Friday, August 07, 2009
Housing Market Turning the Corner?
There is a strong indication that the housing market may be turning the corner and buyers are getting off the fence. The National Assn of Realtors reported that pending home sales rose in June for the fifth straight month. Most of this has been fueled by the continuing low interest rates, high housing inventories, tax benefits, seller incentives and the bargain prices on many homes. We have certainly witnessed much more buyer activity and deals coming together in just the last 30 days.
Despite what we have been through in this turbulent economy, a recent survey indicates that Americans still believe in the dream of home ownership. According to the June PULSE Top 25 Metropolitan Statistical Areas Survey, 83 percent of consumers believe buying a home is a good financial decision. Those surveyed, which are in their prime home purchasing years (ages 25 to 44), had not been adversely affected by the market in the past several years. About 75% of the survey respondents said that now is a good time to purchase a home because of home price declines.
Consider the following:
1. Today’s headlines indicate that the “Affordability Index” today is the same as 6 years ago (2003) signaling an excellent opportunity for buyers.
2. Case Shiller U.S. housing index shows increased home values for the 1st time in 3 years signaling the probable beginning of the housing recovery.
3. Interest rates today are outstanding – who knows what they will be like next year or the year after. They are at historical lows this year – that we know for sure.
4. Higher inventory levels today are excellent for buyers for 2 reasons:
a. Most Sellers are highly motivated right now (once they see things turn, they will become less motivated – they are tired of the buyer’s market they have been experiencing for 3 long years).
b. Our problem in the past has been not enough inventory to show prospective buyers. Today, a buyer can get much closer to their ideal home (or lot) due to the increased inventory levels and they can get it at a more competitive price.
All in all, it has been challenging and will no doubt continue but we remain focused on the road ahead not the bumps below.
Make it a great weekend. Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gray Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15563 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
www.garynathan.com
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Shoreland Rules
Recently there has been quite a bit of press regarding new statewide shoreline development rules (NR 115); which was approved last week by the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board. Right now the rule will spend some time in review before being signed into law.
Upon review, it appears that our own County ordinance is more restrictive than NR 115. Counties may have more restrictive, but not less restrictive, rules than what has been approved by the State.
The idea behind the rule is to provide enhanced environmental protection for wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes but not completely shutting down improvement or development by land owners. Good rules are important and necessary. The reason why so many folks come to our County and invest in its real estate is because of the scenic beauty and water quality; its our natural resources and world class events that have put us on the map.
From my perspective, there isn't anything in NR 115 that is more helpful or restrictive than what our County already has in place. For years we have worked over our present ordinance to arrive at a plan to preserve what we so enjoy. If you have a property that contains wetland or borders a lake, river or stream and you anticipate making improvements, I recommend contacting Bill or Eric at the Sawyer County Zoning Office; they are extremely helpful.
For more information on our local ordinance go to http://www.sawyercountygov.org/ and click on the Departments tab in the menu at the top of the page. Scroll down and click on Zoning and Sanitation; on the left hand side of the page you will find several links that lead you to great information regarding ordinances and shoreline zoning.
Have a great weekend and enjoy our beautiful natural resources.
Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15563 Railroad St
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
http://www.garynathan.com/
nathan@garynathan.com
Upon review, it appears that our own County ordinance is more restrictive than NR 115. Counties may have more restrictive, but not less restrictive, rules than what has been approved by the State.
The idea behind the rule is to provide enhanced environmental protection for wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes but not completely shutting down improvement or development by land owners. Good rules are important and necessary. The reason why so many folks come to our County and invest in its real estate is because of the scenic beauty and water quality; its our natural resources and world class events that have put us on the map.
From my perspective, there isn't anything in NR 115 that is more helpful or restrictive than what our County already has in place. For years we have worked over our present ordinance to arrive at a plan to preserve what we so enjoy. If you have a property that contains wetland or borders a lake, river or stream and you anticipate making improvements, I recommend contacting Bill or Eric at the Sawyer County Zoning Office; they are extremely helpful.
For more information on our local ordinance go to http://www.sawyercountygov.org/ and click on the Departments tab in the menu at the top of the page. Scroll down and click on Zoning and Sanitation; on the left hand side of the page you will find several links that lead you to great information regarding ordinances and shoreline zoning.
