get to look at it. I can’t say that I spend much time doing the same with my meager stock portfolio. Your thoughts?
Have a great weekend, I am traveling to warm North Dakota and western Minnesota to visit family. The national holiday is coming soon to northern Wisconsin…..the pursuit of the elusive 30-point buck!
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
Gary A.
Some stocks do well and some are a nightmare; the old “you win some and you lose some”. For some of us the losing was pretty painful. The upside to real estate, at least in our area, is that there has been little downside. True, if you overpaid you may get beat up. While there are no guarantees with real estate you at least get to enjoy living in it, walking on it or at the very least you get to look at it. I can’t say that I spend much time doing the same with my meager stock portfolio. Your thoughts?
Have a great weekend, I am traveling to warm North Dakota and western Minnesota to visit family. The national holiday is coming soon to northern Wisconsin…..the pursuit of the elusive 30-point buck!
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
Gary A.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
SOLID GROUND
SOLID GROUND
The housing market does appear to be on solid ground and the October forecasts from many different sources report that the recent cooling will have less than expected negative impact on the economy as a whole. August sales were definitely lower from a year earlier and there is a pretty large inventory.
Personally I think the media tends to report the extreme which has a negative affect on both buyers and sellers.
We consumers continue to spend and the falling energy prices and recent Dow Jones run has certainly triggered smiles.
Locally we just keep chugging along and much of the above translates into continued buyer interest; the forecast for the rest of the year and the first half of next year looks to be very good.
My advice to buyers is to not postpone their prospecting for that dream cabin, home or land. Historically speaking inventories are strong, mortgage rates are good and sellers are in the mood to sell.
Have a wonderful weekend……….
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street, Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-2110
FAX 715-634-2884
nathan@woodlanddevrealty.com
The housing market does appear to be on solid ground and the October forecasts from many different sources report that the recent cooling will have less than expected negative impact on the economy as a whole. August sales were definitely lower from a year earlier and there is a pretty large inventory.
Personally I think the media tends to report the extreme which has a negative affect on both buyers and sellers.
We consumers continue to spend and the falling energy prices and recent Dow Jones run has certainly triggered smiles.
Locally we just keep chugging along and much of the above translates into continued buyer interest; the forecast for the rest of the year and the first half of next year looks to be very good.
My advice to buyers is to not postpone their prospecting for that dream cabin, home or land. Historically speaking inventories are strong, mortgage rates are good and sellers are in the mood to sell.
Have a wonderful weekend……….
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street, Hayward, WI 54843
715-634-2110
FAX 715-634-2884
nathan@woodlanddevrealty.com
Friday, September 29, 2006
A Great Opportunity
A Great Opportunity
We have all read and heard about the soft market and how “it is no longer a seller’s market” and home sales have fallen as well as new home starts. So if it isn’t a seller’s market it must be a buyer’s market. This may be the perfect time for buyers to take advantage of the large inventory of properties; it is certainly true that the inventory of lake homes and off-water homes is above last year’s level.
There are some other factors for buyers to take into consideration, there is an apparent lowering of prices on some homes coupled with mortgage rates at a stall and appearing to fall a little. Sellers are also offering interest rate buy-downs, sharing of closing costs, pricing incentives and even gifts like home warranties, house cleaning for six months and fishing boats. I personally like the fishing boat idea.
The good news for buyers is that all this may translate into being able to afford a house now that may have been a future dream as well as a large inventory from which to choose. Prices may not go any lower in the future but in most areas, particularly our area, properties are still appreciating at no less than 4-6 percent. Overall the next six months just may provide some great opportunities. My advice to sellers is to get dressed for the dance; translated that means get your property looking great.
The air is crisp and fresh in the mornings and the fall colors are at near peak so plan to spend some time in the Hayward area soon.
Have a great weekend and
Enjoy, Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
We have all read and heard about the soft market and how “it is no longer a seller’s market” and home sales have fallen as well as new home starts. So if it isn’t a seller’s market it must be a buyer’s market. This may be the perfect time for buyers to take advantage of the large inventory of properties; it is certainly true that the inventory of lake homes and off-water homes is above last year’s level.
