Alvarado Real Estate Group invites you to listen to the experts, ask questions and learn more about making your home healthy and energy efficient. We hope you can join us!

Monday March 26th 2012 at 6pm
Goodman Library, 2222 S. Park St. in Madison

Our Panel includes:

• Landscape Architect: Steve Whayland
  Ken Saiki Design

  Steve helps design and manage site planning, stormwater management related, and LEED/sustainable design projects.  Steve enjoys working as a civil engineer with the landscape architecture firm Ken Saiki Design, using an integrative, collaborative and creative approach to excellence in site planning and design.  Ken Saiki Design has astrong reputation for: quality landscape architecture & site design, and are good people to work with.

• Solar Expert: Lincoln Tice
  Full Spectrum Solar

  Lincoln has worked for Full Spectrum Solar for more than three years, beginning his career in renewable energy after graduating from the UW with a Biology major in 2008.  He has installed over a hundred Solar Electric (photovoltaic a.k.a. PV) systems, as well as many Solar Water Heating systems, and learned a lot about what makes for a good solar site.  Lincoln’s specialty is designing the array for optimal energy production, long-term durability and strength, and an aesthetically beautiful solar installation that is economical.

• Energy Raters: Laura Paprocki

  Environmental Engineer & Energy Consultant
  Trinity Enviromental, LLC

  Laura has worked in numerous areas of environmental services – including an environmental health and safety manager in manufacturing facilities, an environmental engineer on site during demolition and remediation, and home performance consultant working with both new construction and existing home improvements.  She is the owner of Trinity Environmental – an engineering firm whose residential focus is helping….

  • Homeowners understand how to achieve the best return on their investment regarding home improvements
  • And also helping builders construct high performance homes that co-exist with their natural surroundings

  She is an infield verifier for numerous green building programs both local and national – helping homeowners and builders achieve green and energy efficient building certifications.

  Steve Pipson
  RESNET Certified Energy Rater & BPI Building Analyst Professional
  Home Performance Specialists

  Steve Pipson knows homes from the inside out. Having worked as a journeyman carpenter, project manager, architectural technician and college instructor, he brings over 25 years of experience in the trade to his energy evaluation work. Friendly, knowledgeable and a bit of a “house detective,” Steve is passionate about conserving resources and helping clients make improvements to their homes that ultimately improves their bottom line and lessens their impact on the environment.

 Please R.S.V.P.. for this event so we know how much pizza we need! We hope you can come.

Wonderfully updated home on Madison’s Near Westside boasts a newer kitchen with soapstone counter, hickory cabinets and great appliances!   This home retains all its charm with arched doorways, natural woodwork, brick fireplace and original crown molding.  Relax on the patio overlooking the terraced backyard.

• 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1468 sq ft
• 2-car detached garage
• For current price and more photos, click here.

2534 Kendall Avenue Property Features

Recent Updates Include:

• New Lifetime guaranteed roof (transferable to new buyer) on home and garage
• New gutters and downspouts
• Completely renovated kitchen
• Upgraded electrical box
• Whole house insulation (translated to huge energy savings)
• Anderson windows with tilt-out feature installed house wide (except for sunroom)
• New backdoor installed
• Deck off back door rebuilt
• Reworked basement plumbing
• Furnace control board replaced (installed in 1995)
• Backyard retaining wall installed
• Patio installed in back yard
• Added 7’x7’ shed for storage
• Rainbow Systems Play Structure
• New electrical outlets in Master and 2^nd Bedroom
• New A/C unit and water softener installed
• All outlets have been upgraded to GFCI
• Most overhead lighting has been updated (bedrooms & downstairs bath have not had updates.)

University Heights Neighborhoood Information

Neighborhood located at the west end of the UW–Madison Campus and is famous for its classic Victorian and modern homes.  Easy access to the UW Hospital, UW Campus, Regent St. Co-Op, and West High School.  Walking distance to Lake Mendota, Lake Wingra, the Henry Vilas Zoo, local business districts and bike and pedestrian trails.

Madison School Information for 2534 Kendall Ave.

Franklin-Randall Elementary 
Hamilton Middle School
West High School

This home is marketed by Sara Alvarado, Broker – The Alvarado Real Estate Group. For a showing of this home or to discuss selling your home, please contact Sara at 608.438.5005, or sara@thealvaradogroup.com.

4713 Declaration Lane

Madison’s Eastside

11am – 1pm

Hosted by Adrienne Sella

4 Bedrooms
2 Baths

Spacious 1,739 sq ft hilltop 4 bedroom ranch!  Gorgeous updated kitchen with hickory cabinets, new appliances, breakfast bar and large pantry. New roof  ’08. New furnace and central air  ’07. New water heater  ’11. Main floor laundry. Large master with private bathroom. Oak floors in bedrooms have been refinished. Spacious closets. Plenty of space to expand or for storage in the 1,739 sq ft unfinished basement.

