Madison Wisconsin Real Estate News

Get to know the Marquette neighborhood in Madison

Officially known as the Williamson-Marquette neighborhood, “Wil-Mar” is one of our city’s more beloved and eccentric neighborhoods. It’s an area where quirky businesses thrive alongside vintage homes on tree-lined streets. It’s the neighborhood’s character, in fact, that placed it on the American Planning Association’s list of Great Neighborhoods of 2013.

Located on the Near East Side of Madison, you won’t find big box department stores or national fast-food outlets. What you will find is a neighborhood that has been carefully planned and nurtured over the course of the last 45 years and residents who work hard to maintain the vibe.

Wil-Mar Schools

Elementary School Attendance Area 20 serves the public school students in the Marquette…

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Are there any Historic Sites found in Madison?

Naturally a city that is 160 years old will be steeped in history and Madison is no exception. From our grand old homes, worthy of their spots on the National Register of Historic Places to the iconic Wisconsin State Capitol building, take a look at just some of our gorgeous city’s historic sites.

Wisconsin State Capitol ― 2 E Main St.

It took 11 years to complete the construction of Wisconsin’s third Capitol building, located between Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. It stands 284 feet in height and offers astounding views of Madison. Take a tour Monday through Saturday and be sure to check out the elaborate rotunda and the French walnut furnishings. You’re also invited to take an online virtual tour at wisconsin.gov.

Governor’s Mansion – 99…

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Thinking of becoming a Madison landlord? Read these 5 tips first

The purchase of an investment property brings a lot more to your plate than merely paying the mortgage and insurance payments. If you plan on renting out the home, you open yourself to a new set of problems, many of which are avoidable with common sense and knowledge. The following tips may seem basic, but it’s surprising how many landlords, especially new ones, neglect even the most basic tasks.

1. Know the laws

It is important that you learn Wisconsin’s laws regarding your rights and duties as well as tenant’s rights. You can find additional information here, here and here. Then, sit down with your attorney if you have any legal questions, questions about Fair Housing Laws or about your rental agreement.

2. Learn how to screen tenants

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Restaurant Spotlight: Tornado Steak House

Anyone who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s will recognize the vibe as they walk up to the door at Tornado in Madison. The classic signage, for starters, is a dead giveaway that you’re dining experience will be quintessentially old-school steak house. Inside, you’ll be proven right, with the dark wood and low lights so native to America’s supper club atmosphere. It’s the ideal Wisconsin eatery to channel your inner Don Draper.

What to Expect

We love Tornado’s wonderful menu that includes our favorite, the filet au poivre but also rack of lamb, venison, several seafood choices and a lovely appetizer menu (Coquilles St. Jacques!). All entrées, by the way, are served with your choice of soup or salad and potato or vegetable side.

Something we…

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Buying a House in Madison for your Child

There was a story in the news a couple of years ago about a woman from China who paid $6.5 million for an apartment in New York City -- for her daughter ― who was two-years old. No, the tot won’t be living in it now; it will be held until she grows up and attends an American university, according to Mom.

While the child from China won’t have to worry about struggling to pay for her first home, hundreds of thousands of American first-time homebuyers do. When parents are willing and able to help, should they?

Even if you don’t have millions to plunk down on a Madison crib for your grown child, let’s take a look at some of the ways you might give what you can.

Fostering Dependency

If you are worried about creating a financially dependent…

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Where are the Best Waterfront Restaurants Near Madison, Wisconsin?

It’s funny how when you live with something long enough you begin taking it for granted. I think our amazing lakes are one of those things. It’s not until we’re faced with a special occasion or we have out-of-town guests that we think about dinner-with-a-view, and that’s a shame. So, for your Mother’s Day weekend planning, we bring you a short list of some of Madison’s favorite waterfront eateries.

Sardine - 617 Williamson Street

The views of Lake Monona are only rivaled by what you’ll see when you open the menu at Sardine. Brunch here is yummy (try the Belgian waffle) and dinner is très French with an American spin. Make reservations by calling 441-1600, and view the menu online.

Waypoint Public House - 320 W Broadway

Lunch in Menona just…

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Gardening Ideas for a Madison Condo Balcony

Madison’s condo dwellers who think they lack the space for a garden don’t know what they’re missing. Imagine entertaining your friends on your deck or patio this summer, surrounded by Paradise. It just takes a little creativity and lots of planting containers and potting soil to feed your green thumb, add some color to your patio and enchant your guests. Let’s take a look at some things to consider when planning for your spring or summer balcony (or patio) garden.

Sun or Shade?

Does the spot you’ve chosen get lots of sun, afternoon sun or is it primarily in shade for much of the day? Shady gardens are a challenge for even those with plots of land but you can find plants that do well with less sun.

Consider the wild red columbine (Aquilegia…

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Lake Life Can Mean Many Different Things

There’s nothing quite like the lifestyle afforded by living on a lake – a lifestyle intertwined with nature. If you enjoy boating, lakefront property is ideal for you. But, even as investment property, lakefront homes offer a lot to the buyer, fetching top dollar as a vacation home or as a full-time rental.

Like any unique setup, however, lakefront property does come with a few disadvantages. It can be demanding to those who are not prepared. However, if you love nature or are looking for a good investment, lakefront real estate does not disappoint.

Your backyard

Scientists have been telling us for years how much healthier it is living within view of a body of water, but that’s not all lakefront property affords. Your backyard becomes your…

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An Easy and Fast Way to Sell your House in Madison

Once you make the decision to sell your Madison house the need for speed sets in. Most of my clients are anxious to move on to the next phase in their life and, although they want top dollar for their homes, they also want the process to be quick and easy.

Let’s take a look at what goes into speeding up the sale process with the least amount of discomfort.

The real estate agent

The most difficult and time-consuming way of selling a home is to sell it by owner, also known as the FSBO, for For-Sale-By-Owner. You’ll need to know how to price the home, stage the home, market it, field calls from potential buyers and be available on a moment’s notice to show the home.

Then, there’s the paperwork. Locating it, learning what you need, how to…

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What Should You Never Say to a Buyer When Selling a Home?

I don’t mean to be rude, but why you’re selling your home is nobody’s business and, the reason why may be used against you in negotiations. It’s my job as your agent, therefore, to ensure that your privacy is protected and I take this part of my job very seriously. You need to do the same.

One of the things I hear most frequently from my buying clients is “Why are they selling?” Maybe they’re just curious, I think to myself. But, maybe, just maybe, they want some ammo to use in beating you up on the price. Hey, it’s not far-fetched; I see it frequently.

Suppose you and your husband are divorcing. You’re driving each other crazy living in the same home and all the two of you want to do is get out of the marriage, out of the house and into…

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