There are some other factors for buyers to take into consideration, there is an apparent lowering of prices on some homes coupled with mortgage rates at a stall and appearing to fall a little. Sellers are also offering interest rate buy-downs, sharing of closing costs, pricing incentives and even gifts like home warranties, house cleaning for six months and fishing boats. I personally like the fishing boat idea.
The good news for buyers is that all this may translate into being able to afford a house now that may have been a future dream as well as a large inventory from which to choose. Prices may not go any lower in the future but in most areas, particularly our area, properties are still appreciating at no less than 4-6 percent. Overall the next six months just may provide some great opportunities. My advice to sellers is to get dressed for the dance; translated that means get your property looking great.
The air is crisp and fresh in the mornings and the fall colors are at near peak so plan to spend some time in the Hayward area soon.
Have a great weekend and
Enjoy, Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Wealth…no small potatoes!
Wealth…no small potatoes!
This past week a friend of mine forwarded some information regarding a report on Wealth Transfer Analysis in Wisconsin. The overall publication was put out in 1999 by John Havens and Paul Schervish with Boston College. It is a pretty remarkable study and indicates that over the next 50 years there will be more than $41 trillion of US wealth transferred from the current generation to the next.
In Wisconsin estimates provide that there is about $543 billion in wealth with a projected 10 year wealth transfer of $105 billion. In Sawyer County the analysis indicates that current net worth is $1.93 billion (year 2000). Over the next 50 years the estimated inter-generational transfer of wealth will be $2.3 billion. When we look at the estimates for this decade the wealth transfer is estimated at $0.39 billion. No small potatoes!
The interesting part of this analysis is that if just 5% of the wealth could be captured into community endowments there would be nearly $20 million realized in this decade alone. Think of how that might translate into community betterment.
The entire report was prepared by the Rural Policy Research Institute, Nebraska Center and was commissioned and is supported by the Donor’s Forum of Wisconsin.
Don’t forget that this weekend is Fall Fest in Hayward with lots of arts, crafts, food, music and happenings going on, so come on up north and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. My guess is we are half-way into peak colors and the weather is always splendid.
Have a great weekend and….
Enjoy, Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
This past week a friend of mine forwarded some information regarding a report on Wealth Transfer Analysis in Wisconsin. The overall publication was put out in 1999 by John Havens and Paul Schervish with Boston College. It is a pretty remarkable study and indicates that over the next 50 years there will be more than $41 trillion of US wealth transferred from the current generation to the next.
In Wisconsin estimates provide that there is about $543 billion in wealth with a projected 10 year wealth transfer of $105 billion. In Sawyer County the analysis indicates that current net worth is $1.93 billion (year 2000). Over the next 50 years the estimated inter-generational transfer of wealth will be $2.3 billion. When we look at the estimates for this decade the wealth transfer is estimated at $0.39 billion. No small potatoes!
The interesting part of this analysis is that if just 5% of the wealth could be captured into community endowments there would be nearly $20 million realized in this decade alone. Think of how that might translate into community betterment.
The entire report was prepared by the Rural Policy Research Institute, Nebraska Center and was commissioned and is supported by the Donor’s Forum of Wisconsin.
Don’t forget that this weekend is Fall Fest in Hayward with lots of arts, crafts, food, music and happenings going on, so come on up north and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. My guess is we are half-way into peak colors and the weather is always splendid.
Have a great weekend and….
Enjoy, Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Healthy but Slower
Healthy but Slower
The overall market locally continues to be healthy but sales have slowed; part of the slowdown is due to the fact that schools are back in session and this is traditionally a quieter period. However, history also shows that from late September to hunting season (a national holiday in the north woods of Wisconsin that occurs in late November) the market is pretty active.
The Sawyer County Record recently reported that demand for rural land and lakeshore property led the full market value of private property in Sawyer County. The figures reported by the Wisconsin Bureau of Assessments said that property values increased by 11.29 per cent over last year. Not bad when compared with many other investment opportunities.