Have a great weekend and enjoy our beautiful natural resources.
Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15563 Railroad St
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
http://www.garynathan.com/
nathan@garynathan.com
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Universal Design
There is a new buzz word out there in the building industry that we need to pay attention to. It is “Universal Design”. What is universal design and how is it being used in our Hayward community?
Our good friend, Dennis Smith, of Par Place Condominiums and Apple Awards, provided me with the following information about Universal Design and specifically about his current building at Par Place.
"Universal Design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. What makes a home "universal"? It's simple. Everyone can use universal design! It doesn't matter if you are young or old. You could be short or tall, healthy or ill. You might have a disability. Or you may be a prize-winning athlete. Because of universal design, people who are very different can all enjoy the same home. And that home will be there for all its inhabitants even when their needs change.
Universal design is getting popular for three reasons.
First, it is safer. Many of the barriers that cause accidents and falls are eliminated.
Second, it looks nice. People with disabilities don't feel like they are settling for an institutional feeling house. And people who don't have disabilities think that universal homes look and work much better than the old models.
Third, more people want universal housing. This means that the old ways of designing homes just don't work anymore. We all want more comfort in our homes. Opening doors with arms full of groceries is as difficult at 30 as it is at 70. People live longer than they used to. More of us are living with disabilities, or know someone who does, so comfort is important in our homes. The traditional home that serves you well when you are healthy won't always take care of you when you break a leg or hurt your back. Younger people also want a home that will take care of them when they are sick or injured. People now realize that they need homes that will grow old with them. The 82 year old still wants to live in his or her own home; that person just needs a home that allows that to be the case. That's why universal design provides a great plan.
In Hayward, Par Place Condominiums is now constructing homes with many Universal Design features such as:
- One-level living with low or no thresholds in doorways
- Wide interior doors and hallways 36” to 42”
- Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs
- Light switches with large flat panels rather than small toggle switches
- Attached and heated garage with a no-step entry for easy access to your home in all seasons and weather
- A no-step entryway to the home provides access to the outdoors without steps
- Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting
- Two large full baths with handicap accessibility including a large no-threshold shower
- Energy Star Rated homes that are affordable to heat, cool and maintain
- High-quality, low-maintenance exterior construction
Par Place also has location and services that work well with Universal design. Located on a 40-acre property in the city of Hayward, there are no steep hills or grades to traverse whether driving or walking. It is close to such things as shopping & health care and actually within walking distance to pick up groceries and hardware. The local Sawyer County Transit provides quick, affordable rides to appointments or lunch at many of the favorite eating establishments. In addition there is affordable outside maintenance for one's universal home that allows more flexibility for travel. Your investment will be cared for and protected. "
We do hope you found this informative and helpful.
Take care & Enjoy - Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary A. Nathan
Cell: 715.699.4040
Office: 715.634.2110
Home: 715.634.3585
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
Woodland Developments & Realty
15563 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
Friday, May 15, 2009
Housing Stats - 2009 Qtr. 1
Greetings and Happy Friday!
The first quarter statistics for Wisconsin home sales are in and Sawyer County numbers are pretty consistent with last year at this time. 2009 Quarter 1 home sales were 30 as compared to 2008 Q1 home sales of 31 and the median price dropped $2,500 to $123,700.
Wisconsin home sales and median prices both fell in the first quarter of 2009 compared to that same quarter last year according to data just released by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA).
The optimistic side of me says, that all things considered, it appears we have leveled off. Mortgage rates continue to be in the 5 percent range and banks are willing to lend to buyers with solid credit histories. The federal stimulus package has offered a refundable tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers in 2009; we have seen many more first timers in the market than in past years.
According to a recent survey of buyers and sellers conducted by the National Association of REALTORS®, first-time buyers comprise about half of the existing home sales nationally. Historically, housing has been an asset that keeps up with inflation and provides a good way for people to build wealth.
You can't imagine the number of people I talk to that would love to make the move here permanently, or at the very least have a recreation property. We are blessed to live in this area with it's woods, water and clean air.
This weekend is busy with the 22nd Annual Fishing Has No Boundaries and the Cable Off-Road Classic Bike Race.
Enjoy your weekend...Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040 Cell
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
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.
