Viroqua Wisconsin's Hill Country

South Street in Virqoua

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 23:26:00 +0000

A brand new intersection is now open for traffic in Viroqua. As anyone who regularly drives East out of town would know, the construction has been underway for most of the summer. South Street has now been greatly changed forever from what was once a quiet, peaceful, dead end street to an open thoroughfare linking this former side street to the all the traffic coming off of highway 56. This intersections opening is part of the larger Highway 56 project slated to start up again this coming spring. But today... much to my surprise, E. South Street, Mahoney Road and WIS 56 were suddenly and totally completed. The work done, consists of grading, new storm sewer, curb/gutter and asphalt pavement with a construction costs estimated to be $540,000. Anyone driving out that way today would have been very startled and surprised by the major visual changes it has created in Virqoua's Landscape. Here are a few photos of the new intersection.

Center Street in Viroqua

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 13:49:00 +0000

Over the past few years Viroqua has seen more businesses opened up access along Center Street which parallels Main Street. From Nelson's True-value off of Decker going north, there is now Walgreen's, and a few blocks further north, is the Viroqua Food Coop. They both generate a lot of traffic. Also, along the 700 block where the RE/MAX office is located, most of the neighboring private businesses have turned their back yards into private parking lots. The traffic going into and out of these parking lots is adding even more cars on Center Street. It is often very difficult to drive down parts of Center Street, due to it being a very narrow street. With parking on both sides of the street, it has become even worse. When large trucks are making deliveries, or when someone is riding along Center on a bike, it seems to me that the likelihood of an accident is very possible. I think it would be good to limit the parking to only one side of street, what's your opinion?

This Sunday's Open Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:29:00 +0000

There are two open houses to visit this Sunday

The first open is from 12 Noon until 2 P.M.
410 East Decker Street Viroqua, WI 54665
Will be open, this home features 4 bedrooms and 2 baths

It is a Craftman's Style home... An original 3-lite oak front door bids you directly into the living area, where the open floor plan extends into an extra spacious dining room which was expanded. Warming up the living room is a pellet stove, which is included. Access to the upper floor is by way of a staircase off the dining room, which leads to 3 bedrooms and a full bath. The main floor 4th bedroom is currently used as an office, a bath with laundry and an airy and bright kitchen are at the rear of the first floor. A recent addition to this home is an attached breezeway linking up the 2-car garage to the house. The back yard is fenced and has new concrete pavement for plenty of parking at the end of a very convenient side driveway.

Hosting this open is Mary Strang and she can be reached at 608-606-2999 if you have questions or need directions to the location.

The Second Open House will be at :

E4660 Bean Lane Coon Valley, WI 54632

Open from 2:30 pm until 4pm. This log home is a fanciful 3-bedroom 2-bath log home that has creative storybook-style flair!
Again Mary Strang will host this open and can be reached at 608-606-2999 for directions or details.

Directions are: From Hwy 14 take 162 South to Dodson Hollow turn East 2.5 miles to Bean Lane turn Left . Can also take K or 162 out of Stoddard.

Dog Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:47:00 +0000

Autumn is such a great time to come out to Vernon County for a walk in the wooded countryside. To explore nature, have fun in the fresh fall air and romp in the open spaces. Isn’t it just great to get out of the city? Frequently, when many buyers and sellers arrive they have also brought along their dogs, to let them loose to run. What may seem like an opportunity to let loved pets sprint freely and enjoy the open spaces can quickly turn into a pet owners worse nightmare. By turning your back for a short second in the woods, some sad things can happen, quietly and swiftly. Pet owners should be constantly aware that the woodlands are also habitat to predatory animals and birds of prey.

Just this past Friday one such incident occurred. A visitor’s mini Chihuahua vanished into thin air, leaving the owner in tears. It is not certain what or how it actually happened, but most likely a hawk was the culprit. Ever on a hunt for an easy meal, a raptor would have been keeping a keen eye on the less than 4-pound dog. If you bring small pets along for a tour of the woods, it is good advice to always keep them leashed. Small pets are no match for coyotes and hawks. It may have been possible that this pet could have fallen down a deep ravine or wondered far out of hearing range. However, the owner said, the pet was always within a few feet of her side. More likely in the deep woods where birds of prey hunt and live, they can be silent killers. All depending on when they had their last meal, they will be watching and waiting for an available moment to strike, then to dine on any easy prey.

