Nicole Charles earned her Wisconsin Real Estate license in 2007, and by June of 2009 was in the top 1% of agents in the South Central Wisconsin MLS based on sold volume for that year. She was named the 2008 Keller Williams North-Central Region Rookie of the Year, and attributes her success to the power of networking. She was Wisconsin's number one Keller Williams single agent based on sold volume in 2009, and the majority of her volume came from referrals.

Contact Nicole and let her help you find your new home. (608) 513-0021 ∙ nicolecharles@kw.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Slap Chop Remix

Well, I think it's funny. Watch this, and be prepared to have this song stuck in your head.

"You're gonna be in a great mood all day, cuz you're gonna be slappin your troubles away with the Slap Chop."

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Christmas Tree Farms near Madison, Wisconsin


  • Summers Christmas Tree Farm
    4610 Rocky Dell Rd., Middleton, WI 53562
    (608) 831-4414
    http://www.summerschristmastreefarm.com/
    Pine, Spruce, and Fir Christmas Trees, wreaths, garland, boughs, Christmas gift shop
    Map

  • Paoli Tree Farm
    6445 Sun Valley Parkway, Belleville, WI 53508
    (608) 424-3936
    Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, Norway Spruce, and White Spruce Christmas Trees, Pre-cut or cut-your-own
    Map

  • Hann's Christmas Farm
    848 Tipperary Rd., Oregon, WI 53575
    (608) 835-5464
    http://www.hannschristmasfarm.com/
    Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and Scotch Pine Christmas Trees, Pre-cut and cut-your-own, Christmas Decorations, Lights, Ornaments, Wreaths, Tree Skirts, Tree Bags, Fresh Holly and Mistletoe
    Map

  • Paul's Tree Farm
    16239 W. Beloit Newark Rd., Brodhead, WI
    (608) 897-2569
    http://www.paulstreefarm.com/
    Scotch Pine, White Pine, Norway Pine, White Spruce, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Balsam Fir, Concolor Fir, Canaan Fir, Fraser Fir, Large Spruce up to 14 ft. Christmas Trees, Pre-cut or cut-your-own, Christmas Ornaments, Handmade Scarves, Wreaths, Snacks,
    Map

  • The Tree Farm
    8454 Highway 19, Cross Plains, WI
    (608) 798-2286
    http://www.thetreefarm.net/
    White Pines, Scotch Pines, Norway Pines, Spruce, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, and Douglas Fir Christmas Trees, Cut-your-own
    Map

  • The Bruce Company Garden Center
    2830 Parmenter Street, Middleton, WI 53562
    (608) 836-7041
    http://www.brucecompany.com/
    Map

  • Jensen Trees
    7507 Valley View Road, Verona, WI 53593
    (608)239-3722
    Map

  • Tree City
    5501 W. Beltline Highway, Madison, WI 53711
    (715) 533-0241
    www.tree-city.net/treecity.htm
    Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, White Pine, and Scotch Pine Christmas Trees, Pre-cut
    Map

  • CaPaul's Country Place Christmas Tree Farm
    5895 River Road, Waunakee, WI 53597
    (608) 849-4276
    http://www.capaulschristmastreefarm.com/
    Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, and Scotch Pine Christmas Trees, Cut-your-own, Apple Cider, Christmas Ornaments, Wreaths, Garland
    Map

  • Ridgetop Trees
    8498 County Highway PD, Mount Horeb, WI 53572
    (608) 437-8810 or (608) 692-1297
    http://www.madison-christmas-trees.com/
    White Pine, Scotch Pine, Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, White Spruce, Black Hills Spruce Christmas Trees, Cut-your-own
    Map

  • Christmas Treeland
    E10861 Terrytown Road, Baraboo, WI 53913
    (608) 356-3307
    www.christmastreeland.com/locationcontactinfo.html
    Balsam Fir, Spruce, Scotch Pine, Norway Pine, White Pine, and Fraser Fir Christmas Trees, Cut-your-own, Wreaths, Holiday Crafts including Stained Glass Decorations, Garland, Hot Apple Cider
    Map

  • Green Thumb Farms Inc.
    S9891 US Hwy 12, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
    1-800-222-2538
    http://www.gtfarms.com/
    Map

