As the cold weather and snow settle in some sections of the country, it might create a challenging scene for a lot of home sellers. Winter is traditionally one of the harder times of year to sell a house. Below are some basic but important tips for selling your home in the winter.Increase The Attractiveness Of Your HomeThe first impression is important when attempting to sell a house. Ensure your home has incredible winter curb appeal when a home buyer visits. The buyer should feel comfortable and experience an impression of a good appearance, which is evident as soon as they arrive at your home and look at it from the street. You can lighten up your home by setting gazing globes, orbs, or another colorful winter outdoor decor in and around gardens. You should make sure the leaves are r... 02/14/2019

It is fall!  Time for hot chocolate, cider, and soups.  (maybe not in that order) Soon it will be pumpkin time too!       But first!!!!     There are a few important home maintenance tasks to do to prepare your home for the winter ahead.    1. Clean out leaves and debris from gutters. 2. Have a heating professional check your heating system every year before the winter season. 3. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems. 4. Make sure the caulking around doors and windows is adequate to reduce heat/cooling loss. 5. Insulate or turn off and drain outdoor faucets, pipes in unheated garages, and pipes in crawl spaces.   If you are thinking of Selling in the spring, now is the time to do any pre-sale exterior painting projects.    This brings us to another topic.   Many people consider the best ti... 09/27/2018

Investors and agents don't always get along that well.  I've seen it from afar for a while now, though my own relationships have been great, and the most successful investors I know have both the best relationships with agents and are often agents or brokers themselves. Here are some of the reasons I've found best.  Whether you're a company that buys houses and flips (like my own), a landlord looking for new rentals, a land buyer, or any other type of investor, I believe it pays to work with a real estate agent or broker as an investor.Valuation (before and after)So valuation is important.  I know that's not exactly news.  However, what I've seen from working with other investors in REIA's and even from my own experience at first is that investors often struggle to find a good valuation... 06/26/2018

As a real estate investment company (specifically flipping), we're in a slightly unique situation as we rarely hold a property for more than 3-6 months.  As such, we aren't intimately aware of all the nooks and crannies of the home, nor are we able to catch everything that might be wrong with the property.  The shorter the holding period, the more this is true.Quick story to share leading up to the home warranty specifics.  We recently bought and sold a property.  The entire holding period was less than 3 months and the repairs were relatively minor.  It was mostly cosmetic stuff throughout the property such as flooring and paint.  We also had some minor plumbing work in the kitchen that was identified during the buyer's inspection.  So we addressed those issues and move on to closing w... 06/03/2018

There are multiple ways to sell a house in Madison WI. While many people immediately seek the help of an agent, there are other, ways to sell your house. For example, you could choose to carry the note yourself or sell the property directly, without the help of an agent.  You might be surprised just how many people choose to sell directly to a cash house buyer.As we said above, there are many ways to sell. For some properties, a listing makes the most sense, whereas, for other, a direct sale is the smarter choice. Which will it be for you! Don’t sign any agreements or agree to a sale until you learn about what a direct sale can mean for your situation!  The main advantage of selling directly to a house buyer or investor is that they are much more flexible than most retail buyers can be.... 04/12/2018

Many potential home buyers have questions about the FHA loan and the process needed to secure a home mortgage. Some people are even confused about what is a myth and what is a fact about FHA loans. Listed below are the common FHA mortgage facts along with brief explanations.FHA Mortgage Facts: Basics About The FHA OrganizationDefinition of FHAFHA is an acronym that stands for Federal Housing Administration. The administration was founded by the United States Federal government in 1934.The main purpose of FHA was to allow people with sufficient income to purchase a home without the need for a major down payment.FHA Does Not Lend Directly to BorrowersMany people work under the assumption that they will receive a loan directly from the FHA office. This is not true.Instead, FHA provides rul... 03/01/2018

