Home Sales Home sales in Dane County remained lower this month than this time last year. In June of 2019 there were 962 single family and condo homes sold. This past month saw 779 single family and condo homes sold, representing a 19% decrease. Inventory One of the driving factors behind decreased home sales is low inventory. Inventory for single family and condo homes in Dane County remained largely unchanged from last month, and continues to hover around two months of supply. Home Prices The average sale price of single family and condo homes in Dane County for June of 2019 was $345,740. The same value for June of this…

I’ve been simplifying my life since 2006. I didn’t know that’s what was happening in the beginning. At first, I was only focused on eliminating as much stress as I could so I could feel better, so I could live well with multiple sclerosis. Even when I finally saw the simplicity path I was on, I knew the finish line wasn’t a simple life. With all of the focus around minimalism, simplicity, decluttering, and capsule wardrobes, it’s easy to believe that a simple life is the dream, but a simple life is not the end goal. We don’t remove clutter, reduce stress, and boycott busyness to have a simple life.…

Whether this is your first visit to the Madison area, or you’ve resided here forever, there are always new Summer activities to experience.   For example, how many times have you heard family or friends ask about going boating, fishing, or just hanging out at a lake?   Well, did you know that there are over 100 lakes in Dane County?  With this abundance of resources, we thought it would be helpful to list out some of the top ways to access our largest and most popular lakes.   You can then enjoy the day fishing, swimming, water skiing, or just cruising around the lake.  Just don’t forget to bring along your sunscreen, favorite snacks…

We have all been through a lot of change and adjustment this last 120 days, no one could have anticipated all the new challenges that presented themselves in this ‘new normal’, we have had to just figure it out. Specifically looking at the lending industry, it has been practically turned upside down, teams working from home, updating technology for some to be able to work from home efficiently, tightening of underwriting guidelines due to concerns about job loss, furloughs and forbearance requests, learning quickly how do allow borrowers to e-sign closing documents effectively and easily along with a list of numerous other adjustments too long to share in this newsletter.…

The first day of play rehearsal brings together a talented and diverse group of individuals. Each one has their strengths, weaknesses, idiosyncrasies, and methods of working. My job, one of my main responsibilities as the director, is to mold this cast of creative individuals into a high-functioning and cohesive whole: a team. There are many ways to accomplish this, but the one that works best for me is this: Come in totally prepared with a vision, immediately share that vision, and then let it go. Because it will never be that way again. With a cast of 10, there are going to be at least 20 new, amazing ideas (and…