Friday, January 30, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Top 10 Things to Do Before You Start Thinking About Buying a Home
Buying a home is exciting but the smartest buyers don’t start with open houses. They start with preparation. As Madison, WI Area real estate experts, The Huemmer Home Team has helped thousands of buyers across Dane County and South Central Wisconsin make confident, successful moves. If you’re even thinking about buying a home in the next 6–24 months, these are the top 10 things you should do before you officially begin the process.
1. Get Clear on Why You Want to Buy
Before numbers, neighborhoods, or Pinterest boards, define your motivation. Are you looking for stability, more space, investment potential, or a lifestyle change? Your “why” will guide every decision, from location to price point and help you avoid buyer’s remorse later.
2. Take a Hard Look at Your Credit
Your credit score directly impacts your mortgage options and interest rate. P ...
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Thursday, January 29, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
DeForest Schools Real Estate Market Update
The numbers are in for our local market!
Here's what's happening: 2024 vs 2025 Comparison:
Median Sale Price: $482,450 → $519,900 (up 7.8%)
Days on Market: 13 → 17 days
Sale-to-List Ratio: 100.07% → 99.95%
Homes Listed: 473 → 446
What does this mean for you? Home values continue to climb in the district, showing strong market demand. While homes are taking a few extra days to sell compared to last year's lightning-fast pace, properties are still moving quickly and selling near asking price.
Whether you're thinking of buying or selling in the DeForest School District, these market insights can help guide your decision.
Let's talk about how these trends impact your real estate goals! Questions about the local market? Reach out today!
The Huemmer Home Team
LPT Realty ...
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Thursday, January 29, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Fed Update: What It Means for Housing
The Federal Reserve hit pause at its first meeting of the year, keeping interest rates steady at 3.5%–3.75%. No cut this time—but for buyers and sellers, this decision still matters.
Here’s the housing takeaway:
• Mortgage rates aren’t moving much (for now). With the Fed holding steady, we’re likely to see continued rate stability rather than sudden swings. That helps buyers plan—and keeps sellers in a more predictable market.
• The economy is holding strong. The Fed upgraded its outlook, noting solid economic growth and a stabilizing labor market. A resilient economy generally supports housing demand, especially in markets like Dane County where inventory is still tight.
• Cuts aren’t off the table. Two Fed governors actually voted to cut rates, and Chair Powell made it clear: if the job market weakens, rate cuts are absolutely in play later this year. That’s important for buyers ...
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Friday, January 23, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Your Complete Path to Homeownership: A Step-by-Step Guide from The Huemmer Home Team
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, or looking to upgrade to a larger property in the Madison area, understanding the home buying process can help you navigate this exciting journey with confidence. At The Huemmer Home Team, we've guided countless families through every phase of homeownership, and we're here to break down the entire process into three manageable phases.
Phase 1: Preparation & Search – Laying the Foundation for Success
The journey to homeownership in Sun Prairie begins long before you step foot in your first open house. The preparation phase is crucial for setting yourself up for success in Wisconsin's competitive real estate market. The first critical step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This process involves verifying your income, checking ...
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Wednesday, January 21, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
401(k) Home Buying Plan: What Madison Area Home Buyers Need to Know
If you're searching for homes in Madison, Middleton, Sun Prairie, or anywhere in Dane County, you've likely felt the squeeze of today's housing market. Between higher mortgage rates and substantial down payment requirements, getting into your dream home can feel out of reach. But a new proposal could change the game for Wisconsin homebuyers looking to tap into their retirement savings.
Understanding the Proposed 401(k) Down Payment Plan
National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett recently unveiled details about a forthcoming plan that would allow Americans to withdraw funds from their 401(k) retirement accounts to make down payments on homes. It's generating significant buzz among prospective homebuyers in Madison and throughout Wisconsin.
The proposal aims to address a critical challenge facing local buyers. According to Hassett, the typical down payment needed to purchase a home has jumped from approximately ...
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