The first quarter statistics for Wisconsin home sales are in and Sawyer County numbers are pretty consistent with last year at this time. 2009 Quarter 1 home sales were 30 as compared to 2008 Q1 home sales of 31 and the median price dropped $2,500 to $123,700.
Wisconsin home sales and median prices both fell in the first quarter of 2009 compared to that same quarter last year according to data just released by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA).
The optimistic side of me says, that all things considered, it appears we have leveled off. Mortgage rates continue to be in the 5 percent range and banks are willing to lend to buyers with solid credit histories. The federal stimulus package has offered a refundable tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers in 2009; we have seen many more first timers in the market than in past years.
According to a recent survey of buyers and sellers conducted by the National Association of REALTORS®, first-time buyers comprise about half of the existing home sales nationally. Historically, housing has been an asset that keeps up with inflation and provides a good way for people to build wealth.
You can't imagine the number of people I talk to that would love to make the move here permanently, or at the very least have a recreation property. We are blessed to live in this area with it's woods, water and clean air.
This weekend is busy with the 22nd Annual Fishing Has No Boundaries and the Cable Off-Road Classic Bike Race.
Enjoy your weekend...Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040 Cell
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
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.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Separate the Wheat from the Chaff
Greetings!
I’m sure you have heard the expression about separating the wheat from the chaff. As a kid on the farm I learned a bunch about separating; cream from milk, weeds from good plants, wheat from chaff…well you get the picture. In fact, the Bible has a bunch to say about chaff and I don’t recall any of it being good. We are bombarded with information on all the economic news including the distressed housing market, investments, changing mortgage rates and more. You have to learn what is important and what is not important, what affects you right now or may affect you in the future, or possibly not affect you at all.
Whenever I am faced with difficult decisions about things I know little about, I do some consulting. I check with professionals like accountants, attorneys, advisers or friends that know more about the subject than I do. Those of you who know me well know that I do pray; admittedly, I don’t always get the answer I want. On the farm we didn’t quit planting wheat just because the wheat futures market was down. My Dad usually consulted with folks in the know and decided how many acres to plant and what other crops he might consider planting in place of wheat. We didn’t quit farming just because we had hail, drought or too much rain or on the basis of what people were saying; each year we planted and each year we harvested, sometimes more and sometimes less.
The media can and has caused unnecessary anguish and panic. I believe real estate works the same way as farming in that we try to make good and informed decisions based upon our short term and long terms needs. We seek professional advice as well as advice from those we trust. We optimistically move forward with a resolve and hope for the future. Separate the wheat from the chaff and may your future be blessed. Life is a Gift…Live It!
Gary A. Nathan
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040 Cell
715-634-2110 Office
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
I’m sure you have heard the expression about separating the wheat from the chaff. As a kid on the farm I learned a bunch about separating; cream from milk, weeds from good plants, wheat from chaff…well you get the picture. In fact, the Bible has a bunch to say about chaff and I don’t recall any of it being good. We are bombarded with information on all the economic news including the distressed housing market, investments, changing mortgage rates and more. You have to learn what is important and what is not important, what affects you right now or may affect you in the future, or possibly not affect you at all.
Whenever I am faced with difficult decisions about things I know little about, I do some consulting. I check with professionals like accountants, attorneys, advisers or friends that know more about the subject than I do. Those of you who know me well know that I do pray; admittedly, I don’t always get the answer I want. On the farm we didn’t quit planting wheat just because the wheat futures market was down. My Dad usually consulted with folks in the know and decided how many acres to plant and what other crops he might consider planting in place of wheat. We didn’t quit farming just because we had hail, drought or too much rain or on the basis of what people were saying; each year we planted and each year we harvested, sometimes more and sometimes less.
The media can and has caused unnecessary anguish and panic. I believe real estate works the same way as farming in that we try to make good and informed decisions based upon our short term and long terms needs. We seek professional advice as well as advice from those we trust. We optimistically move forward with a resolve and hope for the future. Separate the wheat from the chaff and may your future be blessed. Life is a Gift…Live It!
Gary A. Nathan
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040 Cell
715-634-2110 Office
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
Friday, May 01, 2009
Warming Up!
Greetings! It's fishing opener in Wisconsin and the weather is warming up! If you don't find the walleye fishing very friendly tomorrow, I heard my basketball buddies bragging about great crappie fishing. They were all talking about their favorite holes but no one was saying where I could find those spots.
