• Current Newsletter

    Washa Remodeling and Design

    Who is Washa Remodeling?  Washa Remodeling & Design is a local remodeler to Madison.  We have been helping local homeowners build and remodel their dreams since 1983 and are made on the foundation that a home is more than 4 walls, its where lives are built and stories are made.  For this reason we focus on the design build aspect of remodeling.  We employ an interior designer on staff that helps homeowners incorporate their dreams into reality, even if a customer isn’t sure what they truly need.  We marry time-honored expertise with modern trends to create the perfect space for, ensuring a seamless experience from our very first meeting to…

  • Current Newsletter

    Essential Water Management Tips for Your Home

    Water management is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy and safe home. From cleaning gutters to installing sump pumps, there are several measures you can take to protect your property from water damage. Here are some essential tips to help you manage water effectively. Cleaning Gutters: Gutters play a critical role in diverting water away from your home. But if they’re clogged with debris, they can’t do their job effectively. Make sure to clean your gutters regularly, especially during the fall when leaves and other debris can accumulate quickly. Downspout Termination: Downspouts are another critical component of your home’s water management system. Make sure they’re properly connected and extend…

  • Current Newsletter

    Down Payment Assistance Programs

    There are many down payment assistance programs available in Dane and surrounding counties.  Some provided by employers.  Some provided by non-profit organizations.  Others provided by government agencies.  There are also down payment assistance programs offered by banks.  Associated Bank has its own proprietary down payment assistance program called Program for Assisting Today’s Homebuyer (PATH).  PATH is a grant program funded by Associated Bank and can only be used with an Associated Bank retail first mortgage purchase or construction loan product.  What makes PATH different from many other programs offered by employers, non-profit organizations and government agencies is the PATH grant is fully forgiven at closing.  Typically, other down payment assistance…

  • Current Newsletter

    How to Overcome ‘Impostor Syndrome’

    Imposter Syndrome On March 12, 2023, I sat down to watch the Oscars and make a list of all the great movies I hadn’t seen yet. One particular movie intrigued me, Everything Everywhere All at Once. It received eleven nominations. Daniel Kwan, and his co-writer, Daniel Scheinert, won Best Original Screenplay. When Kwan stepped to the microphone, this is what he said, “My imposter syndrome has never been so high.” What? He just won an Oscar. And in just a few minutes, the two Daniels would win best director. Then a short time after that, they took the top prize, Best Picture. How could there be any imposter syndrome? Well,…

  • Lifestyle

    Ways to Keep Your Aging Parents Active and Engaged

    As your senior parents age, it’s more important than ever to keep them both physically and mentally active. Here are 5 activities that you can encourage them to partake in so that they can stay physically active and mentally stimulated: 1. Encourage Physical Activity:Encourage your parents to stay physically active. Activities such as taking walks, gardening, or doing light exercise are ways they can get moving without causing too much strain on the body. 2. Socializing:Help your parents stay socially connected by arranging visits with friends and family, joining clubs and organizations, or volunteering. While they may be resistant to moving into a senior living facility, one of the amazing benefits…

  • Banking and Mortgage

    Spring Into Mortgage Rate Changes

    As prospective buyers navigate their way through homeownership affordability in a post-pandemic world, home lenders nationwide are preparing for sweeping changes to mortgage rates behind the scenes.  While lenders already tie their rates and fees to purpose, credit score, loan-to-value, and property type, there are now new factors to consider. Income, debt ratio, and homeownership history will also impact what borrowers pay to obtain a home loan.  In other words, accurately quoting mortgage rates is now becoming more specialized for loan officers than ever before.  In January of 2023, the FHFA announced a series of changes that will impact any lender who writes conforming loans backed by government sponsored enterprises…

  • Home Maintenance

    10 Home Maintenance Tips to Prepare Your Home for Spring

    As the cold winter months recede and the warmer, sunnier days of spring approach, it’s essential for homeowners to prepare their homes for the new season. Proper home maintenance can prevent costly repairs and keep your home looking its best. Here are ten essential spring home maintenance tips that every homeowner should follow. Clean Out GuttersGutters play a crucial role in directing water away from your home’s foundation. Over time, gutters can accumulate debris like leaves, twigs, and dirt, which can lead to clogs and water damage. To avoid these issues, clean your gutters thoroughly, removing all debris and ensuring proper water flow. Correct Downspout TerminationsDownspout terminations are essential for…

  • Home Maintenance

    5 Common Myths About Home Inspections: Don’t Let Them Fool You!

    Buying a home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you are a first-time home buyer. One of the most critical steps in the home buying process is the home inspection. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about home inspections that can lead buyers to make uninformed decisions. In this article, we will debunk five common myths about home inspections. Myth #1: A home inspection is not necessary for a new home.Some home buyers assume that a new home is in perfect condition and doesn’t need a home inspection. However, even a newly constructed home can have hidden defects or problems that an untrained eye may not…

  • Banking and Mortgage

    Mortgage Loan Options

    To buy or not to buy?  Do you have clients that are questioning if they should list their current home because they are afraid they will not find a new home before their current home sells? Are they in need of the equity in their current home to purchase their new home?  There may be a solution to give your clients peace of mind when looking for a new home.  The solution is called a bridge loan.  A bridge loan uses the equity in their current home to cover the down payment and closing costs on the new home.  A bridge loan can allow a buyer to write an offer…

  • Uncategorized

    ReSupply/Dell Reconnect – Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin

    With spring right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to freshen up your space. Gearing up for a move? Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin can help lighten the load with quick and easy in-home pickup of your donations through a partnership with ReSupply. If you are low on time or have too many large items to fit in your car, book an appointment online and let ReSupply do the heavy lifting. Your local Goodwill also offers free electronics recycling at their 14 locations across South Central Wisconsin. The best part? Your donations and purchases help fund programs and community services in South Central Wisconsin, including supported employment and job…