| | | Mon, 05 May 2008 08:50:29 -0500 | | | Individuality Trumps Trends
Another installment from Realtor Magazine (written by Mariwyn Evans).
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind about home design trends today is that there is no one trend. Access to more design ideas on the media has spurred consumers to trust their own taste.
Whether it's combining styles of melding Ikea with antiques, "people are making space more personal. Design is less and less about what's prescribed in the catalogs," says [Oma Blaise]Ford [editor of home design at Better Homes and Gardens].
Your customers may worry that an exotic look may affect the value at resale, but designers say as long as it's well done, owners have nothing to fear. "Personal design doesn't hurt resale value." says [Sami]Martinez [Décor & You), "only poor design."
| | | | Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:14:16 -0500 | | | Eco-friendly Features
This is a continuing series of excerpts from an article by Mariwyn Evans called "House Sense" from Realtor Magazine, February 2008. If you are interested in knowing what will add the most bang for the buck in your home, this is the "it" article:
The popularity of bamboo, in flooring and now also in fabrics, is just one example of perhaps the single biggest design trend: sustainability. What was once a fringe sector with expensive and often ugly products is now everywhere. "You can't tell our green designs from our regular ones," says (Price) Conners (senior designer at Dujardin Design Associates in Westport, Conn, and Nantucket, Mass).
Mainstream point companies, such as Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore, feature paints with low volatile organic compounds that make for better air quality. Lighting has also gone green via light-emitting diode fixtures that are cooler than incandescent and use less energy. LEDs have "exploded on the market," says (Alene) Workman (Alene Workman Interior Design in Hollywood, Fla.)
New materials, such as insulation made from old blue jeans, "wood" panels from compressed sunflower seeds , and composite wood veneers that represent scarce exotic woods, speak to the growing consumer desire to help the environment without sacrificing aesthetics, notes Jennifer Gustafson, principal designer at Haven Designs in San Francisco.
THE NEXT NEW THING: Eco-resins made of recycled plastics embedded with recycled glass, grasses, or shells can be used as shower doors, tabletops, or light fixtures.
| | | | Tue, 11 Mar 2008 14:15:25 -0500 | | | Home Trends: Texture and Pattern
This information is taken from an excellent article on home trends by Mariwyn Evans, "House Sense," Realtor Magazine, February, 2008.
Texture and Pattern
In a shrink-wrapped world the appeal of handcrafted, textured surfaces seems a natural. Pillows with raw fabric edges have replaced braid for a tailored yet tactile look. Chenille continues to be popular, as do suede and leather. Fabrics are more intricate, with damask, embroidery and beading offering a more handmade feel, says Beverly Stadler, president of Design Focus in San Clemente, CA.
Texture also extends to the walls, as that reviled relic of the 1980's, wallpaper, makes a comeback. Technology advances have made wallpaper much more exciting, allowing for a wide variety of designs from retro to traditional.
It's now possible to print life-size images onto paper for a truly custom look, says Patty Bouley, of Bouley Design Inc. in New York. Grass cloth is also a hot item, she adds. Wallpaper doesn't cover the full wall but stands in for a chair rail when applied halfway up the wall or becomes art when framed and hung, adds Jan Parr of Chicago Home & Garden.
Wood and tile are making gains on floors, and what carpeting there is has been taking on a more sculptural look, says Diane Barber of D.E. Barber & Company in Rolling Hills Estates, CA. Tone-on-tone texture and slightly stronger colors are replacing the ubiquitous Berber Floor coverings.
The next new thing: Mini-shags and "hairy" rugs from Flokati, says Parr.
| | | | Wed, 20 Feb 2008 10:54:50 -0600 | | | HOME TRENDS CONTINUED: Warm, Clear Colors
This is a continuation of some fabulous information from an article by Mariwyn Evans ("House Sense", Realtor Magazine, February, 2008) on the trends and best improvement investments for your home . . .
Color, perhaps more than any other aspect of design, is a personal preference, says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and author of several books, including Color: Messages and Meanings. "You rarely get a revolution in color trends; it's more of an evolution," she says. Yet preferences do ebb and flow. The sophisticated use of rich jeweled colors--purples, yellows, and burnt orange--are on the upswing, according to Eiseman's color predictions for this year. Chinese reds and blacks also continue in their popularity. She terms the trend "ethnic chic."
People are also getting more comfortable with color, says Diane Barber of D.E. Barber & Co., in Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. "Lately, I've had a couple of past clients come back to me and ask me to use a more intense version of colors we chose two or three years ago."
