Viroqua Wisconsin

Second Opinions are Valuable...Pass this Along Please

Here is a blog posted by my Friend Sally Hanson, take the guess work out of what to do and get a second opinion.

Don't find yourself thinking OMG, what should I do.

Via Sally & David Hanson WI Realtors Res.\Comm\Short Sale\CDPE\ABR\e-Pro (Keller Williams 414-525-0563):

  A very good friend of mine was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  She religiously had mammograms every year and it was caught in the very earliest stage. She went to the breast surgeon "everyone" went to....and was told that a mastectomy was her only remedy.  Early stage....mastectomy...hmmmm. She decided to get a second opinion.  Her little voice spoke loudly...the once drastic mastectomy that was recommended by the first surgeon....was not the recommendation of two other surgeons...they both recommended a much less invasive lumpectomy...less drastic, faster recovery....greater breast conservation...more peace of mind and less discomfort for my friend. Every woman, every year should have a mammagram...early detection is vital to a cure.breast cancer  ad

    Upon further research...and documented by several physicians....the midwest has an abnormally high number of mastectomies performed when compared to the rest of the country. If you know anyone with a breast cancer diagnosis...encourage them to get a second opinion.  While conservation may not be possible for every woman, each woman owes it themselves to learn all they can about their condition....and the possible cures available.


5 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • February 09 2010 07:57AM

Viroqua New Listing: Log Home

Rustic and whimsical; this cozy, unpretentious cabin home boasts wide open living spaces, just perfect for relaxing and kicking back with family and friends. Situated on 4 surveyed acres, the property has established gardens and fruit trees, pastureland, a horse corral and walking trails to explore.

The Interior: As you come into the great room the first impression is huge, as in huge room. There is a natural division between the living area and the open kitchen area. Newer cabinetry, appliances and a sunny picture window are the focal point and heart of the home. An island counter helps to break up the space between the 2 open rooms. There is also an existing 8-10 inch metal flue hookup for a woodstove, none is currently installed. Directly behind the great room are 2 spacious bedrooms. One outfitted with double bunk-beds for guests and the other is a master. The master is located closer to the bath & laundry area.

The Exterior & Location: A traditional small red dairy barn complements this little picture post card country retreat. It is just the right size and in good condition for anyone desiring a good outbuilding. Install some horse stalls, use the space as a workshop, or raise some livestock and start a small scale organic farmstead. It is sure to be a useful outbuilding. There is a metal newer roof on the log home; the barn also has a metal roof. Nearby the property are several notable trout streams, such as Tainter Creek, Hornby Hollow and The Bad Axe River. The property is located approximately 7 miles more or less from Viroqua.

The home is being offered furnished and complete with many essentials.  S8488 Stump Ridge Road Viroqua, WI 54665 Asking: $135,900

 

  Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang  therteam.com  RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999

About the author:

Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang.  All rights reserved... " Viroqua New Listing:  Log Home " the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

4 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • February 09 2010 07:45AM

Two Saturday Open Houses in Viroqua 2/6/2010

 

FIRST OPEN HOUSE

Saturday
February 6 from 1:30 -3:00pm

208 S Circle Dr
Viroqua, WI 54665

PRICE REDUCED! $119,000

Residence: Here's the buy you have been waiting for in a Viroqua Home. If you are looking move in ready and no work required, this is it. It's informal, carefree and comfortable. At the front door you come into an over-sized living room complete with an attractive gas fireplace. Beyond the living area is a huge eat-in Kitchen with newer cabinetry, tons of counter-top space and almost new appliances that are included. Off to the side of the large kitchen is a formal dining room and it features French doors leading out to the deck and backyard. There are 2 good-sized bedrooms with a hall bath in-between.

The Location: The location is on a quiet and wooded street with minimal traffic. This little Viroqua Gem of a home sits on a corner lot, has newer vinyl siding and newer roof. A one-car garage is attached to the home by a breezeway. This is an impeccably maintained home, just perfect for those who are looking for carefree living

SECOND OPEN HOUSE

Saturday February 6 from 3:00 - 4:30pm

212 N. Circle Drive
Viroqua, WI 54665

Asking: $124,500

Solid Decision, Solid House: You'll be delighted when you come to see this well cared for Cape Cod. Your first impressions will be great starting right at the front door. All rooms on the main level have been freshly painted; there is new flooring in the kitchen and the bath. The spacious living room has light oak hardwood floors, woodwork and a large sunny picture window. Two bedrooms are found on the main floor, both with roomy generous closets; one is being used currently as a dining room. The bath has new fixtures and an attractive new vanity. The Kitchen has ample cabinetry with plenty of room for a table.

