Husky Homes Blog - Alison Crim's Blog

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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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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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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Key to HouseAll 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! 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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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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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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The local real estate market has offered both challenges and opportunities this summer. Here are the current market trends that we have been seeing throughout these hot few months.

1. Stable Home Prices

In August, home prices in Madison had been relatively stable. Yes, there are always exceptions, and a listing that far exceeds the expectations due to an unbelievably cute back yard or so much move-in-ready appeal that it sells for far more than it is worth, but according to recent data, the median home price remains relatively consistent compared to the past few months. Currently, the median price hovers around $420,000 for all of Dane County, a slight increase from last year but not indicative of the dramatic shifts seen in other markets. This…

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Are we finally starting to see signs of relief for buyers? Yes! This summer, the market has been a little particular in the greater Madison area. While competition is fierce in some neighborhoods, it is stale in others. While some sellers are seeing multiple offers and ideal terms, other sellers are struggling with an increased time on market and buyers nitpicking their home with negative feedback. 

As of the past few weeks, we've finally seen some decreasing (positive!) movement with interest rates; the market has already been pricing in expected rate cuts for September. Rates are in the mid 6's today, and expected to continue dropping. Overall in Dane County, homes are selling for 20% faster than they were in July 2023; this is likely due to the…

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Did you know that Wisconsin has more top-rated golf courses than any other state in the country? While Dane & surrounding counties may not house all of these top-rated courses, it certainly has a plentiful variety of courses for all skill sets. As I’ve been golfing more the past few years, and I’ve toured so many of our golf course communities in the area, I am here to share my amateur guide of favorite beginner level courses and communities in the area.

There isn’t a home course that I belong to, so I have had the pleasure of playing several different types of courses. I would consider myself a true beginner, so please take this all with a grain of salt as I’m sure a seasoned golfer would vehemently disagree with my perspective on these public…

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