Metallic accents, such as burnished golds, coppers and warmer silvers and pewters with a golden undertone, can give a home an of-the-moment look, says Alene Workman of Alene Workman Interior Design in Hollywood, Fla.
Consumers are focusing more and more on metals, from door hinges in brushed nickel to bronzed gold switch plates, agrees Melissa Birdsong, VP of trend, design and brand for Lowe's. Crystal, brass and bright silver look dated, although shimmer is holding its own in the forms of Lucite and glass lamps, says Jan Parr of Chicago Home & Garden.
While bright shades continue to dominate most design palettes, a shift may be underway toward cooler grays, purples and lavenders, says Patty Bouley, of Bouley Design Inc., in New York. The designer, who creates home furnishings products for a variety of international clients, says this color scheme was all over the 2007 Maison & Objet show in Paris and may be poised to take a jump across the Atlantic.
THE NEXT NEW THING: One of the Pantone color palettes for 2009 is called Anime, a nod to popular Japanese animation. "These vibrant, sometimes clashing, colors reflect the look of Japanese comics and appeal to younger clients," says Eiseman.
| | | | Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:56:00 -0600 | | | Madison's Economy Strong
Today I wanted to shoot you some encouraging stats regarding Madison and Dane County's economy. I'll return to my series on ways to improve your home investment in the next post.
I recently attended an economics forum at the Monona Convention Center. One of the keynote speakers from Ploycom Corporation (an independent economics firm) ranked Madison 8th among on the "Strongest Metropolitan Areas."
The key factors in determining this ranking include Madison's diverse and strong local economy, low unemployment, and higher than average local wages. According to the MLS statistics, Dane County shows approximately a 1.5% increase in the average sales price for a residential property, or $3,810 increase in value over the previous year. This is a stark contrast to the horror stories we are hearing across the nation and played over and over by the media.
According to John Deininger, Executive Vice President of the Realtors Assocation of South Central Wisconsin: "With this being an election year, with the Fed taking an aggressive approach to rates, and with many of the “headlines” now becoming “old news”, I look forward to returning to a “normal” year the real estate market.
| | | | Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:42:52 -0600 | | | Making Every Inch Count
Here's part III of my series on what buyers want (and, conversely, what you should think about when making improvements to your home). This fresh and influential information is excerpted from an article by Mariwyn Evans, Realtor Magazine, February 2008:
Built-in window seats with storage, beds with drawers underneath and dining benches that allow visitors to face the table or turn to form conversation, all echo the multipurpose goals of today's furniture designs. Screens and movable walls, or shifts in color from one area to another, can take the place of walls, opening up more living space in smaller urban footprints, notes Gioi Tran, of Applegate Tran Interiors in San Francisco.
The pervasiveness of open kitchens and their growing role as the home's center has promoted a new level of decoration in those spaces. Sconces, chandeliers (which are growing in popularity), and more decoration of all sorts are now almost as important as functionality in a kitchen space.
Garages are also becoming multipurpose living spaces and social gathering places "and not just for the men in the family," says Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend, design, and brand for Lowe's. Pegboards for tools and a couple of storage cabinets are giving way to interlocking tile and epoxy-coated floors as well as permanent workstations for gardening and other hobbies.
The next new thing: Mobile closets replace walk-ins to free up floor space in smaller homes, says Tran.
| | | | Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:44:22 -0600 | | | What Do Home Buyers Want? Clean Lines
This is part II of a series on ways to improve the value and saleability of your home or condo. Information is excerpted from an article by Mariwyn Evans, Realtor Magazine, February 2008. So if you have a home to sell, plan to sell or just want to invest wisely in decor or remodeling, here's what you need to know.
What do today's and tomorrow's buyers want in their next home . . . .
CLEAN LINES AND LOOKS:
Simple and sleek marks the look of today. Even clients who like a more traditional home are requesting fewer accessories and less "froufrou," says Beverly Stadler, president of Design Focus in San Clemente, Calif. Square arms and simple, pointed legs dominate chairs and sofas. Shades and motorized blinds are used in lieu of heavy draperies or in conjunction with simple stationary panels. Elaborate trims and tassels are being replaced with leather and other sleeker materials. "People want to be able to see the lines of the furniture and have room to breathe," Stadler says. "That's not to say that all trims are gone, just that they're not so elaborate as in the past."