Speaking of warming up, there was a report yesterday from the Economic Cycle Research Institute (ECRI) that said the current recession, which is the longest post war, will probably end by the time the summer is over. The ECRI uses leading indicators that have a solid track record of predicting turns in the business cycle. It said that enough of its' key gauges have turned upward to indicate with certainty that a recovery is coming.
The real estate climate here has warmed up and local appraisers are really busy. Let's hope our local building contractors and vendors see an uptick in their work. Speaking of ticks, they are out in force so plan (protect) accordingly.
Have a wonderful weekend and remember...Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
Speaking of warming up, there was a report yesterday from the Economic Cycle Research Institute (ECRI) that said the current recession, which is the longest post war, will probably end by the time the summer is over. The ECRI uses leading indicators that have a solid track record of predicting turns in the business cycle. It said that enough of its' key gauges have turned upward to indicate with certainty that a recovery is coming.
The real estate climate here has warmed up and local appraisers are really busy. Let's hope our local building contractors and vendors see an uptick in their work. Speaking of ticks, they are out in force so plan (protect) accordingly.
Have a wonderful weekend and remember...Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wetlands - Search Before You Buy
Greetings and Happy Friday!
So, you have found a piece of vacant land that seems like such a good deal, in fact the price as compared to other properties is so good it raises a red flag with you. It could be that the property contains a significant amount of wetlands, which may impact your plan for the property. What can you do or who should you contact?
Your local County Zoning Office is one source but now you can research potential wetlands and/or seasonal streams online through the Department of Natural Resources. There are maps available that indicate wetlands and potential wetlands; the two map layers listed are designed to help users determine if wetlands are likely present. Once you are in the site, you can determine if a wetland inventory map is available by clicking on the appropriate online Wisconsin county map. This is a great tool you can use before you even jump in your car or leg it across the property.
Wetlands are actually a wonderful component on most properties providing privacy, protection, beautiful views and wildlife refuge. In many cases, wetlands may actually add value to the land. You just want to be sure you know all you can about the property before you plan to buy and improve the land or build on the property.
Just go to the link below and search away:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/maps/gis/applist.html
Spring is certainly uplifting, I hope you enjoy the weekend and get to spend some time outside.
Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
www.garynathan.com
So, you have found a piece of vacant land that seems like such a good deal, in fact the price as compared to other properties is so good it raises a red flag with you. It could be that the property contains a significant amount of wetlands, which may impact your plan for the property. What can you do or who should you contact?
Your local County Zoning Office is one source but now you can research potential wetlands and/or seasonal streams online through the Department of Natural Resources. There are maps available that indicate wetlands and potential wetlands; the two map layers listed are designed to help users determine if wetlands are likely present. Once you are in the site, you can determine if a wetland inventory map is available by clicking on the appropriate online Wisconsin county map. This is a great tool you can use before you even jump in your car or leg it across the property.
Wetlands are actually a wonderful component on most properties providing privacy, protection, beautiful views and wildlife refuge. In many cases, wetlands may actually add value to the land. You just want to be sure you know all you can about the property before you plan to buy and improve the land or build on the property.
Just go to the link below and search away:
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/maps/gis/applist.html
Spring is certainly uplifting, I hope you enjoy the weekend and get to spend some time outside.
Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
www.garynathan.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
Yahoo - Ice Is Melting!
Greetings from sunny and warm Hayward, WI!!!!
This past week has been glorious with the bright sun and warm temperatures resulting in a true sign of spring...the ice is out on some small lakes and going out on a few of the larger lakes. It is so interesting to watch the change as the lakes grow dark and groan with movement.
This past week I have been as far west as Pokegma and Nancy Lakes near Minong and east as far as Teal and Lost Land Lake. Visits to the Tiger Cat Flowage, Round, Grindstone, Lac Courte Oreilles, Sand, Whitefish, Spring, Windigo, Smith and Nelson all show the same signs of ice receding from the shorelines. Spring has sprung!
Activity on the real estate front has really picked up in the past 30 days; all of our local Realtors are smiling and working longer hours. Folks are not only looking but deals are coming together and the latest upswing in pendings and closings provides another indication that spring is here.
