Well the snow storm came into Madison this weekend, just as expected. Even
though I know the storms sometimes cause a bit of havoc for some, I always
love being in Madison right after a snow storm. The city always looks so
beautiful, especially with all the holiday décor. I always look forward to
the outdoor activities that are possible once the snow finally hits the
ground. There are so many activities and parks in and around Madison to
choose from, but my favorite is snow shoeing at Yellowstone Lake State Park.
I love the quietness, serenity, and beauty that this portion of Madison has
to offer. It is just one of the many local tips that I get to share with
Madison home buyers moving into the area. The Madison area truly feels like
home to me, and I enjoy so much of what is offered, both man-made and
natural. I therefore love being a realtor in the Madison area. Having the
opportunity to share the best of Wisconsin while I help people buy and sell
Madison area real estate is great!
Thanksgiving Tradition
As we all look forward to seeing our friends and families on Thanksgiving, many things often cross our minds. It might be the wonderful turkey, the apple pie, the pumpkin pie, the cranberry stuffing, or the amazing left-overs on Friday!! Almost all of what comes to mind is wrapped around food and the inevitable feeling of “stuffed” that will come along with it. So I think it is a great idea to start the day off in the annual Berbee Derby in Madison. It is a road race that you can either run or walk. A lot of people take part in the event on behalf of a charity and I am sure their waistlines before the feast of Thanksgiving. A quick run or walk in the Berbee Derby may help you better enjoy the holiday so you feel less guilty if you decide to indulge in that 2nd piece of pie.
Another fun part of the holiday is all the hustle and bustle of activity that occurs with travelers that have come to Madison to visit their friends and family. There are always great things going on in the city and plenty of prospective home buyers that may want to take a look at your Madison area home for sale. So, all of you home sellers out there, make sure you concentrate on the curb appeal of your home this upcoming holiday weekend. There will likely be many prospective buyers very interested in the Madison area driving around to scan houses. They may find interest in yours. Please call me if you need any help preparing for the holiday “rush.”
The Importance of Staging
Despite the slower paced real estate market here in Wisconsin, there are still many viable home buyers available. A major difference between today’s market and that of a couple of years ago, is that the property inventory levels in the Madison and Middleton areas are high. This means that prospective buyers have plenty of choices. Madison area buyers are therefore looking at a large number of properties before deciding to make an offer. If you want your home to be well remembered and stay on top of their list, then the first impression is crucial.
In order to make a strong first impression, you need to properly stage your home before making it available for showings to all the Madison and Middleton area prospective buyers. A few key staging items are in the bathroom and kitchen. In the bathroom, be sure to avoid having grimy walls or shower doors. Also, if you have any outdated tiles, find a paint that is appropriate for tile and add some modern colors to the room. This, along with replacing an outdated vanity with a pedestal sink, will give the bathroom a fresh face at a low cost. In the kitchen, consider making low cost updates by staining old cabinets instead of painting them. Newer appliances are also key as they scream clean!! Buyers look for clean kitchen and bathrooms, so keep those rooms show ready at all times in order to make the best impression possible. The HGTV site has even more great staging techniques. I would encourage you to take a look for ideas and to call me in for some suggestions. I have great experience and success staging homes, and I work with Madison and Middleton area buyers on a regular basis. I therefore have firsthand knowledge to many of their likes and dislikes. So don’t hesitate any longer, give me a call and I’ll gladly come by to help you get your home show ready!!
Madison Home Builders Going Green
The Madison real estate market has been going through a number of changes as it begins to re-stabilize itself into a more normal market. Middleton and Madison home buyers have more inventories to select from and a bit more time to consider their decisions. This is really great for Madison area buyers, despite the headlines that continue to haunt of a real estate crash. This is not the only the change that we are seeing in Madison real estate though. A new series of projects has recently begun in an attempt to transform some of Madison’s homes into more energy efficient living spaces. Some of our local builders are going green and providing Green Built Home Makeovers that will make homes 50 to 75 percent more energy efficient. Recently, a $100,000 remodel was done as a donation on the east side of Madison. The group is planning to do one donation project a year in the Madison area in an attempt to raise awareness of this important cause. Some of the modifications made were hybrid heat pump systems, modern electrical systems, rooftop solar panels, and energy efficient appliances. The donation project was organized by Project Home which is a non-profit organization that works towards bettering housing for low to moderate income residents in Madison and surrounding areas. They mostly concentrate in the Dane and Green counties. If this causes a chain reaction, this great cause could truly change the face of Madison area real estate.
Freakfest 2007
I am a realtor that not only loves selling homes in the Madison area, but also loves living here. I therefore am always looking for great events that showcase some of the fun in our community. One that is coming up this weekend is especially fitting in light of the nearby Halloween holiday. Freakfest 2007 is sure to be a great time. It is being held on State St. and will feature 3 stages of live music. The party will go on from 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM with very reasonable ticket pricing. I’ve attached the link with all the event details. So grab your costume and head on down to State St. for the annual Freakfest. Be Safe and Happy Halloween!!!!