The continued appeal of mid-century modern design--from the classic Eames leather recliner to the whimsy of a George Nelson bubble lamp--echoes the trend for uncluttered looks. Strangely enough, it may also tap into a return to traditional styles, says Connors. "Fifties styles are what baby boomers grew up with. It seems like home to them."
Another variation on the trend toward homes with cleaner lines is an emerging revival in art deco, the geometric look first popular in the 1920s and 1930s, says Patty Bouley of Bouley Design Inc. in New York. "People are much more eclectic in their environments and more willing to mix traditional and contemporary. I call it 'traditional with a twist.'" says Jan Parr, editor of Chicago Home + Garden.
Simpler, more informal looks also make it easier to up the comfort quotient, another widespread design trend. "Comfort is a huge concern," says Ford. "You don't see the number of trophy rooms you once did. People want rooms they can actually use."
The next new thing: Look for homes offering a sophisticated variation on traditional Americana, with dark hues and gilded finishes, sometimes with stars and eagles, says Stadler.
| | | | Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:50:29 -0600 | | | FIRE Power
This is the start of a series I have planned on tips and trends to help you maximize the value of your home. The following article is taken from the Council of Residential Specialists "Your Home" newsletter, Jan. 2008.
Fireplaces have irresistible appeal. Just picturing a fireplace conjures feelings of warmth and coziness. Even in warmer climates where people don't rely on them for heat, fireplaces add charm, character and value--about $12,000 per fireplace, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS--to homes. They lend ambiance to just about any room, and with so many varieties and options available, it's easy to see why people want them.
If you don't have a fireplace in your home, it's easier than you might think to add one--without undergoing a complete remodel or major construction. Gas and electric models are more popular and affordable than ever and easy to install. And with so many options for every space and budget, the hardest part is choosing one that best suits your needs.
If you do have a fireplace in your home, whether it's the wood burning gas or electric variety, the most important factor is maintenance. Like cars, fireplaces need annual tune-ups. If you have a chimney-based fireplace--traditional wood-burning or top-vent gas--you should have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean the chimney at least once a year or after approximately 80 fires. It's also a good idea to have a certified service technician come out once a year to inspect other types of gas fireplaces and to replace bulbs on electric units."
| | | | Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:54:59 -0600 | | | Madison Businesses Sound the Alarm on ATC
There is indeed some growing support of watchdogging ATC and whether the transmission lines will be undergrounded (buried). I want to share this January 18, 2008, Capitol Times article. It echoes the concerns of many of Madison's largest and most prominent businesses, employers and commercial property owners. There's also some interesting commentary on devaluation and misrepresented costs.
Business takes on ATC plan Will fight to bury line along Beltline Mike Ivey — 1/18/2008 12:05 pm Concerned that a high-voltage transmission line next to the Beltline Highway will stifle development and dramatically lower property values along the busy corridor, a group of area business and civic leaders are pushing to have the line placed underground. Sub-Zero Freezer, Mortenson Investment Group, Culver's restaurant, the UW Arboretum and T. Wall Properties are among those supporting an underground line. They have formed an LLC, or limited liability corporation, to cover legal fees and other expenses of intervening in the case. "Everybody agrees there will be a need for more power but we're saying let's look seriously at undergrounding this line since it cuts through the hub of Dane County," said Kevin Unbehaun, manager of manufacturing at Sub-Zero. The Coalition for an Underground Alternative on Thursday launched a campaign to raise some $350,000 to argue its case before the state Public Service Commission. The group said it will take that kind of money to counter the deep pockets of American Transmission Co. "We've been purposely staying below the radar screen the past 18 months, trying to work with ATC," said Brad Hutter, president of Mortenson Investment Group. "But after all their lies and misrepresentations we've reached the point where we need to go public." The PSC is currently reviewing an application from ATC to build a 345-kilovolt line with 135-foot towers from eastern Dane County to West Middleton. A route along the Beltline has been identified as one of the most viable. ATC spokeswoman Sarah Justus said the utility did consider placing the line underground but said it would add another $300 million for the 18 miles of Beltline from the Interstate to West Middleton. A conventional overhead system would cost $213 million, according to ATC's latest filing with the PSC. "We did look at the alternatives but the bigger policy question is whether other ratepayers in the rest of the state should pay so Madison can have its line underground," she said. The Coalition for an Underground Alternative has produced figures, however, estimating the monthly cost per customer for