When a buyer tours your home for sale, they are viewing it both logically and emotionally. The logical piece includes things like the price, amenities, and the remaining useful life of "big-ticket items."

The emotional piece involves everything that makes a buyer feel "at home" and envision a carefree life at your address. We have found time and time again that achieving this emotional appeal involves going that extra mile — putting in that extra 5% of effort — that often comes at the end of your preparations. Twist-tie loose appliance cords, leave minimal items in your closet, clean off your mechanicals, "hotel fold" your toilet paper; our tips go on and on. 

The final 5% of effort, even after you've made big changes in your home and done lots of packing,

Our congrats go out to Shelley's clients, who recently had their offer accepted for a home in their preferred Madison school district. Under Shelley's guidance, they were able to secure the home for $35,000 under the list price. 

(photo courtesy of Step Inside Media)

This is just another example of our buyer clients finding room to negotiate in our August and September market, when inventory predictably rises, and competition from other buyers predictably decreases. Buyers are finding real opportunity right now. 

If you've been wondering what opportunities the fall market might offer you, we can show you what's on the market right now, and what's coming soon, in your preferred location. Reach out for a complimentary consultation. As always,

The Dane County real estate market isn't completely predictable, but there is one thing we can predict: the rise and fall of inventory (the number of homes for sale) throughout the year. 

As the graph below shows, inventory gradually rises as we enter the colder months and bottoms out in spring. This happens every year, and this general trend is predictable.

High inventory means buyers have more choices, and offers may face less competition. To stand out, sellers need to price correctly and choose an agent with honed marketing efforts. Low inventory means buyers have fewer choices and may have to make more concessions to obtain the house they like, leading to an easier and more lucrative sale for the seller.

Inventory is rising; what does this mean for your