When you're interviewing buyer agents, we recommend asking open-ended questions and then letting each agent talk.

For example, you might try asking open-ended questions like these:

• What advice do you have for me as a home buyer?
• What will you do to help me find and buy the right home?
• Can you tell me a little bit about your customer service philosophy? 
• What's going on in the market right now? 
• And what is the market like for the type of home that I'm seeking to buy? 

When each realtor responds to your questions, are they trying to sell you, or help you? Do they launch into sales mode and ask you to sign a buyer agency agreement? Or do they ask you questions of their own in order to learn more about your needs and how they

Then we invite you to try working by relationship instead. A relationship where generous and hardworking people come together in pursuit of a common goal. 

Here's what we keep learning about working by relationship, time and time again:

When like-minded people bring their best to each other -- and collaborate -- the results are often extraordinary. And in the end, every investment of time, attention, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and effort is worth it...and then some. 

With the market mellowing, the home-buying experience is changing.

Now, buying your dream home can be as simple as following these 3 basic steps:

#1: Hire a professional buyer agent who will help you stay on top of every new opportunity.

#2: When a new listing intrigues you, schedule your showing right away.

#3: If you absolutely love the home after seeing it in person, then write your offer immediately. It's possible that the seller will accept your offer as written, if you're the first one to write. 

Of course not every sale goes this way, but we're seeing more and more sellers accepting offers which don't involve any competition. Which means more homes and condos are selling for below the list price, and with inspection and appraisal

Earlier this summer we shared the names of a few contractors who are standing out with service in 2022. Here are a few more professionals that we'd love to share with you based on their track record with our clients and our team. 

Paul Peterson - Painter (608-358-3600)

Paul and his team are friendly, reliable, and professional. They're receiving rave reviews from our clients, and we absolutely love their work on our office remodel. We highly recommend Paul and his crew. 

Cody Helmer - Construction (608-577-7041)

Cody and his small crew specialize in new roofs, new siding, 3-season porches, and large-scale remodeling projects. Even better, Cody is the type of person you can do business with on a handshake.

Bob Stigsell - Asbestos, Mold,

Chances are you've heard from at least one friend or loved one about their frustration with trying to buy a home in our low-supply market. But sometimes, all it takes is some fresh perspective and a new approach in order to make that dream home happen. 

At Mad City Dream Homes, we're helping over 100 clients find and buy their dream home in 2022, and we'd love to help your friends and family, too. Hard work, skill, and teamwork are proving to be exactly what our clients need in this year's market. 

So please let us know if there's someone in your life who we can help. We're always up for talking real estate and sharing our ideas and advice, and it would be our honor to serve your friends and family in their time of need.  

Thank you and

Why do so many people choose to buy a home in the Madison area? Below we share some of the big themes that we keep hearing from our clients year-after-year. Some of these reasons are due to the attractions and reputation of our region, while others are more personal and matters of the heart. 

Top 10 reasons for buying a home in Madison

#1) Quality of life 

The city of Madison has established a national reputation for being a great place to live, and for a host of reasons. Our lakes, parks, bike trails, festivals, restaurants, entertainment venues, the arts, and the many educational opportunities that are available through the University -- all of these are big draws to the Madison area.

#2) Alignment of values

Our local culture is known

As mortgage rates have risen in recent months, many buyers are now turning to the Adjustable Rate Mortgage (or ARM) in order to lock in a low interest rate over a five, seven or ten year period. As many as 40% to 50% of all buyers are now choosing an ARM over a fixed-rate mortgage, based on our recent conversations with local lenders.

Why would you choose an adjustable rate mortgage?

An ARM allows you to lock in a lower monthly payment during the initial period of your loan. For example, with a 7-year ARM, during the first 7 years of your loan you would lower your interest rate by a full percentage point compared to the traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage. After the initial 7 years is up, your rate would adjust subject to market conditions

No doubt, there is some fear in the world of real estate right now: Fear about world events. Fear about inflation. And fear about higher interest rates, to name a few.

And because we're human, that fear can cause us to hesitate and put our dreams on hold. But on the flip side of fear, is opportunity. And the market does offer some real opportunities for those of us who are are able to hold onto our aspirations and keep working on our real estate goals.

For example

If you've been frustrated by a lack of supply, selection is improving...And you have opportunity.

If you haven't been able to compete, competition is decreasing...And you have opportunity.

If you need to sell in order to buy, home sale contingencies are back...And you have

Congratulations to our clients Beckie and Eli, who recently closed on a beautiful property so they can expand their Montessori school and childcare offerings starting this fall! This is the second time that agent Chris Venden has helped the couple secure additional real estate for their growing business on Madison’s far east side. 

The stars seemed to align over the last 7 years for all of these adjacent properties near Milwaukee St and Sprecher Rd, in part because each of the neighbors wanted their 5-acre parcels to remain wild, natural spaces as opposed to being developed when they decided to sell. Beckie and Eli share that philosophy when it comes to their educational programs, which “focus on a natural environment and the natural growth and

We all have our own ideas about our ideal home, location, and setting. And for many of us, it has a lot to do with a new stage of life. Have you been dreaming about a home for your next season of life? How many of these features are on your dream home bucket list?

Your dream location and setting

• A home near your friends and loved ones

• A home in your preferred school district

• A community that reflects your personal values

• A home near parks, green space, trails, and nature

• A home that’s walkable to restaurants, cafes, entertainment

• A fenced in yard with plenty of space for your kids or dog to play

• A condo with inspiring, panoramic views

• A home with acreage and plenty of peace and