The master bedroom is located on the second level. This area of the home has been completely & uniquely remodeled. It now features 2 corner closets, a handy new half bath also on the corner of the room. There is a small sitting area located at the top of the stairway landing, which totals up to extra privacy on this level of the home.

And... if this is not enough the lower level is the real surprise! Definitely a "Ten!" There is a cozy, comfy family room with a snack nook for the mini-frig, microwave and handy shelves for the supplies and glassware. It's very cute. There are 3 other rooms, which include the office, a guest room and the laundry area. Come rate this marvelous home yourself! We think you will be pleased you did.

Make one of these homes your home ~ Just in time for Valentines Day!

  Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang  therteam.com  RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999

About the author:

Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang.  All rights reserved... " Two Saturday Open Houses 2/6/2010 " the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

8 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • February 04 2010 08:16AM

Is it time to reduce your Price?

New Price, Reduced Price, or Just Reduced Price; how every you want to say it the price on this listed property just went down. That is good news for any buyers out there looking for this type of property. Every buyer wants to pay less.  As a Realtor, I know that a Reduced price also helps renew interest in a listing that may have been suffering from too few showings. It is always a part of the job to continue monitoring and adjusting the price after listing, espeically if the home is not getting any offers. This particular home has had far to few showing. We now have a $10,000 reduction on this 22 acres farmette, now priced at $219,000.

From my experience, I would have to say one of the most difficult times in the listing process, for both the Sellers and the Realtor, is when it is obvious that the original price needs to come down. It can be a reality check; it sometimes is also very difficult to get concent and an agreement from the Seller. 

Even so, I would say sellers do understand that pricing in a declining market is now one of the most difficult thing to do. It is smart to pre-plan for the "what if the price is not right". Timing is often everything, meaning the time between price reduction and the expiration date can be important for the business relationship. If the reduction comes to late, near the end of the listing agreement, there are few showings and not offers; a seller may be more reluctant to reduce. I am not often surprised when this happens that the Seller may starts to think maybe another agent is the better answer. It is not the the price. If the listing is lost, more often than not, the next agent usually benefits from the efforts of the first agents inability to get that price right.

My advise, talk with the Seller often about the price, discuss the facts such as your marketing and what efforts are being used to generate leads. Such as your advertisement, online presence, the photos of the property, locations of signage and if you are getting and giving feedback from other agents and the buyers. Even in a Buyers Market homes are selling, I do all I can, to make my listings stand out from the rest. Lastly, let the owner know, it is possible that when we sell this wonderful rural home, they will also be buying another home, and that one will cost less too!

 

  Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang  therteam.com  RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999

About the author:

Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang.  All rights reserved... " Is it time to reduce your Price? " the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

10 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • January 24 2010 03:49PM

Open House Sunday 1/17/2010

E5412 Eagle Drive Viroqua, WI 54665 From Noon until 1:30 pm

OPEN CONCEPT RANCH LOCATED EAGLE RIDGE ESTATES NEXT TO VIROQUA HILLS GOLF COURSE. THIS HOME FEATURES HARWOOD FLOORS IN THE GREAT ROOM, MASTER SUITE WITH BATH AND WALK-IN CLOSET, LOTS OF WINDOWS FOR SUNSHINE & GREAT VIEWS. tHE UNFINISHED BASEMENT HAS HIGH CEILINGS, IT'S ROUGHED IN FOR A BATH, FULL WINDOWS AND WALK OUT MAKE IT A SPACE WITH LOTS OF POSSIBILITIES. SIDE LOAD THREE CAR GARAGE.

