We often hear this phrase when buyers are putting together an offer for a home. A buyer may choose to write an offer with their ideal terms, commenting that the "seller can always counter" their offer and negotiate with them. This is a reasonable strategy, and could save the buyer money or reduce risk. 

However, our team is always quick to point out that a seller is not obligated to counter a buyer's offer before accepting another. Some sellers are fatigued from the selling process by the time they begin reviewing offers, and decide to choose the best option they have on the table rather than negotiate terms with each buyer individually.

When competing with other buyers, it's prudent to put your best foot forward in your offer without overextending

Our office on Monroe Street is always open for buying or selling consultations. However, we often hold these consultations at our clients' favorite coffee shop or a nearby public venue, too. If having a meeting at a familiar spot feels more comfortable to you, or fits better into your schedule, we are happy to accommodate. 

Our consultations are never meant to feel stressful: we don't bring a contract, and we don't charge a fee. We are here to listen to your goals and give you our honest, professional advice on how to reach them. 

Reach out if you're ready to take this first step.

Are you considering new construction? A new Dane County builder might be a good fit for you: Maverick Homes. Maverick Homes was founded last year by a team with over seventy years of collective industry experience. Shawn, Mike, Matt, and Dan know quality construction and prioritize customer service.

For example, pricing is upfront when you tour a model home. Everything you see walking through one of their spec homes is included in the price presented to you (yes, the fireplace and 9-foot ceilings, too!). Maverick Homes clients enjoy flexibility while this company builds its floor plan portfolio, too.

Choose from one of their three affordable floor plans, or design something semi-custom, like a current client's layout with two first-floor primary

It is too soon to tell how tariffs may impact building costs long-term, according to Mike Fujihira, Director of Operations at Maverick Homes. However, we definitely have started to see and feel some of the impacts, and Mike has some wise advice on the issue: work with companies that care about their customers and maintain good relationships with outside vendors. 

These companies will do more to mitigate any unexpected costs, and have a business model that better protects you from future tariffs. Partnering with the right people is invaluable when looking for as much certainty as possible in the build process. 

Reach out if you could use some extra guidance - we'd be happy to find solutions that meet your goals with you.

Aerial photography by

At Mad City Dream Homes, our goal is to make you feel that your fee is fair for the service you receive. Not only that, when you look back on your experience, we want you to feel that you received a tremendous return on your investment. 

This means we give you our best throughout your entire buying or selling journey. It also means we don't add any extra charges on top of our fee:

So no transaction charge. No charge for a buying, selling, or cosmetics consultation. No charge for a market analysis. And no charge for our complementary staging support. We're here to help you, without any surprise fees. 

We're beyond excited for our clients, Jesse and Kara, who will be closing real soon on their new duplex. This closing will be an extra special one, because Jesse's mom will be moving into one of the units. Now everyone in the family will have their own space all under one roof.

Thank you Shelley for guiding Jessie and Kara throughout their search, and for negotiating their offer with your usual skill and care. You set a high standard for our profession, and your clients are lucky to work with you. 

We feel fortunate to be affiliated with the most productive real estate office in South Central Wisconsin: A brokerage of professionals who work by relationship, referral, and reputation. Agents who collaborate by openly sharing their ideas and best practices.

This is a great example of how everyone wins when each individual contributes to a generous and professional work ethic. And when you work with Mad City Dream Homes, this collaborative approach means you get the collective expertise of dozens of real estate professionals, not just one. 

We couldn't be more excited for our clients, Patrick and Beka, who very soon will become proud homeowners of a sweet little bungalow on Clover Lane. "Clover" was the name of their beloved cat, who passed away about a year ago, so this home, this journey, feels meant to be. 

Patrick and Beka's home-buying journey began 3 years ago, when they were first introduced to Chris and Max. There were a few swings and misses and some disappointments along the way. But Patrick, Beka, Chris and Max all stayed patient and persistent until the perfect home came along at just the right time. 

Patrick and Beka's story is a good example of how we are by your side throughout your entire home-buying journey. Whether your particular journey lasts 3 days, 3 weeks, 3

Than to help our clients become proud homeowners. We love helping our first-time home buyers reach their big once-in-a-lifetime goal.

If you know an aspiring buyer who needs the assistance of a professional, please know we would love to help them. We're here to give your friends and family all the time, attention, education and advocacy they deserve in our competitive market. 

If you haven't found your dream home yet, right now is an excellent time to re-dedicate yourself to your search and hire a competent buyer agent. Supply is improving right now, price reductions are on the rise, and many sellers are eager to strike a deal. 

Call us with questions.