When we put out a call in our last newsletter and blog for recommendations of another local nonprofit to spotlight, we were pleased that the word traveled quickly in our networks and beyond. Several people connected us with the incredible work of JustDane, whose mission is to help transform individual lives and social systems to create a just and equitable community. 

The name “JustDane” was at first unfamiliar to me, and I soon learned why. The nearly 50-year-old faith-rooted nonprofit, originally named Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM), recently emerged from a rebranding effort this summer. A phoenix with a north star has been selected as JustDane’s new logo to better reflect its inspiring and hopeful vision of a community where everyone can succeed,

Winter is just around the corner, and although it may be more challenging this year due to the pandemic, there are ways to make it easier and more fun. Just because your usual winter activities may be less feasible this year doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the season. Here are 5 ways to prepare for a happier and healthier winter that keep you safe.

1. Get outside for winter fun. Fresh air and sunlight go a long way to improving mood, so don’t forget about all of the fun outdoor winter activities that are available this time of year! Try ice skating, cross country skiing, or taking winter hikes. Dane County Park’s winter recreation guide is a great resource for finding fun ways to be active outside. You can also visit the City of Madison Parks

The holiday season has arrived, so it’s time to reflect on last year’s real estate predictions before we share our predictions for the coming year. As you’ll see below, our crystal ball was accurate with a few of our 2020 real estate predictions and off the mark with a few others.

Where our crystal ball got it right

Last year we predicted historically low mortgage rates and housing inventory, which have proven to be true. We predicted confusing and contradictory messaging about the economy and the market, which has also been on the mark. Last, we summed up our predictions by saying more consumers would seek the advice of full-service, real estate professionals. Based on our experience, this has also been true. We’ve served more buyers and

November and December are typically the two slowest months for real estate in the Madison area. Of course, this year has been anything but typical.

Although buyer activity does tend to slow during the holidays, we're still sensing strong interest from local buyers for this time of year. For example, check out the chart below, which compares the number of new monthly visitors to our website compared to the same month of the previous year. 

So far, through the first 23 days of November, our website traffic is up 20% from last year. If we use the number of new visitors to our website as a proxy for buyer interest, then interest in Madison area real estate is quite high for this time of year. Despite all of the political chaos and uncertainty in

At Mad City Dream Homes, we like to think of every listing as a luxury listing. We believe every property - no matter the price point - deserves beautiful photos. That's why we work so closely with you on your cosmetic updates, your staging, and your photography. We've learned from experience that all of our up front planning and preparation pays huge dividends when your home hits the market. 

For example, here are some beautiful photos from 10 of our recent listings, all of which were priced at $300,000 and under. Each property sold quickly and for a high market price, and most received multiple offers. Thank you Shelley Lazzareschi, Chris Venden, Maureen Moran, Alan Feder, Ann Raschein, Tracy Kapela, and Debbie Lea for your contributions to these

Thanksgiving plans this year have changed for many people, but that doesn't mean you still can't celebrate the holiday! Here are 8 non-traditional ways to celebrate Thanksgiving this year at home. Some of them may even become part of your regular holiday tradition!

Thanksgiving 2020 Ideas

1. Get outside. Many local races are going virtual this year. The Berbee Derby and Turkey Trot are both still happening, and are a great way to support your community and get some exercise. Running not your thing? Visit one of Dane County’s many parks and take a Thanksgiving Day hike, or take an extra long stroll in a new neighborhood. Depending on the weather, wearing layers will help make the time outside more comfortable. Spending a little extra time

Earlier this summer, some members of our team visited State Street to view the temporary Downtown Street Art and Mural Project by local artists -- including those who have been affected by racial injustice and violence. Of the 100 or so murals that covered storefront windows and sides of buildings, we started to notice a distinctive style featuring the silhouette of Black girls’ faces with pops of bright colors and words of affirmation among a few of the displays. Also featured on the beautiful artwork near Goodman’s Jewelers and the Overture Center for the Arts were the hashtag #DefendingBlackGirlhood and Instagram handle @LiladasArt. 

These pieces of art were created by Lilada Gee, a lifelong Madison resident who has rediscovered the healing

This year has been a year of incredible change. Despite all of the challenges in 2020, we’re excited to be on a positive path as we head into the new year. Here are a few of the positive steps we’ve taken in 2020, and a peek at what lies ahead in 2021. 

Positive change in 2020

We’ve crystallized our 3 core values of Community, Relationships, and Real Estate. We’re actively investing in our community. We’re cultivating positive relationships in every aspect of our business. And -- more than ever before -- we’re dedicated to helping you achieve all of your real estate dreams and goals.

We’ve implemented a retirement savings plan (with company match) for our employees. With the implementation of our IRA savings plan, we’re committed to helping

You are ready to sell, and you want to get the best price possible. This means showing your home at its best. We suggest a few simple updates that can be done both quickly and affordably. Take a look at our top 5 ways to increase your home's value without breaking the bank. All five of these recommendations are low cost solutions that provide a great return on investment. 

Step 1: Hire a professional home stager

In real estate, first impressions mean everything. A professional will help you stage your home so buyers fall in love with your listing when they view your home online. Depending on your needs, your stager will also recommend new paint colors, new flooring, and new light fixtures which dramatically improve your home's mass appeal. If you're

The Dane County real estate market continued to exceed all expectations in the month of October. Here's our latest summary of the Madison area real estate market, for both single family homes and condos. 

Home and condo sales

Dane County single family home sales set a new record in October, increasing by 37% from last October, and by 5% year-to-date.

Condo sales nearly reached an all-time high. Closings increased by 30% in October and by 10% through the first 10 months of 2020.

Accepted Offers

Single family home accepted offers set a new record for the month of October. Based on this forward-looking indicator, we expect home sales to set a new record in the month of November, too.

Accepted offers for condominiums also set a