burying the Beltline segment would amount to just 14 cents over the next 20 years. The 14 cents figure is based on a March 2007 report from the Department of Transportation, which said burying the Beltline segment would add $100 million to the pricetag -- not $300 million as ATC claims. "That's the problem with relying on ATC's information," Hutter said. "They keep throwing these big numbers out there to scare people." Patsy Baynard, ATC's general manager of major projects, said the March 2007 Department of Transportation estimate did not include all of the substations and other facilities needed to bring a buried line back above ground. "Since then we've hired engineers and done a more detailed routing analysis," she said. "We believe the numbers we filed with the PSC are accurate." Blow to values The coalition has claimed that commercial property values along the Beltline corridor -- currently worth a combined $1.4 billion -- would plunge by 14 percent if an overhead line is built. Even if property values fall by 5 percent, Hutter said, it could force local municipalities to raise the tax rates to make up the difference. "This devaluation of property has not been talked about at all," said Hutter, whose company is developing a $48 million office/retail complex at Todd Drive and the Beltline. Justus declined to comment on the coalition figures, saying the group has not shared those numbers with ATC. But she noted that existing high voltage lines along the Beltline near West Towne have not stifled recent developments such as the Princeton Club and Hampton Inn hotel under construction. "The impact on property values is certainly not unique to this project," Justus said. "But we have guidance from the law and the PSC on this and have been very successful in getting our other projects approved." Industry cost estimates for going underground have ranged from $3 million to $13 million per mile vs. $2 million to $6 million to go overhead. New 345-kilovolt lines have been built underground in Boston and New York and they are becoming increasingly common in Europe and Asia. The PSC has been paying special attention to utility rates in its latest rulings. Wisconsin once enjoyed some of the lowest electric rates in the Midwest but has since climbed to among the highest in the region. In its recent approval of a smaller transmission line through Fitchburg, PSC member Dan Ebert noted that over the last seven years state residents have seen rates rise by more than $1.5 billion to support new transmission infrastructure. He said if the commission had supported placing lines underground in those cases, rates would have increased to $4.6 billion to $7.5 billion. "That sort of rate shock is totally unacceptable," Ebert said. But Hutter said the coalition hoped to make the case that an underground line would be less expensive in the long run after factoring in the impact on property values and the area's quality of life. "This isn't just a Madison issue, it's about the whole region," he said. "I am convinced that science will win the day if we get to the PSC." Mike Ivey — 1/18/2008 12:05 pm 
| | | | Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:54:20 -0600 | | | Is the Local Housing Market as Bad as the Media Portrays?
Yes, the real estate market is slower than the record breaking home sales statistics experienced in 2004 and 2005. However, the Madison area market isn't nearly as affected as the big national "slump" markets (Detroit, Las Vegas, Phoenix) and local Realtors want to get the word out. Frankly, we have been almost as busy in 2006 and 2007 as we were in 2004 and 2005.
First of all, there's some great news, which has existed throughout all the housing slump horror stories, but lacks the glamour needed for a top news story. Aren't there there two sides to a home sale . . . a seller and a buyer? If housing inventory is up (which it is) and prices are lower (albeit marginally in the Madison market), could it be that it's an excellent time to buy?
In 2004 and 2005, local buyers were scrambling to the few homes that fit their budget, often settling for less than their ideal and many times competing for those homes in bidding wars. In this "depressed" market, a buyer has the luxury of deciding on many homes, getting more of what they want and negotiating price and terms . . . sounds like a good deal to me . . . and amazing mortage rates to boot.
Waiting for the market to recover (in the media's eyes) means the housing inventory decreases and sellers regain a stronger negotiating position. Is it that the ideal time to buy? The National Association of Realtors reports that 60% of an average homeowner's wealth comes from their home's equity. It makes good investment sense to act now act now, find a house you are more likely to love, rather than be influenced by the perception that anything having to do with the housing market is a bad idea. We are feeling a huge post-holiday rush to start looking and homes and anticipate a strong spring market.
Wants some more factual reasons to buy? http://housingmarketfacts.com/
This is a helpful website from the National Association of Realtors where you will find you a refreshing perspective on the housing market and the benefits of home ownership. It might even surprise you that much of what we are being terrorized with is largely due to a few key markets that experienced out of control "highs" several years ago and are rebounding with record high inventory and price drops. Roll that all together and it throws everyone's numbers into a spin.
