In this real estate careers topic we cover why we're heavily invested in content marketing. What is content marketing? It's our commitment to continuously share useful real estate information with clients and the general public. 

What types of content do we share? 

We share a lot, including:

• Community, neighborhood, and condo community profiles. 
• Things to do in Madison. 
• Buying and selling tips. 
• Home and condo market reports. 

How does content marketing benefit our business?

Content marketing benefits our business in 5 main ways:

#1: It helps us attract new clients. We've learned real estate consumers appreciate this approach. It's different from what most other agents offer, and it builds trust and credibility with

On a warm September morning, just weeks after Dane County Parks opened the first phase of the Lower Yahara River Trail, a group of bicyclists paused on the floating boardwalk between Upper Mud Lake and Lake Waubesa.

They had spotted an eagle, which was perched high in a tree adjacent to the pedestrian bridge -- the longest in the state and perhaps the country. It's a sight few could have seen without being on the new trail that is suspended above the shoreline and wetland.

"Over the years, the bridge will allow millions of people to experience the natural beauty in a manner never before experienced," said Bill Lunney, chair of the Friends of Dane County Parks Endowment and Dane County Park Commission.

That scenic segment, which in places

The October real estate market offers a window of opportunity for sellers who are still looking for the right buyer. Take a look at the graph below, which shows the number of Madison single family home accepted offers for each month in 2016. 

As the graph above shows, buyer activity typically increases in October before bottoming out in November and December. This means it's critical for sellers to get their listing priced properly right now. Sellers who find their buyer in October will avoid the slow holiday season and the need for a November or December price reduction. 

Pricing for the fall market

If you're still looking for the right buyer, we recommend working with your real estate agent to take a fresh look at the market in your area.

The first week of October is packed with flavor and generosity in the greater Madison area.

Several local restaurants are donating a portion of their proceeds to causes that directly impact the community, and you can help just by filling up on some tasty food. So consider going out to eat with your family and friends during these three upcoming fundraisers.

Fall Food Cart Fest 

What: About 20 food carts from Let's Eat Out! will serve their menu items for $4. There will also be drinks for sale, yoga, and live music.
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 2017
Where: Breese Stevens Field, 917 E. Mifflin St., Madison
Tickets: $5 in advance, $10 at the door, $25 VIP
Fundraiser: A portion of all proceeds will go toward Carts for Community, which "uses

In our August real estate update we've noticed an interesting trend in the Madison single family home market: New Madison listings have now quietly increased in 5 of the last 6 months. From March through August, listings are up 5% from the same months in 2016. This is a modest increase, but it's a step in the right direction toward a more balanced market which has enough housing supply to meet the needs of Dane County's growing population. We'll keep a close eye on listings in the months ahead. 

More Single Family Home News

All of our latest single family home statistics show it's still a strong seller's market in Madison. Currently there are only 1.9 months of single family home supply. Although this number is up slightly from 1.8 months a year

The Madison area is beautiful in the fall. Leaves turn brilliant colors, pumpkins, apples and mums all hit their peak season, and area farms invite you to come and enjoy the harvest. This weekend, several of them are opening their fall festivities. We recommend you travel around town, and experience as many of these farms as you can!

Eugster's Farm Market: If you're interested in a full-blown farm experience, Eugster's the the place to be! The farm is south of Madison and east of Oregon on Highway 138. They feature a wide range of farm animals available for viewing, feeding and petting. They also offer a pumpkin patch and a corn maze, and additional special events throughout October. For those that want to just enjoy the harvest (and not hunt for it),

Sit down with Steve Hansen at Summit Credit Union, and he will put you right at ease. He's the kind of lender that listens to you, partners with you, and helps to prepare you for a home purchase. "I really want to be an adviser to my clients,” he says.  “I can look at their goals and help them develop strategies to meet them." Sometimes this involves identifying the best mortgage options available. Other times, it can be figuring out how to reduce debt and save for a down payment.

"Having a down payment isn't always required, but it certainly makes the home buying process easier," he says. But so does having a pre-approval letter prepared for the moment you make an offer. "In this market, you have to move fast. If you have the pre-approval in hand,

Although our low inventory market makes it possible to sell your home in any season, many home owners are planning their sale for next spring when buyers will be out in peak numbers. If your goal is to sell next spring, remember there's no substitute for planning and preparation. Take action on these 5 recommendations right now and you'll achieve great results in 2018. 

5 tips for a great 2018 listing

#1: Contact your real estate agent to find out what your home is worth. While you're at it, discuss the simple cosmetic improvements that will increase its value. Then re-assess your home's value when your projects are complete. 

#2: Consult with a professional home stager and implement her recommendations. We recommend Debbie Lea from Showcase

Today officially marks the start of fall, which means we're also in the midst of Oktoberfest. And whether or not you own a pair of lederhosen or know how to drink from a boot, you can still get in the gemuetlichkeit spirit.

The Isthmus OktoBEERfest is already in the books for 2017, but there are many other celebrations throughout the Madison and Dane County area that will highlight the German flavors and sounds of the season. Be sure to click on the event name for more details.

New Glarus Oktoberfest
When: September 21-24
Where: Downtown New Glarus
Live music, beer tent, food stands, craft vendors, farmers market, tractor pull, 5K/10K and 2-mile walk

Essen Haus Oktoberfest
When: Noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, September 23
Where: 514 E. Wilson St., Madison

The idea of opening a winery has been planted in David Korb's mind for a long time. It finally came to fruition in spring 2017 with the opening of Drumlin Ridge Winery, located just north of Madison between Waunakee and the town of Westport.

Korb, his wife Brenda, and their son Keenan eliminated their work commute by building the nearly 6,400-square-foot winery on one of the four neighboring parcels where they have lived for 27 years.

"Our home is just right out the back door," Korb said. And it's been the perfect spot to grow his dream.

He started making apple juice from their orchard in the early 1990s, and soon a friend suggested they make wine. Now there are over a dozen varieties of grapes growing on 3 1/2 acres of vineyards on the