  • Miller's Christmas Trees
    N3763 Otsego Road, Rio, WI 53960
    (920)992-3221
    http://www.treerex.com/
    Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine, Red Pine, Blue Spruce, White Spruce, and Serbian Spruce Christmas Trees, Pre-cut and cut-your-own Trees, Wreaths, Gifts and Crafts, Stocking Stuffers, Hot Apple Cider, Candy Canes
    Map

  • Smokey Hollow Farm
    N3056 Smokey Hollow Road, Poynette, WI 53955
    (608) 635-2046
    http://www.smokeyhollowfarm.com/
    Fraser Fir, and Balsam Fir Christmas Trees, Pre-cut, Gift Baskets, Ornaments, Potpourri, Holiday Candles,
    Map

  • Swan Lake Tree Farm
    W6892 Breneman Road, Pardeeville, WI 53954
    (608) 429-3176
    www.gorsetr.com/Swan_lake/Swan_lake.html
    Colorado Blue Spruce and White Spruce Christmas Trees, Pre-cut or cut-your own trees
    Map

  • The Paint Farm
    W6958 King Road, Poynette, WI 53955
    (608) 635-8037
    Fraser Fir Christmas Trees, Cut-your-own trees, Wreaths, Mistletoe, Specialty Shaped Wreaths, Garland, Tree Stands, and Tree Bags
    Map

  • Winterberry Christmas Trees
    N8220 Smith Road, Brooklyn, WI 53521
    (608) 455-2040
    Pre-cut and cut-your-own Christmas Trees, Wreaths, Boughs
    Map

Friday, November 13, 2009

8 Best Neighborhoods in Madison, WI!

Madison Magazine is awesome. I found this article in the August 2009 issue and had to share it. For more Madison news visit http://www.madisonmagazine.com/.


Eight Great Neighborhoods

By Neil Heinen, Brennan Nardi, Shayna Miller, and Katie Vaughn

Home is where the heart is, as the saying goes. And you could definitely fall for these eight beautiful, friendly, charming, historic, quirky – and, yes, great – Madison ‘hoods.
  1. Williamson-Marquette
    Year Established: 1857 – oldest home in the neighborhood

    Icons & Landmarks: Yahara River bridges, Marquette and O’Keeffe schools, Machinery Row, Orton Park. Brick wall advertisements: Gardner’s Purity Bread, King Midas Flour, Madison Candy Company. Festivals: Waterfront, La Fete de Marquette, Orton Park, Willy Street. Retail: The Kitchen Gallery, Rick’s Olde Gold, MadCat. Restaurants: Eldorado Grill, Weary Traveler, Jolly Bob’s, Lao Laan-Xang, Willy Street Co-Op.

    Why It’s So Special: Known affectionately as “Wil-Mar,” the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood is a “forever ‘60s” kind of place. With one sandal-clad foot firmly in the past and the other in the present, Wil-Mar has established itself as more than a crunchy ‘hood. Whether you’re a young, hip urbanite or an old hippie, festivals invite everyone to celebrate, and residents depend on them to support the community. While we all love Wil-Mar for its eccentricities worn as badges of honor, businesses you won’t find anywhere else – Hempen Goods, Grampa’s Gun Shop, A Woman’s Touch, and Ford’s Gym – are weathering a shaky economy, proving that funky or not Wil-Mar marches to a healthy, here-to-stay beat. –SM


  2. Westmorland
    Year Established: 1916 – the first subdivision plat filed

    Icons & Landmarks: Beatty & Strang International Style House, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Usonian House, Glenway Golf Course, J.H. Findorff & Sons’ “Lustron” steel-built homes, Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Midvale School and Community Gardens, Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Sequoya Commons, Stone Pillars at Westmorland Blvd. and Mineral Point Rd., Otto Toepfer House, Village Bar, the annual “Weed Feed” invasive species recipe fest, Westmorland Park.

    Why It’s So Special: The new library at Sequoya Commons, a condo and retail complex that woke up the sleepy west-side neighborhood, is the busiest branch in the city, and residents are fully engaged in community, environmental stewardship and revitalization. With a neighborhood association that goes back almost seventy years, there’s a deep-rooted sense of appreciation and belonging that crosses generations whether it’s eco-volunteering, attending social events, enjoying the bike path, donating to the neighborhood health charity fund that raises $12,000 annually, or simply gathering with friends in the park or coffee shop. –BN


  3. University Heights
    Year Established: 1893 – annexed by the city of Madison in 1903

    Icons & Landmarks: Olin House, home to the UW-Madison chancellor, the Gilmore House by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bradley House by Louis Sillivan, the Elliott House by George Maher, Randall School, First Congregational Church.

