Real Estate Ambassador

Happy Labor Day | Commercial Real Estate Wausau Wisconsin

arkrhowmine — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:28:34 +0000

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For your Commercial & Investment Real Estate needs, hire the Commercial Broker.

Grubb & Ellis | Pfefferle
Independently Owned & Operated

The ONLY National Commercial Real Estate Brokerage located in North Central Wisconsin.

Local Presences | Global Reach

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Serving: Marathon County, Portage County, Wood County, Lincoln County, Langlade County, Clark County, Taylor County, Oneida County, Shawano County, Chippewa County, Eau Claire County and other points of Wisconsin.

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Habitat for Humanity of Wausau Dedicates Fifty-first Home

arkrhowmine — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:17:07 +0000

Habitat for Humanity of Wausau Dedicates Fifty-first Home: Habitat for Humanity of Wausau will host its fifty-first home dedication, the second this summer, on Sunday, August 22, 2010 at 7812 Volkman Street in Rothschild.

The traditional dedication ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. as Habitat for Humanity volunteers join the family to celebrate the completion of another home and the transfer of the mortgage. Special guest, Ron Foreman, principal of the Rothschild Elementary School will welcome the children to his school and will present each one with a small gift. The house will be open for inspection and visitation at 12:30 p.m. on Dedication Day. The community is welcome to attend.

The 1,458 square foot, ranch style house with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, was partially built by 18 DC Everest students under the direction of teacher Chad Pernsteiner as part of the students’ 2009/2010 technology education class. Everest students gained many construction skills as they framed the house from floor joists to rafters.

The house was moved from DC Everest to its current location on May 14, 2010 and set on a foundation that includes a full basement; a one car garage was built at the site by the students after then house was set.

Habitat partner families are required to invest 300 hours of “sweat equity” as part of their purchase agreement – a minimum of 150 of the required hours must be put in at the construction site. The partner family for this house helped to clear the lot of trees and shrubs; helped to rake and seed the entire yard; and helped to do finish trim work. This work along with an additional 150 hours of community service satisfied their required time commitment, making the family eligible to assume the mortgage of their home.

“It is rewarding providing a home for a family that works hard and needs help,” said Ark Rhowmine, president of Habitat for Humanity of Wausau. “Whether volunteers help plant grass, drive nails or are students from the local school system, everyone feels the same satisfaction when a home is dedicated.”

Though the poor economy makes funding a challenge, Habitat Humanity of Wausau is already making plans to build the 53rd Habitat home. Since the high school partnership has been suspended for the coming school year, the next house will probably be built on site.

Before construction begins, Habitat for Humanity of Wausau has several important tasks to complete related to the home 53. First, HFH of Wausau must choose a recipient family who presently resides in substandard housing, but has the financial ability to pay the property taxes and the monthly, zero interest mortgage payments. Once the family is located, HFH of Wausau will begin designing the home and finding a suitable building lot the fits the house plan.

Donations for this home are already being accepted. Many companies have come forward to make house 53 a reality: a millwork company has offered to provide all of the windows; County Materials will 25 yards of concrete needed for the foundation; and grants are available to help pay for some of the framing lumber.

Habitat for Humanity of Wausau’s work is not done – there are many families in the area that still need help. Habitat for Humanity of Wausau operates under the auspices of Habitat for Humanity International. The organization is committed to helping families in the area who face challenging life circumstances own their own homes. Families are awarded homes after undergoing a stringent screening process for eligibility and the ability to service the mortgage.

Habitat for Humanity is thankful for its many volunteers who come forward to make homes a reality for area families. We thank the entire community and our many vendor partners for their continued support.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Wausau, to volunteer, to make a donation, or to complete a home application, please contact Jackie at the Habitat for Humanity office at 715.848.5042 or email her at office@habitatwausau.org.

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For your Commercial & Investment Real Estate needs, hire the Commercial Broker.

