Viroqua Wisconsin: April 2008

Coon Valley, Wisconsin presently is very much recognized by many anglers from around the country for its fantastic fly-fishing on Coon Creek. This popular spring fed trout stream meanders along the western edge of this scenic small town.  Besides Coon Creek, the 92,000 acres Spring Coulee Watershed Area has many more miles of excellent trout streams to fish.

The Village's Norwegian heritage dates back to its earliest settlements around 1849. Today this small Village has a population of approximately 750 residences. For an authentic experience of live during the original pioneer settlement times, a trip over to Norskedalen would be worth planning.  The name means The Norwegian Valley and this country nature center was created to preserve the culture heritage and the natural environment of the Coon Valley area. It has miles of nature trails and a recreation of an old-time farmstead to tour.                                                     

After a day of fly-fishing and stop at Norskedalen, be sure to plan dinner at Disciasios, which is a town fixture. The restaurant features fine Italian cuisine and a great wine selection, you won't be disappointed. Another major advantage the Village has it its short commute into LaCrosse so homes in the area are in demand and usually sell quickly. There is also a strong second home demand for weekend fishing retreats and parcels of vacant land. Many buyers come seeking property from Milwaukee, Chicago, as well as Minneapolis because of the terrific trout streams and the scenic beauty of the area.   

Are you searching for homes to buy in Coon Valley or Vernon County Wisconsin call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

I am just wondering, how many REO agents have done this? Recently one of the companies that I enjoy working with assigned a listing to me which was just a little further away from my office than I normally like to work. This new listing is in an area that should sell quickly. If I take this assignment my concerned was mostly about the travel time for showings. Having higher gas prices made it also look unappealing to service this listing.  However this company does their own maintenance and even manages the lawn-care!  I really value working with them and don't wish to loose any potential for future work. Normally I would turn this listing down, but I decided to solve the problem another way. 

I decided to referred out all the sign calls and ad calls to another agent, for a fee, who works in this town. I happen to know, for years, a particular agent and when I called her, she was very happy to get the referral. I am also equally happy to save gas and time by working with her.  Generally I would have turn this one down but now the problem seems to be solved, plus I get a $XX% referral fee back. I love referrals and I love to refer!!

Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County Wisconsin call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

DeSoto Wisconsin is a picturesque rural Village located right on the banks of the Mississippi River. The town's population numbers about 366, and is centered between the counties of Vernon and Crawford. Rich with heritage and history, this village can trace its history back to the time of the Black Hawk Indian war. Back then area was known as Wennesheik Landing and the county was named Bad Ax County after the nearby Bad Ax River. The first settlers changed the name to DeSoto in honor of the Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto who was the first to discover the Mississippi River.  Along the Great River Road there are many historical marker commemorating the many bloody battles that were fought during the Black Hawk War of 1832.

Names of other smaller towns like Victory, Red Mound and Retreat, give you a sense of the past battle grounds and that long ago war with the Black Hawks.

Today DeSoto is a diverse mixture of sturdy residential homes found in the original platted portion of the village. While, upscale bluff top homes can be seen peeking out between the treetops were the eagle also live.  Often occupied for weekend enjoyment, these unique log cabins, chalets, and other types of weekend fortresses dot the hilltops and surrounding landscape bring into town an influx of new comers, hunters, fishermen and tourism. There is plenty of fishing enjoyed here, several very great restaurants and a number of unique shops in the area that cater to all the fishing, hunting and tourist needs.    

Are you searching for homes to buy in DeSoto or Vernon County call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

If you have ever driven down the Great River Road, you know why it's called Great!  This scenic road follows the Mighty Mississippi River for 250 miles along the western boarder of Wisconsin. Along the way there are endless breathtaking vistas to take in.  The opportunity to observe soaring eagles,  picturesque tree lined bluffs and panoramic views of the river's main channel await you at each twist and turn of this road.

There are 33 little communities along the route and Genoa Wisconsin is just one of these quaint little river towns. It has a population of approximately 300 folks and was establish in 1854 by descents of Italian heritage, hence the name Genoa.

The main event in this river town is definitely fishing.  At the Lock and Dam # 8 or on the Clement Fishing Barge it is an everyday site to see the parking lot full of cars & trucks across from the dam. This fishing spot is were the action is, both in the spring and fall. The Walleye fishing here is great as spring marks the annual spawning migration when the fish are abundant by this Dam. Cat fishing, big northern pike, and small mouth bass also are lurking in Old Miss's waters plus in wintertime the river is covered with ice fishing shacks.

