All the World’s a Stage
In the July issue of Home Delivery there was an excellent blurb about staging one’s home for selling. This is good stuff even for those of us in the “north woods” who may be selling our homes or thinking about selling in the near future.
“Does your home have a façade only a homeowner could love? Selling a home can be an emotional experience, and people can lack objectivity when it comes to their own abode. Presenting a home in its best light is always important, but it’s imperative in a competitive market. Professional advice and assistance can make the difference between “Wow!” and “Whaaa?” - a recent industry study found that staged homes sold for 6.9 percent more than homes that were not staged. Another study compared listing times before and after staging. Homes that had first been offered for sale without staging were on the market an average of 4.5 months; the same homes sold within a week, on average, after being staged.”
Believe me the market is competitive and I concur that staging is very helpful in addition to some other ideas we have put together. For more information on designers and staging give us a call at 715-634-2110.
We have received much needed rain this week; the end of the week and weekend forecast is for sun and 80 degree weather; come see us!
Life is good, Enjoy!
Gary Nathan &
Amanda Mavis
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
What Can We Expect?
The market woes of last week cause many investors to ask what one can expect. Wall Street is pretty weird sometimes. Despite the fact that earnings, for the most part, are accelerating, economic growth has picked up, core inflation is down and the Fed is probably going to lower rates, we get a big sell off. Talk about reacting without thinking.
In real estate I find buyers to be pretty cautious and think through their options before making a final decision. Most do a really good job of checking out value before jumping into a real estate deal just because it “feels” right. The slowdown in the housing market has caused buyers to do more homework. Conversely it has caused sellers to do a better job of staging their homes and being more reasonable in pricing. Out of the negative we get some good positives as well.
Real Estate in our area continues to do well because we are a second home, vacation home and retirement haven. Expect that to continue!
It has been another beautiful summer, come and see us and enjoy a little bit of heaven here on earth!
Life Is Good……Enjoy!
Gary Nathan
In real estate I find buyers to be pretty cautious and think through their options before making a final decision. Most do a really good job of checking out value before jumping into a real estate deal just because it “feels” right. The slowdown in the housing market has caused buyers to do more homework. Conversely it has caused sellers to do a better job of staging their homes and being more reasonable in pricing. Out of the negative we get some good positives as well.
Real Estate in our area continues to do well because we are a second home, vacation home and retirement haven. Expect that to continue!
It has been another beautiful summer, come and see us and enjoy a little bit of heaven here on earth!
Life Is Good……Enjoy!
Gary Nathan
Friday, July 13, 2007
Dad's Need Their Space Too!
Dad’s Need Their Space Too!
There is a new study by Homes & Land that shows most men want their own “space” in their house. Guess who makes the final decision 87% of the time when it comes to purchasing a home? Not hard to figure that out - it’s the opposite sex.
Dad’s have a pretty specific idea what they want and the survey indicated that the list toppers were: an office/study (translated - a place to pile all the hunting and fishing magazines); a media room (translated - Sunday football hang-out); a garage/workshop (translated - a place to hide) and an exercise room (translated that means a room with a refrigerator, vending machines, pizza oven and a set of 2.5# dumbbells).
The study went on to say that 72 percent of Dads claim their own space within the home. Go men! If men had their own way (and they don’t) they would decorate their rooms with personal memorabilia (I have a track ribbon and a 4th place bowling trophy), sports items, vintage cars, tools and photos and animal stuff.
Ok, studies are great and they do give us Dad’s lots of good ideas to dream about. Anyway, I know I won’t be allowed to do any major re-decorating at our cabin any time soon.
It’s beautiful in Hayward and real estate shopping is hot so come on up and see us! Have a wonderful weekend.
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
There is a new study by Homes & Land that shows most men want their own “space” in their house. Guess who makes the final decision 87% of the time when it comes to purchasing a home? Not hard to figure that out - it’s the opposite sex.
Dad’s have a pretty specific idea what they want and the survey indicated that the list toppers were: an office/study (translated - a place to pile all the hunting and fishing magazines); a media room (translated - Sunday football hang-out); a garage/workshop (translated - a place to hide) and an exercise room (translated that means a room with a refrigerator, vending machines, pizza oven and a set of 2.5# dumbbells).
