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        <atom:link href="https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/2017-06/rss/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
        <title>Mad City Dream Homes Real Estate Blog, Madison WI</title>
        <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/2017-06/</link>
        <description>Your Madison WI real estate blog. News &amp; views about Madison area homes, condos &amp; South Central Wisconsin real estate. Questions? Call 608-852-7071</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/downtown-madisons-newest-luxury-condo-listing.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/downtown-madisons-newest-luxury-condo-listing.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Downtown Madison's Newest Luxury Condo Listing</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
We're excited to be listing unit 903 at the 100 Wisconsin Ave Condominiums on the capitol square. This corner condominium is actually two combined units with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a home theatre, and over 3,200 finished square feet. It features sweeping skyline views of Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, and the State Capitol building. The new owner will have the option to purchase the condo fully furnished, with decorating by Decker-Cole Interiors and furniture selections from The Century House and Crate and Barrel. 





A Dramatic Foyer with Marble Tile


The entrance to this downtown luxury condo is through a dramatic, curved foyer with column and marble tile. 





An Open Concept Floor Plan with Panoramic Views


Unit 903 features a chef's kitchen overlooking a living room/dining room combo with gorgeous lake and city views. Kitchen amenities include granite counter tops, custom cherry cabinets, new lighting, breakfast bar, and stainless steel Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances. 








The living room features bamboo flooring, a wall of windows, and a modern two-sided fireplace with a metallic surround constructed by Harley Davidson. 








The dining area offers stunning views and walks out to a spacious corner patio. 











A Luxurious Master Suite


The master bedroom features a wall of windows, gas fireplace, wall-mounted TV, 4 cherry closets with organizers, and beautiful touches throughout. 











An exquisite master bathroom is furnished with a marble his and her vanity, marble shower surround, and marble jetted tub. 











Three More Bedrooms, Each with a View


The remaining 3 bedrooms are all well-appointed with ample closet space and closet organizers. All 3 bedrooms have been recently outfitted with Lutron automatic shades. 











Media Room


Relax and entertain in your very own media room with high-end home theatre system. This room comes with a granite wet bar and copper sink. 





100 Wisconsin Ave Views


Take in the priceless views from the rooftop terrace. 











More Condo Amenities


100 Wisconsin Ave offers a well-appointed lobby located right across the street from the State Capitol Building. This unit also comes with 2 underground parking spots, home automation system, whole-house audio, and over $158,000 in recent upgrades. Contact us for more information. 


 


The photos in this blog post are provided by Justin Lackner from Lackner Photographer. You can learn more about Justin's work by visiting his website. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jun 2017 11:57:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/professional-staging-professional-photography-great-west-side-condo-listing.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/professional-staging-professional-photography-great-west-side-condo-listing.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Professional Staging + Professional Photos + Hard Working Seller = Awesome Condo Listing</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Our newest condo listing at 8237 Starr Grass Drive is off to an excellent start, thanks to stager, Debbie Lea, and photographer, Beau Meyer. Traffic has been very brisk and the feedback very positive during the first 4 days of the listing. We're looking forward to reviewing offers on Thursday, June 29th. Here's a little more info about this Midtown Commons condominium on Madison's west side. 


Photos &amp; Features of 8237 Starr Grass Drive


This 2 bedroom/2.5 bathroom townhouse is value range priced from $185,000 to $195,000. The main level features 9' ceilings, upgraded flooring, and a gas fireplace with tile surround. 





An open concept dining area flows into the living room. 





A nice kitchen with breakfast bar, recessed lighting, and ample cabinetry overlooks the living room/dining room combo. 





The second level features TWO master suites. The main suite offers a vaulted ceiling, ceiling fan, and a master bathroom with tile flooring and large walk-in closet. 








The second suite is currently used as an office. It also has its own bathroom and a smaller walk-in closet. 





This condo comes with some nice extras, including an inviting front porch, 2 underground parking spots, and 2 bonus storage units. 





