What I have come to learn as a Madison realtor is that most prospective buyers are not shopping for a house, they are shopping for a place to live, a place to call home. And there is quite a difference.
Although the number of bedrooms, the square footage, and the condition of the hardwood floors may mean a lot when trying to sell Madison real estate, so is the surrounding community. Lucky for us living here in the Madison area, we have a community that would appeal to most. The Madison area community is unique, I find it to be filled with wonderfully creative and nurturing people, and the location itself is just a gem. It is one of the few places where can you be in a country atmosphere one moment and then in the city the next. Right here in the Madison area, we have great parks, museums, restaurants, theaters, and events!
I am bringing all this up because I believe the Madison area should be celebrated and preserved in all of its wonderfulness. Just as we all will celebrate the Earth on Earth Day. Thankfully, the Habitat for Humanity Restore program, who has already done so much for the Madison community and Madison real estate, has planned a great event at their location on Grove St. It will be held on April 19th from noon to 4 and will include a number of auctions, festivities, and educational booths. So come and visit the Habitat for Humanity Restore and celebrate the earth, celebrate our Madison area community, the place we all live and call home.
Metropolitan Place ReSale – Open House Saturday March 29th from 1 to 3 PM
We are having an open house at this great new listing in Metropolitan Place. It is luxury living within walking distance of downtown Madison with a water view. City Views and natural light filter into this corner unit. Double-Pocket Doors incorporate the living space into the den. A 40″ stainless steel double-oven stove is perfect for cooking treats from the Farmer’s Market. This condo boasts an open floor plan, hardwood floors, tile floors, solid surface counters, 1460 square feet of living space, extra parking, private laundry, and much, much more. Call Heidi for Details, 608-444-6831. Open House is Saturday, March 29th from 1 to 3 PM at the Metropolitan Place, 360 W. Washington Ave. #815, Madison, WI.
Worthwhile Renovations When Preparing to Sell
I am often asked the same question by Madison area home sellers, “what home repairs hold the most value?” It is a very natural question as everyone is trying to get the highest return on their investment. Who wouldn’t?
And with this same question that comes from seller to seller, comes almost always the same answer from me. Buyers are looking for a clean, well-priced home with updated kitchen and baths. Now please understand that I am not necessarily suggesting that everyone interested in selling their Madison area home run out and perform major renovations on their kitchens and baths. I do understand that this is not necessarily realistic. I can however offer some advice that may set you apart from your competition in this competitive Madison area real estate market.
•1) Make your home show ready by always keeping it clean inside and out. This is a must in every market, but it is extremely important during a time when Madison real estate inventories are high. Buyers have a lot to choose from and you don’t want them to get turned off because you fell behind on your spring cleaning.
•2) Bold colors are in this year. With a little bit of money, you can give your Madison home a little makeover with bold colors on the exterior and interior. Since the appearance of your kitchen and bath is generally the most crucial to your sale with a Madison buyer, start with a paint job in those rooms first.
•3) Madison area buyers are “greener” than ever! If you do decide to renovate your kitchen or bathroom, research eco-friendly materials that will set your renovations a part from your Madison real estate competition. In the bathroom you can put in a green faucet and shower head that conserve water and give your bathroom a luxurious modern look. You can also use recycled eco-friendly glass tiles. They come in bold colors and are usually made form 100% recycled glass. An extra bonus…they also clean easier that most other tiles. Another cool touch you can add is recycled glass door knobs. They also come in great bold colors that will compliment those recycled glass tiles.
You can check out GetWithGreen.com for more great tips and eco-friendly home repair materials.
Do you love to move?
My Assistant’s Thoughts on Moving!
The official start of spring is less than 15 days away and I have to admit that the moving itch has returned. I love to move! I would buy a new house every couple of years if it wasn’t for the fact that my family doesn’t share my same level of enthusiasm. This is how my husband and I have come to feel very differently about spring. He loathes the spring, while I love the spring. You see, I am an open house addict! And with the spring, usually comes more open houses than any other time of year. So, I tend to disappear for a couple of hours many Sunday afternoons, leaving my husband at home cringing. He is just waiting for me walk through our back door and announce that I have found the perfect one.
I can’t think of anything that bothers me about moving. The home search, the loan search, the selling of my current home, the packing, the un-packing, and the ultimate re-decorating that I absolutely LOVE to do!!! I actually think of the whole process is refreshing because it provides me a great opportunity to re-organize all of my things. When you move on a regular basis, you don’t have those mystery boxes in the basement or clothes that you haven’t worn in years because none of it is worth keeping to just move around.
What do you think? Do you like to move or do you think I am just plain crazy?
Reminder of a Great Charity
Keller Williams Realty West will be taking part in a service project which collects and distributes suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks for foster children in the Madison area. Last year we had the most suitcases gathered from any single real estate office and we plan to do it again. All donations will be accepted from now until March 13th. Full information for the drive is included below. For more information on how to get involved in this Madison area charity, please give me a call. 608-444-6831. Thank You!!
Returning to the Blitz: Suitcases for Kids
“In 2006, RASCW joined the national service project designed to collect and distribute new and gently used suitcases, duffel bags and backpacks for foster children who are frequently forced to move from home to home. Since that time, we have donated more that 700 suitcases and just under $1,000 to foster care programs throughout Dane, Sauk and Columbia counties. We will once again be collecting donations at Blitz 2008 and distributing them throughout the three counties. Please remember to bring a suitcase to the Blitz on March 13, 2008.” (http://www.rascw.org/)
Any contributions will be greatly appreciated and will be stored at the Keller William West real estate office until March 13th.
Thanks so much in advance on behalf of those without.