2860 Big Blue Stem

Fitchburg - Swan Creek

12pm – 2pm

Hosted by Cathy Lacy

5 Bedrooms
4 Baths

This classic American Bungalow is exactly what home should feel like. Enjoy spacious open rooms with plenty of warmth & charm. From the LL theater room & main floor living room wired for surround sound to the prewired in home audio this home has the bells and whistles you\’ve been looking for. The cozy hearth room off the kitchen is a perfect place to relax with a good book and enjoy the warmth of your fireplace.

3771 Token Rd

Burke

1:30pm – 3:30pm

Hosted by Adrienne Sella

3 Bedrooms
2 Baths

Quiet country living on a 1/2 acre lot only minutes to Madison w/ low Burke taxes & Deforest schools! Quality built & meticulously maintained home. Gorgeous hickory floors. Living room has a brick hearth fireplace. Sunny & bright kitchen w/ breakfast bar & dinette. Family room in lower level has a built-in bar. Master bedroom w 5\’x11\’ walk-in closet. Large deck & patio that is great for entertaining.

5202 Ninebark

Fitchburg - Swan Creek

2pm – 4pm

Hosted by Cathy Lacy

3 Bedrooms
3 baths

Less than a year old with a wonderful floorplan. The kitchen with its solid surface countertops and cherry cabinets will be a delight to prepare large and small meals. Plenty of backyard space for the kids to run, all located in a subdivision with bike paths and surrounded on two sides by conservancy. The upstairs laundry will make for efficiency on laundry day. The oversized garage will have plenty of room for toys and bikes.

5173 Fox Sedge Ln

Fitchburg - Swan Creek

2pm – 4pm

Hosted by Cathy Lacy

4 Bedrooms
2 Baths

Energy Star Certified so you can be assured you will have low energy bills. This nearly new home has all the features today’s buyers are looking for. Amish made maple cabinets, hardwood floors. Plenty of room for a family in this 4 bedroom home. 1st floor bedroom and bath offer easy accessibility for visiting guests. Built by Home Comfort Co. with attention to every detail. Swan Creek offers walking paths, parks and is bordered on two sides by conservancy.

This spacious 3 bedroom was just put back on the market. The past owners recently moved out and now there is fresh paint, numerous repairs have been made, it is clean and ready for new owners. Garden lovers heaven! The time, love and dedication that have gone into the landscaping make this sweet bungalow a special find. Interior features: laminate floors, spacious layout, newer windows. Exterior features: new siding, solar hot water system (with a new pump), rain barrel, built in patio fire pit, amazing rock garden, perennials, edible garden, bursting colors, and the backyard borders city park and bike path! The back addition (completed by previous owners) now has water pipes that heat up really well in the spring and fall and keep the floors nice and warm.  

Sit on the front 3 season porch and escape into your retreat home. Freshly painted, move in ready, 1 year warranty.

• 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath
• 1,155 SqFt Bungalow
• 1 car garage, attached
•  For current price and more photos, click here

Recent Updates & Features

• Fresh paint 2011
• Electrical system upgrade 2010
• New toilet 2010
• New solar pump 2010
• Replaced sink, faucet & disposal 2007
• Solar hot water heater panels and system installed in 2005
• Gas water heater New 2001
• New stainless steel siding 2005 with lifetime warranty
• Windows replaced in 2005 (Living Room, 1999)
• Refrigerator replaced in 2003
• Laminate wood flooring installed 2001       
• Roof replaced in 1999      
• Edible landscaping includes: Raspberries, blackberries,  kiwi, apple tree, blueberries, strawberries, mulberries, currants, lingon berries, josten berries, & elderberries!
• Tile work by Red Rose Mosaics
• Backyard patio features high efficiency fire pit surrounded by gardens and borders the city bike path and park

 Neighborhood Features

• Walk to area restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, Walgreen’s
• Walk to famous Ella’s Deli
• Easy commute access to Downtown or Aberg to Stoughton Rd.
• Close to the bike path, bus routes and parks
• Quiet, friendly neighborhood
• Visit the Hawthorne Library on E. Washington Ave.
• Minutes from Downtown, Capitol & Beltline
• Walkscore of 68 (pretty good!) at www.walkscore.com

Madison School Information for 2550 Hoard Street

• Emerson Elementary School
• Sherman  Middle School 
• East High School 

This home is marketed by Sara Alvarado, Broker – The Alvarado Real Estate Group. For a showing of this home or to discuss selling your home, please contact Sara at 608.438.5005, or sara@thealvaradogroup.com. 