What's happening in the Madison area market? The key is stability. Here's what John Deininger, the Executive Vice President of the Realtor's Association of South Central Wisconsin, concludes based on the latest MLS data: "November continued to provide strong sale price stability, and year to date numbers substantiate that. The average sale price for a Dane County residential home (including condominiums) is up to $250,898 from $247,194 last year. The median sale price also is up from $214,900 to $216,900. In addition to properties holding their value, and appreciating, the MLS active listing totals are dropping and that will help in supporting the price of existing homes. Those are the statistics the public wants and needs to hear before this buying opportunity turns into another sellers market. " I compare a buyer's decision to wait until the market improves to buying a stock after it has already skyrocketed in value. I can state with confidence that this is the best buyer's market I have seen since I became a Realtor in 1993. I'm optimistic that buyers will be willing to shirk all the media blather and realize, the door is open for them to capitalize on a market where they can build wealth faster than any local market in over a decade.
Mary Fish
| | | | Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:58:39 -0600 | | | Nothing Like Property Tax Humor!
I received this from a good friend and fellow Realtor, Gina John. Hilarious!
Your home as seen by yourself . . . . . . .
Your buyer . . . . .
Your lender . . . .
Your appraiser . . . .
Your tax assessor . . . . (how true)!
 
| | | | Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:50:28 -0600 | | | Mary Sounds Off: ATC Power Lines
I'm a Madison resident, homeowner, Realtor, Broker/Owner of Madison Dream Homes, Inc., and on the Board of Directors for the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin. It can get tricky trying to make decisions that affect both Realtors and homeowners, no matter which capacity I'm acting in. I do my best to research what I can and make a concerted effort do the right thing. Once in awhile, I kick my heels up a little and ATC's (American Transmission Company) proposal to add high voltage electric lines across Dane County has me kicking pretty hard. Even Governor Doyle and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin have heard from me on this issue.
Madison and the surrounding communities in Dane County are looking at some accelerating power needs and an upgrade is imperative. One likely and politically favored solution is to add high power transmission lines across Dane County's landscape. Additionally, many Madison area organizations are jumping on board in support of ATC. Therefore, it's suggested that Realtors should, too. That final argument especially does not sit well with me. I'm very comfortable dissenting and being a "pepper" by not offering my support.
I can tell you with confidence that if you put two similar homes side by side, but the second has high power transmission lines nearby (especially within sight), the second home will not sell for as much as the first. In my opinion and 14 years of experience, it would sell for significantly less and take much longer to sell. I feel we have an obligation to protect the homeowners who will have little say on how ATC's lines affect their biggest investment--their homes.
Whether they are safe or not (I'm not even going down that road although many would make the argument that they are not safe), the perception by many prospective buyers is that they don't want to be anywhere near them. That alone impacts value. I have personally had clients refuse to go into homes where they see transmission lines nearby (or even in the distance). Please keep in mind these things are massive and ugly. Would you welcome one in your backyard?
The fact that ATC, awaiting a potentially multi multi-million dollar contract, is providing the study that concluded that the lines have minimal affect on real estate values needs to be suspect. Seriously, whom did they interview? Tell their conclusions to someone who has transmission lines running past their property. As Realtors, we need to look at our personal practices to answer this question. Are you going to do a market analysis and ignore the high transmission lines in the backyard or nearby? That's like ignoring that a property is next to the Interstate. Prospective home buyers surely won't miss it.
There is a new conductor that recently came on the market from 3M. They claim approximately a 25% increase in efficiency over current lines. In an age when we are slowly garnering interest to think "green," it seems essential that alternative forms or reduced forms of energy use and consumption be considered. You don't see ATC jumping to upgrade their existing lines with these new conductors. That approach would cut into and delay their profits.
ATC has only one business, building transmission lines. The more lines they build, the more money they make. They are guaranteed a 12% return, which is about double what a public utility would receive. I feel strongly that Realtor support for simply "the need" for power will be treated as an overall "thumbs up" for ATC's recommendations, and very influential when the PSC (Public Service Commission) will be given carte blanche on deciding where the miles of lines will go and whether or not the lines will be buried. Support now when we don't know where the route will be and who it will affect seems careless and misguided to me.
I won't buy the argument that it will cost more to repair these lines if they are buried. Let's look at this closely. I don't contest that if there is a problem with a currently buried line it costs more than above ground lines to dig them up for repair. I confirmed this with M G & E. Also, many of the lines buried 20 years ago need replacement, which will be expensive for taxpayers.
