We have a tendency to assume that the real estate market will act as it always has according to predictable patterns and cycles. But, we're in a new era for real estate. And what we're learning right now is that some of the old rules no longer apply. Here are 3 examples.

Old rule #1:

Prices go through regular boom and bust cycles based on having either too little or too much supply.

• New rule #1: Many systemic factors are at play which will limit supply indefinitely and keep prices high.

Old rule #2:

The springtime and the summertime tend to be the best times to buy a home in Dane County.

• New rule #2: In a perpetually low supply market like ours, buying a home is now a year-round endeavor. Your best opportunity could present

Buying your dream home in this market isn't easy, but it's possible. It becomes probable when you have a good plan and a caring and committed team supporting you. And it all begins with a conversation. 

It's a low inventory market, for sure, but buyers who remain persistent and patient will find more opportunities to purchase in the months ahead. That's because fewer buyers are home-shopping during the second half of the year, and inventory is slowly rising. And we expect this trend to continue into the fall season, as it typically does each year.

What questions do you have about buying or selling a home in the Madison area? We're always available for a helpful conversation, and we'd love to help you plan for your future.

Recently we've had two friends work with Jimmie Copus from Lawn Arts Landscaping, and both friends have been very impressed with Jimmie and his work. Jimmie is available to work on virtually any aspect of your yard or lawn. His list of services includes landscaping, mulching, tree and bush trimming, spring and fall yard clean-ups, lawn mowing, and ongoing lawn care. 

Jimmie offers reasonable rates and he's easy to work with. For more information, we encourage you to call Jimmie at 608-205-7073. 

Recently we've connected our friends with landscapers, lawn mowers, cleaners, house washers, carpet cleaners, painters, HVAC companies, handymen, electricians, plumbers, flooring companies, roofers, window specialists, foundation repair specialists, movers, home inspectors, radon mitigation specialists, insurance agents, attorneys, lenders, graphic designers, interior designers, stagers, and photographers.

So, how can we help you? 

Even with so much technology at our fingertips, there's still no substitute for face-to-face and voice-to-voice communication. Especially when it comes to questions about real estate.

That's because the most helpful answers are rarely all black and white. Usually, they involve some shades of gray that are only revealed through conversation. 

Recently we heard from a young family who asked us if we would be willing to visit with them and help them plan for their future. Emily, the mom, explained that although they are still 2 years away from moving, they'd love to start working on the simple cosmetic projects that will improve their home's value and maximize their return on investment.  

Our answer, of course, was yes. We'd love to help. And as it turns out we had a very productive meeting with Emily and her husband Nick. Now Emily and Nick have a good grasp of their home's current market value, along with a few ideas for how they can improve their home's value over the next couple of years. 

The truth is we enjoy helping people plan for their future. It's one of the most rewarding

If you've been thinking about a new look for your kitchen, you've probably been thinking about replacing your kitchen cabinets. Our team recently met with local business owner Dale Tomalin, who showed us a more cost-effective approach than replacement, and we were impressed by the finished product. 

Dale is the franchise owner of Spray-Net of Southern Wisconsin, creators of a painting technology that is flexible enough to avoid cracking, hard enough to avoid chipping, and smooth enough for washing. Dale's product transforms old kitchen cabinets by giving them a brand new, factory finish look. His work also comes with a 15-year transferable warranty. 

For more information, you can check out Dale's reviews on his Google Business Page. And for a

If you're thinking of becoming a first-time homeowner in 2023, it can be helpful to think of your home-buying experience as your opportunity to "get your foot in the door". 

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 "get your foot in the door" for creating a better life -- and building a stronger foundation.  

Just 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. This is the perspective that many of our clients are adopting in 2023, and it’s this mindset that’s helping them experience their

Who's buying?

Right now we're serving many people who are very motivated to buy their first home and start building a better life through homeownership. Many of these folks are people who have either just started or are getting ready to start their family real soon.

On the other end of the spectrum, we're helping many longtime owners who are getting ready to sell their current home and downsize into a smaller one. These are the folks who are ready to simplify life and ease into a new lifestyle. 

And along these lines, we're also working with many relocating buyers who are working on their dream of living in a community that's a great fit for their values and their lifestyle.

Who's not buying?

We're not seeing as many move-up buyers as we