Grubb & Ellis | Pfefferle
Independently Owned & Operated

The ONLY National Commercial Real Estate Brokerage located in North Central Wisconsin.

Local Presents | Global Reach

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90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

arkrhowmine — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:17:52 +0000

90th anniversary of the 19th amendment:

Did you know Ninety years ago today, women got the right to vote. Here’s the text of the 19th amendment, which was ratified on August 18, 1920, by the Tennessee General Assembly: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Tennessee was the thirty-sixth state to ratify, giving the amendment the requisite approval of three-fourths of the states; the amendment passed because 24 year-old legislator Harry Burn changed his vote, at the insistence of his elderly mother.

My God Bless these United States

2010 Wausau Area Small Businesses of the Year | Wausau, Wisconsin

arkrhowmine — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:17:57 +0000

Congratulations 2010 Wausau Area Businesses of the Year! We would like to recognize two businesses in our area that were awarded as Small Business of the Year for 2010 by the Wausau Regional Chamber of Commerce. Each year the Wausau Chamber awards two area small businesses as the Small Business of the Year and this years awards went to Home Insulation company, Inc. and Becher Hoppe.

Home Insulation Company, Inc. has been serving the Wausau area since 1938. Always the innovators, Home Insulation developers are marketing their “snug fit” product where the technologically driven insulation fits into every crevice nook and cranny. The innovative products are designed to save homeowners precious dollars and works to enhance efficient energy use. For more information about Home Insulation Company, Inc. click here.

Becher Hoppe began as an engineering and surveying firm back in 1954. Today Becher Hopper is located right at the heart of our Central Business District. Premier architectural services round out their firm’s offerings. Becher Hoppe offers an array of services to municipalities(site development plans), business (expansion and development work) and individuals (home and small business solutions). For more information about Becher Hoppe click here.

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For your Commercial & Investment Real Estate needs, hire the Commercial Broker.

Grubb & Ellis | Pfefferle
Independently Owned & Operated

The ONLY National Commercial Real Estate Brokerage located in North Central Wisconsin.

Local Presents | Global Reach

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The Long Slog: The Bureau of Labor Statistics Released… | Wausau, Wisconsin

arkrhowmine — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:33:58 +0000

The Long Slog: The Bureau of Labor Statistics released its anticipated monthly employment report this morning, revealing a modest gain of 83,000 private sector jobs in June and a top-line loss of 125,000 total nonfarm jobs. The Census Bureau laid off 225,000 temporary workers last month who were hired for the 2010 Census, causing the large gap between total and private sector jobs. April and May data were revised slightly higher by 25,000 total jobs and 15,000 private sector jobs. Other key points in the report:

The unemployment rate fell from 9.7 percent in May to 9.5 percent in June, but this was largely because 652,000 people left the labor force, reducing the labor force participation rate from 65.0 to 64,7 percent. More people became discouraged and stopped looking for work.
Average hourly earnings and the average workweek length were unchanged indicating that incomes have been slow to ramp up.

The June report reveals a labor market that is expanding slowly, and it confirms other recent economic reports on retail sales, manufacturing and housing showing that the recovery has lost some momentum. Reasons for this include European debt woes, the waning effects of the stimulus, lingering caution on the part of both businesses and consumers, and severe deficit problems in state and local governments.

Private hiring clearly has not yet reached the velocity needed to make the recovery self-sustaining, but the June report does suggest that the labor market and the broader economy continue to move forward. The odds of a double dip recession have increased; the question is being asked more frequently in the current environment than it was a few months ago, but the jury is still out. If the economy continues to lose momentum, then a double dip is more likely. But if the economy can stabilize even at this lower level, the recovery will remain intact. We’ll know more over the next few weeks.

Source, Robert Bach , SVP, Chief Economist , Grubb & Ellis , 312.698.6754

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For your Commercial and Investment Real Estate needs hire the professionals. Grubb & Ellis | Pfefferle is the ONLY National Commercial Real Estate Broker in North Cenrtal Wisconsin. Independently Owned and Operated

View Ark Rhowmine’s Commercial Listing.

