It's a low inventory market, for sure, but buyers who remain persistent and patient will find more opportunities to purchase in the months ahead. That's because fewer buyers are home-shopping during the second half of the year, and inventory is slowly rising. And we expect this trend to continue into the fall season, as it typically does each year.

What questions do you have about buying or selling a home in the Madison area? We're always available for a helpful conversation, and we'd love to help you plan for your future.

Even if you don't know exactly when you're going to sell, right now is an excellent time to capture photos of your yard -- when it's lush and in full bloom. 

Planning ahead is often a good thing, especially when it comes to real estate. Which is why we're always happy to help you prepare for your future. Months, or even years, before you intend to move.

Done the right way, many home improvement projects are an investment in your home, not an expense, and it's all about buyer psychology: 

First, the right projects eliminate buyer objections. For example, think of the purple or pink bedroom. Painting the room a neutral color adds instant value to the home simply by removing a negative. 

Second, the right improvements offer buyers instant gratification. The truth is, many buyers are willing to pay a premium for the home that's move-in-ready and well-maintained. Especially in today's economy, when good contractors can be elusive and expensive. 

Are you ready for a cosmetics consultation for your home? We'd love to help you choose the projects that offer a great return on investment, and connect

Have you been thinking about becoming more involved with your community? You might think about joining a "friends group" for a city, county or state park.

What do friends groups do?

Friends groups steward the land by participating in conservation projects, maintaining trails and habitats, controlling invasives, assisting with research, coordinating fundraisers and educational events, among a variety of other projects. 

Joining a friends group offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the land and learn more about the natural world in community with other people. And, chances are, there's a park near you that needs your help. 

For more information, and to learn more about volunteer opportunities near you, check out these websites:

At Mad City Dream Homes, we're always striving to be a positive influence in the business community and the community at large. And our monthly newsletter is an important part of our goal. With this spirit in mind, if you know someone who might appreciate receiving our monthly mailer, please ask them to contact us. We'd be happy to add them to our list. 

We tend to think of our homes as the place where we lay down our roots and raise our family, as a safe space for ourselves and our loved ones -- especially in these post-pandemic times. 

But what if we allow our minds to wander a little bit and to think of our homes as a place where we build community? A place where we bring people together, break bread, and care for our neighbors. A place where we exchange ideas. A place where we experience connection. 

It could be as simple as having friends over for coffee, dinner, or a backyard barbeque. Inviting neighbors in who are living by themselves and who may feel lonely. Hosting a book club or a non-profit that is near and dear to our hearts. Making art with another. Or creating a safe space for kids in

Dane County condo prices continued to rise in the month of June, and by all measures. Here's our latest condo market update, covering the month of June, 2023. 

Condo prices

The condo price per square foot increased to $219, which was an increase of 8% from the $203 per square foot in June of 2022. The median price increased by 13%, and the average price by 15%. 

Through the first 6 months of the year, the price per square foot, the median, and the average price were up by 7 percent, 13 percent, and 12 percent, respectively. 

New condo listings

Last summer mortgage rates shot up to nearly 6 percent, and MLS listings have been trending lower ever since. New Dane County condo listings decreased by 21 percent from the number of listings in

Local home prices jumped higher once in again in the month of June. Here's our latest Dane County single family home report, updated for the month of June, 2023. 

Dane County home prices

The price per square foot was $230, which was an increase of 5 percent from last June's price of $218. The median price increased 3 percent in June. The average price increased 6 percent.

Through the first 6 months of the year, the price per square foot, the median price and the average price were up 5 percent, 5 percent, and 8 percent respectively. 

New MLS listings

A total of 507 Dane County homes were listed for sale in the month of June, which was a 31 percent decrease compared to the 731 homes listed for sale in June of 2022. Compared to June of

Recently we've had two friends work with Jimmie Copus from Lawn Arts Landscaping, and both friends have been very impressed with Jimmie and his work. Jimmie is available to work on virtually any aspect of your yard or lawn. His list of services includes landscaping, mulching, tree and bush trimming, spring and fall yard clean-ups, lawn mowing, and ongoing lawn care. 

Jimmie offers reasonable rates and he's easy to work with. For more information, we encourage you to call Jimmie at 608-205-7073. 

Would you like help selecting a light fixture for a room in your home? Please feel free to call us. You have many beautiful and affordable designs to choose from, and we'd love to help you find that perfect fit.