    Why It’s So Special: Strolling through this neighborhood is literally a walk through Madison’s architectural heritage. Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, George Maher, Frank Riley, Alvan Small, and others made their mark here, popularizing the Prairie style and also furthering the Queen Anne, Georgian revival, Tudor and International traditions. And look no further than the street signs – marking roads such as Van Hise and Bascom – for proof that the neighborhood developed in tandem with UW-Madison in the early twentieth century. –KV


  4. Dudgeon-Monroe
    Year Established: How about 1909 when Madison’s first gasoline filling station was built at Spooner and Monroe streets? The Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood Association was established in 1973.

    Icons & Landmarks: Budd’s Auto Repair, Edgewood College (and the Pleasure Drive that runs behind it), the Southwest Bike/Pedestrian Path (or Bicycle Beltline to the locals), the “mini-arboretum,” Blessed Sacrament, Temple Beth El and the Friends House, David Maraniss, the real Arboretum, Mallatt’s and Neuhauser’s pharmacies, Michael’s Frozen Custard and the Laurel, Orange Tree Imports, and Parman’s.

    Why It’s So Special: Are you kidding? Frozen custard, trustworthy car care, walkable, bikeable, pretty, practical, and politically active with a football stadium on one end and the home of the Madison Opera on the other. You’re surrounded by Vilas, Nakoma, and a cemetery with your own golf course. (Okay, you share the golf course.) You’ve got a good mix of businesses, outdoor recreation, restaurants, coffee shops, property tax bills and little red flags to help you get across Monroe Street. Life is good in Dudgeon –Monroe. –NH


  5. First Settlement
    Year Established
    : 1837 – Madison’s first residential settlement

    Icons & Landmarks: The Progressive magazine, the Isthmus newspaper, Essen Haus, Lake Monona, the State Capitol building, Café Continental, the Great Dane Pub and Brewing Co. (formerly the Fess Hotel), the Majestic Theatre, Marina condo building.

    Why It’s So Special: Whether it’s at the top of the Marina condos, a sidewalk table at Café Continental, or even the Capitol rotunda, the First Settlement ‘hood has some of the most amazing views in the city – all different, all special. Cosmopolitan in some parts and residential in others, this downtown neighborhood has one of the most urban slices of the city within its confines. Walking down King Street, it’s a bustling cityscape with high-end men’s shop Context, live band venue the Majestic Theatre, stellar sushi place Muramoto, cheeky gay sports bar Woof’s, and chic cocktail haven Opus. Walk a block or two east and find peaceful, tree-lined residential streets with lake views and a beautiful bike path thrown in. –SM


  6. Tenny-Lapham
    Year Established: 1850 – the year the first building was constructed in the area

    Icons & Landmarks: Annual Art Walk, Avenue Bar, Christ Presbyterian Church, 1909 Prairie-style City Market converted into apartments, East Johnson business district, Gate of Heaven public meeting house, James Madison Park, Lapham School and Community Gardens, Reynolds Park, Tenny Park and Locks, Tour de Coops, Yahara River Parkway.

    Why It’s So Special: From mansions on Lake Mendota to two- and three-story flats along the busy Johnson and Gorham thoroughfares, you’ll find historic and contemporary housing stock of all kinds and people of all ages living in this close-knit community that organized its first annual neighborhood festival this summer. Residents are also raising $1.6 million for a beautiful new Tenny Park Shelter that hopes to open in time for the 2010 ice-skating season. –BN


  7. Vilas
    Year Estabilished: 1889 and 1896 – annexed by the city of Madison in 1903

    Icons & Landmarks: Vilas Park, Henry Vilas Zoo, Bear Mound Park (also known as Vilas Circle), Lake Wingra, Edgewood College and Monroe Street lie along the neighborhood’s borders

    Why It’s So Special: What kid wouldn’t want to grow up amid forests, houses painted in a rainbow of colors, a lake, parks, and a zoo? Indeed, Vilas has been a family-friendly neighborhood since developing as one of the city’s original “suburbs” as the electric streetcar line extended out from the isthmus at the turn of the century. Nestled in between the Edgewood and UW campuses, the neighborhood often finds students commuting by food or bike through the tree-lined streets. But an even more common sight is residents walking dogs, pushing strollers, or toting kids past tidy bungalows and lovingly tended gardens to Vilas Park or the adjacent zoo. –KV


  8. Schenk-Atwood
    Year Established: 1999 – Give or take a hundred years. The Schenk-Atwood-Starkweather-Yahara Neighborhood Association was established ten years ago. Fred Schenk opened his general store at the intersection of Atwood and Winnebago about ninety years before that.

