We continue to be amazed by the strength of the Madison area real estate market. Many homes and condos, those that are updated and well-maintained, are receiving multiple offers and selling for well above the list, even as we head into the late summer season. It's clear buyers are willing to pay a premium for the well-updated and well-maintained home. 

On the flipside, we are seeing more listings sit on the market, too. These tend to be the properties that are priced aggressively, while requiring the buyer to make expensive repairs and updates after the sale. As the cost of nearly everything continues to rise, many buyers are choosing to conserve their cash, and steering clear of the homes that come with big post-purchase projects. 

If you're

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to recharge, we encourage you to take a page out of Shelley’s clients’ book: they’re staying home in their new house and enjoying a ‘staycation.’ Staycations are a great way to retreat from the hustle-and-bustle and practice gratitude for what you have. 

Or, be a tourist in your own town by trying out a new business or revisiting an old favorite with new curiosity. Below are a few new-to-us, local team favorites! 

• Honey Barrel, Old Fashioned & Bourbon Lounge, 160 Keenan Ct Suite 1, Verona (Lane’s pick - owned by a Realtor friend!)

• Ático Lounge, Spanish cuisine, 823 East Washington Ave, Madison (Chris’s pick - fun rooftop spot)

• Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge, “Wisconsin fancy” food, 617 N

Beautiful listing photos are often created when staging feels a bit “bare” in person. While living in our homes, we’re used to having life’s daily essentials on our counters and decorating to our liking. However, when getting ready to sell a home, we suggest removing more items than you may predict since the camera lens is much more sensitive than the naked eye.

We’ll help you remove cords, drapery, rugs, personal decor, and other items drawing attention away from your home’s marketable features. This is a tried-and-true way to give your home a magazine-quality appeal. Reach out to learn more - our consultations are always free. 

These days it seems a good contractor can be hard to find. Which makes us extra grateful for Tyler Sabroff, who continues to impress with his craftsmanship, communication, and worth ethic.

We know Tyler as someone who follows through on his promises and puts his stamp on his work. He's an excellent choice for interior remodeling projects, as well as exterior projects like porches and decks. 

You can call him at 608-445-9780 to discuss your own remodeling ideas. We're confident you'll be glad that you did.

Here's a photo of a kitchen remodel just completed by Tyler, along with a photo of what the kitchen looked like before Tyler got to work. 

Kitchen after

Kitchen before

At Mad City Dream Homes, we're huge believers in customizing our approach when you decide it's time to sell. 

We begin by helping you prep your home with the repairs and updates that will maximize your return on investment. Next, we carry out your individualized staging plan, so your home shines both in-person and online. Last but not least, we tailor our marketing to attract your target audience.

For each seller, each home, the plan is different. As an example, the plan for the home below includes professional photos taken at dusk.

Thank you PG Creatives for your beautiful listing photos. 

When you sell with our team, your plan will be unique, too. Call your Mad City Dream Homes realtor when you're ready for a consultation. You'll have

We continue to enjoy serving our sellers by acting as their general contractor before they list their home for sale. When we serve as a general contractor, we're working with painters, flooring companies, handymen, and other contractors to invest in the low-cost projects that produce a tremendous return on investment.

By investing $10,000 to $15,000 in a few simple updates before the sale, our clients are typically selling their home for $50,000 more than what they would have otherwise. In essence, we're helping our clients "flip" their own house. 

Could you use some assistance "flipping" your house? We're happy to meet with you and discuss the projects that make sense for your home. Just reach out to your Mad City Dream Homes realtor when you're

Madison area home and condo supply is steadily growing this summer, promising buyers (including first-timers) more opportunities in the weeks and months ahead. At the same time we're seeing many more sellers become more flexible with their pricing. 

Where will inventory go from here? Supply will continue to rise throughout the summer and into the fall season, as it typically does each year (see the charts below). Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening in the market right now: 

July 25th single family home snapshot

For the first time in a long time, Dane County single family home supply has surpassed 800 listings. As of July 25th, 851 homes are available for purchase -- up 34% from the 635 homes at the same time last year. 

July 25th

But it becomes a whole lot easier when you choose to be a professional who gives others your best.

When you treat others as you would wish to be treated...When you believe in the work you do and the value you bring to your clients...Then you have the foundation that you need to market yourself as a trusted real estate professional.  

It all begins with your intentions and your belief in what you do. Then it's time to get to work. 

Termites aren't a common occurrence in Dane County, but they're here. In fact there is a home for sale right now with a disclosed infestation. Termites are just the latest reminder that the real estate landscape is always changing in Dane County. 

At Mad City Dream Homes, we're here to help you navigate the changing real estate landscape, and all of the challenges that can pop up during the process of buying, selling, or owning a home. Whether your challenges involve termites, carpenter ants, mice, mold, or any issue at all -- we can help. Call us when you need some guidance and advice. We're here to be a resource for you. 

If you've spent even a short while with our agent Isabella, you know she has a passion for caring for animals. So, it was no surprise when she introduced our team to Shelter from the Storm (SFTS), a nonprofit animal rescue where she volunteers. Isabella and Amanda recently sat down for coffee with Payton Pritzl, Chief Operating Officer of SFTS, to learn more about the ins and outs of the good work they do. To our excitement, Payton brought along one of their current shelter dogs, Zuko, who received his own "pup cup" treat.

One way Shelter from the Storm differs from other animal shelters is their ability to give intensive, dedicated rehabilitation time to animals with injuries. They often partner with organizations throughout Madison to take on this