Are you searching for homes to buy in Genoa or Vernon County call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

I had an appointment on Saturday to show a buyer client a rehab property; I felt this house had some investment potential for him. We planned to meet at 3pm. As I pulled up for the appointment, I spot the buyer out in the street. He is leaning on the driver's side of a car chatting with someone.  As I approached the car, I recognized the person in the car. It's another Realtor, who I know quite well. At this point in time, She and I, actually have a pending sale together on another property right now. Her meeting my client was just a case of, small town, small world; they apparently grew up nearby each other.  Both were simply surprised to cross each other's paths.

Now that would be great if this was the end of this tale. It's not. Because, she actually solicited my client just before I arrived. Is it just the temptation is too great for some Realtors to leave other agents client alone? Naturally she asked what he was doing in town, since he lives about 90 miles away. He had told her he was waiting for a Realtor, and named me by name.  He was just telling her, when I arrived, we were looking at the property right there at this address.  He was pointing at  the building when I walked up.  We all continued to stand in the street, as I said hello. Then right out of the gate, in front of me, this other Realtor proceeds to explain how many times she has shown this very house.  She advises him, that the condition is awful, that it has 2 feet of standing water in the basement, on and on with uninvited information.  Like all Realtors, who have been through this "2 Realtors are too many thing", I am now biting my tongue. I ask my appointment; where his wife is... hint, hint. He explains, his she was in their parked car across the street. She was keeping warm until we were ready to go into the vacant house. I guess she finally got the hint!

Later, After we had toured the home and were finishing up the appointment, and the earlier encounter was all but forgotten by me. The buyer brought it up again and reveals that she actually asked him, "Why didn't you call me?" The buyer let me know that he was really taken back by her comment.

Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

Saturday night while I was out at our golf club, attending a surprise birthday party for a friend, many of the guests kept telling me congratulations too!  Since it was not my birthday, I was wondering why? Several of those, I have not seen most of the winter told me they saw that sold sign go up on my listing over on Washington St. I was taken back by this and very surprised because I had not yet place a sold sign there. It is not yet sold.  It does have an accepted offer, but it's not closed.

This particular property has been a real challenge, as it is a double wide-mobile home located within the city limits. This is unusual, as there are only a few in town.  Like most cities, you have to have most manufactured homes located within a mobile home park. This particular home has been sitting empty for almost 2 years. Then, hooray, finally a newbie agent from another office in town, has brought in a buyer. The property has been very hard to finance because of the condition. It has had tons of showing and everyone in our office is really tired of showing the home then only to hear time and again, that no one can get financed on it.  So it is great to get this office.  I would never, of course, place a sold sign up when we only have an accepted offer.  I need to see the loan documents arrive then get to the closing table, then place the sold sign when it is really sold.

So now the mystery is WHO DONE IT... wondering would the newbie agent be that extra dumb to place this cheesy paper sold sign, mounted with duct tape on to my yard sign? Could it be the buyer? He just could not contain himself at the joys of future home ownership? I don't wish to get all uptight about it, but really, don't you think, duct taping a sold sign on someone else's yard sign is just wrong? I drove over on Sunday morning and tore it off; I do plan to ask this agent, in a nice way. If she did do this; she most likely won't fess up.

Are you searching for homes to buy in Viroqua or Vernon County call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599

Westby Wisconsin is the second largest city in Vernon County. The population is approximately 2150. The scenic city is located in the coulee region in southwestern part of our state. Evidently the town was named after a Union Soldiers by the name of Ole T. Westby. He immigrated to the area from Norway and opened a general store in the area. Later the town was named after him.

To this day, the city is immensely proud of their Scandinavian heritage, and proudly demonstrates that by hosting several annual festivals each year. In May a Syttende Mia parade to celebrate the past heritage is held on May 17th. In February the city is the host of an international event at the Snowflake Ski Club.

If you plan to visit Westby, there are several antique stores and Norwegian gift stores to browse along its Main Street.  The historic Westby House B&B is a popular destination for many visitors for a mini weekend getaway.  It is also a wonderful place to plan a special event such as a wedding or shower.

The local housing market in 2008, shows that the median price for existing homes in this city sell between $95,000 up to approximately $135,000. However, newer built homes start around $149,000 and up. There are several newly developed subdivisions with some custom built homes selling above $200,000. The location is a 22-mile commute to the larger city of La Crosse.   

Are you searching for homes in Westby or Vernon County call Mary Strang at therteam.com RE/MAX Hill Country Realty 608-637-3599