The good part is that growth in equalized values does not necessarily translate into higher taxes, that according to Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue Secretary, Michael L. Morgan. He went on to say that Wisconsin homeowners will continue to reap the benefit of a strong Wisconsin economy and that home ownership remains a worthwhile investment.
I would agree with Mr. Morgan and add that our area is especially blessed because of the thousands of acres of water and woods. The market is slower but real estate in general is healthy in the north woods.
This weekend is the Chequamegon Fat Tire Race Festival, it features 2500 cyclists and the event has earned the title of “Nations Most Popular Off Road Bicycle Adventure”. Come on up to Hayward and enjoy a great weekend, the forecast is for sunny skies and warm temperatures. You guessed it; yours truly will be on the lake, beginning tonight, for some great floating and sunset views.
Enjoy, Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Woodland Developments & Realty
The overall market locally continues to be healthy but sales have slowed; part of the slowdown is due to the fact that schools are back in session and this is traditionally a quieter period. However, history also shows that from late September to hunting season (a national holiday in the north woods of Wisconsin that occurs in late November) the market is pretty active.
The Sawyer County Record recently reported that demand for rural land and lakeshore property led the full market value of private property in Sawyer County. The figures reported by the Wisconsin Bureau of Assessments said that property values increased by 11.29 per cent over last year. Not bad when compared with many other investment opportunities.
The good part is that growth in equalized values does not necessarily translate into higher taxes, that according to Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue Secretary, Michael L. Morgan. He went on to say that Wisconsin homeowners will continue to reap the benefit of a strong Wisconsin economy and that home ownership remains a worthwhile investment.
I would agree with Mr. Morgan and add that our area is especially blessed because of the thousands of acres of water and woods. The market is slower but real estate in general is healthy in the north woods.
This weekend is the Chequamegon Fat Tire Race Festival, it features 2500 cyclists and the event has earned the title of “Nations Most Popular Off Road Bicycle Adventure”. Come on up to Hayward and enjoy a great weekend, the forecast is for sunny skies and warm temperatures. You guessed it; yours truly will be on the lake, beginning tonight, for some great floating and sunset views.
Enjoy, Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Woodland Developments & Realty
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Another Perspective
I was just reading a few days ago in the Wall St. Journal about how investors on Wall St. are starting to invest again in Real Estate via REIT's and new home-builder securities. The rationale is we are most likely at the bottom of the market from a securities investment standpoint and that there is (probably) only upside remaining from these investments. The latest month to month data has new and existing home sales down 4% across most major markets. Many of the buyers I am working with have told me that the reason they are still buying lake property up here while their home markets are relatively soft real estate wise is the increased security of a real estate investment in our market vs. their home market. It seems that the ones with real estate dollars to spend are not willing to spend it on their existing or new home (still wondering if the bottom of the market has occured), however, they don't seem to mind spending it up here because they feel it is more secure (and, historical data illustrates that this is correct). So, perhaps less real estate dollars are being spent, however, when they are, they are being spent up here because of our historical stability and the fact that the buyer's can actually enjoy their real estate investment if made up here!
Chris McGrath
Chris McGrath
Thursday, August 31, 2006
What’s Happening in Real Estate?
What’s Happening in Real Estate?
That is a question we hear from both Buyers and Sellers who are asking about the current real estate market, and as one might expect we get all kinds of opinions from those same folks.
The answer depends upon whether we are talking about the national, regional or local market. It took nine months for the national media to report the housing slowdown that started in the summer of 2005; the popping of the residential housing bubble is not exactly new news and yet that is what many customers talk about.
In many of the hot markets it was the “investors” who drove the pricing and once they moved out of those areas the supply and demand for houses became more balanced. To a lesser degree we find that to be true in our local market however we do not experience the roller coaster type ride. Locally I continue to be very optimistic.
Buyers will always be fearful they are paying too much and sellers will be fearful they are leaving too much money on the table. What’s happening is that buyers are more careful in their search and discovery process, and are more patient as they go through the due diligence to be sure the property meets their needs and expectations. Sellers need to price their properties appropriately, provide loads of information to simplify the process for the buyers and stage their property in the best possible manner.
