Tuesday, May 5, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Should You Get Pre-Approved Before Looking at Homes in Madison, WI? Yes, Here's Why It Matters More Than Ever
If you're planning to buy a home in Madison WI or anywhere in Dane County, the single most important move you can make before stepping foot in a showing is getting fully pre-approved for a mortgage. Not pre-qualified. Pre-approved. There's a real difference, and in this market, that difference can cost you the home.
Homes across Dane County spent a median of just 9 days on the market in 2025, selling at 99.87% of their list price on average. That is not a market where you have time to figure out your financing after you fall in love with a house. By the time you call your lender, someone else has already submitted an offer.
Here's what's driving that pace. The "lock-in effect" is where homeowners stay put to keep their 3% mortgage rates, continues to limit the number of homes hitting the market. That means buyers are competing for a smalle ...
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Monday, May 4, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Is the Madison WI Housing Market Finally Shifting in Buyers' Favor?
The biggest real estate conversation happening right now is whether the housing market is finally rebalancing and for people buying or selling homes in the Madison WI area, the answer is more nuanced than the national headlines suggest.
Madison's housing market passed a conspicuous threshold this year: while increases in home values have slowed considerably since the pandemic, the average single-family home in the city is now valued at $500,300. That number matters. It tells you this market still has real strength but the frantic pace that defined the past few years is cooling off, and that changes the game for both buyers and sellers.
Nationally, mortgage rates have climbed back into the 6.3 to 6.5% range, reversing the brief dip below 6% buyers saw in February. That's kept affordability tight across the country. But here in South Central Wisconsin, the story has a few wrinkles worth ...
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Thursday, April 16, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
We love helping first-time buyers turn their dreams into reality and Jenna delivered again!
"I had such a great experience working with Jenna while finding my dream home. She made the process so smooth for me as a first time home buyer. For anyone looking for a home in the Madison area, definitely use Jenna Paez!!"
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, it becomes an exciting and rewarding experience. Jenna’s dedication, communication, and local Madison market knowledge helped make this journey seamless from start to finish.
Congratulations on finding your dream home!
Thinking about buying your first home in the Madison area?
Jenna Paez and The Huemmer Home Team are here to help every step of the way.
Send us a message to get started today!
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Wednesday, April 15, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Tax season is here, and for many homeowners and future buyers, a tax refund can create an exciting financial opportunity. While it can be tempting to spend your tax return on short-term purchases, using those funds strategically in real estate can create long-term value, build equity, and improve your financial future. The Huemmer Home Team, your local real estate expert, helps clients every year turn their tax returns into smart real estate investments that pay off for years to come.
One of the smartest ways to use your tax return is saving for a down payment on a home. Many buyers believe they need twenty percent down to purchase a home, but that is not always the case. Several loan programs allow buyers to purchase with significantly less, sometimes as low as three to five percent down. Your tax return could be the boost that helps you reach that milestone faster. Even if you are not ready to purchase immediately, setting aside your tax return for a future home purchase can ...
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Thursday, April 9, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
If you have been hunting for a single-family home in Dane County, you already know the market is moving fast but just how exclusive is your search? Currently, out of 568 total active listings in the county, only 44 homes are priced at or below $400,000. This means that less than 8% of the available inventory falls into this highly sought-after price bracket, making these properties the "hidden gems" of the Madison area. While the competition is real, your $400,000 budget still holds significant power if you know where to look. From charming Madison bungalows to spacious suburban retreats, finding a home in this range requires a keen eye and a quick hand.
In the City of Madison, your budget can secure surprisingly diverse options, though they represent a small fraction of the city's total inventory. For exactly $400,000, you can find a three-bedroom home on Golden Oak Lane with 1,524 square feet or a three-bedroom on Sargent Street. If you are looking for more elbow r ...
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