Winter Fest 2017, Madison Wisconsin!!!February 18-19thWhats not to celebrate about winter, feel that hard crunchy ground below your boots, that cool brisk air nipping at your nose as the bright winter sun shines on you warming your spirit.My friends in the southern states have no idea what they are missing with all of the wonderful sensations and experiences that we are treated to every Winter.We get to feel the extremes of hot and cold, light and dark, wet and dry, and when you embrace the experiences they can make it worth it to endure the hot muggy summers filled with mosquitoes.Not only do we get to walk on water during this special time of year, but we get to work and play on our many waterways.With so many activities available like driving out to go fishing on our many lakes, skii... 01/10/2017

08/16/2016

Rock Realty Client Testimonials"We thoroughly enjoyed working with Bethany. In addition to establishing and building trust in our first meeting, she proved herself and her skillset many times throughout our transaction. Bethany also did an excellent job accommodating our schedule as we were relocating from out of town. We'd recommend Bethany to anyone. Her tenacity and warm personality make her enjoyable to work with."Ben S & Chris B. (Madison, WI 53718)Rock Realty Home Buyer ClientThanks for the compliments! Congratulations on your new home purchase and to Bethany Alexander on another successful closing!Are you considering purchasing property in Dane or Rock County Wisconsin? Click below to start your home search!Madison, WI Real Estate 08/05/2016

07/07/2016

Rock Realty Client Testimonials"He was polite and well informed. Great with children. He was also accommodating when it came to scheduling showings. He also gave great advice when discussing home prices. I'm actually recommending him to a co-worker while I'm filling out the review."A. Jordan. (Madison, WI 53704)Rock Realty Home Buyer ClientThanks for the compliments! Congratulations on the home closing and to Patrick Collins on yet another successful closing!Are you considering purchasing property in Dane or Rock County Wisconsin? Click below to start your home search!Madison Wisconsin Real Estate 06/23/2016

Rock Realty Client Testimonials"I recently had the pleasure of working with Patrick during the process of purchasing my first home! What a roller coaster of emotions I was, but Patrick was always quick to respond and eager to help me with anything asked in the home buying process. I would strongly recommend Patrick Collins to anybody!"Cassandra R. (Madison, WI 53718)Rock Realty Home Buyer ClientThanks for the compliments! Congratulations to Cassandra on her home purchase and to Patrick Collins on yet another successful closing!Are you considering purchasing property in Dane or Rock County Wisconsin? Click below to start your home search!Madison Wisconsin Real Estate 05/05/2016

 /  Dane County Wisconsin Farmer's Market-5th Best in the US-Opens Saturday According to USA Today's 10 Best polls, the Dane County Farmer's Market is the 5th best Farmer's Market in the country.  Madisonians love it and it is so crowded, you have to walk in only 1 direction (counterclockwise) around the square. The landscaping around the Capitol is manicured and lovely and changes throughout the year.  Tomorrow is opening day! I can't wait to get some luscious Hook’s Cheese. It is one reason Wisconsin is known for it's cheese.  Capri Cheesery offers goat sheep and cow cheese, too. McCluskey Brothers offers all certified organic cheese, maple syrup and grass fed beef.  We like to visit Silly Yak Bakery for breads, brownies, and pastries, specializing in gluten free. For apples, cider, a... 04/14/2016

 The Crestwood sign designed by Eric Rattan welcomes you to  Crestwood, also known as the Wisconsin Cooperative Housing Association (WHCA), the oldest cooperative neighborhood association  in the United States. The community was designed based on the Sandinavian land use model by John Bordner, a land-use planner with much experience.  Crestwood is where I first settled when moving to Madison in the early 90's. I immediately enjoyed it and came to love it even more as I settled in. Recently, I  ran across a Blog by hangininsac.blogspot.com about my unique neighborhood in Madison WI. His post entitled, "Lessons in Urban Planning "– Madison, Wisconsin's Crestwood Neighborhood has been somewhat re-wordered here. He expressed the "feeling" of this unique neighborhood beautifully. Sometimes, ... 03/31/2016