The study went on to say that 72 percent of Dads claim their own space within the home. Go men! If men had their own way (and they don’t) they would decorate their rooms with personal memorabilia (I have a track ribbon and a 4th place bowling trophy), sports items, vintage cars, tools and photos and animal stuff.
Ok, studies are great and they do give us Dad’s lots of good ideas to dream about. Anyway, I know I won’t be allowed to do any major re-decorating at our cabin any time soon.
It’s beautiful in Hayward and real estate shopping is hot so come on up and see us! Have a wonderful weekend.
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
It’s the Environment
Sawyer County has long been a favorite destination for tourists and regular visitors who want to escape to the “north woods”. So why would one want to purchase a second home, move here permanently or retire to this area?
When asked most would say it’s the “environment”. Environment defined would be tens of thousands acres of clear water lakes and rivers, thousands of miles of shoreline, tens of thousands acres of forest lands, fresh air, natural beauty, quiet surroundings, rural atmosphere, privacy and recreational opportunities.
Many see the Sawyer County area as a great place to invest and there hasn’t been any better time than now. Inventory of homes is up, interest rates continue to be at historic lows on average, sellers are motivated and housing prices are forecasted to post positive gains.
For the most part we know that home ownership is a safe and secure way to invest and to build long-term wealth. Vacation home sales rose 4.7% last year and of second home buyers, 8 out of 10 thought it was a good idea to invest in real estate. We are in a great area since our Sawyer County market has a large percentage of vacation and secondary homes.
For twenty-seven plus years I have been blessed to live in the great Wisconsin “north woods” where I can play where I work. Come and check us out and enjoy all that Sawyer County has to offer!
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
When asked most would say it’s the “environment”. Environment defined would be tens of thousands acres of clear water lakes and rivers, thousands of miles of shoreline, tens of thousands acres of forest lands, fresh air, natural beauty, quiet surroundings, rural atmosphere, privacy and recreational opportunities.
Many see the Sawyer County area as a great place to invest and there hasn’t been any better time than now. Inventory of homes is up, interest rates continue to be at historic lows on average, sellers are motivated and housing prices are forecasted to post positive gains.
For the most part we know that home ownership is a safe and secure way to invest and to build long-term wealth. Vacation home sales rose 4.7% last year and of second home buyers, 8 out of 10 thought it was a good idea to invest in real estate. We are in a great area since our Sawyer County market has a large percentage of vacation and secondary homes.
For twenty-seven plus years I have been blessed to live in the great Wisconsin “north woods” where I can play where I work. Come and check us out and enjoy all that Sawyer County has to offer!
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Buyers Are Liars & Sellers Are Too!
BUYERS ARE LIARS &
SELLERS ARE TOO
It was ten years ago that I heard that phrase while working at another real estate agency. Actually that line fit me to a tee when we were seeking to buy our first cabin. We wanted perfect elevation, sandy shoreline, westerly exposure, no weeds, log cabin, real stone fireplace and privacy; all for $85,000. We knew just what we wanted. We ended up buying a modular home on a moderately elevated property with easterly exposure. The shoreline was weedy but there was sand and a wood stove instead of a fireplace. Oh, by the way, we spent only $50,000 more than we really wanted to at the time.
There is actually a book that has been published called “Buyers Are Liars & Sellers Are Too”! It points out popular misconceptions of both buyers and sellers. Sellers often say “our property is worth this or we won’t take less than because _______”; you fill in the blank. Most buyers have it all figured out before they begin the process of finding that perfect “up north retreat”.
The lesson learned is that people often change their target as they become more educated; it’s true for both buyers and sellers; I can attest to this having been on both sides of the equation and having worked with so many buyers and sellers. It can be a fun and educational experience for all parties.
Have a wonderful weekend; it has been warm, dry and sunny in Hayward and we look forward to seeing you at our summer events including Musky Festival next week!
ENJOY, LIFE IS GOOD!
Gary Nathan
SELLERS ARE TOO
It was ten years ago that I heard that phrase while working at another real estate agency. Actually that line fit me to a tee when we were seeking to buy our first cabin. We wanted perfect elevation, sandy shoreline, westerly exposure, no weeds, log cabin, real stone fireplace and privacy; all for $85,000. We knew just what we wanted. We ended up buying a modular home on a moderately elevated property with easterly exposure. The shoreline was weedy but there was sand and a wood stove instead of a fireplace. Oh, by the way, we spent only $50,000 more than we really wanted to at the time.
