Husky Homes Blog - Buyer Tips

What I’ve Learned About Real Estate in My 20s and What You Should Know

When I got into real estate in my 20s, I was full of ambition and ready to learn. But what I didn’t expect was how much the personal growth side of the job would affect me. Understanding money, mindset, and long-term planning would matter just as much as knowing square footage or interest rates. Whether you’re thinking about buying a home now or want to prepare for a few years down the road, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned that can help you get there sooner and smarter.

Your first home doesn’t need to be your dream home. 

A lot of people feel pressure to find the “perfect” place, but in reality, your first purchase is often just a stepping stone. It’s a way to get in the market, build equity, and learn the ropes. You might outgrow it,…

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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…

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Fixer-Upper or the Move-In Ready Home?

When you're house hunting, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is whether to buy a fixer-upper or a move-in ready home. Both options have their pros and cons, and the right choice really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

The Fixer-Upper: Sweat Equity + Big Potential

A fixer-upper can be a great option if you're looking to get more house for your money or want to customize your space. These homes often come with a lower price tag, giving buyers the chance to invest in renovations and potentially build equity quickly.

Pros:

• Lower purchase price

• Potential for higher return on investment

• Opportunity to design your dream home

Cons:

• Renovation costs can add up quickly

• …

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Our Clients and the Homes They Fell For

Our clients don't just buy when rates are low or because it's their first home. They are a variety of reasons - rational and emotional - that people move, and here are some of the stories of our clients purchases in 2024.

Kris and Ashley have relocated plenty of times for Kris's military career. We sold their home in Cambria (Columbia County) in 2021 when they moved out to New York. They moved back to Wisconsin in 2023 and settled in Lake Mills where they fell in love with the community, school district and recreation. They have a boat and love to go out on Rock Lake, so having a place to park the boat and lake access was important to them. When this home came on the market in the chill of January last year, it was in the perfect…

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The Grinch's Guide to Finding Your Prefect Home

As the holiday season approaches, even the Grinch can't resist the charm of a cozy home filled with festive cheer. If you're in the market for a new place to celebrate the holidays, let the Grinch's journey inspire your search for the perfect real estate gem.

1. Location, Location, Location: Just like the Grinch's mountaintop retreat, finding the right location is key. Whether you prefer a bustling city center or a serene countryside escape, consider what setting will make your holidays merry and bright.

2. Space for Entertaining: The Grinch learned the joy of hosting when he welcomed the Whos into his home. Look for properties with open floor plans and spacious living areas that can accommodate family gatherings and holiday parties.

3.…

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Navigate Madison’s Market like a Marathoner!

Hi, my name is Iris Chavarria! Not only am I a proud Husky Homes agent, but I’m also a runner, currently training for the Madison Marathon. I often get asked, “What do you think about while running for so long?” The answer… real estate.

Just like training for a marathon, navigating Madison’s real estate market takes planning, stamina, and a well-paced strategy. As we head into November, this season’s market comes with unique hurdles, but with the right preparation, you can reach your home-buying goals successfully. Here’s a look at how you can stay on track, mile by mile.

1. Start Strong: Kick-Off with a Market Overview

Just like setting your route for a marathon, it’s crucial to understand Madison’s current market conditions. November brings a…

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Renting vs. Owning: Navigating Your Path in Madison

We ALL start somewhere! 

Renting is often the first chapter in the journey to finding a place to call home. It’s not just a temporary situation; it’s a valuable opportunity to discover what you truly want in a living space. Renting allows you to explore different neighborhoods, test your lifestyle preferences, and save for future investments.

However, the reality in Madison is that rent is on the rise. The average rent has now reached $1,685, reflecting a 4.8% year-over-year increase (sourced from the National Apartment Association). With projections indicating that Madison will welcome over 100,000 new residents by 2050, resulting in a 37% population increase, it’s essential to recognize that rental prices are likely to continue climbing.

…

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Why Gen Z is Buying Homes and What It Means for Older Generations

The real estate market has seen a surprising shift in recent years, with younger generations, particularly Gen Z, entering the homeownership race. While this might seem daunting for seasoned buyers, it's essential to understand the driving forces behind this trend and how it impacts the market as a whole.

WHY GEN Z IS BUYING HOMES?

Several factors are contributing to the surge in Gen Z homeownership:

• Financial Responsibility: This generation has grown up amid economic instability and has learned the value of saving. Many are prioritizing homeownership as a long-term investment.
• Desire for Stability: After years of renting and facing rising costs, many young people are seeking the stability and security that homeownership offers.
• Low…

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What if the rates don't go down?

If you've been waiting for interest rates to drop to below 3%, this one's for you.

Listen, SOME DAY the rates will most likely go down. Maybe not to 3% but maybe (hopefully) back to 5-5.5% again.

But until that day comes, here's the bottom line: the rates are either going to remain the same or they're going to go up.

If you're trying to time the market, you're likely wasting your time.

According to Keeping Current Matters, "Mortgage rates are impacted by a lot of factors: geo-political uncertainty, inflation and the economy, and more. That’s why it’s generally not worth it to try to time the market. There’s too much at play that you can’t control. The best thing you can do is control the controllables."

What can you control?

Where…

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Buying a Home Against All Odds

Last month I celebrated a super exciting closing with my client, Stacy!

Stacy was a first time homebuyer who never thought that buying a home could be possible for her. She met with Anna at UW Credit Union in May who put together some great financing options for her and instilled her in that her dream of homeownership was indeed possible. Anna then connected Stacy with me to find and secure the perfect home. We met and I educated Stacy on the market before we starting showings. After only 2 showings, she fell in love with a sweet Bungalow in Eken Park where she can bike downtown for work and walk to restaurants just down the street!

We sat down and discussed the terms for a competitive offer on this property that already had a few offers…

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