If you regularly attend a workout class, you may notice there are some people who stay for the stretching cool-down, and others who start putting their equipment away, most likely already thinking ahead to their next appointment or task in the day. As it relates to our work in real estate, we promise to always “stay for the stretch.” Even after your transaction has closed, we will stay for the cool-down as you settle into your new home by:

• Finding reliable contractors for those inspection items you want to tackle
• Assuring you’re confident in how to make your mortgage payment
• Sending you a seasonal maintenance reminder tip sheet
• Helping coordinate mail that got delivered to the wrong address
• Being available as a resource for all your home

We're approaching the spring market here in the Madison area, which means the pace of the market will quicken for both buyers and sellers. Reach out to us with any questions you may have. We're here to help. 

Expectations for buyers this March

Buyers will notice a nice increase in new listings. But along with enjoying more opportunities to purchase, buyers will also experience a noticeable increase in competition from other buyers. Many listings will sell quickly and with multiple offers this spring, so buyers should act quickly and be prepared to write a competitive offer when a promising home becomes available. 

Expectations for sellers

Sellers will experience ideal market conditions as we approach the month of March. Buyer traffic and

We're excited for our clients, Tom and Susan, who just had their offer accepted for a beautiful home in Tumbledown Farm. When they saw the home hit the market, Tom and Susan knew it was the one. They also knew it would be a competitive listing attracting strong interest from other buyers. 

Dan showed Tom and Susan the home immediately that morning. At the same time, Shelley worked to answer a few key questions for Tom and Susan as she began preparing their offer. Shelley submitted their offer in the early afternoon, and just like that, their offer was accepted before any other buyers had a chance to write.

The best news of all? With Tom and Susan's move to Dane County, they'll now be living close to loved ones, including grandchildren. 

Are you

If you spend any amount of time on the far west side, you may have noticed new homes popping up near the intersection of Midpoint Rd and S High Point Rd: The Midpoint Meadows subdivision is well under way, with dozens of homes already sold. The Hill Valley neighborhood is just getting started, with hundreds of new homes coming soon. 

Want to learn more about your new construction options? 

Our recent blog post shares helpful information on the dozens of new construction neighborhoods in the Madison area, while our new construction guide is always up-to-date with all of the new homes available in Dane County. 

Over 500 clients have shared their experiences working with us — in their own words. In the words of one recent client: 

"I never leave Google reviews, but I owe it to the next person who considers Mad City Dream Homes because the glowing reviews I read here are what first made me reach out to them, and I am so grateful that I did."

In other recent reviews, our clients use the words "generous", "supportive", and "dedicated" to describe their Mad City Dream Homes agent. 

We invite you to learn more about our buying and selling services by browsing through our more than 500 client reviews on Google and Zillow.  

If you're someone who appreciates the character and architectural details of a vintage home, you'll find the city of Madison offers several neighborhoods for your consideration. Madison's old-school neighborhoods include Tenney-Lapham, Marquette, and Schenk-Atwood on the near east side. And the Greenbush, Vilas, Dudgeon-Monroe, Nakoma, and Regent/University Heights neighborhoods on the near west side. 

(photo courtesy of Step Inside Media)

For more information

Check out our guide to historic real estate, or have a look at this up-to-date list of vintage homes for sale here. You can also reach out to us when you're ready to consult with a local expert. It's always our pleasure to help you. 

If you had a million dollars, how would you invest it?

You might invest it in the stock market. Perhaps in silver or gold. Or maybe even take a flyer on crypto. Or you might consider investing in Dane County real estate instead. 

Here's the biggest reason why: Our local population is projected to grow by roughly 300,000 residents in the next 25 years, and all of our new residents will need a place to call home. 

You'll find 9 more reasons in this post. 

If you've been thinking of downsizing into a simpler lifestyle, but without moving into a condo, you might consider one of the Haven Homes currently available in Madison, Waunakee, or Sun Prairie. 

Built buy Veridian, these single family homes and "twin homes" belong to a homeowners association that takes care of your ongoing lawn mowing, fertilization, and snow removal needs. Plus, you have the option of purchasing additional home maintenance services a la carte, when you move into a Haven neighborhood.  

If you're curious about low maintenance living, just give us a call, and we'll answer all of your questions. Together, we'll create a plan that will help you downsize into your next home. 

If you're looking for a high-rise condo with a view, you have several communities to consider in Downtown Madison. Here's a quick overview of your options. 

(photo courtesy of PG Creatives)

By the Capitol Square

Both 100 Wisconsin Avenue and Capitol Point offer stunning views of the state capitol building, and beautiful lake views, too. 

Near Lake Monona

Nolen Shore, Union Transfer, the Marina Condos, and the Barracuda Condominiums all offer gorgeous, high-rise views. 

Along West Washington Ave

Metropolitan Place, Capitol West, and The Loraine Condominiums feature lake, capitol, and campus views. 

What questions do you have about buying a condo in the Madison area? Reach out to one of our condo specialists for a helpful

Both an open house and a private showing allow a buyer to tour a home on the market. During the tour, a buyer can look at anything that would be included in the sale, like inside the garage, cabinets, and closets. However, an open house and a private showing do have some differences. 

A private showing is a tour scheduled by a licensed real estate agent (often the buyer agent you're working with) who has secure access to the home. You may be the only buyer in the home, and have a wider selection of showing time choices. You will also have the one-on-one guidance of the agent with you.

An open house is a designated time (often two hours, on a weekend) for the public to tour the home with a licensed real estate agent hosting. Open houses allow for a