Viroqua Open Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 23:14:00 +0000

3 homes will be held Open

Wednesday night in Viroqua

10/3/2007 4:40 until 6:30pm

Open House #1: With approximately 2576 square-feet on the main level and more than 2800 on the lower level, the home boasts two luxurious and sleek living spaces. This home makes a commanding first impression as you pass through the formal front entry doorway of steel and glass into a massive interior living space. Trademark picture windows flood all the rooms with sunlight. There is an equally impressive dining area and a modernized open kitchen loaded with cabinetry and expansive countertop space. The profusion of tiled flooring and the mammoth natural stone fireplace will immediately grab your attention. There are 3 bedrooms down a central hallway; the master has a 3/4 bath. Also, two car attached garage, plus a 24 x26 additional unattached two car garage. Asking price is $229,000

S3905 Bakkom Road Viroqua, WI 54665-8163

Hostess is Mary Norris Strang cell number is: 608-606-2999
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Open House #2 With a characteristic center entry hall, the view into the living room is just to the right. With a full view of the original wood burning fireplace it evokes thoughts of a cold winter evening and crackling fires. The living room encompasses the entire span; front to back of half the main floor. A formal dining area to the rear features twin built in china cabinet. The 3 bedrooms are located up the open stairway and share a spacious hallway bath. The balance of the main floor is shared with the kitchen, an office, as well as, an attached sun porch which is home to a hot tub spa included with this sale. Also, new furnace. Asking price is $119,900

428 East Oak Street Viroqua, WI 54665-2030

Linda Sherry will be the Hostess and she can be reached at cell number: 608-606-1648 **************************************************************

Open House Number 3: Lots of charm, lots of room, lots of sunshine, lots of updates yet not a lot of dollars all can be found in this move in ready home. Priced to sell: this home features wood floors, a large dining room, two bathrooms and three bedrooms with a possible fourth bedroom. The updated eat-in kitchen, large yard that has been landscaped and fenced all make this a happy home. With a large front porch plus a swing, this home welcomes you with warmth and grace. Shining hardwood floors, original wood staircase and room for family fun and entertaining. The finished back porch has access to the deck and backyard for easy summer entertaining. Asking $124,900

110 West South Street Viroqua, WI 54665-1943

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2007 Flood in the Kickapoo Valley

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 13:29:00 +0000

On Sunday morning major flooding hit the Kickapoo Valley area, with record high-water! The Villages of Viola, LaFarge and Readstown in Vernon county and Soldiers Grove and Gays Mills in Crawford Counties were cut off by the swift rise of the Kickapoo River and contributing streams. Here is a slide show of some photos taken of the event.

Things to do, How about Pasture Golf ?

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:28:00 +0000

More Things to do for Fun... Over in Timber Coulee, which is between Westby and Cashton, off of highway 27 on County P. There is a nice little 9 hole, Par 3 golf course at the basin of the Snowflake ski jumps. The course is short, fun, and inexpensive to play. It will take only about an hour & a half to finish.

There is also another pasture golf course call the Serendipity located nearby Avalanche I have not play the course yet, but know many who have. The reports are good, that it too is cheap and fun to play.

Wednesday Night Open Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:46:00 +0000

Open House Wednesday, 8/8/07 From 4:30 P.M. To 6:30 P.M.

Hosted by Mary Strang

Location is 308 E Oak Street Viroqua. Home features 2 bedrooms 1 bath, priced at $79,900 It has newer siding, roof, all new replacement windows and a full basement.

Directions to the home are: Take Main Street South to Terhune,. Make a left turn on Terhune. At Rusk Street turn right. Watch for the open house signs on the corner of Rusk and Oak Street and make another left. Property is on the left side.

