The home inspection contingency is a critical moment in almost every transaction. After all, more offers fall apart during this contingency than at any other time -- so how you and your agent negotiate your inspection can either make or break your sale. Below we offer 4 practical tips for sellers who have a home inspection contingency written into their offer. These are tried and true tips that come from experience earned over hundreds of transactions. 

4 inspection negotiation tips for sellers

Before the home inspection

Setting the stage for a successful negotiation actually begins well before the inspection takes place. Start by hiring a listing agent who has a pricing and marketing strategy that will attract offers from at least 3

In 2017, when I made a career switch from journalism to two part-time positions in real estate marketing with Mad City Dream Homes and communications with a Madison-based environmental nonprofit, I had no idea what to expect. In that time, I have learned so much about these fields of work as well as what I find fulfilling each day. And what fuels me most is finding creative ways to connect with others to help them achieve their goals. Thanks to the support of Dan Miller and this amazing team, I will be able to do more of what I love with people whom I respect. 

I am excited to announce that my role is growing on the Mad City Dream Homes team! In November, I will transition to a full-time position as a marketing and community outreach specialist to

At Mad City Dream Homes, we’re committed to using our business as a platform to create a stronger community -- and we’re always looking to hire people who believe in our cause. 

Over the years we’ve learned community-oriented people tend to make great team members. Because they place a high value on serving others, they excel at customer service and supporting their peers on the team. Plus, they seem to always have a way of causing us to stretch and grow in some new and exciting directions.

Do you know someone who might be a good fit for our team? Please keep us in mind as you encounter positive, community-oriented people within your world.

Thank you for helping us carry out our mission and for all of the support you’ve provided us over the

Many buyers have a preferred neighborhood or condo community in mind when they start searching for a home. However, there are not always homes for sale on the market that match their criteria. How do you find an unlisted home in that oh-so-perfect neighborhood or condo community? Our agents have been successful in helping our clients discover these properties with letter writing campaigns. A letter writing campaign is a targeted marketing strategy that can connect buyers with their ideal home - before it comes on the market. Read on for tips from Maureen Moran and Dan Miller on how to leverage this strategy.

Why do letter campaigns work? They often provide a benefit to both the buyer and seller, and lead to an easier sale.

Maureen: Receiving

When Nancy Breden bought her Spring Harbor bungalow along Lake Mendota six years ago, she saw its potential for being a “really cute place to live” -- especially with its cathedral ceiling, loft, boathouse, and spectacular view of the sunrise. 

In that time, Nancy has made some sweet updates to this 2 bed/1.5 bath property on 47 feet of waterfront, including wood flooring throughout the house and swapping out the garage door for French doors in the boathouse (which could be used as an office, art/yoga studio, or exercise room). 

“I've received so many comments from boaters passing by,” she said. “I think both updates helped with the appeal of this home.”

This fall she approached REALTOR Chris Venden to sell her home, who enlisted

If you're like many sellers these days, you probably feel overwhelmed and a bit panicked when you think about all of the challenges confronting you. Our team is here to help you address all of these challenges and replace your feeling of overwhelm with a sense of calm and confidence. Below we cover a few of the common stressors that many sellers experience, and how to address each one of them. 

Commons stressors during the home-selling process

Home repair and cosmetic updates

Most homes have some wear and tear that should be addressed prior to sale, and some homes need a few cosmetic updates. We can help you prioritize the projects that will provide the best return on investment -- and connect you with reliable contractors, too. Be proactive

Maureen Moran joined our real estate team two-and-a-half years ago when she moved from New York and returned to her Wisconsin roots. As we were interviewing Maureen and learning more about her, one of the things that jumped out at us was the glowing praise she consistently received from her clients. For example, here is one of her online reviews that really caught our attention as we were learning more about Maureen:

"Maureen is the hardest working and most diligent realtor that I have ever worked with. She looks at situations from multiple perspectives and always looks for the best solution. I appreciate her honesty and integrity. In a world of realtors just looking to make a quick sale, it is a blessing to find someone who truly cares about her

The home inspection is an important milestone in the home buying and selling process, and sometimes it can be a big sticking point. It’s not uncommon for a home inspection to reveal a few issues that buyers feel need to be addressed and the sellers say, “no way.” How can buyers and sellers work through this apparent impasse? A few of our realtors share some of the strategies they have used to help buyers navigate their inspection contingency - without jeopardizing the sale.

Five ways we help buyers navigate tricky inspections

1. Be professional

Sometimes inspections bring forth issues that sellers weren’t aware of, or disagree with. Sellers can even be offended by the results. We help by focusing the conversation on issues that negatively

September was a great month for Madison area home and condo sellers, as the Dane County real estate market set a number of new records last month. Here's our short summary of the latest market trends from the month of September. 

The Madison area single family home market

New MLS listings increased by 16% in September and reached their highest level since 2008. 

Buyers responded to the new supply of listings by writing a record number of offers. Accepted offers increased by 27% year-over-year and set a new record for the month of September. 

Home sales also reached a new high and increased by 40% from last September. 

Madison area home prices set a new record last month, increasing by 9% year-over-year. 

The Madison area

Falling in love is part of the home buying process for many. You walk into a home and you just know it’s the one. Interestingly enough, a “love letter” can sometimes seal the deal for prospective buyers. In the context of real estate, a love letter is a letter penned from the buyer to the current owner of their dream home. Not all sellers are swayed by these letters, but in some situations a love letter can tip the scales in the favor of that buyer. Even when there are multiple offers. In this article, our team of Realtors share their insights about love letters, and how they can help you buy your dream home.

Chris Venden has had several buyers write love letters to sellers since she got into real estate 15 years ago. “I think it helps pave the