If you have listened to recent broadcasts or picked up on the news you know that housing inventories are going down nationwide so that's good news. The good news for buyers locally is that we have a good strong inventory of homes on and off water and interest rates continue to hold steady.
If you're intested in buying - come on up and see us, we'll keep the light on for you!
See you "on the lake" soon....
Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev & Realty
15617 Railroad St
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
This past week has been glorious with the bright sun and warm temperatures resulting in a true sign of spring...the ice is out on some small lakes and going out on a few of the larger lakes. It is so interesting to watch the change as the lakes grow dark and groan with movement.
This past week I have been as far west as Pokegma and Nancy Lakes near Minong and east as far as Teal and Lost Land Lake. Visits to the Tiger Cat Flowage, Round, Grindstone, Lac Courte Oreilles, Sand, Whitefish, Spring, Windigo, Smith and Nelson all show the same signs of ice receding from the shorelines. Spring has sprung!
Activity on the real estate front has really picked up in the past 30 days; all of our local Realtors are smiling and working longer hours. Folks are not only looking but deals are coming together and the latest upswing in pendings and closings provides another indication that spring is here.
If you have listened to recent broadcasts or picked up on the news you know that housing inventories are going down nationwide so that's good news. The good news for buyers locally is that we have a good strong inventory of homes on and off water and interest rates continue to hold steady.
If you're intested in buying - come on up and see us, we'll keep the light on for you!
See you "on the lake" soon....
Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev & Realty
15617 Railroad St
Hayward, WI 54843
715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
Monday, March 23, 2009
Housing Credit
Greetings from cool and rainy Hayward!
Most of you have heard about or know something of the $8000 tax credit available for first time home-buyers for the purchase of their primary residence. The purchase must be made after January 1 but before December 1, 2009.
Click on the photo below for a chart, from Realtor.org, that provides an easy-to-read overview. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested!
I'll be sending some uplifting news in my blog at the end of this week so stay tuned! Think spring & have a great week!
Gary A. Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
Cell: 715-699-4040
Housing Credit Chart
nathan@garynathan.com
www.garynathan.com
Most of you have heard about or know something of the $8000 tax credit available for first time home-buyers for the purchase of their primary residence. The purchase must be made after January 1 but before December 1, 2009.
Click on the photo below for a chart, from Realtor.org, that provides an easy-to-read overview. Please pass this along to anyone you know who might be interested!
I'll be sending some uplifting news in my blog at the end of this week so stay tuned! Think spring & have a great week!
Gary A. Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
Cell: 715-699-4040
Housing Credit Chart
nathan@garynathan.com
www.garynathan.com
Friday, March 13, 2009
March Madness - Another Barn-Burner
Greetings from Hayward, WI!
If you like college sports then no doubt you are getting excited for this Sunday's selection committee bracket results for the NCAA Men's College Basketball tournament. After the upsets last night to Pittsburgh, Connecticut and Oklahoma it appears the 2009 tourney will be another exciting barn burner!
This past week has been exciting in Hayward as the temperatures are warming up (sunny and 32 degrees today - "feels like 42") and the snow is melting. Our phones are starting to light up more and inquiries through the internet have been increasing as well. This is the time of the year people seem to come out of their winter hibernation.
Just making it to the NCAA tourney is a great accomplishment for many teams. It feels like a real victory to me having made it through this particular winter, as well as we have, inspite of all the dismal news. We are looking forward to summer and our own barn-burner of a year!
Have a wonderful weekend and remember...Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
Cell: 715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
If you like college sports then no doubt you are getting excited for this Sunday's selection committee bracket results for the NCAA Men's College Basketball tournament. After the upsets last night to Pittsburgh, Connecticut and Oklahoma it appears the 2009 tourney will be another exciting barn burner!
This past week has been exciting in Hayward as the temperatures are warming up (sunny and 32 degrees today - "feels like 42") and the snow is melting. Our phones are starting to light up more and inquiries through the internet have been increasing as well. This is the time of the year people seem to come out of their winter hibernation.
Just making it to the NCAA tourney is a great accomplishment for many teams. It feels like a real victory to me having made it through this particular winter, as well as we have, inspite of all the dismal news. We are looking forward to summer and our own barn-burner of a year!
Have a wonderful weekend and remember...Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad Street
Hayward, WI 54843
Cell: 715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
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