The Wisconsin Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (WI-CARH) has been recognized as the State Affiliated Association of the Year by the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH). 

WI-CARH, a national non-profit organization, is dedicated to continuing and bettering rural and affordable housing throughout the United States, a mission we champion at Wisconsin Management Company. Our President, Russ Endres, was an original board member of the organization back in the late 1990s and now serves as the organization's Secretary. 

The State Affiliated Association of the Year Award recognizes and encourages excellence in the programs, services, and management of CARH’s seventeen state-affiliated associations. The award was presented at the mid-year CARH conference in South Carolina, and Russ joined WICARH's Vice President – Rob Dicke – to accept it! 

Congratulations to this fantastic organization! We are excited to continue to grow our partnership. You can learn more about them, here.

The post WI-CARH | State Affiliated Association of the Year appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

You’ve likely heard of luxury housing and affordable housing, but have you ever heard of luxury affordable housing? Today’s blog breaks down our innovative initiative to provide income-restricted, affordable housing to our community, with the benefit of a luxury lifestyle and all the bells and whistles offered in non-affordable communities.

In every organization, there is a passion, and at WMC, it's championing affordable housing. At WMC, we create, preserve and provide valuable affordable housing that transforms and empowers communities. From revitalizing existing communities, recently including the Grand Re-Openings of Summit Apartments and Cuba City Apartments, to the development of brand new communities, such as the upcoming developments in Lac du Flambeau and Lancaster, WI, we remain committed to meeting the growing demands for affordable housing.

What is Affordable Housing?
There are several federal programs that provide financing for the development of affordable or workforce housing such as HUD, USDA-RD, and Section 42 of the IRS Tax Credit Code. When we use the term “affordable housing”, we are referring to properties that fall under these umbrella terms where governmental agencies provide developer incentives or rent assistance/subsidies. What this means is that if individuals or families meet the income qualifications for housing built under these programs, they may qualify for a reduced rental rate, or maybe even a contribution towards their payment every month. Learn more about general affordable housing, here.

So where does “Luxury Affordable” Housing fit into this?
Luxury Affordable Housing is communities using Tax Credits and may also be called “Workforce Housing”. These communities are built to appear the same to prospects and passers-by as luxury housing as they are built with upscale finishes and amenities including, for example, stainless appliances, luxury vinyl plank flooring, in-home laundry, underground parking, fitness centers, community rooms, and more. Individuals and families who will potentially be eligible for these communities will typically be subject to income restrictions ranging from 30 to 80% of the county median income. You might be interested to know that many vital jobs fit into these ranges, including school teachers, daycare workers, police officers, firefighters, customer service representatives, restaurant workers, and more. Check out these Luxury Affordable Communities WMC has recently opened with developers under this category, including The HighLine, The Madisonian, and Park Cedar Apartments.

Regretfully, Affordable Housing often comes with a negative stigma. The assumption is that affordable properties are only located in undesirable neighborhoods, and are not well cared for or professionally developed, or managed. Similarly, Luxury Affordable Housing may be assumed to be expensive yet challenges both of these objections, as those who make it their home enjoy high-end accommodation with all that non-affordable properties have to offer, while still gaining government assistance to go towards their rent.

WMC is proud of the team commitment we foster to make Affordable Housing and Luxury Affordable Housing accessible and sustainable in many regions throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois. If you have any questions about luxury affordable housing or want to know if you qualify, reach out to us!

The post Understanding Luxury Affordable Housing appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

Although we manage properties across Wisconsin and Illinois, our headquarters is nestled into Madison’s Stoughton Road area and we are proud to call Madison our home. If you’re curious about our home base or are thinking of moving to Madison, here are three things you should know…

1.    Madison was voted #3 in Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live and was just named #1 in Sport’s Illustrated’s 2019 roundup of the 10 best college towns across the United States. Why? Well, it scores in as excellent in most of the major categories such as food, culture, green spaces which includes parks and an extensive bike trail network. 
2.    Madison’s downtown area is nestled on an isthmus –  a narrow strip of land with Lake Mendota and Lake Monona on either side. It’s one of just two cities located on an isthmus in the entire country.
3.    The Capitol building was completed in 1917, from 43 types of stone from 6 countries and 8 states. It’s the highest building in the city as a city ordinance prevents any new buildings from being taller than the Capitol dome.
4.    Wisconsin Management manages over 25 properties in the Madison area. Head on over to our “Search Rentals” tab above to search for your next home!

There are so many reasons to love Madison. For those of you who also have your home base here, what do you love most about your city? Let us know in the comments below. 
 

The post 3 Facts You Might Not Know About Our Home Town – Madison WI appeared first on Wisconsin Management Company, Inc. Blog.

 After months of planning and partnerships, we are thrilled to say we were able to raise $22,000 for the American Red Cross in Wisconsin – which surpasses our total of $20,000 last year. 

Thank you to everyone who participated, whether that be as a sponsor, golfer or fellow WMC/FGS team member! 

Your photos are now published on our Facebook page. Head on over at the WMC Facebook Page.

Otherwise here's a video of footage from the day. Amazing weather, great company, a good cause and some golf…take us back!