Great Teamwork is the Key to a Great Listing


This listing is a great example of our team values at work. One of our team values is to partner with professional and reputable service providers who help our clients achieve their goals. Our partnership with Debbie Lea and Beau Meyer shows how an extended team made up of the right people can produce outstanding results. 


Of course there is another key player on our team - the home owner. The owner of this condominium has embraced the team concept and faithfully implemented Debbie Lea's staging recommendatons. We have no doubt his hard work and willingness to follow Debbie's lead will pay off nicely at the closing table. 


Start Planning for your Future Listing


Are you planning to sell and looking to partner with the best stager and the best real estate photographers in Madison? We'll give you as much time as you need with our stager and invest in multiple photo shoots until your listing is just right. Contact us to get started. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jun 2017 05:02:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/why-a-radon-test-is-a-good-idea.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/why-a-radon-test-is-a-good-idea.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Why A Radon Test is a Good Idea</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
It is odorless, colorless and has no taste, but radon is a naturally occurring gas that exists throughout Wisconsin, and its radioactive properties make it a health hazard. Fortunately, there are ways to detect it, and remove it from the air you breath.


Lindsay Mefford, of Madison Radon Testing, offers radon testing as part of a home inspection, or as an independently completed process. To do the test, a box (smaller than a shoe box) is temporarily installed in the lowest level of your home. It's installed in a way that prevents tampering. The box takes air samples every hour, and measures the radon content in each sample. After 48 hours, the box is collected, and the measurements are averaged. Madison area homes can fall into three categories. Either there is almost no radon, there is a moderate, but safe amount, or there is enough to merit mitigation. Testing is key to knowing the potential for radon in your home.


&quot;Often people ask if a specific neighborhood has radon issues. This is not the right question. Each lot can have vastly different amounts of radon. Your next door neighbor may have almost none, while you may have levels high enough to require a radon mitigation system. You won't know this, unless you test for it,&quot; says Mefford.


Homes and other structures can create the possibility for greater radon exposure. It has to do with the way homes pull air and gases up from the ground below. A home's foundation can work as a vacuum, and pull higher concentrations of the gas into an enclosed space. It doesn't matter if your basement is exposed or not, the radon level should be measured, and, if it is high, a mitigation system should be installed to pull that gas out of the basement, and release it into the atmosphere above your home. 


Madison Radon Testing offers a truly independent test. They do not sell mitigation systems, so they have no incentive to give you anything but the actual measurement of radon detected in your home. This can be done at anytime, but is commonly done during a home sale. Several of our clients have worked with them, and benefited from their services. The tests are quick, easy, and provide peace of mind whether you are planning to remain in your home, or sell it to a new buyer.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2017 22:32:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/tips-for-buyers-and-sellers-based-on-price-range.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/tips-for-buyers-and-sellers-based-on-price-range.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Tips for Buyers and Sellers by Price Range</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Which price ranges are most competitive in the Madison real estate market? One way to measure the competitiveness (or popularity) of a price range is to look at the percent of offers within the range that involve competition from multiple buyers. In the Madison single family home market, our accepted offer data shows properties priced below $350,000 are in highest demand. Within this range, the most popular price category is $200k - $250k where a full 50 of all accepted offers involve competition from 2 or more buyers. 





In the Madison condo market, condominiums priced below $300,000 are most popular with buyers. Our 2017 data shows condos priced between $250k and $300k are in highest demand, with 43 of the accepted offers in this price category involving competition from multiple buyers. 


 


Tips for Buyers and Sellers Based on Price Category


If you're shopping for a home in a highly competitive price category, you should expect up front that you'll be competing against other motivated buyers. Check out our article on 15 ways to write a winning offer, which offers advice for buyers in a multiple offer situation. 


If you'd like less competition from other buyers, then make it a goal to not buy during the Spring season. Instead, buy during the Summer, Fall or Winter months. See this article, which explains how the market changes by time of year. 