However, above ground lines are more exposed to the elements and accidents vs. buried lines. Also, please consider the reasoning behind ordinances enacted throughout Madison and Dane County 2 decades ago requiring new subdivisions bury their power lines, primarily motivated by their unsightly appearance and the need to "protect" home values. Do you think when they are replaced they will be above ground (out of economy) or below ground (because it's the law for the reasons cited previously)? Gee, I wonder.
I spoke with an engineer recently at Madison Gas and Electric who informed me that the technology of the new underground lines will give them a life span of 50 years (vs. 20 in the past). I argue that in the long run, underground lines may not only be more aesthetically appealing, keep Madison and Dane County more beautiful (more attractive to new residents and business) but may be cheaper. I would like to see some unbiased projections on this.
One of the opponents of the ATC proposal (who has researched the issue extensively) has advised me that ATC has overstated the cost of burying the lines, since it's in their best interest to do so. They cite the worst case scenario costs, but the best case scenario when they quote what it will cost taxpayers . . . .data from other areas where they put in lines (in the Midwest) show that their estimates were grossly understated and the taxpayers had no choice but to cover the expense. He further attests that the lines recently buried by Richmond Hills on Madison's east side were quoted by ATC as being a higher cost than actual. ATC doesn't want to spend the money. They want cheap, easy and fast maximum profit. They are a business first. Let's not mistake them as an authority first.
ATC is using 50 year old technology. Power lines are ugly and ruin our beautiful city and country landscapes. Some large US Eastern cities are finding alternatives. Manhattan, for one, is proceeding with underground transmission lines. Also, Wisconsin residents become a rate hike paying pawn on the checkerboard to the plains states, Canada and large metropolitan areas like Chicago. By building extra capacity lines (at our expense), we become a conduit (excuse the pun) for ATC to multiply their profits.
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin's partner, who was an attorney for ATC, makes up one-third of the 3 member PSC panel making the final decisions. Sorry, not comfortable with that. Governor Doyle has received significant campaign contributions from ATC. Ditto.
Yes, I support the need for more power. That's easy. However, it shouldn't be the basis for residents, Realtors and other Madison area organization to rubber stamp ATC's statistics, motives or monumental paycheck. I'm going to side with the little guy on this issue, the homeowner, not big business or politicians.
I appreciate your time.
Mary Fish
| | | | Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:03:22 -0600 | | | Blog for a Dog (and a Cat)
As an opener to this blog, we thought we would introduce some valuable players on the Madison Dream Homes real estate team . . . Isabel (pug) and Mozart (cat). They remain a captive audience when Scott and I work at our desks (OK, maybe not captive since they sleep about 90% of the day) and a continued source of entertainment. On a crazy busy day, a little comic relief is nice. If you are moving your pet to a new home, here are a some helpful tips from a couple of real estate agents, who worship their animals. 1. Stress: Animals can feel the stress of a move and become concerned when "their" furniture is being removed. Keep their routines (walking, feeding, etc.) on track as much as possible. Keep a favorite toy and/or bed in the car when traveling (always use a crate with food and water accessible). 2. Veterinarian: If you are moving far enough away to need a new veterinarian, be sure to obtain current records, certificates, immunization schedules and any medications from your current veterinarian. If moving to the Madison or Dane County, WI area., a pet checkup with "Dr. Fred" of Sandhill Pet Clinic is a great way to keep your pets healthy and happy. 3. Groomer: Does your pet need a little sprucing up before crossing the threshold of your beautiful new home? A visit to Lori's Pet-Agree may be in order. 4. License: You will need to obtain a license (with proof of current rabies vaccine) for your dog or cat. Contact the City of Madison for details. 5. Dog Parks: Help Fido get his or her energy out on a regular basis. Madison has some terrific parks designed expressly for the canine crowd. 6. A Word About Cars: When traveling with a dog, cat, bird, hamster . . . never leave them in the car, not even for a second, not even with the window cracked. Animals, especially birds, are quickly susceptible to illness or death when exposed to heat or even a little draft. 6. The Full Treatment: I can't think of a better way for your dog or cat to unwind after a stressful move or to enjoy short term luxury lodging than a visit to Aunt Bea's Pet Resort and Spa. Services include full body massage, gourmet menu and a nightly animal movie (no, I'm not kidding--this is for your pet, not you). Please let us know if you have any other questions regarding moving your pets to the Madison and Dane County area or just want to chat about your pets (FYI: unlike, Scott and I, our animals seem quite bored with discussions of homes for sale and real estate). Bow Wow
Mary 
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