Now that we’re entering a more rational real estate market, a lot of sellers are realizing that they can’t just wish for a price and have that price come true. They’re learning that there is both an art and a science to pricing, and that their home will sit on the market if they and their realtor don’t invest the time and thought required to select the right price. 

Our advice to you

So, if you're planning to sell your home soon, our advice to you is don’t leave your pricing up to chance. Ask your listing agent to perform a comprehensive market analysis for you, and ask you agent to explain their reasons for their pricing recommendation. In other words, ask your realtor to show their work. 

We also encourage you to formulate your own price

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

At Mad City Dream Homes, we're now offering an annual Home Equity Checkup to all of our friends who have owned their home, condo or investment property for a year or more. You can think of this as similar to the annual meeting that you would have with your financial advisor.

During our meeting we'll cover all of the following:

• Your home's current market value and your current equity position.
• Where we see the market going in the year ahead.
• Low-cost home improvement projects that will substantially increase your home's value.
• Reputable contractors who can help you with your projects around your home and yard.
• And any questions that you have about the world of real estate.

We're not trying to sell you anything, just offer

Lately we've been noticing a lot of 12-month listing contracts in the Madison area, but we would generally advise you not to sign such a long listing agreement. If your listing agent is pushing you to sign a year-long contract, then that's a sign that they're not feeling confident in their ability to sell your home. And the last thing you want is to be locked into a long contract while your home sits on the market. 

A much more reasonable time period is 2 to 6 months. Assuming you and your agent have a solid plan and a good working relationship, a few weeks to a few months should give you all the time you need to experience a successful sale.

We're always available to meet with you and help you plan for your future. Just reach out to your favorite

Here's a recent case study that shows how two different philosophies (investing versus cost-cutting) can have a huge impact on your bottom line.

The scenario

Two homes, in the same location, with virtually the same assessed value, listed at the exact same time. The home on the left was listed by Mad City Dream Homes. The home on the right was listed by a limited service brokerage.

The process

Our clients chose to invest in their sale by focusing on the fundamentals of proper pricing, comprehensive marketing, and professional staging. We also helped our clients implement a few light cosmetic touches (fresh paint and new light fixtures) which offered a significant return on investment. 

The results

The sellers who hired the limited

As we return to a more balanced market, the art of negotiation is making its return, too. And it has been a long time coming. For the last three years, so many buyers have felt like they were at the mercy of sellers, where virtually every aspect of the offer to purchase was about buyers giving and sellers taking. But now, with the market mellowing, many buyers and sellers are realizing that they are on a much more level playing field when it comes time to negotiate. 

Now all of these terms are open for negotiation once again:

The price.

The inspection.

The appraisal. 

The home sale contingency.

And a host of other contingencies, too.  

Do you need help negotiating our changing market? 

Reach out to your preferred Mad City Dream

Do you need help with cosmetic updates and work around your yard and house? Here are 5 contractors who are serving our clients with excellence in 2022.

Luis Rios Yard Care (262-844-1768)

Luis does any type of yardwork you need in the spring, summer, and fall. This includes lawn mowing, gutter cleaning, leaf raking, mulch spreading, weeding, brush removal, and the removal of fallen tree limbs. Luis is also available for light home repair and painting projects. 

Hellenbrand Painting (608-220-8222)

We're receiving excellent feedback from our clients about Dennis and his crew. They've taken on some challenging projects this year and have completed all of them with skill and care. 

Wendy Broadhead, Color Consultant (608-235-8623)

We

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.   

It is absolutely still a seller's market when we consider the prices our listings are attracting in the month of June. So far this month we have multiple clients receiving full-price offers and other clients receiving offers for more than $30,000, $50,000, and even $65,000 above the list.

Prices are still rising in Dane County, but at a slower pace compared to the first few months of the year. If you're hoping to sell your home, condo, or investment property this year, please reach out to us for a planning session and an insightful view of the market. We're here to help you make good decisions in 2022, and over the long run, too. 

Many of our friends have questions about cosmetic updates and which ones offer the best return on investment. Right now we're helping a lot of people choose which updates to make and which professionals to hire (like color consultants, design consultants, painters, handymen, flooring companies, yard care companies, and the like). For other clients we're actually coordinating their cosmetic work for them as they prepare to sell. 

What questions do you have about real estate and what work do you need to get done? 

We would love to be a resource for you whenever you need guidance and support. Just reach out to your favorite Mad City Dream Homes realtor whenever you have any real estate questions or need any real estate help. We're always available