Gorgeous luxury homes on the waterfront in Madison, Wisconsin

If you’re looking for luxury homes in Dane County, there are a few neighborhoods that stand out from the rest. Think sublime real estate in peaceful and private settings, safe atmospheres and all the amenities you could ask for. Some of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Dane County include lakefront properties, as well as non-waterfront homes that can be equally as impressive. For discerning home buyers, these are the top five luxury communities in Dane County.

Shorewood Hills

Shorewood Hills is a picturesque village that sits on the shore of Lake Mendota just to the west of downtown Madison. If you appreciate exquisite architecture, this is the neighborhood for you, as many of the homes were designed by famous architects in a wide variety…

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Turkey dinner against a rustic background

Who says that you have to slave away in front of a hot oven just to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast? There are tons of restaurants in and around Madison that are serving divine dinners where you can indulge in turkey, mashed potatoes, green bean casseroles, and more. The best part is you don’t have to cook or do the dishes. Now that’s something to be thankful for! These are our picks for the best Thanksgiving dinners in Madison, Wisconsin this year.

Essen House

Madison’s oldest German beer house and banquet hall is once again offering up their famous Thanksgiving spread from 11am to 6pm on November 24th. The dinner costs $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for kids and includes roast turkey with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy yams,…

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Craft beers on a table with pretzels in a Madison, Wisconsin bar

Madison has a long history of beer brewing, and that tradition is very much alive and well today with numerous breweries producing award-winning craft beers. From hoppy IPAs to crisp pilsners, sours and refreshing fruit ales, you can find a wide array of brews to suit all tastes. If you’re craving a freshly brewed cold one, these are the best places in Madison, Wisconsin to find local craft beers.

Working Draft Beer Co.

Sample fresh craft beers straight from the source at Working Draft Beer Co. Sidle up to one of the communal tables made from solid maple planks that were once bowling lanes at a local bowling alley and sample tasty draft pours like the Pulp Culture hay IPA or the Dad Bod oatmeal stout. On any given night you might find a live…

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Cozy living room with a fireplace in a modern condo in Dane County

More people than ever are purchasing Dane County condos because they offer low maintenance living and can be very affordable compared to traditional single-family homes. Plus, there are tons of options to choose from including stylish condos in the heart of downtown Madison and beautiful lakefront condos with exceptional views. If you’re considering buying a condo in Dane County, these are some questions to consider.

How Much Are the HOA Fees?

Nearly every condo development in Dane County is managed by a homeowners association (HOA). The HOA is responsible for maintenance and other services such as security or common utilities. In return, homeowners pay HOA fees to cover those costs. This is something to keep in mind when planning your monthly…

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Man with a drill making home repairs

When you’ve lived in a home for a long time, you may become indifferent to issues around the house such as broken fixtures or shabby carpets. These things may not bother you at all, but when it comes time to sell your home, they can be a huge turnoff for potential buyers. A few simple repairs can go a long way towards making your home more attractive to buyers and getting you offers. If you want your Madison home to sell faster, these are a few fixes to consider.

Landscaping

The outside of your house is the first thing home buyers see, so you want to make sure they get a great first impression. Landscaping is a cheap and easy way to spruce up the appearance of your home. Clean up any junk that may be lying around your yard and trim the grass,…

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Halloween decorations on a doorstep in Madison, Wisconsin

Halloween is just around the corner, so it’s time to celebrate all things spooky and supernatural. There are tons of exciting Halloween events taking place around Madison and Dane County this year, from ghost walks in historic neighborhoods to haunted hay rides, costume parties and much more. Whether you’re looking to amp up the fear factor or just have fun with some great festivities, these are the top Halloween events in Madison this year!

Schuster’s Haunted Forest

Venture into the haunted forest at Schuster’s Farm this October if you dare. This interactive experience features a menagerie of monsters and obstacles that you have to overcome to make it out on the other side. The farm also has a cornfield maze that you can explore during the day…

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Boats on Lake Mendota at Sunset

Located on the shores of Lake Mendota, the village of Shorewood Hills is a quiet enclave with some of the most desirable real estate in Madison, Wisconsin. If you’re looking for a charming community with stunning architecture, easy access to urban amenities, and plenty of activities on offer, Shorewood Hills is your spot. These are just a few reasons why so many people are proud to call this lakefront village home.

Rich in History

The area where Shorewood Hills now sits was once prime hunting and fishing grounds for Native American groups. Some of these groups built fascinating effigy mounds that can still be seen today at the Blackhawk Country Club. By the 1800s, European settlers moved in and the village was officially established in 1927. As…

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Boat on the water in front of a lakefront home

Lakefront homes definitely have their benefits including beautiful views and access to the water. However, they also have unique maintenance requirements. The waterfront location brings challenges that you may not experience in a non-waterfront home. If you own a lakefront home in Madison, WI or the surrounding areas, these are some tips on how to keep your home in top shape so that it stays in great condition for years to come.

Check Humidity Levels

Lakefront properties can get very humid thanks to water evaporating off the lake and creating high moisture levels in the air. Over time, this can cause mold and mildew to grow inside and outside the home. Do a thorough inspection of your home to assess whether humidity is causing problems. If you…

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Real estate agent in front of home for sale sign

You put your Madison home on the market thinking it would sell quickly and for a great price, but weeks later, it’s still sitting there with few offers or showing requests. What went wrong? There are a few reasons some homes sit on the market longer than others. Luckily, most of these issues can be rectified to increase your chances of making a successful home sale. Here are a few reasons your Madison home might not be selling.

Incorrect Listing Price

Price is one of the major reasons a home isn’t selling. Obviously you want to sell your home for the best price possible, but if the price you are asking isn't in alignment with current market values, home buyers aren’t likely to bite. You need to look at recent sales in your area and see what…

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Docks on a lake at a vacation home in Dane County, Wisconsin

Thinking of buying a vacation home in Dane County, Wisconsin? With beautiful lakefront homes, peaceful farmettes in the countryside, and sprawling lots where you can build a dream property, you’re simply spoiled for choices. However, buying a second home is different from buying a first home. These are some tips to help you find the perfect Dane County vacation home for your lifestyle and budget.

Location is Key

Where do you see yourself enjoying the perfect escape? Do you want to be next to the water so you can enjoy water sports like fishing, swimming and kayaking? Close to the city so you don’t have to drive too far to stock up on the basics? Or maybe you want to be in a secluded spot in the countryside where you can luxuriate in peace, quiet…

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