It's a low inventory market, for sure, but buyers who remain persistent and patient will find more opportunities to purchase in the months ahead. That's because fewer buyers are home-shopping during the second half of the year, and inventory is slowly rising. And we expect this trend to continue into the fall season, as it typically does each year.

What questions do you have about buying or selling a home in the Madison area? We're always available for a helpful conversation, and we'd love to help you plan for your future.

Have you been thinking about becoming more involved with your community? You might think about joining a "friends group" for a city, county or state park.

What do friends groups do?

Friends groups steward the land by participating in conservation projects, maintaining trails and habitats, controlling invasives, assisting with research, coordinating fundraisers and educational events, among a variety of other projects. 

Joining a friends group offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the land and learn more about the natural world in community with other people. And, chances are, there's a park near you that needs your help. 

For more information, and to learn more about volunteer opportunities near you, check out these websites:

At Mad City Dream Homes, we're always striving to be a positive influence in the business community and the community at large. And our monthly newsletter is an important part of our goal. With this spirit in mind, if you know someone who might appreciate receiving our monthly mailer, please ask them to contact us. We'd be happy to add them to our list. 

We tend to think of our homes as the place where we lay down our roots and raise our family, as a safe space for ourselves and our loved ones -- especially in these post-pandemic times. 

But what if we allow our minds to wander a little bit and to think of our homes as a place where we build community? A place where we bring people together, break bread, and care for our neighbors. A place where we exchange ideas. A place where we experience connection. 

It could be as simple as having friends over for coffee, dinner, or a backyard barbeque. Inviting neighbors in who are living by themselves and who may feel lonely. Hosting a book club or a non-profit that is near and dear to our hearts. Making art with another. Or creating a safe space for kids in

Dane County condo prices continued to rise in the month of June, and by all measures. Here's our latest condo market update, covering the month of June, 2023. 

Condo prices

The condo price per square foot increased to $219, which was an increase of 8% from the $203 per square foot in June of 2022. The median price increased by 13%, and the average price by 15%. 

Through the first 6 months of the year, the price per square foot, the median, and the average price were up by 7 percent, 13 percent, and 12 percent, respectively. 

New condo listings

Last summer mortgage rates shot up to nearly 6 percent, and MLS listings have been trending lower ever since. New Dane County condo listings decreased by 21 percent from the number of listings in

Local home prices jumped higher once in again in the month of June. Here's our latest Dane County single family home report, updated for the month of June, 2023. 

Dane County home prices

The price per square foot was $230, which was an increase of 5 percent from last June's price of $218. The median price increased 3 percent in June. The average price increased 6 percent.

Through the first 6 months of the year, the price per square foot, the median price and the average price were up 5 percent, 5 percent, and 8 percent respectively. 

New MLS listings

A total of 507 Dane County homes were listed for sale in the month of June, which was a 31 percent decrease compared to the 731 homes listed for sale in June of 2022. Compared to June of

Recently we've had two friends work with Jimmie Copus from Lawn Arts Landscaping, and both friends have been very impressed with Jimmie and his work. Jimmie is available to work on virtually any aspect of your yard or lawn. His list of services includes landscaping, mulching, tree and bush trimming, spring and fall yard clean-ups, lawn mowing, and ongoing lawn care. 

Jimmie offers reasonable rates and he's easy to work with. For more information, we encourage you to call Jimmie at 608-205-7073. 

One of the interesting aspects of our market is that prices continue to rise in 2023 even though buyer activity is down significantly from each of the previous two years. As the chart below shows, showings are down by 23% compared to the first 6 months of 2022, and down by 32% compared to first half of 2021. 

Another trend the chart makes clear is that there is usually a seasonal aspect to buyer activity. Typically, showings peak in the springtime and then subside in the summertime and throughout the remainder of the year. 

Buyers and sellers should be aware of these changes as we enter the summer season. Showings will decrease in July and August, for sure. Bidding wars will be less common. And we'll see fewer buyers writing offers that waive

Recently we've connected our friends with landscapers, lawn mowers, cleaners, house washers, carpet cleaners, painters, HVAC companies, handymen, electricians, plumbers, flooring companies, roofers, window specialists, foundation repair specialists, movers, home inspectors, radon mitigation specialists, insurance agents, attorneys, lenders, graphic designers, interior designers, stagers, and photographers.

So, how can we help you? 

The benefits over the long run can be life-changing, but in sneaky and subtle ways.

When we surround ourselves with generous, hardworking, and humble people, we surround ourselves with people who model good habits and a positive attitude for us. We essentially become teachers and students to each other. And slowly but surely, day by day, we become a little more creative, a little more effective, and a little more resilient.

If this is the type of career culture that you are drawn to and that you would like to contribute to as well, then we would love to hear from you. We're always up for meeting the person who could turn out to be the next great fit for our team.