There are thousands of realtors in South Central Wisconsin, which means when it's time to hire someone to represent you in the home-buying process, you've got no shortage of candidates. That's a good problem to have — but it also raises an important question: how do you tell a good fit from just another name on a list?

Here are three traits worth looking for as you narrow your search for the right buyer agent. 

(Listing photo courtesy of Step Inside Media.) 

Is the buyer agent GENEROUS with their time? 

A good buyer agent treats your questions as worth answering fully, not just quickly. When you're trying to understand the buying process or make sense of the current market, do they anticipate what you're likely to ask and walk you through

Condo lending rules are changing. We recently covered the details, but here's the short version: to qualify for a conventional loan, most condo associations will need to set aside at least 15 percent of their monthly budget for reserves — up from the current 10 percent. 

 (Listing photo courtesy of Step Inside Media.)

This number has real consequences for both buyers and sellers. So whatever side of the transaction you're on, this should be the first question you ask when you sit down with a set of condo financials:

What percent of the monthly budget goes toward reserves?

If the answer is below 15 percent, it could mean the association isn't yet positioned to qualify for conventional financing — which matters differently depending on where

Acting as your buyer agent, we often uncover issues during showings and inspections that will require future repairs. For example: the roof that needs to be replaced, the chimney that needs to be rebuilt, or the electrical service that needs to be upgraded. 

(a fuse box and electrical panel we recently investigated during a buyer showing) 

When we do find issues, we quickly obtain ballpark repair estimates by consulting with trusted contractors. Sometimes we do this electronically, by sharing photos and/or inspection reports. Other times, we arrange for in-person contractor visits. Either way, we're here to help you gather the timely information you need before you write your offer, and as you negotiate your inspection. 

Here's a good

While it's hard to argue with the wisdom that "the best things in life are free", when it comes to the world of real estate, we wholeheartedly believe that the best things in your career are earned:  

• Your reputation in the field.
• Your loyalty from your clients.
• The steady growth of your business over time. 
• And the many friends you make along the way. 

All of them are the result of the dedication, skill and care that you bring to your clients and your job each day. When you bring dedication, skill and care to your work — and you believe in yourself — you don't need to rely on rehearsed scripts, viral videos, or purchased leads. You already have everything you need. 

So we encourage you to simply show up. Do the work. Trust that

National data from Keeping Current Matters (KCM) recently reported that 63% of buyers consider a “good” interest rate to be less than 5%. So, what is a good interest rate from a realtor’s perspective?

One way to approach that question is to look at average rates over time. Mortgage interest rates have been between 5% and 10% nearly sixty percent of the time over the last 50 years (KCM). Current rates reflect a return to “normal” in a balanced real estate market. There’s definitely some “good” in that.

The other way to look at the question is what works for you and your family. Do current interest rates help you meet your goals, financial and otherwise? Do they work within your budget? “Good” may be a personal opinion, and in

As real estate agents, our jobs take us to many different areas of town — maybe ones we’d never have an excuse to visit otherwise. We experience diverse landscapes each neighborhood offers firsthand, including those with acres of nearby farmland. These dairyland vistas are often beloved by homeowners and prospective buyers who enjoy some visual elbow room. 

Not only beautiful, Wisconsin’s land is also precious. Glaciers helped shape the rich soils that make much of our state well suited for agriculture — from growing crops and produce to supporting livestock. And between 2001 and 2021, Dane County lost more than 76,000 acres of agricultural land to development — an area roughly one and a half times the size of the City of Madison.

Our Nonprofit

Changes are underway in the condominium lending world, and if you're planning to sell your Madison area condo in the next year or two, they are worth understanding now — before they affect your sale.

Beginning this month, mortgage lenders will be required to dig deeper into a condo association's finances and insurance before approving a buyer's loan. In plain terms: if your association's financials and insurance don't meet new lending guidelines, it could become harder for your buyers to get a conventional loan  — which can slow down a sale. The good news is that with some proactive planning, you and your association can get ahead of it.

Here's what's changing, and what we recommend you do about it. 

(photo courtesy of Step Inside Media) 

Dane County home prices were mixed in July, as new listings, accepted offers, and home sales all increased. Here's our in depth review of the Madison area single family home market for July, 2026. Note: All of our data is sourced directly from the South Central Wisconsin MLS. 

Dane County home prices

July Madison area home prices

• The price per square foot decreased from $267 in July of 2025 to $257 in July of 2026, down 4 percent. 
• The average price decreased from $604,755 to $594,449, down 2 percent. 
• The median price increased from $505,000 to $514,900, up 2 percent. 

Year-to-date prices through the month of July

• The Dane County price per square foot increased from $254 through July of 2025 to $258 through July of 2026,

Recently we shared insight into how the Dane County market becomes more buyer-friendly as the fall market nears: Inventory rises, competing offers subside, and buyers have more leverage to negotiate better terms and prices.

Such was the case last weekend, when our buyers secured a beautiful downtown condo with a view for $20,000 below the list. A shout out goes to their buyer agent Max, who's always studying the market, and using his expertise to effectively guide his clients. 

This is a good example of what's possible right now: with the right guidance, buyers are finding room to negotiate. If you're wondering what that could look like for your own search, that's the kind of conversation that we're here to help you with. 

So what questions

Most people think spring and summer are the seasons to buy a home. But if you're house hunting in the Madison area, don't forget about the fall — it could be your best window all year. Here are three strong reasons for you to consider buying your Madison area home or condo this fall. 

 (photo courtesy of Step Inside Media)

More homes to choose from

Year in and year out, home and condo inventory peaks in the fall season. Sellers who listed over the summer and haven't found the right buyer yet are often still on the market — which means more options for you when you start your search. 

Less competition for those homes 

While inventory is higher in the fall, your competition from other buyers is lower. The fall season is an opportunity to