Madison Wisconsin Real Estate News - Lakefront Living

Top 5 Luxury Communities in Dane County

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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6 Reasons to Move to Shorewood Hills

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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Maintenance Tips for Lakefront Homes

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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Tips for Buying a Vacation Home in Dane County

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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Design Trends in Dane County Waterfront Real Estate

Waterfront properties in Dane County are highly sought after for their stunning lakefront or riverfront locations. But what can really make your waterfront home stand out is the design inside and out. Whether you’re planning on selling your waterfront home, renting it out as a vacation home or renovating an older property for personal use, these design trends can take your Dane County waterfront home from simply functional to fabulous.

Picture-Perfect Windows

Part of the appeal of living on a lake or river is having incredible views of the water. Large windows allow you to see the beautiful scenery outside and provide plenty of natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a great way to maximize your views, as are sliding glass doors. If you…

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Top Summer Activities on Madison's Lakes

There’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer day in Madison, Wisconsin than heading to one of our beautiful lakes. The cool water and breezes are absolutely divine and the views are even better. If you’re looking to beat the heat, these are some of the top things to do at Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Kegonsa and Lake Waubesa.

Go on a Boating Adventure

Madison’s lakes offer plenty of opportunities for boating, from sailing to kayaking, canoeing and speed boating. If you don’t have your own boat, Madison Boats has three locations where you can rent a variety of boats including pontoons, fishing boats, kayaks and stand up paddle boards. Capitol Boats is the place to go for speed boat rentals and captained charters.

Cast a Line And See…

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Yes, you can buy a home on Lake Mendota for less than $650,000

One of the most common requests we get from newcomers to Madison is about our lakes, and how to buy a home on one of them. By far, Lake Mendota, the city’s largest lake, seems to be the most popular and most homebuyers assume you need at least $1 million to buy lakefront property.

Au contraire, our water-view lusting friends. Just today, we’ve found three homes and a gorgeous buildable lot for sale on Lake Mendota that you can purchase for less than $650,000 – two of them for a lot less!

$320,000

Condo living does offer perks, and a condo at The Cove offers more than most. How does private lake access and a boat slip right on Lake Mendota sound? But, that’s only the beginning of what this home has to offer.

Lake views, underground…

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Get to know the Spring Harbor Neighborhood in Madison

We get a number of calls and emails from homebuyers who want to live the lifestyle inherent in the City of Four Lakes moniker. In other words, they want lakefront living and contact us for advice on which lake is the best, which has homes in certain price ranges and more.

We’ve found it impossible to name which lake is the best – they all have their advantages. One of the most popular lakefront neighborhoods however, at least among our clients, is Spring Harbor.

Tucked onto the southwest shores of Lake Mendota, and up against the City of Madison’s western boundary, the more-than 400-acre Spring Harbor neighborhood is an active lakefront community with a lot to offer.

History buffs – listen up

Hickory Hill House was established as an…

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3 things to consider about buying a second home in Madison

When you have a schedule that accommodates staycations far better than vacations, you may be the perfect candidate for a second home in Madison. Think “Lake Mendota” instead of “Lake Como,” and you’ll see where I’m going with this. Not only will you not need to learn to speak Italian, but you’ll be lounging around your lake home instead of spending hours in an airplane.

Many Americans with the means to do so are finding that “getting away” doesn’t have to mean “far away,” according to the Wall Street Journal’s Candace Taylor. The trend toward buying a vacation home in the same general area as the permanent home makes perfect sense to some. “They say the key to relaxation is a change of scenery, even if it’s just a few miles from where they normally…

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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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