Real Estate Tips

Madison shines bright in December with a variety of festive events for families, couples, and even furry friends. From the dazzling Holiday Fantasy in Lights at Olin Park and the enchanting Zoo Lights at Henry Vilas Zoo, to the Fair Trade Holiday Festival and Holiday Express Train Show at Olbrich Gardens, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss unique local favorites like the Howl-iday Dog Party at The Boneyard or the Winter Solstice Night Walk at the UW Arboretum. Whether you’re shopping local, sipping cocoa, or simply soaking in the lights, Madison’s holiday season is full of cheer — and plenty of free or low-cost fun.

Fall in Dane County brings the perfect mix of frights and fun — from haunted forests to sprawling corn mazes. Daredevils can test their nerves at local favorites like Schuster’s Haunted Forest in Deerfield, Screamin’ Acres in Stoughton, and Terror at Tyrol in Mount Horeb, each offering multiple haunted attractions for a full night of scares. Prefer something a little less spooky? Explore one of the area’s many corn mazes — including Treinen Farm’s nationally ranked labyrinth or Eugster’s Farm Market’s eight-acre maze. Whether you’re chasing thrills or autumn nostalgia, south-central Wisconsin has you covered for the ultimate fall adventure.

The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped nearly every aspect of Wisconsin’s real estate market — some changes temporary, others here to stay. While early restrictions like masked showings and sanitizer stations are gone, video walkthroughs and condensed showing schedules remain staples of the industry. Virtual tours now help buyers make confident decisions before ever stepping inside a home, while limited showing blocks create urgency and efficiency for sellers. Even as the market continues to evolve post-pandemic, one thing is certain: partnering with an experienced real estate professional is more important than ever.

Madison’s housing market continues to surge, with home prices climbing faster than anywhere else in the nation and property values up double digits across Dane County. Limited inventory and high demand keep prices elevated, making affordability a growing concern — especially as interest rates hover near two-decade highs. Still, waiting for a market crash isn’t a practical strategy. Starting small with a condo or modest home can help build equity and pave the way toward long-term financial stability. Even in a competitive market, the right guidance can help you make your move with confidence.

The Madison area is embracing the season with a lineup of winter festivals celebrating community, culture, and cold-weather fun. From Sun Prairie’s Frozen Fest and the Frozen Assets Festival on Lake Mendota to UW-Madison’s Winter Carnival and Mount Horeb’s Scandihoovian Winter Festival, there’s something for everyone — ice carving, snowshoeing, pond hockey, live music, and even turkey bowling. Cambridge’s Dip for Dozer & Lil’ D Fisheree and the Winter Carnival Family Fun event round out the season with activities for all ages. Bundle up and make the most of Wisconsin’s winter magic before spring arrives!

Dane County is bursting with summer festivals that celebrate everything from local art and agriculture to mustard, coffee, and community spirit. Highlights include Monona’s Community Festival and its quirky Wife Carrying Championship, Waunakee’s patriotic WaunaBoom and WaunaFest, the Fitchburg Festival of Speed, and Mount Horeb’s Art Fair. Don’t miss unique events like Cambridge’s Midwest Fire Fest, Middleton’s National Mustard Day, and Stoughton’s Coffee Break Festival. Whether you’re after food, music, culture, or a little small-town charm, these 16 festivals showcase the best of summer across south-central Wisconsin.

Summer in Madison means festivals galore — from music and food to art and community pride. Highlights include Festival Foods Lights the Isthmus fireworks celebration, the renowned Art Fair on the Square, and La Fête de Marquette, the city’s largest community event. Families can enjoy the Dane County Fair, roots music at the Sugar Maple Music Festival, and the massive Great Taste of the Midwest beer fest. Other can’t-miss events include Africa Fest, Eken Park Festival, OutReach Magic Pride Festival, and the always-popular Taste of Madison on Capitol Square. Whether you’re into culture, cuisine, or concerts — Madison has a summer festival for you.

Summer is the perfect season for a Wisconsin road trip — especially with your dog along for the ride. From Governor Nelson and Devil’s Lake State Parks with their pet swim areas to the Ice Age Trail segments near Lodi and Cross Plains, there are plenty of trails and parks ready for adventure. Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee, and even Albany offer dog-friendly tours, cruises, and tubing trips, while restaurants like The Keg and The Brat House Grill welcome pups on patios. Extend your getaway with pet-friendly lodging such as The Ridge in Lake Geneva or Country House Resort in Sister Bay. Wherever you go, Wisconsin makes traveling with your dog easy and enjoyable.

Spring has sprung — and instead of booking a pricey getaway, why not refresh your home and spirit with a good spring cleaning? Indoors, tackle one room at a time by wiping baseboards, washing windows, and decluttering. Let go of what you no longer need by donating usable items and tossing the rest. For a healthier home, try natural cleaning products like baking soda and vinegar instead of harsh chemicals. Outside, inspect your roof and gutters, clean the deck and grill, and prep for outdoor fun. And don’t forget one last chore — yard “poop patrol” to clear away any winter leftovers from your furry friends!

After a record-breaking 2021, Wisconsin’s real estate market cooled in 2022 — home sales dropped nearly 15%, listings fell 18%, and mortgage rates more than doubled. Still, south-central Wisconsin remains active, with many homes selling slightly over asking. Expect higher interest rates to be the new normal and tight inventories to persist as homeowners cling to low-rate mortgages. But that doesn’t mean you should wait — the right strategy can still secure great deals. Whether buying or selling, partnering with an experienced real estate professional can help you navigate pricing, timing, and negotiations to make the most of today’s market.