Some people believe that it's nearly impossible to buy in this market. But we want you to know that you can achieve your homeownership goals when you have a good plan and the right team supporting you. 

Last year we helped 76 clients buy real estate across South Central Wisconsin, and we can help you and yours prepare for a successful purchase this year, too. When you embrace an action-oriented mindset and chip away at your goals each day, positive change can come your way sooner than you think. 

Call us to get started. We'd love to help. 

We've run the numbers, and the answer might be a little surprising to you. Our data from the South Central Wisconsin MLS shows 39 percent of all Dane County home and condo listings received multiple offers in 2023. Within our team, 59 percent of all Mad City Dream Homes listings received competing offers. 

Time and time again, we continue to observe more competition leading to higher prices, cleaner offers, and a better return on investment for our clients. For more information, check out our 2023 home-selling results. 

At Mad City Dream Homes we work with all kinds of clients, including people who have lived in their home for 30, 40 and sometimes even 50 years. For these clients, getting ready to sell can be an emotional and sometimes overwhelming experience. They have so many possessions and memories to sift through, and they need so much support.  

You may have someone in your life who needs special care as they get ready to sell. We want you to know we are well-prepared to serve them. We can flex our resources within our team to give them the support they need, including plenty of personal attention and hands-on help. 

#1) To what extent do my clients, colleagues and friends see me as someone who is focused on them…or focused on myself?

#2) How can I consistently show up as a positive influence for the people I know?

#3) What are my unique skills and talents? And how can I best apply them within my profession? 

Your answers could help you take your first step in a new direction. 

According to color consultant, Wendy Broadhead, trends are shifting right now. Here are some of Wendy's favorite splashes from the Benjamin Moore product line. 

Main wall colors

"Main wall colors are stepping further away from the cool grays and the bright whites. Warmer colors like OC-24 Winds Breath, OC-20 Pale Oak, 1548 Classic Gray, 1549 Balboa Mist are being selected." 

(Balboa Mist from Benjamin Moore -- photo from Benjamin Moore)

Bedrooms, offices and family rooms

"Slightly deeper shades are being used in spaces like bedrooms, offices and family rooms: AF-100 Pashmina, HC-81 Manchester Tan, HC-80 Bleeker Beige and 984 Stone Hearth." 

(Pashmina from Benjamin Moore -- photo from Benjamin Moore)

Accents, cabinets, and

The first big insight: Many of the most productive real estate agents approach their profession as a craft. A craft that they work at each day. Not because they have to, but because they want to. Because their work is rewarding to them and worth the effort. 

The second big insight: Many of these same agents apply their craft as a service to others. And it’s this focus on serving that sustains them over the long run. Having a servant mindset enhances their relationships, their reputation, and the satisfaction that they derive from their career. 

What a wonderful way to approach a vocation. 

We're always focused on being present with you: 

• So when you have a question for us, we respond with a prompt and thorough answer. 

• When you send us a text or an email, we read your entire message and follow up with you appropriately. 

• And when you call us, we pick up the phone or we call you back real soon. 

And of course we're always up for a conversation. A conversation offers a real opportunity to connect. 

Madison area condo prices rose from $187 per square foot in January of 2023 to to $212 in January of 2024. That's a 13 percent year-over-year increase. Note these numbers are based on a low number of sales in the month of January. We'll gain a clearer picture of price growth as we accumulate more data throughout the year. 

Dane County condo prices

New listings

January condominium listings entered the market at the slowest pace on record. Only 101 Dane County condos were listed for sale last month. We expect listing activity to remain low (and prices to remain high) for the foreseeable future. A lack of new condo construction in one key reason why the market will remain tight. 

Active listings

Available condominium listings (those

Buying a home isn't necessarily easy in this market, but it doesn't need to be a frustrating and exhausting experience, either. Just the opposite, it can be a rewarding and life-changing event when you embrace the right mindsets. Here are 5 key mindsets that will help you achieve your homeownership goals in our low inventory market. 

#1) Choose optimism over pessimism, and trust in the process. You'll find the right home when you have a good plan and the right team supporting you. 

#2) Be active, not passive. "Zillowing" and perusing properties online can be interesting and fun, but it won't necessarily get the job done. A better approach? Partner with professionals who actively work your plan for you. 

#3) Think 12 months, not 3. Buying a home

Madison area home prices continued to move higher in the month of January. Here's our latest update on the Dane County single family home market.  

Dane County home prices

Home prices in the month of January:

• The price per square foot increased from $211 to $225 (6 percent).
• The average price increased from $471,524 to $494,110 (5 percent). 
• The median price increased from $430,000 to $450,000 (5 percent).

New listings

New listings rose for the third straight month (a positive trend), but were still very low by historical standards. A total of of 387 single family homes were listed for sale in the month of January, which was the second lowest January total this century. 

Active listings

Active listings (those