There is actually a book that has been published called “Buyers Are Liars & Sellers Are Too”! It points out popular misconceptions of both buyers and sellers. Sellers often say “our property is worth this or we won’t take less than because _______”; you fill in the blank. Most buyers have it all figured out before they begin the process of finding that perfect “up north retreat”.
The lesson learned is that people often change their target as they become more educated; it’s true for both buyers and sellers; I can attest to this having been on both sides of the equation and having worked with so many buyers and sellers. It can be a fun and educational experience for all parties.
Have a wonderful weekend; it has been warm, dry and sunny in Hayward and we look forward to seeing you at our summer events including Musky Festival next week!
ENJOY, LIFE IS GOOD!
Gary Nathan
Friday, May 18, 2007
Top Ten
TOP TEN
Asheville (NC) has a population of about 70,000, but this mid-size city ranked No. 1 on a list of the most popular places to live in 2007, that according to Relocate-America’s annual top 10 list. The site attracts visitors in the process of relocating and helps them do the research before they move.
Stevens Point, WI made it in at number 7 and believe it or not Chicago was number 4….yes, Chicago, IL. Now I don’t want to pick on Chicago but everyone I know from there wants to be here; just ask Schultze!According to Relocate-America it starts by “asking visitors for nominations, which describe some of the characteristics of the cities, including people and neighborhoods, the beauty of the area, schools, activities, economic health and environmental health”. The R-A staff adds some other criteria and voila the list is complete!
Well, the staff in Michigan may be a great bunch of folks but they need to expand their search to smaller markets. The Hayward area is the place to be for fresh air, pristine waters, towering forests, activities and friendly folks. We didn’t make it but being in the “small market” also means occasional traffic lights and quiet surroundings. I’m headed home to the lake to listen to the loons!
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
Asheville (NC) has a population of about 70,000, but this mid-size city ranked No. 1 on a list of the most popular places to live in 2007, that according to Relocate-America’s annual top 10 list. The site attracts visitors in the process of relocating and helps them do the research before they move.
Stevens Point, WI made it in at number 7 and believe it or not Chicago was number 4….yes, Chicago, IL. Now I don’t want to pick on Chicago but everyone I know from there wants to be here; just ask Schultze!According to Relocate-America it starts by “asking visitors for nominations, which describe some of the characteristics of the cities, including people and neighborhoods, the beauty of the area, schools, activities, economic health and environmental health”. The R-A staff adds some other criteria and voila the list is complete!
Well, the staff in Michigan may be a great bunch of folks but they need to expand their search to smaller markets. The Hayward area is the place to be for fresh air, pristine waters, towering forests, activities and friendly folks. We didn’t make it but being in the “small market” also means occasional traffic lights and quiet surroundings. I’m headed home to the lake to listen to the loons!
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, May 04, 2007
Vacation Home
Vacation Home segment of U.S. housing market shows growth in 2006:
There have been several articles recently regarding an actual bright spot in the U.S. housing market. Vacation Home sales rose 4.7% for a record of 1.07 million homes in 2006. The share of vacation-homes rose, making up 14% of all home sales, up from 12% in 2005. For comparison, primary-residence sales fell 4.1% during the time in 2006. Of second home buyers, 8 out of 10 thought it was a good idea to invest in real estate while only 57% of primary-residence buyers thought the same. Since our Hayward area housing market has a large percentage of vacation homes, this is very good news. And, based on the past few weeks of activity this is going to be a “very” good summer.
Come and see us, the forecast for the week is warm and wonderful, but please be mindful that fire danger is high. Have a great weekend and ENJOY, LIFE IS GOOD!
Chris McGrath
There have been several articles recently regarding an actual bright spot in the U.S. housing market. Vacation Home sales rose 4.7% for a record of 1.07 million homes in 2006. The share of vacation-homes rose, making up 14% of all home sales, up from 12% in 2005. For comparison, primary-residence sales fell 4.1% during the time in 2006. Of second home buyers, 8 out of 10 thought it was a good idea to invest in real estate while only 57% of primary-residence buyers thought the same. Since our Hayward area housing market has a large percentage of vacation homes, this is very good news. And, based on the past few weeks of activity this is going to be a “very” good summer.
