Saturday, November 1, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
Winterize Your Plumbing
Insulate exposed pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces to prevent freezing.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and shut off outdoor faucets if possible.
Inspect Your Heating System
Schedule a furnace or boiler tune-up.
Replace filters and test your thermostat to ensure your system runs efficiently.
Check Your Fireplace and Chimney
Have chimneys professionally cleaned if you plan to use your fireplace.
Inspect for cracks or creosote buildup.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Remove leaves, debris, and ice dams to prevent water damage and foundation issues.
Ensure downspouts direct water away from your home.
Service Snow Removal Equipment
Test snow blowers, shovels, and ice melt supplies.
Stock up on winter essentials like salt or sand.
The Huemmer Home Team
LPT Realty
608-709-9440
theteam@thhtrealty.com
...
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Friday, October 31, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
What the Fed did & how it affects mortgages
Imagine that banks lend money to each other overnight, and that rate is set by the Federal Reserve (the “Fed”). Yesterday the Fed dropped that key overnight rate by 0.25% (25 basis points). In very simple terms: the Fed made it cheaper for banks to borrow money.
Now: does that mean your mortgage (which is a long-term loan like 30 years) goes down by exactly 0.25%? Not automatically. Here’s how the process works:
Because banks can borrow more cheaply, in theory they might pass some of that savings to borrowers (people like you getting a home loan).
But 30-year fixed mortgage rates aren’t tied directly to the overnight Fed rate. Instead, they follow long-term interest rates and investor expectations (for example the yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds) because lenders want to know what the money they lend now will cost them for many years.
So when the Fed cuts its rate, sometimes mortgage rates ...
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Wednesday, October 29, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
When buying a home in the Madison, WI area, one of the most important steps in your offer process is the home inspection contingency. This clause gives you, the buyer, the right to hire a licensed home inspector to evaluate the property after your offer is accepted. Typically, the inspection happens within 14 days of an accepted offer. The inspector will provide a detailed report on the home’s condition, covering everything from the roof, foundation, plumbing, and electrical systems to the HVAC, windows, and appliances.
As both a Realtor and a home inspector, I can tell you the purpose of the home inspection isn’t to create a list of minor repairs, it’s to help you understand the home’s overall condition and identify potential deal breakers. You’ll learn what maintenance items to expect over time, what safety concerns may need immediate attention, and which issues could impact resale value. The key is to distinguish between major and m ...
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Tuesday, October 28, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s natural to wonder what projects will help you get top dollar, which might just drain your wallet. While both home improvement and home maintenance matter, they serve different purposes in protecting and increasing your home’s value. Knowing the difference and which investments make the biggest impact in Southern Wisconsin’s real estate market can be the key to a faster, more profitable sale.
Understanding the Difference
Home improvement refers to upgrades or enhancements that improve your home’s appearance, comfort, or functionality beyond its original condition. Think of it as elevating your home’s appeal, updating a dated kitchen, adding new flooring, or enhancing curb appeal with fresh landscaping. These projects often attract more buyers and can help your home stand out in a competitive market.
Home maintenance, on the other hand, involves the repairs and upkeep needed to preserve your home’s ...
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Monday, October 27, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
If you've been keeping an eye on the southern Wisconsin housing market lately, you've probably noticed the conversation has shifted. Whether you're browsing homes in Madison, considering a move to Sun Prairie, or exploring opportunities in the surrounding Dane County communities, today's buyers and sellers are navigating a market that looks very different than it did just a few years ago.
At The Huemmer Home Team, we're in constant conversation with our clients about what's really happening on the ground. Here are the top issues shaping the southern Wisconsin housing market right now and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates and Affordability: The New Reality
Let's address the elephant in the room: mortgage rates are higher than many of us have seen in years. After a period of historically low rates, today's buyers are adjusting to a new financing landscape. This shift has significantly impacted affordability across southern Wisconsin, from Madison's east side neighborhoo ...
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