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. 

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

If one of your life goals is to become a homeowner, you might try embracing the mindset of "better over perfect". In other words, the home you buy this year may not be your perfect home, in your perfect location, and at your perfect price. But it can be the home that helps you create a better life -- and build a stronger financial foundation.  

Simply by paying your mortgage each month, and by making the right improvements, you can start building equity right now that will help you move up to your next home a few years down the line. You can experience your dream of homeownership, and you can start building wealth for your future, when you embrace better over perfect. 

Let's have a quick look at the numbers: Last year, Dane County's population grew by almost 8,000 people, and yet we built just under 1,300 homes. This is a very familiar pattern in Dane County. As the chart below shows, new home construction has been subdued for the last 18 years, even though our county has consistently ranked as one of the fastest-growing regions in the state. 

What does the future hold for Dane County?

While many counties in Wisconsin are experiencing population declines, it's important to note that Dane County's population is projected to grow by another 200,000 people over the next 30 years. For this and a host of other reasons, we fully expect local home values will continue to appreciate for the foreseeable future. 

Rates for a 30 year mortgage were approaching 8 percent just a few months ago, but now they're much closer to 6.5%. What new possibilities do lower rates create for you? Now is a great time to explore your opportunities with a trusted local lender. Contact your Mad City Dream Homes realtor for a referral to a lender who will help you understand your options and make good financial decisions. We'd love to help. 

 Chart and data are provided courtesy of the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. 

It's true, buying a home can be a real challenge in this market. But with the right mindset and the right people supporting you, you can achieve your dream of homeownership. Here are 4 tips from our team that can help you make your homeownership dreams come true. 

#1) Invest in your personal and professional growth. You'll improve your mindset, your career opportunities, and your income when you're intentional about learning and growing each day. 

#2) Partner with an employer who will invest in your future. Yes, there are plenty of dead-end jobs out there. There are also some excellent employers in the Madison area who will fairly compensate you for your character and your work ethic. 

#3) Save and invest your money with the help of a financial

Would you have peace of mind?

Would you have financial peace? 

And would you be excited? 

We often ask our clients these 3 questions as they consider a big purchase. When they answer "yes" to all three, then that's a sign that they're about to make the right decision. 

These questions are a reminder to us that we all have important questions to address in every season of life. And there's no time like the present to reflect on the ones that help us choose a new and better direction.

It comes down to 3 essential reasons:

#1) Availability: When you work with Mad City Dream Homes, you won’t ever miss out on seeing a property or writing an offer on your dream home. Our entire team is here to give you the support you need, when you need it. 

#2) Shared expertise: You may need help with a price opinion, an offer or negotiation, or solving a challenging problem. We share our collective expertise with you so you always receive the guidance you need to make smart decisions. 

#3) Depth of service: We are by your side and advocating for your best interests throughout your home-buying experience. We attend to every detail for you, and we’re always available to answer your questions that pop up along the way. 

Call us when you're

According to research by Buffini & Company, we have 8 major motivations for buying real estate: 

1) The desire to be close to family 

2) A need for more space

3) A realization that it's time to downsize 

4) Job relocation 

5) A major life change, such as a marriage, birth, death, divorce, or entering the workforce  

6) A desire to be in a different neighborhood 

7) A goal to invest in real estate 

8) A desire to own a vacation home 

What's motivating you to buy a home, condo, or investment property in 2024? We'd love to learn more about your needs and help you create a plan for your goals. Contact your preferred Mad City Dream Homes realtor to get started. We've helped hundreds of clients purchase real estate in our competitive

For many of us the holiday season is a time for reflection and resolutions. It's also the season when we start making our homeownership plans for the coming year.

What are your real estate goals for 2024?

Do any of these goals speak to you? 

#1) You have some home improvement projects in mind and you need recommendations for reputable contractors. You'd also like some insight into which home improvement projects offer the best return on investment.

#2) You've been dreaming of a new home and you need some guidance on how to make it happen. Inventory is tight right now, and you need help finding the home that's the right fit for your lifestyle and your stage of life.

#3) You'd like to meet with an expert about your home's current market