Open House Wednedsay 8/1/2007

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 11:39:00 +0000

Two homes will be open next week.

Wednesday night from 4:30 pm until 6:30 pm
Mary Strang will host: 504 Meadowood Court Viroqua, WI 54665

The Directions to this home are: From Hwy 14/61 in Viroqua, go West on South Street , South on Elm Avenue, West on Meadowood Court to property.

This open house at 322 North East Avenue is canceled for tonight as it now has an accepted offer

322 North East Avenue Viroqua, WI 54665. The Price has been reduced to $112,900 it is currently a duplex but could be converted back to a single family home.

Directions to this open are: From 14/61 East on Decker, Left on East Avenue and Property is on the West Side of the Street.

Summertime Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 14:54:00 +0000

Saturday I went out to tour a new listing and inspect the property; to my pleasant surprise, the island counter top in this home was filled with gleaming glass mason jars, freshly canned with green beans. It reminded me of how much fun canning can be. Part of the joys of country living is of course planting your own a huge garden and reaping the rewards of home grown organic foods. For most, it is no longer a necessity to can vegetables for the cost saving. Most who can, do it simply because these vegetable just taste better. It is something the whole family can do together for fun and enjoyment and the later rewards from an abundant summertime garden. After all, there is no better treat than the taste of the vegetable you grew yourself and the satisfaction of having a full pantry full of vegetables to enjoy over winter!

Here is a recipe for Canned Green Beans:

Gather in beans. Cut or Snap them about 1-1 1/2 inches long. Wash about 3 times. Have jars washed. Hot water pack the green beans in jars. Put in 1 teaspoon canning salt for quart-size jars on top. Then fill with hot water to 1/2-inch from top. Put on the canning jar lids and screw on very tight.

Place jars in pressure cooker which has 1/2-gallon of hot water in it. Be sure to fasten cooker lid on good. Place on burner. Bring pressure up to 10 degrees, pressure for 25 minutes. Turn off fire. Let cool down to zero. Open the pressure gauge to let off the steam. Be very careful when opening cooker. The heat coming from inside the pressure cooker is very hot, it can burn you.

Realtors Golf Outing

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 01:53:00 +0000

Every July, our MLS, the La Crosse Realtor Association sponsors a Golf outing, which is held at the Cedar Creek Country Club in Onalaska. This year, it was again on a Monday, July 9th. It was a scramble format with each foursome having at least 2 Realtors on each team. The weather was sunny, and warm; it was a great day for golfing. Both Linda and I attended with our husbands; it was our 2rd time together at this event. Thanks to our husband's, our team finished with a respectable Par for the course! There are always flag events on each hole and we were lucky enough to win 2 of them.

Linda is pictured here coming back with a $50. gift card for winning the flag on hole #10 for Woman’s longest drive in the fairway her drive was about 170 yards. Du, Linda’s husband also had the longest drive in the fairway on hole #2 for men. It was a whopper of a drive, being all of 280 yards! I had signed a flag for longest putt on #18, but later was beat out by another team and lost the flag for my 20 foot putt into the cup. Well, that's golf... Even so we all had a great time at the event and will plan to attend again next year. Also, a big thanks to The Title Company, as the Margaritas on the 7th hole were great! Linda filmed this video clip of me attempting to make it to the green on a par 3 hole, without success!

Happy 4th of July

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 22:07:00 +0000

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
Photo by Carla Schill

Flowering Vines

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 12:30:00 +0000

It is prime blooming time for CLEMATIS vines, and they really are pretty this year. The secret to making a clematis feel at home in your garden is to plant it where the roots will be cool and well drained and the top will be in the sunlight. These easy to grow plants can add a dramatic splash of color to your landscape. Add a decorative trellis to your side yard along the driveway, plant around your mailbox post, or just up let them climb up your downspouts on the corner of your house. They will bloom from June to September, adding lots of brilliant color and cheer. These flowering vines just might help sell your home. There is nothing more powerful to draw a buyer into your home than an attractive well tended garden!

Summer is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 13:18:00 +0000

With summer in full swing, if you are planning a trip to Vernon County's Coulee Region, and are wondering what there is to do? Well here is a short list of a few fun activities that will certainly be worth exploring.