If you're selling a home in a popular price category, you should know you can successfully sell your property any time of year. Regardless of when you sell, be sure to apply the home-selling fundamentals of professional staging, low-cost cosmetic improvements, and professional photos. For more on these and other home-selling topics, view our tips for sellers. 


If you're moving up in the market, from a competitive price point to a less competitive price point, this summer is a great time to make it happen. On the selling side, you have great selling power in a lower-priced, highly competitive market. On the buying side, you have more purchasing power in a higher-priced, less competitive market. Even better, you have time to accomplish your buying and selling goals before the start of the new school year. 


Do you have questions about how to navigate the summer real estate market? Give us a call. We can help. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 26 Jun 2017 04:38:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/have-a-blast-at-these-10-local-fireworks-displays.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/have-a-blast-at-these-10-local-fireworks-displays.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Have a blast at these 10 local fireworks displays</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
** This article was originally written by Samantha Haas while a member of our team. You can learn more about Samantha and her work here. 





When tents start popping up next to gas stations along country roads, you know it's fireworks season. 




But sometimes it's best to let the pros handle the big shows.


The Madison area is full of events where you can watch the colorful displays and hear the booms, from summer festivals to Fourth of July celebrations.


Most of the 10 events listed below around Dane County for 2017 are free to attend and also offer live music, food and kids activities. Fireworks will kick off around dusk (most start between 9:20-10 p.m.), so be sure to get there early and check the event websites just in case they are canceled due to unfavorable weather. And have fun


Friday, June 23


Oregon Summer FestKiser Fireman's Park, 245 Brook St., Oregon


Saturday, June 24


Shake the LakeMonona Terrace, John Nolen Dr., Madison


Monday, July 3


Edgerton Lions Club July 4th CelebrationRacetrack Park, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton


Tuesday, July 4


DeForest Fourth of JulyFiremans Park, 500 Jefferson St, DeForest


Evansville Fourth of JulyLake Leota Park, Leonard Park Drive, Evansville


Maple Bluff Fest on the FourthBeach Park, Lakewood Boulevard and Kensington Drive


Monona Community FestivalWinnequah Park, 1055 Nichols Road, Monona


Shorewood Hills Fourth of July CelebrationBlackhawk Country Club, 3606 Blackhawk Dr.


WaunaboomRipp Park, 213 Dorn Dr., Waunakee


Tuesday, July 4 and Sunday, July 9


Stoughton FairMandt Park, 400 Mandt Pkwy., Stoughton


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jun 2017 16:31:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/sell-your-home-any-time-of-year.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/sell-your-home-any-time-of-year.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Why You Can Sell Your Home in Any Season</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
In this year's hot real estate market, many Madison area property owners will learn they can successfully sell their home any month of the year. The reason is a long-term trend of low supply. Our latest single family home inventory report shows the Madison market has had less than 2 months of supply since December of 2015. 





More insight into our seller's market


Historically low inventory has created a large pool of unsuccessful buyers who are still searching for the right property. This is more than a hunch. MLS data shows the percentage of listings receiving competing offers is up significantly from last year. For example, 48 of all accepted offers in April involved competition from multiple buyers. Last April, the percentage was only 33.


Put another way, the data shows the pool of unsuccessful buyers is much larger in 2017. Many of these buyers are still searching for the right listing and will be ready to pounce as soon as the right property hits the market. No doubt, there will be plenty of motivated buyers searching for real estate this summer and fall. Our team is busy assisting a number of buyers as we enter the summer season. 


 


What about the condo and multifamily markets? Are these markets hot, too?  


As of this post, our latest inventory data shows very low levels of supply in both the condominium and income property markets. Both of these markets favor sellers over buyers. 


So, when is the right time to sell? 


We can help you answer this question during a short consultation. We'll help you price your home and share how the market is trending for your location and your type of property. We'll also lay out a plan that will help you start working toward your goals. This video has more information on what to expect during the planning stages of the home-selling process. 