    Icons & Landmarks: Becky Steinhoff and the Goodman Atwood Community Center, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, The Harmony Bar, community gardens, Absolutely Art, United Way of Dane county headquarters, public murals and sculptures, Circle Park, the bike path, the Starkweather Solstice Celebration, Studio Paran, Bad Dog Frida, the Barrymore Theatre.

    Why It’s So Special: When a young woman sustained a serious injury that restricted her mobility, her neighbors, including some she barely knew, simply stepped up and built a ramp to her home. This is a special place, aptly described in the neighborhood association brochure as a “diverse, friendly, and human scale village.” Schenk-Atwood has a chic urban hipness with a friendly, inviting warmth, punctuated by gardens, little parks, and one well-known river. And the mix works because people care, plain and simple. -NH

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Real Estate Humor









Ha!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Where to Buy Fresh Turkeys in Madison, Wisconsin

Are you having friends or family over for a big Thanksgiving feast? If so, bake your loved ones a FRESH, NEVER FROZEN turkey this Thanksgiving!

Here is a quick list of grocers in the Madison Area that have fresh turkeys. But call ahead now! Many of these stores require you to reserve a fresh turkey ahead of time!
  • Jenifer Street Market
    2038 Jenifer St.
    Madison, WI 53704
    (608) 244-6646

  • Miller & Sons Super Market
    210 S. Main St.
    Verona, WI 53593
    (608) 845-6478

  • Main Street Market
    1050 Main St.
    Stoughton, WI 53589
    (608) 873-8944

  • Regent Street Market
    2136 Regent St.
    Madison, WI 53726

  • Sentry Supermarket
    726 N. Midvale Blvd.
    Madison, WI 53705
    (608) 236-2030

  • Willy Street Co-Op
    1221 Williamson St.
    Madison, WI 53703
    (608) 251-6776

  • Stoddards Market
    205 E. Cottage Grove Rd.
    Cottage Grove, WI 53527
    (608) 839-4228

(Information from http://www.bellandevans.com/)

It's That Time of Year Again: Winter Parking Rules in Madison, Wisconsin

This morning I got in my car and noticed a folded piece of paper under my windshield wiper. I was in a bit of a rush, like every morning, so I pulled into traffic and rolled down my window. I turned my windshield wipers on and, steering with my right hand, stuck my left arm out the window and reached for the dirty piece of paper as it went back and forth under the wipers. You have to time these things right, you know. I got it on the second wiper wipe, and I think only one lady saw me flailing out the window. Not bad.

So anyway, the piece of paper had some pretty relevant information on it. Do you ever park on the street overnight in Madison like I do? As of November 15th, you and I will have to pay attention to which side we park on.

  • The Rules:

    Vehicles must be parked on the even house numbered side of the street from 1am until 7am on even numbered days, and on the odd house numbered side of the street from 1am until 7am on odd numbered days.

    Madison's alternate side parking rules are in effect from November 15th through March 15th. The rules are in effect for most of Madison seven days a week regardless of weather conditions.

    A Snow Emergency will be declared whenever it becomes necessary to plow streets. During a Snow Emergency, you may park on the designated alternate side as usual, but off-street parking would be best. If you're downtown during a Snow Emergency, you can park for free in the cashiered sections of city-owned parking ramps from 9pm to 7am. A Snow Emergency will remain in effect for a minimum of 48 hours to give crews an opportunity to clear both sides of the streets.

You can get a text whenever a Snow Emergency is declared by signing up at my.cityofmadison.com. However, you know you'll mess this up at least once:
  • The Fines:

    In the Alternate Side Parking Zone, the parking violation will remain at $20 unless there is a Declared Snow Emergency in which case the parking violation will be increased to $60.

    If you get towed during a Snow Emergency (it's happened to the best of us), you'll get a $60 alternate side parking violation ticket, plus a $50 towing fee.


So....Happy Holidays!

