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!

Live On Vilas Park!

Walk or bike everywhere from this historically significant, eye catching Bungalow home, built in 1912 with original architectural features preserved, including gorgeous quarter-sawn oak built-in and an Inglenook! This home boasts four bedrooms with 3 full baths.   the first fl has an all purpose room currently devoted to family activities which could be a 4th bdrm since it has an attached full bath! 

Modern kitchen  with wonderful light and great views toward the walking/biking path to Lake Wingra. Large south-facing deck off the back of the house to take in the views of the greenspace beyond. 

Join me at the open house on Sunday Jan. 13th from noon-2 p.m.  Come find your new home!

With Packers Out, Real Estate Market Starts Early!

A new year promises to bring continued excitement and activity to the real estate market  A look back at the headlines over the last 10 days of December would make a real estate believer out of anyone for 2019. 

So when do you start? For 2019 the answer is: Early! There are many reasons, not the least of which is that the Green Bay Packers are out of the playoffs. What the previous 52 Super Bowls have taught us is that focus stays with the Packers throughout the playoffs and into the Super Bowl if they get there. The real estate market in those years fires up right after the last game. Unfortunately, the Packers won’t be making any playoffs this year, so Buyers will be out early. With average sale prices in our area now hovering near $350,000.00 and interest rates on the rise, 2019 will be a year in which buyers and sellers alike will need competent advice from Realtors in order to assure the best result on their next real estate transaction. I want to be that trusted adviser for you. 

I can set up a no-cost, no obligation, real time property search to send you the newest listings automatically. It costs nothing to find out what is going on in your neighborhood and to start checking your new dream home online. There is no time like the present to get up to speed and ready to move, so please call me today. I look forward to hearing from you!

Resolution Revolt!

I make New Year's Resolutions.  I have actually made countless resolutions.  Most fall by the wayside by the first week in February.  That's not unusual, I know.  It happens to most of us.  That's why this year, I have Resolution Revolt.  It's not that I disagree with resolutions, it's just that I rarely keep them.  Often times, because they are not measurable.

For instance, if my resolution is to lose weight, what does that mean?  By when?  How much?  Do I treat myself if I reach my goal?You get the idea.  So this year I am resolving to do it differently.  I've learned that large leaps rarely work; but small tweaks often times do work!

So this year, I am making small tweaks.  If I resolve to be more kind, the resolution should actually read that I will complete one act of kindness per week.  I know that doesn't sound like much, but if I can keep that resolution, then I can expand on it.  So rather than quitting in February, perhaps two months into the new year I will have increased my acts of kindness to three acts per week.  And who knows, by summer maybe I'll be doing one kind act per day!

I don't know if it will work, but it's worth a shot.  What's your New Year's "tweak"?

Wishing you Joy and Peace in the new year!  All the best in 2019.  Bring it on! 

Winter a Great Time to Purchase Real Estate

In October, existing home sales fell 2.2 percent compared to October 2017 and the median selling price rose 5.1 percent to $182,500. During the first 10 months of the year, home sales fell 2.2 percent compared to that same period last year, and median prices were up 6.4 percent to $184,000. 

While the market will likely still remain in the sellers’ favor, as we head into the winter months, buyers can expect the scales to shift slightly. Traditionally, there’s far less competition in the real estate market come fall and winter. And with interest rates slowly rising, interested home buyers might just find a sweet spot in the coming months.

While inventories remain very tight statewide, buyers can expect home prices to dip slightly during the winter months, according to the Wisconsin REALTORS Association. Because people tend to avoid moving during the winter months, sellers during this time of year are typically more motivated.  Don't under estimate Winter as a good time to purchase Real Estate!