Viroqua Wisconsin

head_left_image

Open House Sunday in Coon Valley, WI

Wow... attractive and nicely maintained Brick Craftsman Style home. Looking for move-in-condition? This one has recently refinished original hardwood floors, great woodwork and an updated Kitchen. A newer over-sizedgarage with plenty of room is an added bonus. There is also an in-ground 17x37 pool for summer fun, Stop By For My Open House During the Holiday Weekend on Sunday!

3-4 Bedroom, 2 full baths, Formal Dinning room, open staircase entry.

Open from 12:30 pm until 2:30 pm this Sunday the 5th of July.

I might be pool side enjoying some sun with tanning lotion and a good book, so be sure to come on in or check at the back yard gate!!!

Location 606 Central Avenue

Coon Valley, WI

 

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 in Coon Valley, WI"  the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

Realtors, pay attention while taking a photo

Please Vote: How does a Realtor take a photo exactly like this?

1.        You know the guy in the red cap and accidentally push the shutter button.

2.        You normally are not aware of your surrounding and life just happens while doing real estate.

3.        You felt the bright color of the red cap would add drama to the drab room and is your idea of staging a room.

4.        You really don't care how the picture turned out and the MLS requires a photo within 48 hours.

 Photo courtesy of an agent friend of mine who is now trying to pay more attention to what's going on around them in the room while taking their listing photos. 

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... " Realtors, pay attention while taking a photo"  the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

 

Reduce Asbestos Exposure with Green Modifications

Occasionally but not everyday, as I show homes listed for sale, I come across Asbestos on pipes in the basement of home built prior to the 1970's and as old as the late 1920's. I have seen ceiling tiles in basements and family rooms that contain it too. Older linoleum and sometime kitchen counter-tops are made with Asbestos. It gets even harder to spot in some other building materials such as joint compound, roof singles , and floor tiles. The Risk to ones health is real and exposure can happen to anyone. If you know you have asbestos in your home, read this blog post and take advantage of this opportunity to rid it from your home.

Via Mary Yonkers (Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate):

Asbestos, a mineral known for its resistance to fire and heat and its durablity, was widely used in residential and commercial construction for most of the 20th century.  Besides insulation and roofing asbestos was also used in siding, ceiling and flooring materials in residential and commercial properties. 

I remember that my mother had potholders and a hot pad made from asbestos.  As kids we entertained ourselves on a cold, sunny day by bending the hot pad and watching the tiny, tiny fibers spray in the sunlight.  Back then who knew the danger? 

A recent law, the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama on 2-17-09 gives homeowners tax incentives to reduce their exposure to asbestos by making green modifications to older homes that contain asbestos.  Homeowners can use environmentally sustainable forms of insulation such as cotton fiber, lycene foam or cellulose to replace the asbestos insulation.

Other Green measures that qualify for tax credits under this act include

  • Sealing cracks and ducts to reduce heat loss

 

  • Adding insulation to walls & ceiling

 

  • Installing new energy efficient windows & doors

Fortunately neither my sisters, brother or I suffered long term side effects of playing with asbestos as kids.  At least not yet.  As we now know long term exposure to asbestos either in your home or work place can lead to a rare cancer called Mesothelioma.  The symptoms of this disease do not show up until 20, 30 or even 40+ years later. People who worked in shipyards, power plants, chemical plants and as auto mechanics as well as many military veterans may have been exposed to excessive amounts of asbestos through their jobs.

More than 300 products used by the military from 1930 through the mid 1970's contained asbestos. Every navy ship & shipyard used asbestos containing materials.  Updating the US Navy fleet with "Greener' ships is a more expensive and long term project.  Even today there are still a number of Navy ships that contain asbestos embedded in older construction materials. 

This issue worries me more than playing with asbestos as a child as my husband, a US Navy veteran, who spent the better half of his 27 years aboard those older ships.

 

 Hubby still loves the water and proudly wear the US Navy cap

For more information read: 

Up Stairs Down Stairs

Many a builder has told me, that one of the most common construction blunders made by DIY'ers are the step's measurement on staircases. I'd bet most Realtors have been out to list or view a home and while either going up or down the staircase, the last step was off a bit. It is just automatic and without any thought that ones foot just steps down at a uniformed rate... until oops that last step was deeper or shorter than the rest. It's an opportunity for a twisted ankle of worse maybe a fall. This structural defect can be a really expensive slip-up to repair. In most cases this mistake usually doesn't get fixed ever. Often it will cause the home to last much longer on the market than it normally would if the steps were right.

