Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
NOTE: This is a shameless plug for Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus Spring Cabaret….
Time is running out. You only have 2 chances yet today (3 p.m. and 7 p.m.) to see Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus’ production of “Dark Mirror” at the West Side Club.
It’s an odd show but many of the performances more than make up for the concept. It’s worth the price of admission alone (it’s a fundraiser) to hear and see Terrence Gilles perform the great Sondheim number “I’m Still Here”. Never has it been done in such a way.
Another highlight of the show is Ed Anderson’s version of “Mr. Cellophane”. Truly brings down the house with his subtle interpretation of this classic number from “Chicago”.
The show builds to a fun ending with your’s truly performing “I Am What I Am” from La Cage Au Folles and a rousing rendition of “Keep it Gay” from The Producers performed by Keith Eccarius. All in all a fun 2 hours of entertainment.
Seats are still available for the last 2 shows today. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the West Side Club.
Time is running out. You only have 2 chances yet today (3 p.m. and 7 p.m.) to see Perfect Harmony Men’s Chorus’ production of “Dark Mirror” at the West Side Club.
It’s an odd show but many of the performances more than make up for the concept. It’s worth the price of admission alone (it’s a fundraiser) to hear and see Terrence Gilles perform the great Sondheim number “I’m Still Here”. Never has it been done in such a way.
Another highlight of the show is Ed Anderson’s version of “Mr. Cellophane”. Truly brings down the house with his subtle interpretation of this classic number from “Chicago”.
The show builds to a fun ending with your’s truly performing “I Am What I Am” from La Cage Au Folles and a rousing rendition of “Keep it Gay” from The Producers performed by Keith Eccarius. All in all a fun 2 hours of entertainment.
Seats are still available for the last 2 shows today. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the West Side Club.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wisconsin Home Price Declines are Modest
Fourth Quarter 2008
Wisconsin Home Sales Fall Significantly but Home Price Decline is Modest
http://www.wra.org/online_pubs/press_releases/2009/pr0212_hsgstats.html
Date: February 12, 2009
MADISON, WI – There was good and bad news for Wisconsin's housing market in 2008. While housing sales fell significantly last year as a result of the national financial turmoil and recession, home prices remained stronger than in many parts of the country, falling only modestly according to the year-end analysis of existing home sales conducted by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA).
Wisconsin home sales declined in 2008 by 19.2 percent as compared to 2007, whereas median prices fell 3.7 percent to $158,000 over that same time period according to the REALTORS® report. Home sales in the Midwest were down by 14.9 percent, which is slightly higher than the national decline of 13.1 percent.
“Wisconsin’s housing market is not immune from recessions,” said WRA President William Malkasian. “Combining this strong recession with the financial meltdown last fall, it’s not surprising that home sales suffered in 2008. But our prices seem to have weathered the storm thus far, falling just 3.7% below 2007 levels, and outperforming the nation and the Midwest region,” he said. Wisconsin home prices were much less volatile than markets like Arizona, California and Nevada, a fact Malkasian attributes to less exposure to subprime mortgages and much less speculative buying and selling in the Wisconsin housing market. “Most people buy homes here to live in, not flip,” Malkasian said.
WRA Board Chairman Michael Mulleady suggested that home buyers are taking a wait and see attitude when it comes to home purchases. “With consumer confidence at all-time lows and recent job losses making headlines, buyers are understandably timid about getting into the housing market,” said Mulleady. “Those who otherwise would be inclined to trade-up are waiting for the market to improve, and even credit-worthy first-time buyers are choosing to remain spectators for the time being,” he said. “There is no doubt that this is a buyer’s market and this could be a great time to get into the market, given that mortgage rates are now in the 5 percent range and Congress is currently debating a stimulus package that may offer some very favorable tax breaks for home buyers,” Mulleady said.
Malkasian struck a cautious tone, suggesting that the housing market will start to improve once there are signs of growth in the economy. “New tax breaks and low mortgage rates will get some buyers off the fence, but sustained growth in housing demand will only take place after buyers are confident that the economy is once again growing,” said Malkasian.
For More Information Contact: David E. Clark, Economist, C3 Statistical Solutions Inc. Office phone: 414-803-6537
About the WRA
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state, representing over 14,000 real estate brokers, sales people and affiliates statewide. Sales estimates for the state are provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, which seasonally adjusts quarterly sales figures. All county figures on sales volume and median prices are compiled by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and are not seasonally adjusted. Median prices are only computed if the county recorded at least 10 home sales in the quarter.
