Husky Homes Blog - Alison Crim

Free Toddler Fun in Dane County

As a busy working mom of two toddlers, I know how crucial it is to plan ahead to keep our kiddos entertained. Summertime in Dane County brings ample opportunities for FREE entertainment to make the summer days exciting and full of sweet memories. Here are 6 of my favorite free stops in the area that I wanted to share with you! 

1. Henry Vilas Zoo: Animals galore—lions, polar bears, otters—all free to visit! Perfect for little explorers to wander at their own pace. 

2. Public Library Storytimes & Play Areas: Multiple local libraries host free story times, sing-alongs, and interactive play—ideal for rainy mornings or calm afternoons. My personal favorite is the new Oregon Public Library – they have a beautiful, light-filled kids play/reading…

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Building Wealth, One Home at a Time: Why I Support “Own It”

In every real estate transaction, I have the privilege of helping clients find or sell their homes. But beyond closing deals, I believe in contributing to a more equitable housing landscape. That's why I donate a portion of every single commission check to Own It: Building Black Wealth, a Madison-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing homeownership opportunities for Black and brown families. 

Own It addresses the stark racial disparities in homeownership—only 13% of Black households in Dane County own their homes compared to 64% of white households. Through comprehensive financial education and $19,000 down payment grants (which do not require repayment), Own It empowers first-time homebuyers to overcome systemic barriers and build generational…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Why Compass?

Our incredible friends, referral partners and clients know us “Husky Homes”, but did you know we are a part of the #1 brokerage in the US, Compass?  We know that buying and/or selling a home is a big deal, and we also know that having the right brokerage by your side makes all the difference. Through our partnership with Compass, we offer something truly special—exclusive access to off-market properties through our Private Exclusive listings. For buyers, this means discovering incredible homes before they hit the market, and for sellers, it’s a discreet way to connect with serious, qualified buyers. If privacy, exclusivity, and a competitive edge matter to you, our Private Exclusive program is the perfect solution.

Beyond just listings, Compass is…

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2025 Real Estate Expectations

All signs indicate that Madison’s residential real estate market will remain robust in 2025, and I anticipate it will be even stronger than in 2024. Last year brought uncertainty and conservative buying behaviors driven by interest rate fluctuations and election-related apprehensions. However, I believe consumers have now adjusted to the "new normal" of interest rates, moving past the exceptionally low 2-4% rates seen during the COVID era. Additionally, they have come to terms with the outcomes of the election, regardless of their political affiliations.

My team interacts daily with many individuals who have postponed making necessary moves for themselves or their families over the past few years. Many of these clients have reached a tipping point,…

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'Tis the Season!

‘Tis the season! While our team doesn’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon, we’ve certainly seen the seasons change and the holiday spirit start to flow. Our office is decorated, we have industry holiday parties scheduled every week, and we are rolling out a series of events for our incredible Husky Pack throughout the month of December to show our appreciation to all of you for a great year.

We hope you’ll join us this Sunday the 8th to allow us to wrap your holiday presents for you! We will have an assortment of holiday paper, bags, and beverages/food to snack on; let us help you take one more thing off your checklist! The week after that, we will be launching the 10 days of giving; 10 days in a row of opportunities to win some awesome…

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Record Breaking Month

October was a record-breaking month for Husky Homes! While the rest of the real estate sales market is down somewhere between 2-10% depending on what micro-level you are looking at, our team’s sales are up a shocking 265% year over year (comparing October sales in 2023 to 2024), and 105% month over month (September vs October 2024). In a market with SO much volatility due to rising inventory, rising interest rates and election hopes and fears, our team has vehemently persisted in helping our clients find successes.

Despite this excitement, we are still seeing very real challenges for many buyers and sellers. Yes, inventory is rising, but it seems to be rising in pockets that don’t necessarily need inventory – certain municipalities are seeing a surge…

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Should I Buy Now or Wait Until Spring?

As fall approaches, many hopeful homebuyers start planning their goals for the upcoming year. It’s tempting to follow the crowd and wait for the spring market, but there are key advantages to moving sooner rather than later. While the herd mentality drives most homebuyers to wait until spring, that predictability doesn’t always work in a buyer’s favor.

Why Fall is the Right Time to Buy

This fall presents a unique opportunity for homebuyers. After a slower-than-expected summer, with many homes lingering longer on the market, buyers now have the upper hand. Interest rates have declined, bringing increased purchasing power for buyers, while homes that have been sitting unsold for longer periods present great negotiation opportunities. Simply put, this…

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