Some of the older rural homes I list on a regular basis have what might be called "farm-steps". Those are very steps from 100+ years ago. They are very vertical, extremely narrow and often have worn-in depressions from trudging for eons up and down those steps by the former occupants of those upper rooms. They too, are always found hidden behind a closed doorway, so the second floor can be unheated if wanted. Unless the staircase is completely relocated there is likely to be no extra room to fix it.  As it would consume too much space or the headroom is just not there at either end of the staircase to bring this type of stairway into modern day building code. 

One other difficult to sell stairway, is the Spiral Staircases. These stairway relics of the 70's, often conjurer up visual images of a hip and swank bachelor pad. I can just imagine Dean Martin crooning "Everybody Loves Somebody" on his way down those circular steps with a martini in hand.

 

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... " Up Stairs Downs Stairs"  the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

 

Settler's Log Cabin

At the most prominent ridge top point, along a winding country road lays a truly gorgeous property. Its location is just a few minutes from downtown Cashton or a short 20-minute trip to the city of Sparta. This is a head-turner of a property. As you are traveling along the panoramic ridge top, the incredible views will be sure to compete for your attention with this eye-catching log cabin home.

It's style is that of a distinctive and craftsman built home, which was "built better not bigger". Set on 4.5 acres this authentically styled log cabin was modeled after a traditional settler's cabin of the times gone by. With the use of genuine antique hand-hewn, chinked logs and the expected ad-on addition at the rear of the home, sided in cedar shakes, one has to wonder about its age and history. With approximately 1250+/- square feet of living space this home was erected around 1998 by hand, not from a kit. Since then this Log Home has received a tasteful renovation both inside and out. Thus taking it to a new level in the style found in quality homes such as those featured in the book "Not so Big Homes" which was a best seller by Sarah Susanka.

Interior: The home has 3 levels; on the main floor is an open great room with a natural stone fireplace. The fireplace has been fitted with an insert, which comfortably heats the entire home but the primary heat is the high-efficiency hot water boiler for the in-floor heating system. The flooring and woodwork throughout the house is of milled oak hardwoods. A central open stairway leads one up to the private and spacious master suite. It has plush carpet flooring, a large walk-in closet and half bath and 2 roof skylights. Back on the main level sharing the open spaces with the great room, is a gourmet kitchen. Top of the line stainless appliances such as a Jenn-air bottom freezer refrigerator, Firgidaire dual fuel slide in range with matching microwave and Bosch dishwasher are all included. The Beyers cabinets all have full depth pull out drawers. The island comes complete with a pot rack and 4 stools. The lower level of the home has full windows and walkout access. There is a second living space, ideal for a media room or family room and a second bedroom. The laundry and utilities are on this level.

Other Attributes: An amazing deck system of approximately 2000 +/- square feet of outdoor decking surrounds the house. There's plenty of room for parties and to recreate outdoors on the impressive deck, lower patio or under the front covered porch. The Northland Building is 30X56 with full concrete floors, 220 volt, 100 amps service and plenty of room to park 8 cars. The overhead door is 18X8 and the other is 9x8 with openers, plus there is water to the building. The second wooden shed is 16X24 and also has electric service. There is a huge garden plot, a well-established asparagus patch, and walking paths lead you through the wooded portions of the acreage. This is a unique property and worth a trip to see, it's a delight in all seasons!

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... " Settler's Log Cabin"  the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

Tomorrow Never Comes...

We work harder than ever in this Internet based world we live in, with little time to stop and enjoy some of lifes simple things. As my AR friend Sally points out in her tribute to Farrah Fawcett, take time to enjoy life, as tomorrow might not come...

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

  tomorrow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The passing of Farah Fawcett and Ryan's plan to "marry her when she felt up to it " really brings home all the cliches we have heard, used, said..."Later,..." "  Sometimes...too often, later never comes...Whether it is a major event like getting married...a personal "to do list"....the apology you didn't make, the will you have not written...the littler things...the closet you didn't clean...the desk that needs organizing...there is always time to delay things..until this happens...after this takes place...never more than now are we reminded that NOW is when you should do it, can do it...and you will not have any regrets later....doing it now means you will never have to say you're sorry.

Viroqua Home for you!

Looking for seclusion and a peaceful setting?

Perched on the rolling hilltops of Vernon County this impressive hide-away home is a traditionally designed raised-ranch. It has been serenely tucked away on 5.77 acres of wooded land, which is far enough away from traffic and clamor, but still close-in enough to Viroqua or Soldiers Grove.

