Most of us who are in real estate are taught early on in our careers how to promote and sell. But the truth is, most of us are tired of selling and tired of being sold to.

A good alternative is to stop selling and start serving. Make helping a habit instead. And keep helping without any regard for compensation. Day after day after day...

Cash sales in the condo market are occurring much more frequently than in the pre-pandemic market. Through the first 9 months of 2023, a whopping 37 percent of all Dane County condos were purchased without a financing contingency.

A high percentage of cash offers is a clear sign of a competitive market. It's also an indicator of pent-up demand, where the number of buyers exceeds the number of condos for sale in Dane County.

Where will the condo market go from here?

Even though mortgage rates have been rising, we do anticipate strong demand, low supply, and steady price growth for the foreseeable future. Demand will be strong because Dane County continues to be an attractive career and retirement destination, while the condominium

Here's our latest insight into the Madison area condo market, starting out with a look at the latest price trends. 

Dane County condo prices

On a year-over-year basis:

• The price per square foot increased from $206 to $222 (8 percent). 
• The median price increased from $281,000 to $301,000 (7 percent). 
• The average price increased from $316,368 to $345,510 (9 percent). 

On a year-to-date basis:

• The price per square foot increased from $202 to $215 (6 percent). 
• The median price increased from $267,860 to $300,000 (12 percent). 
• The average price increased from $299,777 to $333,552 (11 percent). 

New condo listings

New condominium listings continued to enter the market at a slow pace. Only 112 condos were

As the seasons change from summer to fall, be sure to catch the leaves turn into their brilliant red, orange, and yellow hues. Check back for updates using the fall color report map at TravelWisconsin.com, which estimates that the Madison area will reach peak in late-October. There are several spots throughout Dane County that we recommend for autumn color viewing, but these six stand out for their expansive views of the tree-filled landscape.

Lake View Hill County Park

1202 Northport Dr., Madison: This park is home to the highest point on Madison's north side with gorgeous views of Lake Mendota and downtown. After meandering around the Dane County Human Services building (the former sanatorium) and checking out the newly restored fountain, you can

Low inventory continues to rule the market in Dane County, and it's low inventory that continues to drive prices higher. 

Dane County home prices

On a year-over-year basis:

• The price per square foot increased by 7 percent.
• The average price increased by the same amount.
• And the median price jumped by 12 percent.

Through the first 9 months of the year:

• The price per square foot was up 5 percent.
• The average was up 7 percent.
• And the median was up 6 percent.

New listings

New MLS listings continue to enter the market at an historically slow pace. Only 406 homes were listed for sale in September, which was the lowest on record for Dane County. Listings have been trending much lower since the summer of 2022,

We’re always looking for the next like-minded realtor to join us. Someone who sees teamwork as an opportunity, not a compromise. Someone who loves working by relationship and referral. Someone who is generous, hardworking, and humble. 

If you're a realtor and these traits describe you, then we would love to hear from you. Who knows where our conversation might take us? It could be the beginning of a beautiful new friendship...

As is the pattern every year, property showings are decreasing this fall, too. This is the seasonal nature of our market here in Dane County. 

Another trend worth noting is that showing activity this year is well below the levels from the last several years. This is because fewer people are choosing to sell in 2023, and fewer people are choosing to buy, due to rising interest rates. 

And yet, prices remain high. 

The Dane County real estate market is a unique one, for sure. We'll be shedding more light on all of the latest trends real soon. Stay tuned for our September market reports, which we'll be releasing in the next few days. 

When you look up information about today's real estate market, it is all too easy to find doom and gloom articles. Why wouldn't it be? Inventory nationwide is at historic lows, rents are increasing, wages have not kept up with inflation, and new homes are not being built fast enough to keep up with demand, creating a perfect cocktail of unaffordability. For us in real estate, we see it all too much. Buyers are being priced out of the market at a rate that is astonishing to even those who have been in the industry for 20-plus years. Being a Gen-Z realtor, it is scary… Will my generation be able to purchase a home by the time we are in our 30s?

We need to emphasize that, yes, it is intimidating to purchase a home right now; it is a scary thought and, for

Dane County single family home listings continued to enter the market at a slow pace in the month of September. 

And the trend was the same for condos. 

Meanwhile, home and condo prices were up significantly. We'll have much more into to share on prices...coming real soon. 

Even if you don't plan to sell until next year, this fall offers an excellent window of opportunity to capture exterior and aerial photos. Plan ahead by gathering some beautiful shots this fall, and next year you'll be glad you did.