Spacious, charming, energy-efficient AND affordable house on the near east side?? Yes!! And it features a 2 car garage, huge 3^rd flr vaulted master bedroom, original woodwork and wood floors! Fenced yard with perennials. Newer roof, deck, furnace, refrigerator and washer. Water heater and softener 2 years old and exterior painted in 2010. Average utility bill is $121/mo. Great southern exposure for winter sunlight. A hop over to Atwood and walking distance to schools and Willy St Neighborhood hot spots. 

• 3 bdrms + office+ sunroom, 1 bath, 1766 sq ft.
• 2 car detached garage
• For more photos and information please check out the Alvarado Group MLS data page

217 N. 3rd Street Property Features & Updates

• Original woodwork, hardwood floors
• 3^rd floor master bedroom with vaulted ceilings
• Super efficient spray foam insulation under roof resulting in an average gas and electric bill of $121/mos.!
• Fenced yard with Perennials
• Water heater, water softener and fence replaced 2009
• Exterior paint job completed in 2010
• Newer roof, deck, furnace, refrigerator and washer

Near Eastside Neighborhood Features

• Only one third of a mile to the heart of Schenk-Atwood neighborhood
• Walking distance to schools and Willy Street
• More great info – click here

This property is marketed and presented by Darcy Haber, EcoBroker. Please contact Darcy at 608.358.6180 or Darcy@TheAlvaradoGroup.com for a showing or if you have more questions!

Here in Madison we have our own style. And part of this lifestyle in Madison WI that we love is our ability to be at the forefront of making a difference in the world. It seems that most people I meet in Madison understand that Global Change Starts at Home. At home in our own beliefs or our driving habits, energy use or our food choices. That statement is pretty broad but it also focuses on what we have the ability to control too. And one thing that we have seen many new Madison homebuyers get excited about (yes, they get excited!) is the opportunity to start composting in their new backyards.

The City of Madison and Dane County will hold their annual home compost bin and rain barrel sale on Saturday, May 7.  This one-day only sale will feature the Earth Machine Home Composter and the Systern rain barrel.  The Earth Machine will be on sale for $45, tax included and the Systern will sell for $55 tax included.

Madison location information: Alliant Energy Center. Customers should use the Olin Ave entrance. 9am – 3pm.

Middleton location information: Middleton Public Works Garage 3300 Laura Lane. 9am – 1pm.

For more information check out the City of Madison website and visit the Alvarado Group resource guide for making a difference in your home.

The hardest decision about this house will be whether to hang out on the front porch or the back porch – they are both perfect spots! Or if digging in the dirt is your thing you’ll love the gorgeous and fenced back yard, deck and outbuilding (this was once a garage back in the day) that would make a beautiful studio. Home layout features 2 bedrooms upstairs and 1 bedroom on main floor (currently TV room) with an updated half bath. The kitchen has been remodeled and even though it isn’t a huge kitchen it has great efficiency, updated cabinets and an open spacious feel to the dining and living areas and conveniently located right at the back door to the back porch. Just one block to Tenney Park and the Beach and a quick bus trip to UW Campus and downtown. The Tenny Lapham neighborhood is one of the sweet spots in Madison.

• 3 BR, 1.5 BA, 1069 sq ft. bungalow
• For the most current price & more photos, visit Alvarado Group MLS Data page

445 N. Few Street Property Features & Updates

• Exterior painted in 2009
• New insulated front door in 2009
• New roof in 2008
• New disposal in 2008
• New high-efficiency boiler in 2006
• New water heater in 2006
• Original (refinished) hardwood floors throughout
• New dishwasher, kitchen sink and faucet in 2005
• Tile countertops in kitchen
• Covered front and back porch, plus huge deck in large fenced backyard
• Storage building is insulated and has electricity

 Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood Information

• More neighborhood information – click here
• 3 blocks from Tenney Park and Beach, a great city park offering year-round activities.
• Walk to neighborhood shops and restaurants
• Walk to Lapham Elementary School
• 5 blocks away from the Capital City Bike Trail
• Eastside Farmers’ Market
• 11 blocks to the Capital
• 1 block from bus line

 Madison School District Information for 445 N. Few Street

• Lapham-Marquette Elementary Schools
• O’Keefe Middle School
• East High School

This home is marketed by Sara Alvarado, Broker – The Alvarado Real Estate Group. For a showing of this home or to discuss selling your home, please contact Sara at 608.438.5005, or sara@thealvaradogroup.com. 

Open, bright, beautifully designed condo in the heart of the Willy Street neighborhood. Enjoy the double sided fireplace (living room to master) with custom natural slate tile surround and a walkthrough bathroom, bamboo floors, huge windows that bring in lots of light, custom wood shades, a private patio and lots of storage! Unlike many condos in the area this unit has 2 underground parking spaces in the heated garage. Stainless steel appliances, ceiling fans, pets allowed…there is so much to love!

• 1 bedroom, 1 Bath 
• 1027 Sq. Ft. Garden Condo
• 2 underground parking spaces
• For the current price and more photos visit the Alvarado Group MLS data page. 

