Hidden Upgrades

When walking through a home, the eye-catching higher end details often stand out. Great hardwood floors. Solid surface counter tops. Wonderful paint colors. Garden tubs. Six panel, solid wood doors.

Don't forget to ask about the things that are not as easy to see. Look for higher end upgrades in energy efficient features. These upgrades in a home will not only improve your comfort, but they also will save you money, making a home more affordable in the long run.

Take a good look at the windows. Are they a basic builder's grade window, or has the homeowner splurged with low e glass and argon fill? Windows can be a source of enormous heat loss in a home, and quality windows are a huge money saver in the long run. There are many different types of windows, and The Efficient Window Collaborative has an informative website explaining some of the differences.

What is the r-value of the insulation? This one is not easy to see, so ask the seller for documentation if they can provide it. Higher r-values make a home less expensive to both heat and cool.

Have the ducts been sealed? Heating and cooling combined account for about 46% of a home's energy cost on average. With a forced air system, ducts that have been sealed and insulated can prevent energy loss significantly.

Check out the efficiency rating for the heating and cooling system. An Energy Star system is one upgrade that will save you a lot of money over the years.

Those stainless steel appliances might look pretty, but will they cost you a pretty penny to operate? Even low end, inefficient appliances are available in very modern and appealing finishes. Look on the sides of the doors for efficiency ratings or write down the model numbers and check them out online after you take a look at a home.

Ask for copies of the seller's utility bills for the previous twelve months. Yes, there are lifestyle differences the can affect energy usage, but at least you will have a ballpark idea of how much your utility costs would be.

If you buy a highly efficient home, you may be able pay for the cosmetic upgrades you want with the money you are saving on your utility bills. The hidden upgrades can save you big money as the years go by!

Things to Do

Yes, we are a day late with our Thing to Do this week. Sorry about that. Wednesday was a wild and crazy one around here!

~ If you missed Rainbow Fleece Farm's Cabin Fever event last weekend, you have another chance this weekend to check out the sheep and the fiber. Email Patty or call her at 608.527.5311 for more information. Rainbow Fleece Farm doesn't have a website, but you can find them at W7181 Hustad Valley Rd by New Glarus

~ Eat something different this weekend. Go out for breakfast at one of our classic diners like Corner Cafe in Monroe. Grab a new treat at New Glarus Bakery or Cafe Claudeen for an afternoon snack. Try one of the new items on Barrett's Brick Cafe's updated menu. Splugre on the warm lemon pond cake with cardamon creme anglaise at the Dining Room at 209 Main. Whatever you try, our local restaurant owners will be thrilled to see you! Shop local, eat local. It matters.

~ Bag Ladies is under new ownership. They start with a bang this weekend with an open house event in their new location, the lower level of the Monroe Medical building on the northwest corner of the Square in Monroe. Stop in for specials.

~ Coffee house night! We love these. Come over to River Valley Trading Company in Blanchardville this Friday evening. Local musicians will perform starting at 7 pm. Fiber Enthusiasts, don't forget about their Yarn Ewenited Guild meeting today.

~ Movie buffs, do you know what is playing in the area? Tooth Fairy, Cop Out and Valentine's Day are playing at The Goetz in Monroe. Lindo Theater in Freeport will have Dear John, Avatar, Edge of Darkness, From Paris with Love, When in Rome, Valentine's Day, Shutter Island, Tooth Fairy, Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, and The Wolfman.

~ There will be a performance by The Korean Five on Saturday evening at the Masonic Temple in Freeport. This quintet features a soprano, mezz-soprano, tenor, baritone, and piano in an opera performance. Adults $15.00, students are free.

~ Did you know that there is a remnant of an original upland prairie still by Freeport? The last remaining section of the Shannon Prairie is on the south edge of town. Learn more about it during a lecture on March 2 from 7 until 8:30 pm. Keith Blackmore, retired Highland Community College biology and ecology instructor will talk about the prairie at St John's UCC, located on Park Blvd in Freeport.

Property of the Week

This week's featured property is a split-level ranch in Monroe.

Bring the family home! This comfortable split level home located on a quiet street has all you need. 3 bedrooms, main floor laundry, living room with fireplace, family room, refinished wood floors, generous storage area, 2 car attached garage, spacious eat-in kitchen, bright rooms filled with natural lightening. The landscaped yard has plenty of room for kids, grandkids, pets or more gardens.

Sideways Shakespeare Company

We are big fans of the arts here at Cheese Country Realtors, so it is exciting to see a new project starting.

Our friend Jennifer over at Primitive Soul Art Studio in Monroe started the Shakespeare Project for youth a number of years ago. This project has grown into the non-profit group Shakespeare on the Edge, which we have mentioned often on this blog. SotE now includes not only the Shakespeare Project but also The Eclectic Rogues, a traveling youth group who do performances as well as workshops addressing modern issues through the works of Shakespeare.

Jennifer and the SotE group has a new project up their sleeves. The Sideways Shakespeare Company is starting up to encourage creativity and give an outlet to adults who think it is shame that groups like this weren't around when we were growing up.

Here is how the group describes Sideways Shakespeare Company:

“…turning the works of the Bard sideways, upside down and backwards to get to the real art of Shakespeare--the fun!”

Adults here’s your chance to experience the powerful art of Shakespeare
first hand in a group of peers. Experience the Bard, while enjoying the therapeutic value of his work, de-stress, unwind, explore characters, converse, do a little improv, and have a blast!

Registration is going on right now, and the groups should be starting this spring. The introductory rate is only $25, a true bargain. To reserve your spot, email Jennifer or give her a call at 605-325-5268.

Current Homebuyer Tax Credit

New $6500 Tax Credit for Current Homeowners

Are you eligible for the $6500 tax credit? We covered the details in December, so take a look if you want to check. There are 73 days and counting left to get an accepted offer.

You must have an accepted offer in place no later than April 30 and close on the home no later than June 30 in order to qualify for this tax credit.