Rock Realty Client Testimonials"Bethany was *such* an excellent partner to work with in selling our place and securing our next home. She is so hands on and knowledgeable, patient and quick to respond. I met with multiple realtors before choosing who to work with, and Bethany blew away the competition in our first meeting. What's even better is that feeling never went away as we worked with her over the course of selling our home and finding our current one.Trust Bethany's instincts and let her show you what the standard of realty should be. A few other Rock Realty associates helped along the way as well, and I have nothing but rave reviews for Bethany, Michael, and Matt."April S. (Edgerton, WI 53534)Rock Realty Seller and Home Buyer ClientThanks for the compliments! Congratulations to ... 02/12/2016

Welcome to luxury and quality in Fitchburg's Oak Meadow subdivision.    This executive ranch style home features a gorgeous great room with red birch floors, gas fireplace, and tray ceiling. Kitchen and dinette with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, maple cabinets, large pantry, and walk-out to sun room, deck and beautiful landscaping. Three main level bedrooms including a spacious master suite with dual sinks and jetted tub.   The lower level offers a 4th bedroom, full bath, family room, wet bar, media room, exercise room, hot tub, cedar closet and loads of storage space.   The over-sized 3-car garage is fully-insulated and offers additional storage options.  You'll love this home if you appreciate quality and attention to detail - visit today! 02/11/2016

This East Side Madison home has been wonderfully remodeled, while the original hardwood floors and thick oak trim add plenty of character. Relax by your living room fireplace after a long day ­ enjoy your evening meal in the dining room with classic built ins. Your kitchen comes with new flooring, a new dishwasher, new lights and new microwave. Every bedroom offers built­in closet organizers. Updates include: Radon mitigation system, water heater, water softener, sump pump, drain tile, basement windows and much, much more. Enjoy your large fenced in yard and plenty of extra storage in the huge tandem garage. In the Lake Edge neighborhood you're close to Lake Monona, Lake Edge Park, the Monona Public Golf Course and every amenity on Madison's near east side!  01/26/2016

Welcome to Nichols Station Condominiums! This 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo is located in Downtown Madison, on the bus line­­right across the street from James Madison Park! This condo comes with high­end finishes including maple floors throughout the kitchen, dining room and living room. The living room has a wood burning fireplace to relax by and a private balcony to take in the wonderful views of Lake Mendota. The kitchen comes complete with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and cherry cabinets. Don't forget the dining room that is perfect for entertaining! Both bedrooms are spacious and full of natural light. Both bathrooms come with tile floors and granite counter tops. One underground parking space and an extra storage place are included in this great downtown value a... 01/18/2016

Winter Fest 2016, Madison Wisconsin!!!February 13-14thWhats not to celebrate about winter, feel that hard crunchy ground below your boots, that cool brisk air nipping at your nose as the bright winter sun shines on you warming your spirit.My friends in the southern states have no idea what they are missing with all of the wonderful sensations and experiences that we are treated to every Winter.We get to feel the extremes of hot and cold, light and dark, wet and dry, and when you embrace the experiences they can make it worth it to endure the hot muggy summers filled with mosquitoes.Not only do we get to walk on water during this special time of year, but we get to work and play on our many waterways.With so many activities available like driving out to go fishing on our many lakes, skii... 01/17/2016

Buying a Home With a Mortgage? Whether you're a first time home buyer or a seasoned home owner looking to sell and buy, buying a home is EXCITING... and we get it.  There are very few things more exciting than purchasing a home.But, before you go racing down the track...  slow down for a second.   There are a few things you need to know.  Well, there are MANY things you need to know but these are very important and many times aren't mentioned until it's too late.  They are called “The Ten Commandments of Buying a Home.”Read them. Absorb them. Burn them into your memory, because one tiny miss-step can make your dream of buying a home come crashing down like a sandcastle at high tide.Search Homes For Sale NowThe Ten Commandments of Buying a Home Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-emp... 08/15/2015