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/
Friday, May 01, 2009
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/
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Sawyer County Assessments
Greetings from Hayward, WI!
Numbers always intrigue me even though I barely made it through basic math courses in college. We've heard much in the news about the billions and trillions of dollars that we are either losing or loaning, so I did a little research on property values in our area.
The assessed value of real estate in Sawyer County is pretty interesting; there are a total of 292,756 acres and 14,572 improvements (homes and other buildings) on 34,844 parcels of land.
The total assessed land value is $1,870,724,370 and the total assessment for the improvements is $1,432,697,160. And the grand total for all parcels and improvements is....drum roll please.... $3,303,331,530.
Wow! And yet that's a drop in the bucket compared to the $61.7 billion lost by AIG in the fourth quarter of 2008. Essentially we would need the value of about 19 Sawyer Counties to cover the loss.
So how does Sawyer County compare to it's neighbors? Washburn County has nearly the same acreage as Sawyer with 32,593 parcels and 12,772 improvements for a grand total of $2,418,257,026 in assessments.
Bayfield County is larger by about 80,000 acres and has 33,544 parcels and 12,592 improvements for a total of $2,472,239,015 in assessments.
For more information on Wisconsin assessments go to http://www.revenue.wi.gov/equ/2008/ and click on the Assessments link.
Perhaps you were aware of the size of our "little" northwestern Wisconsin county, but I was surprised!
On the local level:
The American Birkebeiner had another successful year thanks to a great organization, sponsors, volunteers and the 7,000+ people who raced.
This weekend is the Hayward 300, the NASCAR of snowmobile racing at the LCO Casino. For more info: http://haywardareachamber.com/events_hayward300.html
Enjoy your weekend...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/
Numbers always intrigue me even though I barely made it through basic math courses in college. We've heard much in the news about the billions and trillions of dollars that we are either losing or loaning, so I did a little research on property values in our area.
The assessed value of real estate in Sawyer County is pretty interesting; there are a total of 292,756 acres and 14,572 improvements (homes and other buildings) on 34,844 parcels of land.
The total assessed land value is $1,870,724,370 and the total assessment for the improvements is $1,432,697,160. And the grand total for all parcels and improvements is....drum roll please.... $3,303,331,530.
Wow! And yet that's a drop in the bucket compared to the $61.7 billion lost by AIG in the fourth quarter of 2008. Essentially we would need the value of about 19 Sawyer Counties to cover the loss.
So how does Sawyer County compare to it's neighbors? Washburn County has nearly the same acreage as Sawyer with 32,593 parcels and 12,772 improvements for a grand total of $2,418,257,026 in assessments.
Bayfield County is larger by about 80,000 acres and has 33,544 parcels and 12,592 improvements for a total of $2,472,239,015 in assessments.
For more information on Wisconsin assessments go to http://www.revenue.wi.gov/equ/2008/ and click on the Assessments link.
Perhaps you were aware of the size of our "little" northwestern Wisconsin county, but I was surprised!
On the local level:
The American Birkebeiner had another successful year thanks to a great organization, sponsors, volunteers and the 7,000+ people who raced.
This weekend is the Hayward 300, the NASCAR of snowmobile racing at the LCO Casino. For more info: http://haywardareachamber.com/events_hayward300.html
Enjoy your weekend...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, February 23, 2009
Homebuyer Tax Credit & Let It Snow!
Greetings!
Wow, we had a bunch of snow yesterday so the trails will be in great shape this weekend!
I thought the information provided by the Wisconsin Realtors Ass'n about the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit was interesting. Maybe you know someone who can take advantage of this opportunity!
Here are six things to know about the newly-enacted $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit:
1. Eight grand, new buyers: The tax credit included in the economic stimulus legislation is much narrower than the $15,000 proposal. This credit is equivalent to 10 percent of the purchase price of the home--although it's capped at $8,000--and applies only to first-time home buyers and principal residences. But unlike an earlier $7,500 home buyer tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid.
2. First-time buyers defined: For the purpose of this legislation, a "first-time home buyer" is someone who hasn't owned a principal residence for three years before buying a house. (The date of purchase is considered the day that the title is transferred.) That means if you've owned a vacation home--but not a principal residence--within the past three years, you would still qualify for the credit.
3. 2009 buyers only: Only those who purchase a home on or after January 1 and before December 1, 2009 are eligible for the credit. Anyone who bought a home last year won't be able to take advantage of it.
