Love a Porch!

Front porches are about as American as hot dogs and baseball.  What began as simple covered entries to the front door have expanded and evolved over the years from elaborate wrap-around structures to small side covered landing spots to dodge the weather.

The heyday of the front porch lasted from the early 1880s to the middle 1920s. Families added front porches to their homes to relax on hot days and take in summer breezes out of the sun. The porch became a comfortable retreat on a summer evening.  A spot the whole family could relax and be together.  Today, porches of all shapes and sizes are seeing a resurgence.  Screen porches and their cousin, the gazebo are gracing new homes and condos, and even apartment buildings are adding porches.

The porch symbolizes community, friendship and a feeling of welcoming.  And who doesn't love a porch?

Captivating Contemporary in Wexford Village

Captivating contemporary just steps from Stricker's Pond and Wexford Village walking paths! This wonderful family home has a vaulted ceiling in great room with skylights, crisp white woodwork, hardwood floors, a floor to ceiling fireplace and offers great light! 

No need to climb the stairs with a main level master bedroom and bath.  A large eat-in kitchen and formal dining (or use as an office!) round out the first floor. A mud room off the attached two car garage corrals all the "stuff" that accumulates.

But there's more!  The upper level is open to the living area and includes two bedrooms and full bath. And in case that isn't enough space, there is also a lower level family room for kids or exercise space. 

This home sits on  an expansive yard with sport court for all your outdoor activities. What more could you want?? MLS #1867864.  Contact me for more details!

Same Stuff, Short Supply, Lowered Interest Rates...yadda yadda yadda...

With the Labor Day weekend now behind us, we begin to focus on the fall real estate market which brings its own challenges: Badgers and Packers. While Wisconsinites love our football teams, we also know that they can have an impact on everything from Saturday showings to Sunday open houses.

Smart sellers will want to be sure their homes are properly staged and properly priced in order to get moved before the snow begins to fly. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days, it is time to discuss new strategies in marketing and pricing to be sure you are able to spend Christmas in your new home.

For buyers, having a solid pre-approval letter in hand to put your offer in the best light is still the rule. Be available for showings on short notice and be prepared to put your best offer in first. I am still seeing instances of multiple offers being received on some newer listings. A trend that is sure to continue if interest rates continue to decline as we saw last month. The home or neighborhood you want may fall into this category so preparation and planning are vital. I always stand ready as your advocate when selling or buying a home. 

Ahh, September!

I’m in the minority.  Most of the people I know love fall in Wisconsin.  I’m a summer girl.  I love wearing sandals and sundresses, spending time on the water and a bonus: the sun doesn’t set until well after dinner.  I know fall offers football Saturdays, cozy sweaters and bonfires and I do agree the cool nights and warms days are welcome after hot and humid days, but…

So this year, I am working hard to embrace fall.  I have a list of things that I can do to help me stay in the outdoors and enjoy the fall colors and crisp air.  Here are few things I have found that you might like, too!

• GLEAM, Art in a New Light: is an annual public art exhibit featuring light-based installations throughout Olbrich's 16-acre outdoor gardens created by local, national, and international artists.  Open Thursday-Saturday evenings through October.
• Apple Picking: It would not be fall in the Midwest without enjoying a little apple picking! There are a variety of orchards within a 15 mile radius of Madison. 
• Madison Night Market: September 12, 2019 - Vendors showcase handmade products, local art, artisan gifts, prepackaged foods and fresh produce. The event includes live music, artists, special visiting food carts and pop-up restaurant experiences.
• Quivey's Grove Annual Beer Fest: October 5,2019 - Beer Fest is held under the tents on Quivey's grounds. Forty-five Brewers with over 100 beers to sample, along with some great music from Westside Andy and Mel Ford Band.

Happy Fall!