If you want to know more, go to www.cityofmadison.com/winter

Monday, November 9, 2009

Barack Obama Speaks at Wright Middle School in Madison, WI

Barack Obama visited Wright Middle School in Madison last week, and spoke to students about the importance of Education.

Five reasons to Buy or Sell a Home with Nicole Charles & Associates

Five reasons to work with Nicole Charles & Associates of Keller Williams Realty:

  1. We save you money! On average, our Sellers net about 3.5% more with us than when working with other agents, and our Buyers save roughly 5% more than when working with other agents.
  2. Our listings sell in about one third of the time than the average listing in the area!
  3. Nicole’s expert negotiation skills ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible with your home sale or purchase.
  4. Our team is dedicated to excellent customer service and to making sure that you know exactly what’s going on and what is to come at all points within your transaction.
  5. Nicole’s strong mortgage background is a huge asset in today’s changing market. Helping Buyers and Sellers understand what contingencies a lender will and will not allow can really make all the difference in getting to a successful closing!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Nicole tells how she became the Rookie of the Year

Congress Extends and Expands First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit!

Dear Readers,

I'm excited to be able to tell you that Congress has passed an extension of the $8000 first time buyer tax credit. Additionally, there is also an added provision for a $6500 tax credit available to current home owners who make a move right now! This is exciting news!

The new tax credit is available to homeowners who have resided in their primary residence for at least 5 years. There is no requirement in regards to 'buying up', so this credit is an advantage to everyone, even those who are considering downsizing!

This extension/revision is great news for both Buyers and Sellers alike. Buyers - you now have time to find that house if you haven't already done so. Seller's - you now have an added incentive to make a move in the current market. Money is cheap, prices are low, and it's a FANTASTIC time to make a move!

Please feel free to pass this information on to anyone who you think may find it useful. Of course, I'd love to chat with anyone you know who has considered making a move but hasn't been able to do so yet. Your referrals alre always greatly appreciated!

Let me know if you have any questions. Make it a great day!

Nicole
nicolecharles@kw.com
(608) 513-0021


The following information about the tax credit extension is from the National Association of Realtors.

Homebuyer Tax Credit FAQs:
  • Q: Existing homeowner credit: Must the new house cost more than the old house?
  • A: No. Thus, for example, individuals who move from a high cost area to a lower cost area who meet all eligibility requirements will qualify for the $6500 credit.

  • Q: I am an existing homeowner. On October 25, 2009, I signed a contract to purchase a new home. I have lived in my current home for more than 5 consecutive years and am within the new income limits. I will go to settlement on November 20. If President Obama has signed the bill by the time I go to settlement, will I qualify for the new $6500 tax credit?
  • A: Yes. The existing homeowner credit goes into effect for purchases after the date of enactment (when the bill is signed). There is no reference to the date of contract for the new credit. The provision looks solely to the date of purchase, which is generally the date of settlement.

  • Q: I am a firsttime homebuyer but was not within the prior income limits at the time I entered into my contract to purchase on October 30, 2009. I will be covered, however, by the new income limits. If the new rules have been signed into law by the time I go to settlement, will I be eligible for a credit?
  • A: Yes. The new income limitations go into effect as soon as the President has signed the bill. The income limit and other eligibility rules will look to your status as of the date of purchase, which is the settlement date. So if the new rules have been signed when you go to settlement, you should be eligible for the credit (or a portion of the credit if you're within the phaseout range).

  • Q: I am an eligible existing homeowner. I have a fair amount of equity in my home. I have found a home with a nonnegotiable price of $825,000. Will I be able to use any of the $6500 tax credit?
  • A: No. The $800,000 cap on the cost of the purchased home is firm at $800,000. Any amount above $800,000 makes the home ineligible for any portion of the credit. The $800,000 is an absolute ceiling.

  • Q: I owned my home for 10 years, but sold it two years ago year and have been renting since. If I purchase a home, will I be eligible for the $6500 tax credit if I meet all the other eligibility tests?
  • A: Yes. Because you lived in the home for more than 5 consecutive years of the previous 8, you will qualify for the $6500 credit. For example, Say John and his wife bought a home in 2000 and lived there until 2008 when he got a divorce. Whether John has been renting or bought in the interim, he WOULD INDEED be eligible for the credit because he owned a home and occupied it as his principal residence for 5 consecutive years out of the last 8 years. The keyword here is "consecutive." As long as he lived in that house for 5 years straight what he did since 3 years doesn't impact eligibility.