Come and see us, the forecast for the week is warm and wonderful, but please be mindful that fire danger is high. Have a great weekend and ENJOY, LIFE IS GOOD!
Chris McGrath
Friday, April 20, 2007
WILDERNESS LAKES
Sawyer County has assembled a task force to explore the possibility of creating a fourth classification for those bodies of water considered “Wilderness Lakes”, that is, lakes with special features and/or conditions. For some it will be welcomed and yet others are concerned about the economic effect as well as property owner rights; specifically the possibility of devaluation on those particular lakes that may be identified as needing this “protection” from development.
The Northland Area Builders Association has suggested that further environmental and economic impact studies be conducted by a third party(s). NABA has also suggested that property rights be addressed in addition to storm water runoff management plans. They seek to achieve greater efficiencies to protect the lakes without devaluing the land owner’s investment.
If you wish more information please click on the hyper link below to review the proposed Lake Class Development Standards, and stayed tuned. Lake Class Development Standars
It is sunny and wonderful in the north woods and the forecast for the weekend sounds wonderful…come and see us!
Have a great weekend and ENJOY….LIFE IS GOOD!
Gary Nathan
The Northland Area Builders Association has suggested that further environmental and economic impact studies be conducted by a third party(s). NABA has also suggested that property rights be addressed in addition to storm water runoff management plans. They seek to achieve greater efficiencies to protect the lakes without devaluing the land owner’s investment.
If you wish more information please click on the hyper link below to review the proposed Lake Class Development Standards, and stayed tuned. Lake Class Development Standars
It is sunny and wonderful in the north woods and the forecast for the weekend sounds wonderful…come and see us!
Have a great weekend and ENJOY….LIFE IS GOOD!
Gary Nathan
Monday, April 09, 2007
Budding Retirees
Budding Retirees
Americans age 55 and older will buy one in every five new homes this year – over $100 billion worth, that according to research done by the National Association of Home Builders.
These budding retirees tend to be wealthier than younger age groups. They are far more active and health-conscious than past generations. Because of the real estate boom many made money on previous home sales or they have a big home equity cushion in their current home.
Most new retirees (the 55+ crowd) are looking for a more “open lifestyle”. They want their retirement to be fun with some work on the side rather than work with fun on the side.
Well, there are few places more fun than the Hayward area; the opportunities are many for healthy, fun living in our wooded lake country. Come see us!
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Americans age 55 and older will buy one in every five new homes this year – over $100 billion worth, that according to research done by the National Association of Home Builders.
These budding retirees tend to be wealthier than younger age groups. They are far more active and health-conscious than past generations. Because of the real estate boom many made money on previous home sales or they have a big home equity cushion in their current home.
Most new retirees (the 55+ crowd) are looking for a more “open lifestyle”. They want their retirement to be fun with some work on the side rather than work with fun on the side.
Well, there are few places more fun than the Hayward area; the opportunities are many for healthy, fun living in our wooded lake country. Come see us!
Enjoy, Life Is Good!
Gary A. Nathan
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
What’s In Your Wallet?
What’s In Your Wallet?
The results are in on the first few days of the holiday shopping season and depending upon your economic barometer you
may or may not be surprised. The fear was that the housing slowdown might dampen consumer spirits. According to one source in USA TODAY all indications point to a pretty robust season for retailers, in fact we spent 19% more over this past holiday weekend than in the same period in 2005. Apparently there was some moola left in the wallets of more than 140 million Americans who were shopping over the Thanksgiving holiday. Despite all the negatives we hear in the media the bigger picture seems to indicate that we are pretty well off.
Have a great week, embrace this holiday season and ENJOY, LIFE IS GOOD!
Gary A. Nathan
The results are in on the first few days of the holiday shopping season and depending upon your economic barometer you
may or may not be surprised. The fear was that the housing slowdown might dampen consumer spirits. According to one source in USA TODAY all indications point to a pretty robust season for retailers, in fact we spent 19% more over this past holiday weekend than in the same period in 2005. Apparently there was some moola left in the wallets of more than 140 million Americans who were shopping over the Thanksgiving holiday. Despite all the negatives we hear in the media the bigger picture seems to indicate that we are pretty well off.
Have a great week, embrace this holiday season and ENJOY, LIFE IS GOOD!
Gary A. Nathan
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