An effective negotiation isn't about winning and losing. It's about coming to an agreement that all parties can support.

But far too often a win-at-all-costs mentality ends up with both parties in a stalemate, and missed opportunity for everyone. Too many buyers and sellers fail to connect because they can't agree on how to address minor differences. 

There is a better way. By opening the lines of communication, seeking first to understand, throwing in a little sugar, and sprinkling in a little conversation, we create the conditions for a win-win agreement. 

Our 4 fundamentals for effective negotiation: 

Open the lines of communication: The more we communicate with the other party, and encourage communication in return, the more likely we'll

Approached with skill and care, some home improvement projects always provide a great return on investment. Here are the 5 projects that are at the top of our home improvement list. 

Our top 5 home improvement projects

#1) Fresh paint. It's amazing what the right color and a fresh coat of paint can do to transform a room, and at such a low cost. 

#2) New lighting. Replacing a bulky and dated fixture with one that is sleek and modern offers another quick win. 

#3) Cabinet hardware. Updating cabinets with new hardware is an easy and affordable way to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh new look. 

#4) Window treatments. Replacing, or simply removing, dated curtains and blinds is addition by subtraction. 

#5) Flooring. Replacing dated

Recently we helped our client sell his family's longtime home on the westside of Madison. This was a unique sale, because our client lived outside of the area, and the home needed some attention before it went on the market. 

So Mad City Dream Homes stepped in as the project manager and oversaw all of the work that would benefit the sale. In all, we contacted and coordinated work with 9 different contractors who worked on projects that included plumbing, electrical, chimney, gutter, landscaping, and a handful of cosmetic updates. 

In the end, our client closed with a fast and full-price offer, thanks in part to the work of so many excellent contractors. 

Whether you need nine contractors for your own home or only one, we're happy to help you make

We've worked with many photographers over the years, and we're grateful for our current partnership with two wonderful companies here in Madison:

• Step Inside Media, owned and operated by Kristine and Derek Marks.
• And Purple Circle Media operated by Arran Gallagher-Krantz, Alena Gallagher, and Alex Killian.

Both companies are skilled in their craft. Just as important, their focus on communication and personalization is admirable at a time when many other companies are doubling down on automation and standardization. 

Thank you both. We appreciate you and your work!

If you're looking for someone to bring the natural beauty and character back to your hardwood floors, we highly recommend giving Jeff Shunk from Imperial Wood Floors a call. Jeff is the owner/operator who follows through on his commitments and is onsite when the work is done. 

He and his team recently brought this oak flooring back to life for one of our clients, and Jeff's work was a key reason why our clients sold their home quickly and for the full list price. You can call Jeff at 608-274-2821 for your own free estimate. We enthusiastically endorse Jeff for his service, communication, and dedication to his craft. Thank you Jeff! 

Even if you don't plan to sell until next year, this fall offers an excellent window of opportunity to capture exterior and aerial photos. Plan ahead by gathering some beautiful shots this fall, and next year you'll be glad you did.

Staging a home virtually is one way to dress up an empty home. The other way is to stage it with rented furniture. Our new listing in Dudgeon-Monroe is an excellent example. 

Which approach -- virtual staging or real staging -- is best for your individual situation? We can help you understand the pluses and the minuses of each option and help you make an educated decision. Call on us for a helpful conversation. We'd love to help. 

Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster. The excitement. The stress. It brings about lots of feelings. You start by looking at listings online then you schedule showings. You finally find that one… the home that spoke to you and your partner. Everything felt right. You wrote a strong offer and beat out several other buyers. Your agent negotiated great terms on your behalf. And finally, you close and settle into your new home. 

The home felt like a blank canvas when you first saw it. Fresh neutral paint colors, no personal effects, lots of open space, etc… As you took possession of your new home and move your belongings into it, you begin to make it your own. Over time the process continues. You make some updates, some big, some small.

Congratulations to our client, Jenn, who recently sold her beloved home on the east side of Madison. This was a bittersweet experience for Jenn. She loved her home, her neighbors, and the surrounding neighborhood. But she's happy for the new owners, who are elated to be laying down roots in this sweet little bungalow. 

Prior to selling her home, we helped Jenn coordinate all of her painting, lighting, and home repair projects. Then it was time for the professional photos, virtual staging, marketing, showings, and negotiation. 

In the end, all of the planning and preparation was worth it. Jenn received two competing offers, and a wonderful accepted offer for $20,000 above the list. 

Thank you, Jenn, for the opportunity to serve. It's been a true

You can stage your home before you place the for sale sign in the yard, or you can stage it virtually like the owners of this home. 

Virtual staging offers an excellent way to showcase your home if it's vacant or sparsely furnished. Of course you can stage your vacant home with real furniture and real art, too.

What makes the most sense for your home? Call us for your own staging consultation. We're always ready and available to help.