There's a possibility that we'll see snow this weekend, and no one could be happier about it than the organizers of Madison's Winter Festival. The Festival is an annual tradition in its 14th year. It features many ways to enjoy winter weather, with room for both beginners and experienced participants.  The festival moved from downtown Madison to Elver Park last year, where the cross country ski trails, ice skating rink and large hill make a perfect venue. In the absence of snow, Elver Park also has the advantage of snow-making machines, to ensure a successful event.

Last year- the festival landed on an unseasonably warm weekend. This year, it's cooler, and the forecast looks more promising. In any event, there will absolutely be snow. The Winter

We've been meaning to address this topic for awhile because there are some buyers in the Madison area who are trying to purchase a home or condo by working directly with the listing agent. Rather than hire a good buyer agent, these buyers are searching for properties online and then calling listing agents to schedule a private showing. Although this approach sounds simple in theory, it usually doesn't work. Below we share a few reasons why you shouldn't try to buy a home directly through the listing agent. 

Why you shouldn't try to buy a home through the listing agent

#1: Your search usually isn't focused on the right properties. If you're doing your own property searches online, then chances are you are focusing on many of the wrong listings.

Last year we helped 50 Madison area clients sell their home, condo, or investment property. It was a good year for business, and a great year for results. In 2017 we were very focused on helping our clients sell for the highest possible price and in the shortest amount of time. Here are some of the strategies we used to achieve these results in 2017. 

Selling listings quickly and for a high market price

#1: Establish a "no budget" policy for each marketing plan. 

In other words, each listing receives its own customized marketing plan designed to produce the best results. We're huge believers in planning, preparation, and the creative process. Great things happen when we collaborate and get creative with our clients. 

#2: Implement

It can be tempting to stay indoors this time of year. Evenings are darker, weather is colder, and home is just cozy. But Madison Magazine has come up with a very good reason to get out. Winter Restaurant Week is happening right now, offering a delicious variety of meals at some of Madison's finest restaurants, and all for the low price of $15 for lunch and $25 for dinner. That's not just for the main plate. That's for a meal AND dessert at lunch, or for 3 courses of mouth watering goodness at dinner.

Madison Restaurant Week is in its 12th year. The idea was born after Madison Magazine staff attended a conference in San Diego. The conference included discussions about the success of such events in different cities around the nation. Madison locals

The 2018 home buying season is ramping up in Madison and Dane County, so right now is the perfect time to share some of our recent articles written for local buyers. All of these articles were written within the last year and offer some great tips for anyone looking to buy a home or condo in 2018.

10 articles for Madison area home and condo buyers

#1: Our predictions for the 2018 real estate market

Read our predictions for this year's real estate market and you'll understand that taking a casual approach to your home search won't get the job done in 2018. You'll need to be very proactive with your search and hire a good buyer agent to represent you.  

#2: 15 ways to write a winning offer

Inventory remains tight throughout all of Dane

We had some beautiful snow this week. If you haven't been out yet, this weekend is the perfect chance to enjoy the winter weather at one of Madison's many city parks. 

The Parks Department provides a wide range of activities to be enjoyed all season. There are 12 outdoor ice skating rinks, 22 miles of cross-country skiing trails (only Elver Park is open now, due to the lack of a solid snow base), 10 parks with hills recommended for sledding, a snow mini-golf course, a winter disc-golf course, and additional trails for snow-shoeing, hiking and just enjoying the beauty of winter in Wisconsin.

Tonight, the City of Madison Parks Department kicks off its Groove and Glide party series. The ice skating fun travels around town, with a stop at each rink

Why do you absolutely need a good buyer agent in the 2018 Madison real estate market? The answer comes down to three words: Historically Low Inventory. As our latest home report shows, Madison single family home supply is now below 1 month of inventory.

In the Madison condo market, inventory is down to a historically low 1.2 months of supply. 

How does historically low inventory impact buyers? 

In a low inventory market, the best properties sell very quickly. That means in today's market the buyers who rely on their own internet searches to find properties and schedule showings usually miss out on the opportunity to buy. Very often they're distracted by properties that already have an accepted offer (hint: this is a very common theme for

** This article was originally written by Samantha Haas while a member of our team. You can learn more about Samantha and her work here. 

Binoculars, iPads, smartphones, and telephoto lenses were all pointed toward the sky as two large raptors soared above the water.

Their dark, speckled plumage suggested they're immature bald eagles. Across the bank of the Wisconsin River perched at the top of a tree was an adult -- unmistakable by its stark white head and tail feathers.

These magnificent birds of prey are drawn to the open water for fishing in winter, and there are some great spots to watch them in Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. This gathering place of sorts is the impetus behind Bald Eagle Watching Days, held January 12-13, 2018 in the

It's the time of year when some get restless, and need a place to burn off some steam, or get their creative juices flowing. This weekend, there are a few opportunities to get out of the house, and enjoy some indoor time with the family.

Friday, January 12: Warner Park is hosting their Family Fun Night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The event is planned by Madison Parks and the Warner Park Community Recreation Center.  Families can pay $5 for admission, and enjoy a wide range of activities.  There will be bouncy houses, an imagination playground, and fitness activities planned to help energetic kids burn off steam and keep moving through the winter. Then, check out the winter themed crafts, pottery projects with MSCR (Madison School and Community

A 3 dimensional "dollhouse" tour is a wonderful way to show off a luxury property or perfectly staged home. In a dollhouse tour, the viewer uses the arrow keys on a computer keypad to navigate the property virtually, glimpsing 360 degree views of every room. For some recent examples from our own listings, take a look at the 3 dollhouse tours below, all of which were produced by Justin Lackner.

9th floor Nolen Shore Condo

This dollhouse tour does an excellent job of conveying the panoramic Lake Monona views spanning the dining room, living room and master bedroom of this perfectly staged condo. Take control of this tour yourself and try zooming into the lakefront view. With this up-close look, you're able to obtain a very realistic view of Lake