It's an Important Day

Today is an important day.  It’s Election Day.  A day not to be taken for granted.

So what, you say? Who cares?  My vote doesn’t count.  Oh I disagree!

Voting allows citizens to participate in their government. People have the opportunity (and responsibility) to vote for what they believe in, and for the candidates who are most aligned with those beliefs.  Voting is also critical because it prevents a minority from dictating the policies of a majority.

There are millions of people around the world who DO NOT have the right to vote, to have their voices heard.  It is a privilege not to be squandered. 

If you have already voted, thank you and congratulations.  If you haven’t, there is still time, polls are open until 8:00 p.m. tonight. 

March Madness

Basketball fan or not, there is something exciting about creating a bracket with your best guesses on which teams move on to the next round of the Tournament.  And as it's name implies, it is madness!

The same can be said for the Real Estate market.  By the time March roles around, the market heats up and it can be madness.  Buyers begin to come out of the woodwork, sellers begin sprucing their homes for sale and the frenzy of what will happen is anyone's guess!

Like our brackets it is impossible to predict what spring has in store. Everything can be going smoothly, then some disappointment occurs and you feel like your bracket is busted.

But like a good coaching strategy, a good Real Estate strategy can help frame whatever the outcome.

Good luck with your brackets and if I can help with any of your Real Estate needs, I'm always happy to help!

Real Estate First Quarter Insights

Government agencies and also our local MLS report that existing home sales (closings) fell in January for the third straight month. I believe the main cause of this to be a function of low supply. A secondary, although far lesser cause, can likely be tied to the rise in interest rates we all experienced at the hands of the Federal Reserve Board last year. (Of course, rates are still at historically low levels!) 

The rate increases, coupled with rising home prices, began to bring affordability discussions into the mix around mid-year. Since that time however, interest rates have actually dropped, making home ownership a bit more affordable than in late 2018 and bringing more buyers back into our typically busy spring market.

I have several buyers ready to purchase as soon as the right home comes onto the market. If you have been considering selling, you have not missed the boat by any means. Here’s where the news gets better: Year over year inventories are up now for the 6th month in a row. This will boost sales as buyers will have more homes to see and to choose from. If there is a downside to the rise in inventory, it could be slowing price growth. And while slowing price growth is not the absolute best news if you are a seller, it is still growth. Most important to note is what may not be gained the result of a “highest bid” market when selling, will be saved when purchasing up (or down) into that same market. It’s all relative and always has been.

If you are considering buying or selling Real Estate this year, give me a call.  I'm always happy to help!

Happy Buyer!!

First time home buyers are eager, anxious, apprehensive, excited and nervous all at the same time!  It's such a wonderful feeling to help them through the process, make them feel comfortable and take the worry out of home ownership.

This first time home buyer is thrilled with his new digs and I couldn't be happier for him!  He is no longer anxious, apprehensive or nervous, just eager to get settled in and excited to be there!

Congrats to Michael Radloff!  I know you will love your new home!

If you know someone who would like to have this happy look on their face, have them give me a call.  I'm always happy to help!

New Listing on West Lawn!

West Lawn Ave...Seriously!! 

Perhaps one of the most delightful avenues in Madison! After 52 years, it's time for new owners to take care of this treasure. This house offers an abundance of windows, beautiful oak woodwork throughout, including french doors! There is an updated kitchen with solid surface counters and great light. Oak and maple hardwood floors throughout.  The upper level has four large bedrooms and 1.5 baths. A sweet screen porch runs the width of the house and has the original upholstered swing!  It's an amazing place to watch the world go by. And the bonus?  An unfinished walk-up attic with dedicated entrance from the upstairs hall is waiting for your vision. This house is close to all Monroe St has to offer. Seriously this is it!

Want more details??  Give me a call at 608-333-4406.

Is it Winter or Spring?

The weather says it's winter in Wisconsin, at least for a few more months.  But in the Real Estate market, spring has arrived with a vengeance!

It is a bit early, however in January alone, I was working with three buyer's who were in competition for a house.  Multiple buyers bidding on the same property seems to be the norm again, at least at the moment.

If you are a buyer, get your ducks in a row early.  Interview and choose a lender and check on the price of home owners insurance.

If you plan to sell, my advice to get on the market early to beat the other seller's to the market.  Interest rates are expect to rise this year (I know, I've said that before), so sellers want to catch the market while it's HOT!

If you need help or just want some advice, please feel free to contact me.  I'm here to help!

Garden and landscape Expo 2019!

Not a gardener?  It doesn't matter!  The Wisconsin Public Television Garden and Landscape Expo has something for everyone. 

The trade show offers a taste of spring and even non-gardeners can find items of interest such as windchimes, gifts items, rubber boots (good for rain, if you don't dig in the mud!) lawn ornaments and countless other items.

The seminars are for all, too!  Spend some time learning about composting or easy flavored vinegars.  Take some time this weekend to get out of the cold and get a taste of spring.  It will be here, soon....promise!