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For more Commercial Real Estate Market Issues:

Financing for Commercial Real Estate is Starting to Thaw

Don’t Blame Canada

Where Will The Jobs Come From

Bellwethers – FedEx, Considered a Bellwether for the Economy

Halftime Pep Talk | Commercial Real Estate Market | Wausau Wisconsin | Real Estate Ambassador

Halftime Pep Talk | Commercial Real Estate Market | Wausau Wisconsin

arkrhowmine — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 21:15:18 +0000

Halftime Pep Talk : We are at the midpoint of 2010, and the economy and the commercial real estate markets are trudging ahead. It’s not a V-shaped recovery, unfortunately, nor does a double-dip recession appear likely – see the chart below showing GDP forecasts from economists at three large financial institutions. Real Capital Analytics says that property sales volume year-to-date through May is 56 percent higher than the same period last year though sales remain low by historic standards. Demand is focused at either end of the quality spectrum – core assets in primary markets or deeply discounted troubled assets. Broad pricing metrics such as cap rates and repeat-sale property indexes have stabilized. Leasing market fundamentals have stabilized for apartments while the office, industrial and retail markets are nearing a bottom.

Early in the year, the economy appeared to be firming rapidly and the stock market surged ahead, so it looked like the recovery would proceed quickly. But in the second quarter Europe swooned, the U.S. economy hit some speed bumps and Wall Street fizzled. When you average it out, we’re getting exactly what most analysts expected at the beginning of the year – a gradual recovery.

It doesn’t feel like a recovery, but neither did it feel like a recovery in 2002 and 2003 though the prior recession ended in November 2001. Nor did it feel like a recovery in 1992 and 1993 despite the fact that the prior recession ended in March 1991.

One big difference between now and the early 1990s is that today there is plenty of capital chasing commercial real estate or waiting on the sidelines to do so. The industry retains its popularity as an investment asset class, which was not really the case in the early 1990s when word on the street was that the market would not need any new space until after the millennium, a forecast that proved far too pessimistic.

Fear not, readers; though the economy is not roaring ahead, commercial real estate is attracting more investor interest than we could have hoped for a year ago while the leasing market is finding its footing. The recovery is going according to plan.

Have a great weekend.

Source: Robert Bach ,SVP, Chief Economist ,Grubb & Ellis , 312.698.6754

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View Ark Rhowmine’s Commercial Listing.

For more Commercial Real Estate Market Issues:

Financing for Commercial Real Estate is Starting to Thaw

Don’t Blame Canada

Where Will The Jobs Come From

Bellwethers – FedEx, Considered a Bellwether for the Economy

Bellwethers – FedEx, considered a bellwether for the economy | Grubb & Ellis | Wausau Wisconsin

arkrhowmine — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:18:48 +0000

Bellwethers – FedEx: Bellwethers – FedEx, considered a bellwether for the economy, yesterday reported strong results for its fiscal fourth quarter ending May 31^st. The company made a profit of $419 million or $1.33 a share on revenues of $9.43 billion, up by 20 percent from the year-ago quarter. FedEx forecasted earnings for its new fiscal year of $4.40 to $5 a share. Notably, it reported no slowdown in its European business despite the financial turmoil and economic concerns clouding the outlook for the region.

Another bellwether, the Conference Board’s index of leading indicators rose 0.4 percent in May while April’s reading was revised from -0.1 percent to flat – so no sign of a double-dip recession.

Have a great weekend.

Source: Robert Bach , SVP, Chief Economist , Grubb & Ellis , 312.698.6754

Personal Note From Ark:

For those of you who are receiving ”Good News Friday” for the first time, and those who have been right along, approximately a year ago Robert Bach, Senior VP, Chief Economist of Grubb & Ellis, started writing GNF to help readers find GOOD in the economy. Some days it has been a little difficult for him. But all-in-all he has been able to share good news with us. With permission, I have picked this up and have been forwarding GNF on to my friends and business contacts for about year now. I have received positive feedback from many of you. I hope to continue this service and that you continue to enjoy and gain from it.