The Residence : From the front entry, a split foyer leads up a few stairs into the main living areas of this home. The front room is divided into 2 unique spaces; a recessed parlor to the front side of the home, and a more formal living space in the center. One of the larger rooms in the home is the generous Master Bedroom Suite. It features a sizable private bath with a garden soaking tub plus a separate shower stall. At the other side of the home, there are two additional good sized bedrooms which share the full hallway bath providing space and privacy. Over in the kitchen the layout has a snack bar, which offers convenience, as well as a dining area, also there is a sliding patio door leading out to a rear deck. The kitchen cabinets are oak, and all the appliances are included.

The Lower Lever:Down stairs there is a large and spacious family room. The focal point of this room is certainly the gas fireplace. There is a mud-room, a laundry room as well as 2 additional bedrooms. Asking only $169,000. Don't wait, give a call to 608-606-2999 for a private look at an affordable home.

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... " Sometimes it just takes a long time:  the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

 

Sometimes it just takes a long time.

Here's a home, which was listed of $399,000, was on the market for 274 days back in 2002. A series of 5 agents followed over the span of 6 years only to see their listing expire unsold.  The list prices never varied much over the years. The range price went from a low of $385,000 to a high of $435,000.  Each agents average DOM was from 279 to 385; except for one, who had only 26 days. I have to guess something happened as it was then off market for the rest of that year.

Well, it finally sold for $385,000!  The total days on market were 1013 days and the final sales price was $385,000 with the 5th agent.

So what does this data tell you? It says that some homes and especially unconventional log homes... just take a longer time to sell. Why, simply because they are in a "niche market". It was very rural and too far way from employment or wasn't in the desired location for many. It was out of the price range for local buyers, thus requiring more expensive marketing to attract a buyer from a narrower group of consumers. Niche homes are often harder to appraise too, as finding equal sold comps can always be difficult.  

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... " Sometimes it just takes a long time:  the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

 

Market Watch June '09

New Listings for the Month of May in Vernon County, Wisconsin totaled 30 listings and this is double what was posted for last month.

The price range went from a low of $40,000 to a high of $349,000.  What do you get for the money?

At the low end of the price range is a 3-bedroom manufactured home located in the small rural subdivision developed just for mobile home owners, which comes with a Lot that is 1.517 ACRES!  The listing remarks say:  Remarks:3 BEDROOM SINGLE WIDE HOME ON PRIVATE ACREAGE, HOME HAS A FULL BASEMENT, GARDEN SHED AND A CAR PORT. LOCATED IN A RURAL SUBDIVISION MINUTES FROM VIROQUA.

Over on the higher end of Vernon County property for sale, is a fabulous custom home.

Agent's remarks are:  BEAUTIFUL WALK OUT RANCH WITH 2 CAR ATTACHED & 2 CAR DETACHED GARAGE. THIS HOME EMINATES WARMTH WITH ABUNDANT NATURAL LIGHT WOOD FLOORS & OAK TRIM THROUGHOUT LOWER LEVEL FAM RM OFFICE 4TH BR & LOTS OF STORAGE 3RD BATH PLUMBED LARGE MAIN FLR LAUNDRY SET ON 10.7 PARTIALLY WOODED ACRES OPTION TO ADD ADDITIONAL ACREAGE OR SPLIT.

 

 

Sold MLS Listing for the Month of May totaled 10 the price range was from a $41,000 for a 2 bedroom bungalow home in Viroqua, which sold in 107 days. The high sale for June was an A-Frame home with a Mississippi River view and it sold in 30 days for $232500.

There are currently 141 active MLS Single Family listing available all across Vernon County.  If you looking for a home in Viroqua or in Vernon County take the guesswork out of your search. Get the experience you can depend on... Contact Mary Strang at RE/MAX Hill Country I am here to assist you.

608-606-2999.

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... " Market Watch June'09:  the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed.

 

Trout Fishing Property

Bring the fly rod, golf club and snow skis too!

Here's a great weekend get away place or it could be perfect for a year round home. Sited on 1/2 acre, has frontage bordering the Coon Creek trout stream.

This move-in ready little cottage. It features 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, an efficient galley style kitchen and a living room with a wood burning fireplace.

You will also get a lot of enjoyment from the the 4 season room and the screened in porch where you can sit with family and friends to take in the beautiful views over looking the stream and the valley. Just hop over the fence to the trout stream and cast your line. Also, if there's any golfers or skiers in the bunch... then the proximity to Timber Coulee Golf Course and Ski Hill is a real plus, it is less than 1 mile away.

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... "Trout Fishing Property"  the blog post was written by Mary Strang is believed accurate but may not be guaranteed Listing agent: Linda Sherry