1. Stay at one of the many owner operated B and B’s
2. Visit the Kickapoo Reserve Visitor Center
3. Bring your fly fishing equipment and enjoy the many Trout Streams
4. The Viroqua farmers market is open every Saturday morning
5. Plan a road trip to tour the historic round barns of Vernon County
6. Take a drive along the Great River Road to view the Mississippi River
7. A day trip to visit Norsekedalen
8. Rent a canoe and paddle the Kickapoo River
9. Tour Amish communities, shopping for quilts, furniture and fresh eggs
10. Cycle the back roads of Vernon County or the Sparta bike trail

Country Home Open Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:06:00 +0000

Driving directions to the open house at:

S4115 Mc Clurg Lane Viroqua, WI 54665

From Viroqua: West on Highway 56 approximately six miles, Right at McClurg Lane. Property is at the end of the lane.

Pigsty

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 13:11:00 +0000

As the real estate bubble bursts all across the country many homeowners are facing foreclosure and eviction for non-payment of their mortgages. Right here in Vernon County it has become a little more common to see REO properties coming on the market. For those of you who do not know what REO is, it is a Mortgaged property acquired by a servicer on behalf of the mortgagee, through foreclosure or Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure. In other words it is a repossessed property that is now offered again for sale by the lender or bank. Usually the agent who get the assignment has to manage the property and get it in shape to re-sell. Sometimes the prior owner leaves these homes in awful condition. One of the worst cases was recently features on CNN.

Road Work in Viroqua

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sun, 27 May 2007 14:56:00 +0000

The roadwork is continuing on Decker Street and Gillette Street in Viroqua. This project was started in early April and is well underway for the upgrading and repairs needed on the sewer systems and water mains. The construction is awfully hard to get around and has made it difficult to get over to the Court House or to show any homes for sale in this portion of Viroqua. Our sympathy to anyone who works at Court House or lives over in this part of town!

“A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery along the detour.”

Dangers of Overpricing

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Fri, 25 May 2007 13:51:00 +0000

So you want to sell, don’t make the mistake of overpricing the property. The price the property goes on market with is the most important first step to getting it sold. The market really sets the sold price, not the Realtor or the Seller.

What is the market?
It is what similar properties have sold for in that past 12 months.
The dynamics of some markets are changing; sales data may be out of date, requiring downward adjustments for the percentage of loss in the market price. Thereby requiring the analyzing of comparable sales of less than 6 months. It is also measured by how long it will take to sell your property at a given price and additionally what the buyer is willing to pay for the home or property.

10 Common Reasons for overpricing:
1. Over improvement
2. Original purchase price was too high
3. Need
4. Assessed Value was increased
5. Move is not necessary
6. Emotional attachment
7. Moving to an area were a replacement property is more expensive
8. Opinions of family and friends
9. Desired Negotiation room; “ you can always come down”
10. Testing the market; “you don’t have to sell”

Unfortunately pricing is not an exact science. It is a combination of examining the comparable sales data; the supply of similar property, and the time it takes to sell similar property. At the end, the property is worth what a buyer is willing to pay. The Seller and the Realtor can establish the asking price but the market determines the final sales price. The warning sign of an overprice property are few or no showings and no offers. Conversely, too many showings and no offers can also mean the price is attractive but the property does not match the value expected of that asking price, end result is an overpriced property.

Nobody Sells More Real Estate

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Thu, 17 May 2007 14:00:00 +0000

The MLS, Multiple Listing Services keep statistics on the number of transactions closed each year within their membership. Generally there are 2 transactions per sale, a listing side and a selling side. When a property is listed in the various State MLS systems and later when a property is sold, the numbers are computed for many reasons. One objective is to determine which member firm state wide sold the most property. For the past year, 2006 RE/MAX agents all across Wisconsin completed the most closed transaction totals. Our office's numbers were also tabulated within these results. Thus, No one in Wisconsin Sells more real estate than RE/MAX. Congratulations and a good job to all my fellow RE/MAX agents across Wisconsin!