4. Income limits: The tax credit is subject to income limitations. Single buyers need a modified adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less to qualify for the full credit, that's $150,000 for married couples. Those earning more than these thresholds may be eligible for reduced credits.
5. Refundable: Because the tax credit is "refundable," qualified buyers can take advantage of it even if they don't have much tax liability.
6. Recapture: Buyers have to own the home for at least three years in order to capitalize on the credit. If they sell the home before then, they will have to return the credit to the government. (Exceptions will be made in certain cases, such as death or divorce.)
READ MORE ABOUT IT:See the NAR material regarding the $8,000 first-time home buyer credit @ http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/american_recovery_reinvestment_act_home?lid=ronav0019.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the new snow....Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
Cell: 715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
www.garynathan.com
This information was reprinted from the Legal Hottips article as provided by The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Best of the Legal Hotline Service. This Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Best of the Legal Hotline service is provided for you by the WRA's Legal Affairs Department. The service should be considered a general statement of applicable legal principles. Given this format, it is impossible to fully address all potential legal issues which might apply in any particular situation. A determination of any individual's legal rights in a transaction can only be obtained after complete analysis of the law and its applicability to the particular fact situation.
Wow, we had a bunch of snow yesterday so the trails will be in great shape this weekend!
I thought the information provided by the Wisconsin Realtors Ass'n about the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit was interesting. Maybe you know someone who can take advantage of this opportunity!
Here are six things to know about the newly-enacted $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit:
1. Eight grand, new buyers: The tax credit included in the economic stimulus legislation is much narrower than the $15,000 proposal. This credit is equivalent to 10 percent of the purchase price of the home--although it's capped at $8,000--and applies only to first-time home buyers and principal residences. But unlike an earlier $7,500 home buyer tax credit, this one does not have to be repaid.
2. First-time buyers defined: For the purpose of this legislation, a "first-time home buyer" is someone who hasn't owned a principal residence for three years before buying a house. (The date of purchase is considered the day that the title is transferred.) That means if you've owned a vacation home--but not a principal residence--within the past three years, you would still qualify for the credit.
3. 2009 buyers only: Only those who purchase a home on or after January 1 and before December 1, 2009 are eligible for the credit. Anyone who bought a home last year won't be able to take advantage of it.
4. Income limits: The tax credit is subject to income limitations. Single buyers need a modified adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less to qualify for the full credit, that's $150,000 for married couples. Those earning more than these thresholds may be eligible for reduced credits.
5. Refundable: Because the tax credit is "refundable," qualified buyers can take advantage of it even if they don't have much tax liability.
6. Recapture: Buyers have to own the home for at least three years in order to capitalize on the credit. If they sell the home before then, they will have to return the credit to the government. (Exceptions will be made in certain cases, such as death or divorce.)
READ MORE ABOUT IT:See the NAR material regarding the $8,000 first-time home buyer credit @ http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/american_recovery_reinvestment_act_home?lid=ronav0019.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the new snow....Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Dev. & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
Cell: 715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
www.garynathan.com
This information was reprinted from the Legal Hottips article as provided by The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Best of the Legal Hotline Service. This Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Best of the Legal Hotline service is provided for you by the WRA's Legal Affairs Department. The service should be considered a general statement of applicable legal principles. Given this format, it is impossible to fully address all potential legal issues which might apply in any particular situation. A determination of any individual's legal rights in a transaction can only be obtained after complete analysis of the law and its applicability to the particular fact situation.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Housing - The Economic Stimulus Package
Greetings from Hayward, WI home of the American Birkebeiner!
The race is on and town is already buzzing with folks, so be sure to join in the fun and festivities. For the schedule go to: http://www.birkie.com/
Well, President Obama and Congress did it; he signed the $787 billion economic stimulus package into law on Feb. 17; it contains elements that will bolster housing and the economy, that according to National Association of Home Builders Chairman, Joe Robson.
Let's hope this will help to put housing and the economy on the right track; the reports on new house starts has sure been gloomy.
Chief among the housing package is an $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit for qualified home purchases in 2009. The tax credit does not have to be repaid and is fully refundable. This will remain in effect until Dec. 1, 2009; this should help motivate consumers to utilize it during the critical summer and fall home-buying months.
You can find more information on the first-time home buyer tax credit at http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/.