What’s happening locally is that we are blessed with thousands and thousands of acres of lakes, woods and fresh air which attract many great folks to the area. If you happen to be visiting this weekend, don’t miss the Rib and Brew Fest on Sunday in downtown Hayward. Forecast is for beautiful fall temperatures in the 70’s and a slight chance of wonderful rainfall. Have a great weekend!
Life Is Good, Enjoy!
Gary A. Nathan
That is a question we hear from both Buyers and Sellers who are asking about the current real estate market, and as one might expect we get all kinds of opinions from those same folks.
The answer depends upon whether we are talking about the national, regional or local market. It took nine months for the national media to report the housing slowdown that started in the summer of 2005; the popping of the residential housing bubble is not exactly new news and yet that is what many customers talk about.
In many of the hot markets it was the “investors” who drove the pricing and once they moved out of those areas the supply and demand for houses became more balanced. To a lesser degree we find that to be true in our local market however we do not experience the roller coaster type ride. Locally I continue to be very optimistic.
Buyers will always be fearful they are paying too much and sellers will be fearful they are leaving too much money on the table. What’s happening is that buyers are more careful in their search and discovery process, and are more patient as they go through the due diligence to be sure the property meets their needs and expectations. Sellers need to price their properties appropriately, provide loads of information to simplify the process for the buyers and stage their property in the best possible manner.
What’s happening locally is that we are blessed with thousands and thousands of acres of lakes, woods and fresh air which attract many great folks to the area. If you happen to be visiting this weekend, don’t miss the Rib and Brew Fest on Sunday in downtown Hayward. Forecast is for beautiful fall temperatures in the 70’s and a slight chance of wonderful rainfall. Have a great weekend!
Life Is Good, Enjoy!
Gary A. Nathan
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Wish I would have!
Hayward, WI Real Estate
Wish I would have!
How many times have you said “I wish I would have purchased that lake lot or lake home ten years ago”. Take a look at some real estate ads that a colleague in the office shared with me. These appeared in the 1971 Visitor Guide, a locally famous publication.
- 200 ft. lakefront lot on Lost Land Lake…only 9 of these most desirable lots remain; prices range from $7,500 to $9,000. Terms available.
- Cottage on Lac Courte Oreillies, furnished and located on 200 ft. of the finest sand beach lakeshore on one of the largest natural lakes in the State. Asking price $20,500; terms available.
- Cottage on Little Round Lake; 150 ft. frontage (with additional 50 ft. available); lot is very deep, insuring privacy. Household goods included. Asking price $18,000.
- New 2-Bedroom Cottage on Lost Land Lake situated on a 200 ft. lot with beautiful view of the lake. Asking price is $16,500
- Resort on the Chippewa Flowage includes 9 housekeeping cabins; lodge with beer bar. 3-bedroom home for owner’s living quarters. Price $85,000.
Well, I don’t even want to begin to share what 200 ft. of the finest sand beach lakeshore would be on Lac Courte Oreilles today, unless I owned some of course. Yours truly was not here in 1971 but I did arrive in 1980 and could have purchased a beautiful lot on Lac Courte Oreilles for $85,000; no, shame on me I did not. So what is my point? Draw your own conclusions because I do not have a crystal ball. Congratulations to those of you who had the foresight to buy in 1971 and 1980 and to those who have made great lakeshore purchases over the years. I do know that we enjoyed another beautiful sunset float on Grindstone Lake last night; come and join us sometime.
We had a refreshing overnight rainfall and the forecast is for more sun, warm and the possibility of some wonderful rain later this week. Have a great weekend and don’t forget about the Fat Tire Race on Saturday, September 15.
Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Wish I would have!
How many times have you said “I wish I would have purchased that lake lot or lake home ten years ago”. Take a look at some real estate ads that a colleague in the office shared with me. These appeared in the 1971 Visitor Guide, a locally famous publication.
- 200 ft. lakefront lot on Lost Land Lake…only 9 of these most desirable lots remain; prices range from $7,500 to $9,000. Terms available.
- Cottage on Lac Courte Oreillies, furnished and located on 200 ft. of the finest sand beach lakeshore on one of the largest natural lakes in the State. Asking price $20,500; terms available.