New Price:$229000

  Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang  therteam.com  RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999

About the author:

Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang.  All rights reserved... " Open House Sunday 1/17/2010 " the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

 

4 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • January 17 2010 08:04AM

Kickapoo River Frontage on 50 acres

50 Wooded Acres M/L with 150 ft m/l of Kickapoo River frontage. Hunt, fish, hike, or just relax! Here's your chance to own a piece of Vernon County's beautiful wilderness, totally secluded, but only 2 miles off the main highway. This mostly wooded land has been thoughtfully preserved by it's current owners, with 48 acres in Managed Forest Law, and a 2 acre building site with driveway that has already had a perc test done!

The Setting: A high ridge runs from the northwest corner of the property to the building site, turns east-south-east at that point, spanning the property to its eastern border and also branching toward the southern boundary. A logging road surrounds the southern two-thirds of the high ridges, affording easy vehicular and hiking access to stunning panoramic views of the Kickapoo River Valley, to the property's dramatically diverse topography, and, in the spring, to acres of rare and beautiful wild flowers.

The forested ridgeline north of the building site is easy to hike and includes several mature and shapely oaks. In 2004, the eastern quarter of property was selectively logged to cull aging hardwoods and encourage healthy growth of younger oaks and maples.

The best panoramic views are available from a narrow "hogback," reminiscent of the Appalachians, and located adjacent to the eastern edge of the building site. Access from the west requires a modest climb, or one can hike along its southern side, past a natural cave, and up a more friendly slope. In places, the drop-off on the north side of the hogback is best called a cliff, which eventually, after crossing the logging road, transitions into a natural meadow that boasts deer trails that are perfect for hiking throughout the northern third of the property.

The main wild flower area, encompassing two minor ridges running north and south, is to the right, and, among others, includes spring beauties, Dutchman's britches, bloodroot, trillium, wild ginger, and hepatica. Beyond that is a sugar maple grove suitable for the tapping and production of maple syrup. Overall, the property encourages a roomy feeling of privacy and a dramatic sense of multi-faceted, natural wilderness.

  Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang  therteam.com  RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999

About the author:

Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang.  All rights reserved... " New Listing: Kickapoo River Frontage on 50 acres " the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

8 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • January 15 2010 09:44AM

New Listing: 61917 Badger Ridge Rd Ferryville, WI

Close your Eyes and imagine the most beautiful view, then add some... This comfy log home was custom designed for snug and cozy living. The view, however, was created by Mother Nature and it is sure to inspire anyone to own this home.

The Residence: This log home is a Hiawatha Log home from Michigan. Constructed with select Norway Red Pine logs in the Tongue & Grove style. Each log has been kiln-dried for unsurpassed dimensional stability and milled for a smooth, uniform look. As you enter the home, what you see first is the eye-catching stone corner fireplace. Neutral toned ceramic tile flooring and an extra wide open staircase highlight the living space. At the other end of the living room is the dining area which has French Doors leading out to the covered 8x32 foot deck. The kitchen features Hickory cabinets and the appliances are included. Completing the main floor is a full bath and main level bedroom. Up the steps is the location of the Master suite. It has a second gas fireplace, vaulted ceiling, huge walk-in closet and spa bathroom with jetted tub and separate shower. The lower level is finished off with a family room, guest sleeping room, storage area and walkout access to the backyard...and what a backyard it tis!

The Land: Painstakingly groomed, this 6.463 acres actually consists of 3 separate lots. Each lot is individually surveyed and titled giving this distintive property plenty of gardening room, amazing views of the Mississippi River below and additional privacy. That is exactly what one would expect when buying a retreat styled home like this one. From the vantage point of the rear deck you can watch the eagles soar by. You can also see the white tailed deer & wild turkey browse and occasionally catch a glimps of a River paddle-wheel Boat crewing by on its way downstream.

  Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang  therteam.com  RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999

About the author:

Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang.  All rights reserved... " New Listing: 61917 Badger Ridge Rd Ferryville, WI " the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

 

8 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • January 14 2010 07:32PM

Westby, New Listing

410 Melby St
Westby, WI 54667-1018

Timeless charm with a wonderful blend of traditional and contemporary style can be found in this remarkable limestone faced tri-level home. It is located on a quiet tree lined street in Westby.