Wisconsin Home Sales Fall Significantly but Home Price Decline is Modest
http://www.wra.org/online_pubs/press_releases/2009/pr0212_hsgstats.html
Date: February 12, 2009
MADISON, WI – There was good and bad news for Wisconsin's housing market in 2008. While housing sales fell significantly last year as a result of the national financial turmoil and recession, home prices remained stronger than in many parts of the country, falling only modestly according to the year-end analysis of existing home sales conducted by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA).
Wisconsin home sales declined in 2008 by 19.2 percent as compared to 2007, whereas median prices fell 3.7 percent to $158,000 over that same time period according to the REALTORS® report. Home sales in the Midwest were down by 14.9 percent, which is slightly higher than the national decline of 13.1 percent.
“Wisconsin’s housing market is not immune from recessions,” said WRA President William Malkasian. “Combining this strong recession with the financial meltdown last fall, it’s not surprising that home sales suffered in 2008. But our prices seem to have weathered the storm thus far, falling just 3.7% below 2007 levels, and outperforming the nation and the Midwest region,” he said. Wisconsin home prices were much less volatile than markets like Arizona, California and Nevada, a fact Malkasian attributes to less exposure to subprime mortgages and much less speculative buying and selling in the Wisconsin housing market. “Most people buy homes here to live in, not flip,” Malkasian said.
WRA Board Chairman Michael Mulleady suggested that home buyers are taking a wait and see attitude when it comes to home purchases. “With consumer confidence at all-time lows and recent job losses making headlines, buyers are understandably timid about getting into the housing market,” said Mulleady. “Those who otherwise would be inclined to trade-up are waiting for the market to improve, and even credit-worthy first-time buyers are choosing to remain spectators for the time being,” he said. “There is no doubt that this is a buyer’s market and this could be a great time to get into the market, given that mortgage rates are now in the 5 percent range and Congress is currently debating a stimulus package that may offer some very favorable tax breaks for home buyers,” Mulleady said.
Malkasian struck a cautious tone, suggesting that the housing market will start to improve once there are signs of growth in the economy. “New tax breaks and low mortgage rates will get some buyers off the fence, but sustained growth in housing demand will only take place after buyers are confident that the economy is once again growing,” said Malkasian.
For More Information Contact: David E. Clark, Economist, C3 Statistical Solutions Inc. Office phone: 414-803-6537
About the WRA
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state, representing over 14,000 real estate brokers, sales people and affiliates statewide. Sales estimates for the state are provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, which seasonally adjusts quarterly sales figures. All county figures on sales volume and median prices are compiled by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and are not seasonally adjusted. Median prices are only computed if the county recorded at least 10 home sales in the quarter.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Friday, September 19, 2008
New Harvest Art Auction Tonight
One of my favorite Biennial events in Madison is the New Harvest Foundation Art Auction. This is a great opportunity to socialize, raise money for a great organization and ultimately take home some amazing and wonderful art.
This year's auction is tonight, Friday, September 19, 2008.
The event has had a change of venue. It will be hosted at the Marriott Madison West and will begin at 5:00 and run until 8:30. For more information on tonights event, visit the New Harvest webpage by clicking here.
New Harvest Foundation is the only foundation in Dane County that channels charitable contributions exclusively to organizations working to promote gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) rights, services, culture and community development. Founded in 1984, New Harvest Foundation is operated by an 18- member Board of Directors, along with other volunteers. It pools contributions of hundreds of donors each year to provide grant money to GLBT causes.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Living in Madison-What a Summer It's Been!
I've made a commitment to post at least 3 items each week regarding real estate and lifestyles of Madison for the GLBT Community as a way to spread the word about what a great city Madison truly is.
It will be challenging. My summer is really busy. I have a lot of great business opportunity on the calendar and an awesome end of summer vacation planned. The good news, I can create the newsletter in advance, tweak it online from anywher in the world, and make sure what get sent is current.
What business opportunities are there for me? Here's just the next 6 weeks:
RISMedia CEO Exchange, Denver, CO: I've been asked to serve as a panelist for the kick off panel at this great event. I'll be sharing my thoughts on how to maintain profitability in a challenging real estate market. I attended this program last summer and had a chance to spend time with many industry leaders both from the brokerage side as well as the affiliated business side of our industry. I'm looking forward to hearing the latest and greatest from companies like Trulia, Google, Sharper Agent, and Zillow.
Keller Williams Realty Advanced Instructor Skills Camp, Dallas, TX: This invitation only event has me really excited. I'm one of just 12 people invited to this 2 day intensive training. As part of the program, I have to deliver a 1/2 hour presentation on a segment of KWU "Camp 443" to the group of my peers and the instructors for the course.
Wisconsin REALTOR Association Board of Director Meeting, Eklhart Lake, WI: This will be my last Board of Directors meeting for my term on the WRA Executive Committee of the past 3 years. I'll be staying involved after my term ends as I'm in year 1 of a 3 year term on the WRA Political Strategy Committee.