- Cottage on Little Round Lake; 150 ft. frontage (with additional 50 ft. available); lot is very deep, insuring privacy. Household goods included. Asking price $18,000.
- New 2-Bedroom Cottage on Lost Land Lake situated on a 200 ft. lot with beautiful view of the lake. Asking price is $16,500
- Resort on the Chippewa Flowage includes 9 housekeeping cabins; lodge with beer bar. 3-bedroom home for owner’s living quarters. Price $85,000.
Well, I don’t even want to begin to share what 200 ft. of the finest sand beach lakeshore would be on Lac Courte Oreilles today, unless I owned some of course. Yours truly was not here in 1971 but I did arrive in 1980 and could have purchased a beautiful lot on Lac Courte Oreilles for $85,000; no, shame on me I did not. So what is my point? Draw your own conclusions because I do not have a crystal ball. Congratulations to those of you who had the foresight to buy in 1971 and 1980 and to those who have made great lakeshore purchases over the years. I do know that we enjoyed another beautiful sunset float on Grindstone Lake last night; come and join us sometime.
We had a refreshing overnight rainfall and the forecast is for more sun, warm and the possibility of some wonderful rain later this week. Have a great weekend and don’t forget about the Fat Tire Race on Saturday, September 15.
Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Thursday, August 17, 2006
“Hay-chi”
Hayward, WI Real Estate
“Hay-chi”
All across the US there are planned “wellness” communities popping up that are working to create a wellness culture, a place where you can immerse yourself in a life-prolonging atmosphere of health. They go beyond nice golf courses, spas and gyms; it’s more like a west coast, nutrition retreat center with planned outings and your own personal trainer. There is a place in the Napa Valley that is doing ai-chi, a water movement and relaxation exercise in the pool and a hike to the cabernet vineyard which is pretty appealing to me. This is all good stuff by the way.
Hay-chi is our comprehensive approach to a culture of wellness in the Hayward area. By just living here you can have a big impact on your health by breathing fresh air, drinking fresh water (yes, there are even those who have supped right out of our lakes) canoe, boat, kayak and fish rivers and lakes, hike, bike, ski and roller blade our miles and miles of trails and roads, rock-climb, golf, play tennis, chase deer, swim in clear-water glacial lakes or just sit and watch breathlessly beautiful sunsets. If you insist on having your bone density checked or be put on a diet I can set you up with one of my good doctor or nutritionist friends.
For those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the Hayward area may be just the place for you; we didn’t really plan it that way nor can we take any credit, we just happen to be uniquely positioned in an area where we can capture much of what others are trying to create.
The forecast is wonderfully boring; sunshine, warm temperatures, a pop-up shower or two and still waters for evening boat floats. Have a great weekend!
Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
“Hay-chi”
All across the US there are planned “wellness” communities popping up that are working to create a wellness culture, a place where you can immerse yourself in a life-prolonging atmosphere of health. They go beyond nice golf courses, spas and gyms; it’s more like a west coast, nutrition retreat center with planned outings and your own personal trainer. There is a place in the Napa Valley that is doing ai-chi, a water movement and relaxation exercise in the pool and a hike to the cabernet vineyard which is pretty appealing to me. This is all good stuff by the way.
Hay-chi is our comprehensive approach to a culture of wellness in the Hayward area. By just living here you can have a big impact on your health by breathing fresh air, drinking fresh water (yes, there are even those who have supped right out of our lakes) canoe, boat, kayak and fish rivers and lakes, hike, bike, ski and roller blade our miles and miles of trails and roads, rock-climb, golf, play tennis, chase deer, swim in clear-water glacial lakes or just sit and watch breathlessly beautiful sunsets. If you insist on having your bone density checked or be put on a diet I can set you up with one of my good doctor or nutritionist friends.
For those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the Hayward area may be just the place for you; we didn’t really plan it that way nor can we take any credit, we just happen to be uniquely positioned in an area where we can capture much of what others are trying to create.
The forecast is wonderfully boring; sunshine, warm temperatures, a pop-up shower or two and still waters for evening boat floats. Have a great weekend!
Life is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
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