Many of our sellers use our local market reports to stay on top of the latest real estate trends. You can view all of our Madison area market reports here. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jun 2017 04:50:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/elver-park-farmers-market.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/elver-park-farmers-market.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>New farmers market comes to Elver Park</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
** This article was originally written by Samantha Haas while a member of our team. You can learn more about Samantha and her work here. 


Known for its disc golf course and splash pad, the largest community park on Madison's west side welcomed a new family-friendly attraction this month.


The Elver Park Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning throughout the summer, featuring educational displays and nearly a dozen vendors selling fresh foods, flowers and other locally sourced and made products.





The market is visible from McKenna Boulevard, located in the corner of the parking lot between the playground and splash pad. So while parents are scouting out sales on produce, kiddos can put on their swimsuits or sneakers for a morning of fun.





Families who live nearby can ditch their cars and choose to walk or ride their bicycle to the park since it's conveniently located along a paved bike path. That's how I arrived from the Greentree Neighborhood on opening day, and I passed a few people walking their dogs and pulling their kiddos in wagons who also stopped to explore the market.





That breezy morning in June is when I met Terri Belz, who had already sold out of pork chops, beef sticks and summer sausage by 11 a.m. She and her husband, Rocky, own Sugar River Farm in Belleville.


She said even though the market is smaller than others in Madison, there is still good variety so people don't have to make a separate trip to the grocery store. She even agreed to keep some purchased meat in her cooler for a family so they could spend time at the playground before heading home.


&quot;It's a great little market,&quot; Belz said. &quot;It's a community event.&quot;


The market isn't just about helping local farmers make a profit. Organizers hope it brings neighbors and strangers together in a positive way to &quot;bring down food discrepancies, build community (and) address community health issues,&quot; according to the group's Facebook page.


As the season picks up, the market will also feature special events such as live music and tractor rides. Supporting organizations like SSM Health, MG&amp;E, Summit Credit Union and the Madison Urban League will also provide educational opportunities for residents, The Capital Times reported, and city grants offer food stamp programs.


Mayor Paul Soglin even chimed in about the market on his blog, recognizing the Prairie Hills and Madison West Neighborhood Associations for their collaborative efforts to make it a reality.


Check it out


What: Elver Park Farmers Market


When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 10-Sept. 16, 2017


Where: 1250 McKenna Blvd., Madison


Info: facebook.com/elverparkfarmersmarket


Looking for other things to do this summer on the west side? Laura Kocum shares her favorites here.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Sat, 17 Jun 2017 07:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/capturing-the-beauty-of-a-natural-setting.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/capturing-the-beauty-of-a-natural-setting.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Capturing the Beauty of a Natural Setting</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Our newest listing at 540 Highway 92 just outside of Belleville has been a lot of fun to work on so far. This property offers some beautiful views and a countryside setting just 15 minutes from Verona and 30 minutes from Madison. Justin Lackner has done a great job capturing the natural beauty surrounding the property. Here are a few of Justin's photos. 


Outdoor Photos of 540 Highway 92


This 2 acre property is set up on a hill with mature trees. The lot is surrounded by fields and rolling hills on all sides. 





This shot of the surrounding countryside is taken from the front yard. 


 


Here's another great shot of the countryside setting - taken from the side lot. 





From this property you can see for miles in all directions. 


 


A Beautiful Setting with a Rare Rock Outcropping


Overlooking the back lot is a unique rock outcropping. This photo of the rock outcropping is taken by the multi-talented Joe Molloy from our real estate team.


 


Joe's photo from on top of the outcropping shows more picturesque views of the surrounding countryside. 


 


Do you live in a beautiful setting?


As the old adage goes, the key to real estate is location, location, location. And the key to selling a beautiful location is photos, photos, photos. Whether you have a traditional home with beautiful landscaping, or a farmhouse out in the country, the right outdoor photos will strike a chord with your target audience. 