If you would like to receive Good News Friday, please feel free to contact me direct at arkr@gepwi.com and I will place you on the distribution list.

Thank you for allowing me into your office,

Ark Rhowmine

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View Ark Rhowmine’s Commercial Listing.

For More Good Morning Friday Articles:

Financing for Commercial Real Estate is Starting to Thaw

Don’t Blame Canada

Where Will The Jobs Come From

Don’t Blame Canada | Grubb & Ellis | Wausau Wisconsin

arkrhowmine — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 20:37:01 +0000

Don’t Blame Canada: Canada did many things right before the run-up to the credit crisis and during the crisis itself, and now the Canadian economy is recovering more quickly than the U.S. and Europe. First quarter GDP grew at an annualized rate of 6.1 percent, the sharpest increase in more than 10 years and the fastest growth among G-7 countries. Total employment in Canada fell by 2.7 percent versus a peak-to-trough decline of 6.1 percent in the U.S. Since bottoming in August 2009, Canadian employers have added 115,000 net new jobs, recouping 28 percent of the 407,000 jobs lost in the downturn. More conservative financial institutions and a stable housing market helped cushion Canada’s economy from the crisis while global demand for commodities has given the recovery a leg up.

Back in the U.S., The Wall Street Journal ran a must-read editorial yesterday on why fears of a double-dip recession are overstated – see attached.

Source: Robert Bach , SVP, Chief Economist , Grubb & Ellis , 312.698.6754

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View Ark Rhowmine’s Commercial Listing.

Why Use a Commercial Real Estate Broker | Wausau, Wisconsin

arkrhowmine — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:22:42 +0000

Why Use a Commercial Real Estate Broker?

Commercial Real Estate Brokers are Business Minded people who understand there commercial clients’ needs and are driven by the economics of a transaction.

Commercial Real Estate Brokers have an in-depth knowledge of commercial properties, valuations, financial alternatives and available economic incentives. In addition, they are connected with the decision makers of the community and work regularly with Towns, Villages, Cities and the State regarding zoning, conditional use, wetlands, CSM’s and building permit processes.

Commercial Real Estate Brokers have developed sophisticated property databases and have access to a wide variety of material that will assist them in marketing, searching, negotiating and representing their clients in the most professional manner possible.

Commercial Real Estate Brokers are professionals who specialize exclusively in commercial real estate.

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View Ark Rhowmine’s Commercial Listing.

Where Will the Jobs Come From? | Grubb & Ellis | Wausau Wisconsin

arkrhowmine — Fri, 21 May 2010 14:51:40 +0000

Where Will the Jobs Come From?

Many people I speak with are skeptical that the labor market recovery is real and sustainable. It’s true that the 573,000 net new payroll jobs created year-to-date is merely a down payment on the 8.4 million jobs lost in 2008 and 2009, but the trend is moving in the right direction. A particularly hopeful sign is that new business creation surged to a 14-year high in 2009. “Challenging economic times can serve as a motivational boost to individuals who have been laid-off to become their own employers and future job creators,” according to the Kauffman Foundation, the study’s author. Entrepreneurship is strongest in the West and South. Click here to view a summary of the study, and click here to listen to a story from American Public Media’s “Marketplace” radio show.

What kinds of jobs are being created? Moody’s Economy.com reports that the following sectors will see the biggest percentage gains in jobs added this year:

Medical Services
Industrial Services
Computer Software & Services
Restaurants
Biotechnology
Environmental Services
Retail Stores – General
Banking
Medical Supplies
Retail Stores – Specialty Lines

The American free enterprise system is working as advertised.

Have a great weekend.

Source: Robert Bach, SVP, Chief Economist , Grubb & Ellis , 312.698.6754

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View Ark Rhowmine’s Commercial Listing.