  • Q: I am an eligible firsttime homebuyer. I entered into a contract to purchase on November 1, 2009. Do I have to go to closing before December 1? How does the extension date affect me?
  • A: You do not have to close before December 1. Once the legislation has been signed, it will be as if the Nov 30 date had never existed. Therefore, so long as the contract settles before April 30 (or July 1, worst case), the purchaser will be eligible for the credit.


The Differences:
Old Tax Credit (Jan 1 - Nov 20, '09) vs.
New Tax Credit (Dec 1 - Apr 30, '10)

First-time Buyer Credit Amount
• Then: $8,000.
• Now: $8,000.

First-time Buyer Definition for Eligibility
• Then: May not have had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years prior to purchase.
• Now: Same.

Current Homeowner Credit Amount
• Then: $0.
• Now: $6,500.

Current Homeowner Definition for Eligibility
• Then: None.
• Now: Must have used the home sold or being sold as a principal residence consecutively for 5 of the previous 8 years.

Termination of Credit
• Then: Purchases after November 30, 2009.
• Now: Purchases after April 30, 2010.

Binding Contract Rule
• Then: None.
• Now: So long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Income Limits
• Then: $75,000 - single, $150,000 - married.
• Now: $125,000 - single, $225,000 - married.

Limitation on Cost of Purchased Home
• Then: None.
• Now: $800,000.

Purchase by a Dependent
• Then: None.
• Now: Ineligible.

Anti-fraud Rule
• Then: None.
• Now: Purchaser must attach documentation of purchase to tax return.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Countdown to Thanksgiving!

thanksgivingturkey

Fannie Mae to rent out homes instead of foreclosing


Thousands of borrowers on the verge of foreclosure will soon have the option of renting their homes from Fannie Mae, under a policy announced Thursday.

The government-controlled company, through its new "Deed for Lease" program, will allow borrowers to transfer ownership to Fannie Mae and sign a one-year lease, with month-to-month extensions after that.

The program will "eliminate some of the uncertainty of foreclosure, keeps families and tenants in their homes during a transitional period, and helps to stabilize neighborhoods and communities," Jay Ryan, a Fannie Mae vice president, said in a statement.

But the effort is likely to affect a relatively small number of homeowners. In the first half of the year, Fannie Mae took back about 1,200 properties through this process, known as a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure. That pales in comparison to the 57,000 foreclosed properties the company repossessed in the period.

While neither option is particularly attractive for the homeowner, a deed-in-lieu does less harm to the borrower's credit record.

The rental program is designed to help homeowners who don't qualify for a loan modification under the Obama administration's plan, but still want to remain in their homes. Fannie Mae is not planning to market the homes for sale during the one-year rental period.

Fannie Mae has hired an outside company, which officials declined to identify, to manage the properties.

To qualify, homeowners have to live in the home as their primary residence and prove that they can afford the market rent, which would be determined by the management company. The rent can't be more than 31 percent of their pretax income.

Fannie Mae's sibling company, Freddie Mac, launched a similar effort in March. That policy, however, requires the foreclosure to be complete and only allows month-to-month leases. A Freddie Mac spokesman declined to say how many borrowers have participated.

(Article from www.Madison.com, written by ALAN ZIBEL, Originally posted on Thursday, November 5, 2009, 9:00 am)

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Hydrogen Economy: Fundamental Changes In Our Future


Monday, 11/30/2009, 7:30 pm

Distinguished Lecture Series - Jeremy Rifkin

Futurist Jeremy Rifkin is the author of 16 books on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the work force, society, and the environment. His book, The End of Work, is an international best-seller that is widely credited with helping shape the current global debate on technology displacement, corporate downsizing, and the future of jobs. He is a frequent guest on numerous television programs, including Crossfire, Face the Nation, Nightline, 20/20, Larry King Live, The Today Show, and Good Morning America. Rifkin's latest book, The Hydrogen Economy, is an eye-opening journey into the next great commercial era in history. He envisions the dawn of a new economy powered by hydrogen that will fundamentally change the nature of our market, political and social institutions, just as coal and steam power did at the beginning of the industrial age.

Memorial Union - Wiscosin Union Theater.
Free; see website for free ticket distribution information
www.union.wisc.edu/DLS