The summertime is the perfect time for outdoor photos. 


If you plan to sell within the next year, right now is the perfect time to start assembling your outdoor photos. Your outdoor shots will come in handy whenever you plan to list. Get in touch with us to get started. We'll work proactively with you so you're prepared with beautiful photos as soon as your home is ready for the market.  


Check out this blog post for more ideas on how you can use professional outdoor photos to creatively market your home. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jun 2017 06:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/madison-home-prices-up-12-in-may.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/madison-home-prices-up-12-in-may.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Madison Home Prices up 12 in May</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Madison single family home market continued to show rapid price appreciation in May. The May price per square foot was $158 which was up 12 percent from $142 per square foot in May of 2016. Prices in May were well above the market peak from 10 years ago. 





Through the first 5 months of the year, the price per square foot was $153, an increase of 11 from $138 through the first 5 months of 2016. 


 


Days on market are at record lows. 


Single family homes are selling at the fastest pace ever. The average days on market in May was only 28 days. 





Year-to-date through May, the average days on market was only 41 days, also a record low. 





Inventory remains scarce. 


Only 1.4 months of supply were available for sale as of June 11th. Just under 50 of all Madison single family home listings were under contract with an accepted offer. This high percentage is a clear indicator of a very strong seller's market in Madison, especially for homes priced below $350,000. 


 


Competing offers are off the charts. 


A greater percentage of single family home listings are receiving multiple offers, which is driving prices higher. Almost 50 of all accepted offers in April involved competition from other parties. Heavy competition in April drove prices higher when these transactions closed in May. 





Thoughts for Sellers and Buyers in the 2017 Market


All signs point to low inventory for the foreseeable future, so home owners should be able to successfully sell their property at any time of year. See this post for more info on how to get started with the home-selling process. 


For those buyers who missed out on their dream home this spring, a more balanced summer market offers a second chance. The summertime is a time of opportunity, but only for those buyers who remain vigilant and proactive with their search. 


For more tips, check out these posts for buyers and sellers. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jun 2017 05:27:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/madison-condo-prices-up-15-in-may.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.madcitydreamhomes.com/blog/madison-condo-prices-up-15-in-may.html</link>
        <author>contact@madcitydreamhomes.com (Dan Miller, REALTOR)</author>
        <title>Madison Condo Prices up 15 in May</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Madison condo market has been hot all year and prices are on the rise. Prices rose 15 in May based on our price per square foot statistic. The May price per square foot was $143, compared to $125 in May of 2016. 


 


Year-to-date through May, the price per square foot is up 12 - from $134 in 2016 to $151 in 2017. This year's market is approaching the 2006 market peak - when the price per square foot was $152. 





Madison condominiums are selling at the fastest pace on record. 


Condos are selling at the fastest pace ever. The May average days on market was only 41 days. 





 The year-to-date average is 52 days - also a record low.  





What's driving the hot market? 


Low inventory. As of June 9th, only 1.5 months of supply were available for sale, and 47 of all Madison condo listings were under contract with an accepted offer. 


 


Low inventory is leading to increased competition. 


More condo listings are receiving multiple offers than ever before. In April, 44 of all accepted offers involved competition from other parties. Increased competition in April drove prices higher when these transactions closed in May. 


 


How the Game is Changing for Condo Sellers


In this perpetually low inventory market, owners can successfully sell their condominium any time of year. This is especially true for the under $300,000 price category, where demand is particularly strong. 


How the Game is Changing for Condo Buyers


Buyers need to get creative and should strongly consider searching for their condominium during the non-peak season. Buying during the springtime can be challenging due to the intense competition from other condo buyers. It goes against convention, but the summer season is a great time to buy as the market becomes more balanced. 


Do you have questions about buying or selling in this year's hot condo market? Contact us anytime with your questions. We're always available to talk real estate. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2017 06:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
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