Madison Real Estate Blog

Take Advantage of the Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit

The Wisconsin Realtors Association has a great informational piece about the extended homebuyer tax credit. New buyers are eligible for an $8,000 credit which can be used towards downpayment. Up to $6,500 is available to current homeowners who have lived in their primary residence for the last 5 years. Whether you're a new homebuyer or ready to move up, this is a great time to take advantage of low interest rages, competitive prices and tax credits. Offers must be accepted by April 30th and close no later than June 30th.

Open House at 523 East Bluff this Sunday

Northside, Madison  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 523 East Bluff on November 22 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This is a terrific value for any buyer: remodeled interior, new bamboo flooring throughout, private courtyard with garden, perennials and deck. Full basement with finished family room, workbench and storage, all appliances included. Come check it out!

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8720 Old Sauk Road in Middleton is Sold!

Sauk Ridge, Middleton  -  The townhouse at 8720 Old Sauk Road has been sold for $165,000, well below the average for Sauk Ridge neighborhood which is $203,456. It was on the market for 90 days, originally priced at $189,900 

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What do Hotels and Homes for Sale have in common?

What do homes for sale and hotels have in common? They are visually marketed to appeal to customers and use professional design to achieve this goal.

Think about it, when you visit hotel websites and browse through virtual tours what are you looking for? Its not the coffee machines, or wi fi service.  It is a place that looks comfortable, stylish and is attractively priced.  What are you you looking for when browsing homes for sale? The very same thing.  Hotels spend thousands to achieve this goal. Home owners can accomplish it with Professional Home Staging. 

Statistics show that staged homes sell for an average of 97.5% of asking price and in 80% less time on the market. That is pretty significant. Sellers should use every advantage in selling their home, particularly in this market. The cost is affordable and the service pays for itself.  If you are interested in more information about home staging, please visit my home staging page or feel free to contact me with any questions.

925 Powder Horn Drive in Carriage Hills Estates is Sold!

Carriage Hills Estates, Sun Prairie  -  The 2 story at 925 Powder Horn Drive has been sold for $184,900 - at list price! The home was originally listed at $192,900 at the end of June. The bank agreed to repair the 1/2 bath which had plumbing leaks and warped floors. I felt that would be an obstruction to conventional financing. When it was reduced to $184,900 in July, we received three offers simultaneously - two were bargain hunter/lowball offers and the third was accepted.  We just closed on this today!

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Foreclosure Open House Sunday 9/27

Sauk Ridge, Middleton  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 8720 Old Sauk Road on September 27 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. If you are curious about purchasing foreclosures this is a great time to stop by and have your questions answered by an experienced REO/foreclosure agent.  Please note: parking is limited to 4 guest stalls so you may have to park around the corner and walk up. 

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Double Open House this Sunday

West Madison, Madison  -  We invite everyone to visit our open houses at 2856 Cimarron Trail #1 and #3  on September 13 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Choose from first or second floor units, completely remodeled, with private garages. Condo fees include heat & hot water. Great location near West Towne Mall, Ice Age Trail, shops and transportation. Pets allowed! If you can't make it then, feel free to request a private showing!

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5821 Oxbow Bend, Madison WI is sold!

Prairie Schooner, Madison  -  The 2 story at 5821 Oxbow Bend sold at $209,500 and within one month on the market!

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548 E. Countryside Drive, Evansville WI is Sold!

Countryside Estates, Evansville  -  Wow, less than 2 weeks on the market and sold $4,000 higher than list price at $138,000. To tell you the truth, I was worried about the Evansville market and the impact of GM's layoffs in Janesville, WI, just a short commute distance away.  Nevertheless this home was in decent shape and priced well within recent comparables.   We had two competing offers and the home was very fairly priced. Some buyers do not want to write offers at or above asking price, but when a good deal comes along, it can be well worth it. Have your realtor prepare a report of comparable homes sold within the past 6 months and use that as your guide. It will serve you well in negotiating a smart offer. 

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Do It Yourself Leaf Mulch

Note that this information is outdated.

Here is a quick and easy way to mulch your garden for FREE. This fall, instead of hauling leaves to the curb, dump them into a large sturdy trash can. Use a cord trimmer to mulch the leaves into tiny bits, then spread around your garden, trees and shrubs. Even better, put leaves in a contractor bag or compost bins and leave over the winter. When spring comes around, they'll be nicely composted!

7 Acre Ranch For Sale in Dodgeville

Affordable Country Living on 7 Acres!

• 1,080 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story "Ranch " - MLS® $129,900 - Just Listed

Dodgeville, Iowa County  -  Affordable Country Living on 7 acres adjacent to Governor Dodge State Park and a short jog to Military Ridge Trail. 2 bedroom framed ranch on concrete slab with attached 1 car garage plus detached 2 car garage provides plenty of storage, workshop, or stable. Living room features woodburning stove, 2 large patio doors and deck with panoramic views. Private location, set back from the road with abundant wildlife and rolling meadows. Home is being sold "as is" however seller will replace carpeting prior to closing. Home is only 11 years old and in decent condition.

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1126 Woodvale Drive in Acewood is Sold!

Acewood, Madison  -  The 2 story at 1126 Woodvale Drive has been sold for $120,000. The ups and downs with this market! This home had an offer that fell apart due to FHA requirements which would have extended the closing date for another 60 days. The bank said no and we placed it back on the market.  Shortly thereafter, another offer was accepted and closed in 30 days. Its frustrating for me as both a seller's agent and buyer's agent to work around many of the FHA restrictions on these types of properties but in the end, we had a successful closing.

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Open House in Hawk's Landing on Sunday

Hawk's Landing, Madison  -  Check out my open house at 1830 Breezy Trail this Sunday, June 28 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Its a great buy, just reduced to $424,900 with 3 bedrooms, 3 FULL baths, and 3800 sq. feet of living space including a full, exposed, walkout basement with office, family room, and bedroom. Includes all Hawk's Landing Golf Course amenities: club house, pool, and golf course.  

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New Listing in Carriage Hills Estates

Spacious Bi-Level in Popular Area

• 2,800 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Tri-Level" - $192,900 - Sweet Deal!

Carriage Hills Estates, Sun Prairie  -  Best deal in Carriage Hills! Wonderful opportunity to live on a quiet cul-de-sac in an area of fine homes, just one block to neighborhood park and schools. Spacious 4 bedroom home with generous living room and formal dining, eat in kitchen, and first floor family room with woodburning fireplace. Patio doors lead to 2-tiered deck on 1/2 acre lot with your own wooded nature preserve. 3 bedrooms on main floor and master suite on entire 2nd floor with double closets and private bath. Lower level is finished for rec room or media room. Kitchen has been updated, but home could benefit from new fixtures in bath, and new carpeting. Being sold "as is', bank owned. 

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2 Story For Sale in Carriage Hills Estates

• 2,800 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Tri-Level" - $189,900 - Sweet Deal!

Carriage Hills Estates, Sun Prairie  -  Best deal in Carriage Hills! Wonderful opportunity to live on a quiet cul-de-sac in an area of fine homes, just one block to neighborhood park and walking distance to schools. Spacious 4 bedroom home on a terraced, wooded lot.

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