Fargo, ND Market Center Training, Fargo, ND: I lost a bet with Fargo Team Leader, Perry Hurth over the Wisconsin/North Dakota State Hockey Game earlier this year. The loss cost me $20 and a trip to Fargo to train at their office. I'm excited to spend 2 days in Fargo with Perry and his great group of agents.
Keller Williams Realty Mega Agent Camp, Austin, TX: This annual event should be a great one! Gary Keller will be releasing his newest book "The Shift" as part of this 2 day event. If it's anything like "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" it should prove to be an awesome tool to help agents succeed in this market.
VACATION: At the end of August I fly to London for a 10 day Atlantis cruise from Harwich, UK to the great city of Barcelona, Spain. It's been 2 years since we've had a trip like this and I'm really looking forward to it. Devery (my partner) and I will be catching up with great friends from Louiseville, KY and Montgomery, AL on this trip.
There you have it. My next 6 weeks. Along the way I will be certain to get at least blog posts out on a weekly basis. I'll also be sharing what I learn from many of this great upcoming opportunities.
Please give me your feedback as well. I'm always striving to make this the best it can be. Send me your thoughts at darren@kittlesonteam.com
It will be challenging. My summer is really busy. I have a lot of great business opportunity on the calendar and an awesome end of summer vacation planned. The good news, I can create the newsletter in advance, tweak it online from anywher in the world, and make sure what get sent is current.
What business opportunities are there for me? Here's just the next 6 weeks:
RISMedia CEO Exchange, Denver, CO: I've been asked to serve as a panelist for the kick off panel at this great event. I'll be sharing my thoughts on how to maintain profitability in a challenging real estate market. I attended this program last summer and had a chance to spend time with many industry leaders both from the brokerage side as well as the affiliated business side of our industry. I'm looking forward to hearing the latest and greatest from companies like Trulia, Google, Sharper Agent, and Zillow.
Keller Williams Realty Advanced Instructor Skills Camp, Dallas, TX: This invitation only event has me really excited. I'm one of just 12 people invited to this 2 day intensive training. As part of the program, I have to deliver a 1/2 hour presentation on a segment of KWU "Camp 443" to the group of my peers and the instructors for the course.
Wisconsin REALTOR Association Board of Director Meeting, Eklhart Lake, WI: This will be my last Board of Directors meeting for my term on the WRA Executive Committee of the past 3 years. I'll be staying involved after my term ends as I'm in year 1 of a 3 year term on the WRA Political Strategy Committee.
Fargo, ND Market Center Training, Fargo, ND: I lost a bet with Fargo Team Leader, Perry Hurth over the Wisconsin/North Dakota State Hockey Game earlier this year. The loss cost me $20 and a trip to Fargo to train at their office. I'm excited to spend 2 days in Fargo with Perry and his great group of agents.
Keller Williams Realty Mega Agent Camp, Austin, TX: This annual event should be a great one! Gary Keller will be releasing his newest book "The Shift" as part of this 2 day event. If it's anything like "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" it should prove to be an awesome tool to help agents succeed in this market.
VACATION: At the end of August I fly to London for a 10 day Atlantis cruise from Harwich, UK to the great city of Barcelona, Spain. It's been 2 years since we've had a trip like this and I'm really looking forward to it. Devery (my partner) and I will be catching up with great friends from Louiseville, KY and Montgomery, AL on this trip.
There you have it. My next 6 weeks. Along the way I will be certain to get at least blog posts out on a weekly basis. I'll also be sharing what I learn from many of this great upcoming opportunities.
Please give me your feedback as well. I'm always striving to make this the best it can be. Send me your thoughts at darren@kittlesonteam.com
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Getting Married In California Could be Criminal
Yet, just another reason why the debate around same sex marriage should be ended, all U.S. residents should be treated equal and we can focus on more pressing issues comes this from The Capital Times:
"Wisconsin is a state that imposes criminal penalties on residents if they enter a marriage outside the state that would be prohibited in the state. The law was created to prohibit underage couples from crossing state lines to marry, but it could be interpreted to apply to same-sex marriages, according to Glenn Carlson of Fair Wisconsin, an advocacy group for gays and lesbians. In Wisconsin, the penalty is a fine of up to $10,000, nine months in prison, or both."
So not only is it not legal to get married to my partner in Wisconsin, it is ILLEGAL to get married to him in a state that recognizes Same Sex Marriage and come back to home to Wisconsin. The state where he and I reside, run a business, employ many people, pay our taxes, contribute by volunteering our time, etc....
I wonder what it's going to take to make this ridiculous debate end.
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