Husky Homes Blog

Galloping into Homeownership: First-Time Buyer Tips Inspired by the Kentucky Derby

Buying your first home can be as exciting and nerve-wracking as watching the Kentucky Derby. With the right prep and a solid team, you’ll be crossing the finish line into homeownership in no time. Here’s how to stay ahead in the race.

Get Your Finances Ready:
Think of getting your finances in shape as prepping your horse for race day. Check your credit score, stash away some cash for a down payment, and get pre-approved for a mortgage. This way, you’re set to make your move when the gate opens.

Assemble Your Dream Team:

• Real Estate Agent (Your Jockey): Just like a jockey guides a horse, a realtor will lead you through the ups and downs of the market. They’ve got the inside scoop and negotiating skills to help you snag the best deal.
• …

25 Views, 0 Comments

Why I Choose to Live in McFarland

Just ten/fifteen minutes from downtown Madison, McFarland is often an overlooked suburb which offers small-town charm, great schools, lake access, and plenty to do for families and adults alike. McFarland is packed with parks, playgrounds and lakefront views. Here are a few notable ones:

• McDaniel Park: Picnic, swim, or launch your boat on Lake Waubesa. There is a fantastic kids playground here, as well as a beautiful boardwalk over the lake that is perfect for walking and biking!
• Brandt Park: A family favorite with sports fields and playgrounds.
• Capital City State Trail: Perfect for biking into Madison – did you know the McFarland bike trails connect you to downtown?

As for food, there are several local options that are each phenomenal…

43 Views, 0 Comments

The Journey to Yes

The Milwaukee Brewers are off to a historically terrible start to the MLB season. Zero wins. Four losses. 47 runs given up and only 15 runs scored. Position players pitching in the 8th inning. A rash of starting pitcher injuries.  However, they will suit up everyday and play games for the next five and hopefully six months when they make the playoffs. Those players can't focus on the losses, they have to focus on the process and the end goal. The home buying process can be quite similar. Many first time homebuyers have been told it is too hard to get preapproved for a loan much less buy a home. Many move up buyers are unable to imagine selling their home and having somewhere to move. Even more buyers continue to get beaten down by a competitive market. 

70 Views, 0 Comments

Competitive Offers in our Market

The greater Madison area housing market remains competitive, with well-priced homes often receiving multiple offers. If you’re looking to buy, it’s crucial to craft a strong offer that stands out. Here are key strategies that we are seeing buyers leverage to increase their chances of success in a competing offer scenario:

1.     Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
This is the bare minimum; a pre-approval letter from a reputable and local lender shows sellers you are financially serious and ready to close. Even better – we work with many local lenders who can provide a fully underwritten preapproval letter, often allowing you to waive the financing contingency to differentiate your offer even more and compete with cash purchasers.

2.     Act…

96 Views, 0 Comments

Enjoy a Delicious Easter Brunch at These Dane County Hotspots

Easter is a time for celebration, family, fun, and of course, great food! If you're looking to kick back and enjoy a delicious brunch this Easter Sunday, you're in luck. Dane County has some awesome restaurants ready to serve up tasty meals that'll make your holiday extra special. Here’s a laid-back roundup of local spots offering Easter brunch:

1. The Madison Concourse Hotel Right in downtown Madison, this place is pulling out all the stops with a buffet brunch from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. Think house-made pastries, carved meats, and fresh seafood. Perfect for a family feast. It's $59 for adults, $49 for seniors, and $25 for kiddos aged 4-10. Be sure to book your spot through OpenTable before they fill up!

2. The Edgewater Enjoy the stunning…

172 Views, 0 Comments

The 80-10-10 Rule

When you're on the hunt for your dream home, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection. But what if I told you that the perfect home might not check every single box? Enter the 80/10/10 Rule!

What's the 80/10/10 Rule?

• 80% of the home is exactly what you love. The layout, the natural light, the charming front porch — it’s got your heart.

• 10% of the home has little things you can change. Think paint colors, light fixtures, or swapping out that shag carpet for hardwood floors.

• 10% of the home may not be ideal, but it’s something you can live with. Maybe the laundry room isn’t on your dream floor or the guest bathroom is a bit cozier than you'd hoped.

Why This Rule Works

No house is perfect, but…

91 Views, 0 Comments

DIY Flower Bouquet

How to Make Your Own Flower Bouquet: A Step-by-Step Guide

In March a small group of ladies from the Stoughton area gathered together for a DIY Flower Bouquet class with Stoughton Floral and here's a recap of what we learned! Whether you're celebrating a birthday, wedding, or just because, making your own flower bouquet is a fun and rewarding activity. Plus, it’s an affordable way to add a personal touch to your décor or gift-giving.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps of creating your own beautiful flower bouquet, from selecting the right flowers to arranging them like a pro.

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you dive into arranging, gather everything you need to create your bouquet:

• Fresh Flowers: Choose a…

97 Views, 0 Comments

Spring Fun in Dane County

The snow has melted (for now) and it is feeling like it is officially Spring in Dane County! Spring in the greater Madison area is all about fresh air, local flavors and foods, and vibrant events. Madison really shines once the ice thaws from the lakes, and I know I speak for many when I say that I am thrilled for this new season. Whether you're a longtime resident or considering a move, here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this season!

Shop the Farmers’ Markets – The Dane County Farmers’ Market returns to Capitol Square in April, offering fresh produce, flowers, cheese curds, and local treats. Most of the surrounding communities in Dane County also offer their own smaller version of a Farmer’s Market – so be sure to also check out…

133 Views, 0 Comments

International Women's Day - March 8!

The Best Ways to Celebrate International Women's Day This Year

International Women's Day (IWD) is an opportunity to recognize and honor the social, cultural, and economic achievements of women around the world. Each year, it falls on March 8th, and it’s a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions women make to our societies. Whether you’re celebrating at home, in the workplace, or with your community, here are some meaningful ways to mark this important day and support gender equality:

1. Support Women-Owned Businesses

One of the most impactful ways to celebrate IWD is by supporting women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses. From local shops to online boutiques, consider purchasing products from businesses owned and…

161 Views, 0 Comments

The Exclusive Strategy for Finding ‘The One’

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions a person can make, and in today’s fast-moving market, the perfect property can disappear before buyers even have the chance to step inside. Homes in high-demand areas often receive multiple offers within days, or even hours, of hitting the market, leaving many buyers feeling frustrated and discouraged. But what if you could get access to a home before it ever went public? That’s where Private Exclusives powered by Compass make all the difference, giving buyers exclusive access to off-market homes before they hit the public market.

For my clients, Riley and Santanna, this approach changed everything.

A Change in Plans

When Riley and Santanna first started considering homeownership, they weren't sure if…

126 Views, 0 Comments