We're excited to announce that Jake Johnson has joined our team as a full-time and full-service realtor! Jake brings with him 15 years of experience in customer service and people-focused industries, while serving 10 of those years in leadership roles. 

Jake is a former client of our team, so he knows all about our focus on community, relationships, and real estate. He has a strong work ethic, a knack for building positive relationships, and a sincere appreciation for mastering the fundamentals of our business -- as he applies them in ways that are authentic to his personality and his strengths. And Jake has certainly hit the ground running, as he's already serving and adding a ton of value to our clients. 

We're grateful to have someone like

If you're buying in 2021, your offer to purchase will likely be up against offers from other motivated buyers. Below are 26 ways you can make your offer stand out from the competition and be the one that gets accepted. Of course the strategies you use will depend a lot on the type and condition of the property, your level of motivation, and how much competition you have from other parties. 

26 Ways to Write a Winning Offer

#1: Submit your mortgage pre-approval from a reputable, local lender. A pre-approval from an out-of-town or big box lender can create doubt in the mind of a seller. For example, we've seen sellers disregard offers from buyers who are pre-approved by an internet lender. Give your seller every reason to believe your pre-approval is

The Madison area condo market was very active in December, as condo closings and accepted offers increased big-time to close out the year. Here's our latest market update along with our commentary on what to expect in the year ahead. 

Madison area condo sales

Despite low inventory, Dane County condo sales grew to the second-highest total on record for the month of December. Sales increased 29% year-over-year and 14% during the calendar year.  

Accepted offers

Local condo buyers were very active last month and almost set a new record for the month of December. Accepted offers increased 28% from the prior December and 14% during all of 2020. We expect strong sales totals in January based on the number of contracts signed in December. 

After years of in-person and hands-on staging with Debbie Lea of Showcase Home Stagers, our team quickly adjusted to doing business virtually because of the pandemic in order to prioritize everyone’s safety. 

Because of Debbie’s incredible eye for design -- even through video chats and emailed photographs -- and close collaboration with our nimble agents and marketing staff, our sellers continue to reap the benefits of home staging services (free of charge as part of our complete marketing plan). 

In a previous post we shared what sellers can expect during a virtual staging consultation with Debbie. As a follow up to that blog, Debbie and agents Ann Raschein, Maureen Moran, and Shelley Lazzareschi reflect on the importance of making a great first

December was another strong month for the Dane County single family home market. Here's our quick overview of the latest single family home trends and a sneak peek at what lies ahead in 2021. 

Madison area home sales

Dane County home sales set a new record for December, increasing by 17% from December of 2019. Home sales set a new annual record in 2020 and grew by 7% from the year before. 

Accepted offers

Accepted offers decreased 4% year-over-year, but buyer activity was still strong compared to most other Decembers over the last 20 years. 

Expired Listings

Expired listings reached a new low for the month of December. Low inventories and strong buyer demand have created a market with very few expired listings. 

Days on

Now that we're on the other side of the holidays, we're seeing new listings enter the market at a much faster pace. And the pace will accelerate as we get closer and closer to Spring. As more and more new properties hit the market, we'll see more and more new buyers competing for these properties, too. 

Buying your dream home in 2021

This year's real estate market will be very competitive. So, if you're serious about buying your dream home this year, please reach out to your favorite Mad City Dream Homes realtor for a short consultation. We'll discuss your goals for buying your dream home, your financing plans, and how we can work together to make your dream home happen in 2021. 

Last year we helped more people achieve their home ownership

The new year is upon us, which means it's time for our 2021 real estate predictions. Below we've identified 7 key real estate trends for the coming year, many of which have been shaped by the tumultuous events of 2020. For a look back at last year's predictions, check out this article from our blog. 

Our 2021 Madison real estate predictions

#1: Mortgage rates will remain historically low for the whole year. 

The Federal Reserve has indicated it's committed to doing what it can to keep mortgage rates low for the foreseeable future. If this holds true, this means rates for a 30-year mortgage should be around 3 percent for all of 2021. 

#2: Home and condo sales will be at or above the levels from 2020. 

Low mortgage rates will fuel a

As we approach the end of 2020, we'd like to say thank you to Ann Raschein for her dedication to affordable housing initiatives here in Dane County. As an affordable housing advocate, Ann volunteers her time and energy as a member of the board for both the Home Buyers Round Table and Habitat for Humanity of Dane County. Ann has also helped 5 families receiving down payment assistance achieve the dream of homeownership in 2020.

Ann's commitment to affordable housing is just one of many ways that she serves her community. If you've worked with Ann on the purchase or sale of your home, you've come to know her as someone who truly goes the extra mile to help you achieve your real estate goals. As a leader on our team, we've come to know her as someone who

The Madison area condo market continues to be very active as we approach the new year. Here's our latest report on the Dane County condo market, covering the month of November, 2020. 

Dane County condo sales

Madison area condo sales jumped 14% in November and set a new record for the month. Even though we're in the midst of the holidays, many buyers are motivated to make a purchase before the end of the year. 

Accepted offers

Accepted offers increased 21% in November and established a new record for the month, too. We're expecting a high number of closings in December and January based on the large number of buyers writing offers in November.  

Madison area condo prices

Dane County condo prices reached a new high for the month

November was another record-setting month for the Madison area single family home market. Here's our latest Dane County home report covering the month of November, 2020.

Dane County home sales

Madison area home sales set a new record for the month, increasing by 13% year-over-year and 6% year-to-date.  

Accepted offers

Accepted offers also set a new record for the month, increasing by 9% year-over-year. A high number of accepted offers in November will lead to strong sales totals in December and January. 

Months of supply and percent of listings under contract

Right now there are only .8 months of single family home supply available for sale on the MLS, while over 49% of all listings are under contract (a very high percentage