If you’re planning to sell in 2020, right now is the perfect time to schedule a market analysis for your home. Dane County real estate prices have risen for seven straight years. And with strong demand and low inventory, they’re on course to rise for an eighth straight year in 2020. 

Another factor affecting home prices right now is the upcoming spring market. Properties listed in the springtime tend to receive the highest offers, because that's when multiple offers and bidding wars are most common. So if you're planning to sell in March, April or May of this year, it's possible your home is worth a lot more than you think. 

Schedule a complimentary market analysis for your home

All you need to do is reach out to your favorite Mad City Dream

Martin Menocal is more than a photographer; he's an artist. Martin's attention to detail and dedication to his craft are truly remarkable, which is why Martin is one of our preferred photographers. Here are just a few examples of Martin's work from some of our recent real estate listings. 

Interior photos by Martin Menocal

Exterior and outside photos

Photos are the most important part of every listing

A listing with beautiful photos receives more looks and clicks online, which leads to more requests for showings, more buyer competition, and a higher price on the sale of the home. Remember, we don't have a set budget for our listings. This philosophy allows us to work with the best

The spring real estate market will be heating up soon. Are you thinking of making 2020 the year you buy or sell a home? There are things you can do now that will help you stay competitive in what’s expected to be another busy real estate market this spring. Read on for tips from our team for ways you can prepare, and then contact us for a consultation. We can help you achieve your buying or selling goals.

Looking to sell?

1. If you’re thinking about selling your home, be proactive. You’ll set yourself up for a better home-selling experience if you begin planning and preparing right now. Many people feel stressed when they have to rush through the process, and planning ahead can make the whole experience much easier. Reach out to schedule a

What are the keys to a successful negotiation? Here are our tried and true philosophies for negotiating a great price and great terms on the sale of your home. 

Our six negotiation tips for sellers

1) Create a beautiful real estate listing. 

One of our first goals early on in the listing process is to create a solid partnership between you, our stager, our photographers, and our creative team. Working together, we create a beautiful real estate listing with eye-popping photos and plenty of marketing materials which highlight the benefits of your home. Beautiful listings receive more online interest, more showings, and more offers - all of which give you more leverage when it's time to negotiate. 

2) Ensure your listing receives full

The month of December has arrived, which means it's time for our annual real estate predictions. Below we've identified 8 key market trends for the coming year. For a look back at our 2019 predictions, check out this article which we published at the end of last year.

Our 2020 Madison real estate predictions

#1: Mortgage rates will remain well below 5 percent.

We're not economists and we're not experts in the mortgage market, but we do know 2020 is an election year. Because of this we expect mortgage rates will remain near historically low levels throughout all of 2020. 

#2: Inventory will remain low.

Dane County's growing population needs housing, but the pipeline of new listings and new construction homes isn't sufficient to meet the

Over the years we've assisted hundreds of homeowners with their sale, and along the way we've observed a few key reasons why some sellers succeed (and others do not). Below we cover 4 key traits which our most successful sellers tend to exhibit. 

Four traits of successful sellers

1) They have a positive mindset about their sale

Our most successful sellers have positive expectations for their sale. Working side-by-side with our stager and our real estate team, they commit to doing all of the little things that will lead to multiple offers, a high price, and a quick closing. They know that by taking all of the right steps upfront they are positioning themselves for a successful sale and a smooth closing. 

2) They are proactive with their

Does your home offer a truly special setting? Then use an aerial photo from a drone camera to sell your property's unique location. Below are some nice examples of aerial photography produced by VRX Media. These photos feature a few of our recent listings. 

Right now we have only a short window of time until the leaves are off the trees and the snow starts flying. It's the perfect time to capture some colorful aerial photos in preparation for your upcoming real estate listing. 

Lake Monona setting

This photo shows our recent Morrison Street listing near Lake Monona, Willy Street, and Downtown Madison. 

Lots by Cherokee Golf Course

This aerial photo shows 4 buildable lots surrounded by the Yahara River, Cherokee Marsh, and Cherokee

As we shared in a recent article there is still time to sell your Madison area home before the snow starts flying. And even if you don't plan to sell until 2020, this fall is the perfect time to start working on your sale. Here are a few things you and your listing agent can work on right now in preparation for your upcoming listing. 

Planning and preparing for your real estate listing

1) Learn your home's current market value

Mad City Dream Homes will complete a market analysis for you and help you understand your home's value on the open market. At the same time we'll share our recommendations for minor cosmetic updates which will help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Of course we'll re-visit your market analysis once your

The fall season is a real estate market unto itself, with its own unique dynamics and opportunities. Below we share a few aspects of the autumn market that are good for buyers and sellers to know. 

Opportunities for buyers in the fall market

Right now is a great time to be shopping for a home, and here are two big reasons why:

There are fewer buyers to contend with in the fall

Take a look at this chart below, which shows Dane County buyer activity throughout the calendar year. Right now there are roughly 40% fewer offers being accepted compared to the peak months of March, April, May and June. The pace of the market is slower in the fall, and easier on buyers. 

There are fewer multiple offer situations and bidding wars in the fall

At Mad City Dream Homes, we implement a customized marketing plan for all of our home-selling clients. This philosophy allows us to produce some amazing marketing campaigns for our sellers, in particular for our clients who own a luxury home or condo. Below we share a marketing plan from Chris Venden and a few marketing examples from one of her recent luxury listings. Chris's listing attracted competing buyers, including an offer from one buyer who wrote a very strong offer for above the list. 

Marketing plan for a recent luxury listing

Mad City Dream Homes implemented all of the marketing strategies below. All marketing costs were paid for by our real estate team, which is the standard for all of our listings.   

Unlimited support from