According to the NAHB, the legislation will also help home borrowers by restoring the higher 2008 FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits through the end of this year. The limit will return to $729,750 from the current $625,500 in the highest cost markets. It will also rise in many other areas because the 2008 maximums were based on a more generous formula and, for most areas, higher median prices.
Time will tell whether these initiatives help move things in the right direction.
We have much to be grateful for despite all the difficulties; take care and keep the faith.
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/
The race is on and town is already buzzing with folks, so be sure to join in the fun and festivities. For the schedule go to: http://www.birkie.com/
Well, President Obama and Congress did it; he signed the $787 billion economic stimulus package into law on Feb. 17; it contains elements that will bolster housing and the economy, that according to National Association of Home Builders Chairman, Joe Robson.
Let's hope this will help to put housing and the economy on the right track; the reports on new house starts has sure been gloomy.
Chief among the housing package is an $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit for qualified home purchases in 2009. The tax credit does not have to be repaid and is fully refundable. This will remain in effect until Dec. 1, 2009; this should help motivate consumers to utilize it during the critical summer and fall home-buying months.
You can find more information on the first-time home buyer tax credit at http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/.
According to the NAHB, the legislation will also help home borrowers by restoring the higher 2008 FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits through the end of this year. The limit will return to $729,750 from the current $625,500 in the highest cost markets. It will also rise in many other areas because the 2008 maximums were based on a more generous formula and, for most areas, higher median prices.
Time will tell whether these initiatives help move things in the right direction.
We have much to be grateful for despite all the difficulties; take care and keep the faith.
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/
Friday, February 13, 2009
2008 Housing Report & 2009 Birkie Report
Greetings from Hayward, WI!
My broker partners, Chris and Cindi McGrath, were skiing the OO Loop last night and this morning Cindi skied from OO north to the High Point feed station (14K marker) and conditions were perfect. Actually, Cindi said the conditions were the best all year; despite the rain we received this week. Kudos to the Birkie Foundation as they had a big crew out on the trail hand-picking debris off the trail yesterday.
The race is on! The Birkie Trail base is still very solid and should hold up without any problem for the race. See the link below for the Trail Report which is updated daily.
www.birkie.com/?page=1038
The housing statistics for Wisconsin and Sawyer County are finally in for the fourth quarter and year end 2008.
Sawyer County Q4 sales were 50 units which is down from 2007 Q4 sales of 68. The 2008 year end total sales were 213 housing units versus 296 in 2007.
Median prices in Sawyer County held nearly the same in 2008 at $170,000 year end vs. $171,400 for 2007. The fourth quarter of last year actually dipped to $160,000 compared to $177,500 in Q4 of 2007. It is pretty obvious that some short sales and foreclosures had an impact on Q4 median price.
Back to the Birkie - Next weekend is the BIG RACE, the 36th annual American Birkebeiner from Cable to Hayward! One of the many events that makes Hayward a world-class place to be!
Have a wonderful weekend and remember that Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
Cell: 715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
My broker partners, Chris and Cindi McGrath, were skiing the OO Loop last night and this morning Cindi skied from OO north to the High Point feed station (14K marker) and conditions were perfect. Actually, Cindi said the conditions were the best all year; despite the rain we received this week. Kudos to the Birkie Foundation as they had a big crew out on the trail hand-picking debris off the trail yesterday.
The race is on! The Birkie Trail base is still very solid and should hold up without any problem for the race. See the link below for the Trail Report which is updated daily.
www.birkie.com/?page=1038
The housing statistics for Wisconsin and Sawyer County are finally in for the fourth quarter and year end 2008.
Sawyer County Q4 sales were 50 units which is down from 2007 Q4 sales of 68. The 2008 year end total sales were 213 housing units versus 296 in 2007.
Median prices in Sawyer County held nearly the same in 2008 at $170,000 year end vs. $171,400 for 2007. The fourth quarter of last year actually dipped to $160,000 compared to $177,500 in Q4 of 2007. It is pretty obvious that some short sales and foreclosures had an impact on Q4 median price.
Back to the Birkie - Next weekend is the BIG RACE, the 36th annual American Birkebeiner from Cable to Hayward! One of the many events that makes Hayward a world-class place to be!
Have a wonderful weekend and remember that Life is a Gift...Live It!
Gary Nathan
Amanda Mavis
Woodland Developments & Realty
15617 Railroad St.
Hayward, WI 54843
Cell: 715-699-4040
nathan@garynathan.com
http://www.garynathan.com/
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