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Glenn Hanon

WSJ: Murky Outlook?


Robert Shiller, of the Case Shiller Index is interviewed in this video by the WSJ. The outlook is not that great, but there is good news. First our area has not been affected as severely as other parts of the country. We see that the first quarter of 2010 and perhaps into the second quarter the activity will be stronger than 2009. The threat of rising interest rates should be of concern to sellers and buyers. So while the saying sounds overused, NOW is the time to sell for two main reasons. First as a seller you can take advantage of the opportunity while the homebuyer tax credit is still available. Buyers must be under contract by April 30, 2010. The second reason is that most economists believe that interest rates will have to rise in 2010. If rates go up from 5% to 6% this decreases the buyer’s top price by 10% if the buyer is payment sensitive—which almost all are today. If you would like more information about our local real estate economy or the value of your home feel free to call me.

Posted by:Glenn Hanon

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Merry Christmas

From our family to yours we hope you had a great 2009 and hope that 2010 is a great year for you. (Pictured left to right, Robert my youngest son, me, my wife Lori and our oldest son Paul. Robert is holding our dog, but she decided not to cooperate with the camera.)

While the news is full of stories about the real estate market, often times the real stories of people are sometimes missed. Companies are still relocating employees and they have an immediate need to sell quickly and move on to their new destination. This year I helped more relocating families than I have in past years and was thrilled to help make these difficult moves a little easier. Shorewest implemented a new policy when it comes to relocation too. Now only a handful of selected agents are considered to be Relocation Consultants. Earlier this year we were required to complete in-house training and sit for an exam. The new standards insure that the family who puts their trust in the Shorewest family of agents will get the best possible service—that is what the “Certified Shorewest Relocation Specialist” designation is all about. In the coming year if you need assistance with your move, whether you are relocating across the country or across town, I would be delighted to provide the very best in service to you and your family.

Wishing you the best…

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Incredible Value in Oconomowoc



This incredible home is situated on a almost 1 acre city lot that is adjacent to a beautiful park. There are 4 large bedrooms on the second floor with an optional 5th bedroom in the finished lower level, handsome family room with bookcases that flank the bricked fireplace. A large kitchen with sunny southern-facing dinette also features an island and plenty of counter space. A 3.5 car garage is ideal for extra storage. Priced at $274,500 1391 Forest View Lane is the perfect home for a buyer looking for extreme value.

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Firehouse at Pabst Farms

The new firehouse for the Oconomowoc Fire Department will be ready for operation in May of 2010 according to Chief Beguhn of the Oconomowoc Police Department. When completed the 14,000 sq. ft. facility will house the combined fire departments of Oconomowoc and the Town of Summit. Oconomowoc’s other fire department is located on the corner of Second Street and South Concord Road. The Summit Fire Department has operated out of the Town Hall and will now move to the new facility. One large tower and a smaller tower will be available for training purposes on-site. The larger facility will have two drive-through bays and will have enough room for 8 vehicles. As you can see from the artist rendering of the building the architecture features a gabled roof and natural stone materials. Due to the proximity of near-by subdivisions the firehouse reflects some of the residential feel. You will notice the new structure to the east of Hwy 67 and the Kwik Trip. The firehouse is on the eastern leg of the Oconomowoc Parkway.

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Oconomowoc Hospitals

There is a buzz in the air with the two new hospitals in Oconomowoc. The soon-to-open Aurora Hospital (pictured above), located just south of I-94 on Hwy 67, (click here to view a map) and Pro Health’s state of the art facility on Summit Avenue (pictured on right), near the heart of Oconomowoc are both imposing sites. Beyond all the press releases the best way to find out when the hospital opens is the people that work there. I found this blog from nurses that discuss the opening and it looks like March 1, 2010 is the date to watch for Aurora. Pro Health, Oconomowoc’s first hospital is also looking for talented health care professionals and is holding a grand opening on Dec. 12th. There has been much talk about hospital wars with the two competing facilities, but I like to look at it this way. Oconomowoc is in the midst of two distinct entities that are eager to provide the best health care possible. Both hospitals are looking for good qualified people too. This is all good for the surrounding business and the housing economy in Oconomowoc. From the downtown merchants to the shops at Pabst Farms more interest in our great city is very positive.

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From City Hall

Maury Sullivan (pictured on left), Oconomowoc mayor announced that he is seeking re-election this coming April. The primary will be held this February 17th 2010. The mayor hopes to finish several initiatives that have started on his watch. The revitalization of the waterfront near city hall is just one of the projects that can change downtown Oconomowoc for the better. Currently discussions are still underway as to where the new train station will be located in the city for high speed rail. Additionally, Mayor Sullivan would like to see improvements with our city roads—and I couldn’t agree with him more on that. Much has been done lately especially with the reworking of the downtown area. Next year we should see the road project finished from the four corners west to the county line. In 1999 the Town of Summit and the City of Oconomowoc finalized their Border Agreement and as of December 31, 2009 several parcels that were in the Town of Summit will now be a part of the city. Several residences are involved in the assimilation to the city and when calculating taxes for the sake of a real estate transaction, it would be best to have those proration amounts agreed to in writing. Oconomowoc is ready for smart growth and with some of these projects we look forward to a bright future.

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