Real Estate Roller Coaster

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Wed, 16 May 2007 14:16:00 +0000

The history of real estate is shown in this roller coaster analogy of ups and down of home sales. Take a ride...

A Fun Day of Golf

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:01:00 +0000

It was a memorable day, with getting my first eagle on the signature hole number 11 at the Viroqua Hill Golf Club. It is a 500-yard par 5 hole. I hit my drive straight and long, the second shot was with my 5 wood, also staying in the fairway. The final shot was with my 7 wood, which I hit approximately 120 yards and it landed into the cup!

An Eagle score is two stokes below par on any hole and most often are made on par-5’s. To have the ball land in the cup on the last fairway drive was a real thrill and surprise. This is what keeps you coming back to play a round of golf.

New to our website

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Wed, 09 May 2007 01:46:00 +0000

Recently we have added a new feature to our web site. You can find it on the View Listings Tab. Click on Distinctive Properties to view it. This feature includes a slide show and classical music show casing our Team's Premier listings. Typically these distinctive home listings will be in the price range of $300,000 or above. We hope you will enjoy viewing this new presentation! Here is a sample: Distinctive Property

Town and Country

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 16:46:00 +0000

Have it both ways…Town convenience and Country privacy! This remarkable property boasts densely wooded country acreage and an exceptionally well-maintained 3-bedroom 2-bath ranch style home. Secluded from the street amid more than 15 acres of natural landscaping, the long tree-lined drive unfolds in an impressive approach to this home. There is also a contributory stream on this land. This feeder stream flows into Baker Creek and eventually ends up at the Kickapoo River. The stream quietly meanders across the horse pasture, and loops it’s way though the mature woods of the home site supplying a water source for the owners 2 horses.

Inviting Living: Providing wonderful opportunities for entertaining, the spacious kitchen adjoins an informal dining-L, which has patio doors leading out to the deck and secluded backyard views. A vaulted ceiling with an exposed beam is a prominent featured of the sunlit living room, as is the newer bay window. These vaulted and airy ceilings continue throughout the entire home. All 3 bedrooms are conveniently located on the first floor, along with a centrally located hall bath. A recently added lower level family room features plenty of space for a big screen TV and an exercise room. Additionally there is a full 2nd bath on this level along with the laundry area.

Other Highlights: The out building has a workshop and room for additional indoor parking. There is a small lean-to horse shed and plenty of pastureland for the horses. The magnificent property is lush, wooded, and teeming with deer and wild turkey making for good hunting land. Plus as an added bonus this property comes with the amenities of having city natural gas and cable TV!

Soon to Open

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 18:53:00 +0000

A sign just went up on the south side of town announcing that Viroqua is going to have its first Mexican Restaurant... hola!!! The building was recently sold, and the new restaurant will be named Chilito Lindo. It will soon be opening in the small roadside establishment that was formerly a diner called Karen's Kitchen. If you have a taste for adventure, Mexican food is known to be hot and spicy and rich with favor. So with a menu of Enchiladas, Chile Rellenos and Fajitas, we may be in for a new treat. The name chilito, was originally introduced and used as a food item on Taco Bell’s menu. Toco Bell later changed the name from chilito to a chili cheese burrito, as it turns out that chilito translates into a slang word of which I won’t mention here, you will have to search that out yourself. I have been told that there are almost 20 places to eat in town. Most of our local restaurants are small mom-&-pop shops with a menu that usually features cheeseburger and fries. There are several very good organic food establishments and we also have a Chinese buffet in town, plus, 2 larger steakhouse supper clubs and franchises like McDonalds, Subway, also Culvers. We are sure to have a broaden selection of ethnic dinning with the addition of this new eatery.

Welcome Chilito Lindo; Viroqua will be looking forward to salsas, chips and experiencing a taste of Mexican cuisine!

Tax Time Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Mary Strang) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 18:16:00 +0000

Ten New Tax Laws You Need to Know - Lawmakers were busy in 2006, so be sure to check out these tax code changes. They might save you some money.