Third Lake Lofts Condo Features & Updates

• New low-flow toilet in 2010
• New bamboo interlocked Eco flooring in living area and hallway in 2007
• New bedroom carpeting in 2006
• New natural slate custom tile fireplace surround in 2006
• 2-sided gas fireplace in living room / master bedroom
• Cork flooring in kitchen
• Custom wood blinds
• Includes 2 parking stalls (#5 and #6)
• Includes 1 storage unit (#3)
• The condo association allows dogs

Willy Street Neighborhood Information

The Williamson Street –Marquette area (“Willy Street” as residents call it) is perhaps Madison’s most thoroughly walkable and funky neighborhood. Less than a mile from downtown, Willy Street blends an eclectic mix of historic homes, unique stores and wonderful restaurants and bars, all within walking distance of Lake Monona, the Yahara River and its anchor, the Willy St. Grocery Cooperative. But beyond the lively businesses, natural features, and stately architecture, is a diverse group of residents drawn together by their desire to live in a neighborhood that values community.

• Walking distance to BB Clark Beach, Orton Park, Capitol Square, Willy Street Coop, many restaurants and local shopping, coffee shops and art galleries                                                                                                                                                                                
• Close to Capital City Bike Trail and on bus line
• Walk score of 92 (very good) www.walkscore.com

This property marketed by Sara Alvarado, Broker – The Alvarado Real Estate Group. For a showing of this unit, please contact Sara at 608.438.5005, sara@thealvaradogroup.com. Thank you.

Sara and Kathryn at Isthmus Green Day

This is one of our favorite expo’s. It is the earth friendly expo and Madison’s finest!

April 16th, 2011 from 9am – 5pm come down to the Monona Terrace and visit local businesses, organizations and learn from the informational presentations.

This year the Alvarado Real Estate Group will be there to:

• Showcase our great Madison area listings
• Educate on the benefits of working with an EcoBroker
• Introduce you to the Slow Home Movement

Informational & entertaining presentations:
* An amazing line-up of speakers talk about shortening the distance from farm to table.
* The Fabulous Beekman Boys from Discovery’s Planet Green reality show share adventures from their urban-to-rural life with goats, chickens, pigs, and one diva of a llama.
* A townhall discussion on healthy food in schools features farmers, students, parents and school representatives.

Fun for little ones too!
Isthmus Green Day’s Family Play Zone has hands-on activities, arts and crafts, sponsored by Aldo Leopold Nature Center, MSCR, and Friends of the Henry Vilas Zoo.

Tickets are $5 at the door or in advance at the Isthmus office, 101 King Street in Madison.
Free admission for children under 12, and if you walk, take the bus or ride your bike.
Bring donations for Goodwill and get in free, too!

It is the end of March in Madison WI and we still have our heat on. Waking up to 15 degrees outside at the end of March? Not fair. We all know that living in Madison can be cold and bitter during the winter months. So what happens when your heating and/or cooling system breaks down? It can be an overwhelming experience to find a local heating contractor if you don’t have someone you already trust. You need to find someone quickly but don’t want to make the wrong choice or end up paying way more than necessary.

With many years in the Madison real estate market and loads of connections with contractors, we have access to the most trusted people, tips and information that can help you find a contractor you are comfortable with. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, be prepared by following these tips from EnergyStar.gov:

Study up

Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. And before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also, make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating needs.

Get a referral

Ask your favorite Madison Realtor, friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. You can also contact local trade organizations for names of members in your area. Take it another step and call for references.

Find special offers

A heating and cooling system is one of the largest purchases you’ll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR-qualified heating and cooling equipment. Begin your search at www.energystar.gov.

Look for ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR-qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.

Expect a home evaluation

The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. A bigger system isn’t always better; a contractor should size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. A good contractor will inspect your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers’ specifications.

Get written, itemized estimates

When comparing contractors’ proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A low price may not be the best deal if it’s not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher.

Check City of Madison guidelines

The City of Madison requires a permit for the installation of a new furnace. And then they need to come back to inspect it after the furnace has been installed. Make sure your contractor arranges for this and cooperates with the City. If you don’t live in the City of Madison, call your building inspector at your village, town or city hall.

Sign first 

Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It’ll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.

Pass it on

Tell friends and family about your experience with your heating and cooling contractor. Another great tip is to gather two or more of your neighbors and see if you can get a group discount for your annual furnace check up by all hiring and scheduling together.  And of course tell your friends about ENERGY STAR. Almost one-quarter of households knowingly purchased at least one qualified product last year, and 71% of those consumers say they would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend. Spread the word, and we can all make a big difference.

For more tips on taking care of your home, stay in touch with us on facebook! And please be sure to share the love and pass our contact info on to your friends and family when they talk about moving.