The open foyer flows nicely to the living room where a variety of first class touches will be noticed, including the striking & skillfully carved oak mantel on the wood burning fireplace. It is certain to draw your immediate attention. The open floor plan creates an atmosphere of gracious informality for living and entertaining, which we believe fill meet your approval. There is also plenty of space for dining, both between the formal area adjoing the living room & in the generous sized kitchen. You'll find the comfy family room, also just off the living room, it's the spot to gather around with family & friends. The upper level of this three bedroom residence offers up privacy and quiet spaces, all having original hardwood floors in each room. The oversized master will easily accomodate king sized furniture and is found just a few steps up on the third level. With more than 1900 square feet of living area, this one-of-a-kind home is filled with unique character and rustic elegance and is certain to please the discriminating buyer.

  Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang  therteam.com  RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999

About the author:

Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang.  All rights reserved... " Westby, New Listing" the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

0 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • January 11 2010 08:14AM

Good Morning Viroqua... Who is tired of snow?

From Weather bug the report is: Today Snow. Areas of blowing snow in the afternoon. Brisk. Snow accumulation of 2 to 3 inches. Storm total snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches. Nearly steady temperatures near 15. North winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to around 35 mph. Lowest wind chill readings 10 below to 15 below zero in the afternoon. The photo was taken looking out my Kitchen Window.

As of 8:30 we have another 2.8 inches on the ground and it is still coming for today and the rest of tomorrow.

  Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin

call Mary Strang  therteam.com  RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-606-2999

About the author:

Mary Strang is the Broker-owner of RE/MAX Hill Country Realty located in Viroqua, WI. Home to Organic farming, a small rural city population of about 4000 and a great place to live! Copyright © 2009 by Mary Strang.  All rights reserved... " Good Morning Viroqua... Who is tired of snow?" the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

 

5 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • January 07 2010 09:16AM

How To Get Rid Of Ice Dams

Now here is some timely home inspection information that can help many home owners. I have had some of the same issues with my office building and last year we had the attic spaces re-insulated but still have just a little problem remaining with an ice dam over the office door. I also purchased a roof rake, it remains in the basement not used, and needs assembly. Might be a good to-do project for this weekend!

Via Minneapolis Home Inspections - Reuben Saltzman (Structure Tech Home Inspections):

Last year at about this time I wrote a blog about ice dams, covering what needs to be done to prevent ice dams from happening, both on the inside and outside of the house.   This year I'll discuss a bunch of different ways to get rid of ice dams.  The methods involve axes, ice picks, pantyhose, salt, and heat cables.

Ice Dam 3

Axe

The most obvious way to get rid of ice dams would be to just take a blunt instrument and hack away at the ice dams.  I tried an axe.

Axe

Pros: Fast results - I hacked through several feet of six-inch thick ice dams in a matter of minutes.

Cons: Unsafe and cumbersome.   I had a set up a ladder on the icy ground and swing an axe while standing on a ladder.  The ice also really flew in my face - I should have been wearing goggles!  I was only able to remove the ice down to the gutter, and only able to get close to the surface of the roof without risking damage to the shingles.

Verdict: This is a high risk, but fast and effective way of getting rid of a lot of ice, but leaves the job incomplete.

Ice Pick

Sounds like a natural choice, doesn't it?  I actually used my awl, but close enough.

Reuben's Awl

Pros: Very fast results, very little effort.  It's as though this tool was made for picking at ice.  Oh, wait...  Still, I was genuinely surprised at how fast and accurate this method was.

Cons: Unsafe.  Again, I was jabbing at ice dams while standing on a ladder, which was sitting on the icy ground.  I also had to be very careful to not damage the roof.

Verdict: This is definitely my method of choice.  Nothing else worked nearly as well.

Roof Tablets

Yes, this is a product designed specifically for preventing damage from ice dams.  Contrary to the name on the container, the product doesn't actually melt your roof (whew).  The instructions say to toss the tablets on to your roof and they'll melt through the ice dams, allowing for "water to drain safely".

Roof Melt Tablet Container

Roof Melt Tablet Instructions
Roof Melt Tablets

I tried tossing the tablets on the roof like the instructions said to do, but it didn't work out very well.  I consider my tablet tossing skills to be above average, but I still couldn't get the tablets to end up in a good location - they all just slid together in one place.  If I didn't get a ladder out to take pictures, I never would have known that the tablets didn't end up in a good spot.

Roof Melt Tablets Tossed

Just to give the roof melt tablets the best possible chance for success, I hand-placed them on the ice dam and I used about four times as much as the directions called for.

Roof Melt Tablets Placed Day 1

By day two, I had some pretty dramatic results - the tablets had melted all the way through the ice dam.  btw - for anyone in a southern climate that might be reading this blog, that white stuff on the ice is snow, from a very light snowfall the night before.

Roof Melt Tablets Day 2

By the third day, not much change.  There were definite holes in the ice dam, and some channels had formed for water to drain through, but the majority of the ice was still there.

Roof Melt Tablets Day 3 #2 Roof Melt Tablets Day 3 #1

Pros: If you had perfect aim and tablets didn't move after you tossed them on to the roof, this would be very safe.

Cons: The tablets don't stay where they land, which negates the whole safety thing - I still had to set up a ladder on the icy ground and move the tablets around myself.  This method was also pretty ineffective - it created a bunch of holes in the ice dam, but so what?  Most of the ice dam was still there in the end.

Verdict: This might be a nice way to get down to the roof surface, and it would be nice to follow up with an ice pick after a day or two, but the tablets alone aren't great.  Sure, it's safe... but so is sitting inside a warm house.  Neither gets the job done.

Salt Filled Pantyhose

This is a simple, straight-forward approach.  Take off your pantyhose, fill 'em up with ice melt (calcium chloride or something similar), and toss 'em on your roof.  The idea is that the salt will leak through the pantyhose and eventually melt the ice dams away to nothing.   This is supposed to work better than just putting salt directly on the roof, because salt applied directly to the roof will just melt a bunch of tiny holes, much the same way the tablets melted large holes.

Salt Filled Pantyhose Day 1

By day two, there were several tiny holes in the ice dam.  Whoop-de-doo.  Salt alone would have done this.

Salt Filled Pantyhose Day 2

By day three, the pantyhose had started to melt in to the ice dam, and had completely melted down to the roof.   The part that hadn't melted down to the roof basically had a hard, crusty layer of salt(?) formed on the bottom of the pantyhose, and nothing else was happening.  I picked up the pantyhose, broke up all the chunks of stuck together salt, and placed it back down.

Salt Filled Pantyhose Day 3 #1 Salt Filled Pantyhose Day 3 #2

On day four, I tried moving the pantyhose again to loosen up the stuck together chunks of salt, and the pantyhose ripped apart, leaving a big mess of salt on the roof.  Yuck.

Salt Filled Pantyhose Day 4 #1
Salt Filled Pantyhose Day 4 #2

Pros: This is pretty safe.

Cons: Took way too long and didn't do much.  Waste of time.  I wonder if I can return the pantyhose to Walgreens?

Verdict: Better than nothing.

Heat Cables

For the record, heat cables aren't supposed to be placed directly on ice dams, but some people might try it anyway.  My friend did this at a house he owns in Saint Louis Park... so I took pictures.  These photos all show the heat cables after about one day.

Heat Cables #2

Note the creative way of keeping the cables from touching each other.  Pretty cool, huh?

Heat Cables #3
Heat Cables #4
Heat Cables #6

Pros: Gets the job done, and will prevent the formation of ice dams throughout the rest of the year.

Cons: Heat cables aren't made for this, and I'm sure the manufacturer would tell you that this poses some type of safety hazard.  Stringing up the cable was also very unsafe.  It's a good thing my friend owns a jet pack.

Verdict: Don't do this.

Summary

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  My favorite method was definitely the ice pick, but this was also very unsafe, and there's a good chance that the roof surface could get damaged this way.  I'd rather not have to deal with ice dams at all.

After a good snowfall, rake the snow off your roof.   This definitely takes the least amount of effort and it's safe.  I've been asked whether a roof rake will damage the roof, and the answer is definitely no.  A good roof rake will have little wheels at the bottom of the rake , which prevents the bottom of the rake from even touching the surface of the roof.  Rake away.

Roof Rake Head

 

RELATED POST: How To Prevent Ice Dams

 

Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections - Email - Minneapolis Home Inspections

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7 commentsMary Strang ~ Viroqua, WI Real Estate • January 06 2010 10:38AM