If you’ve given even a passing moment’s notice to Wisconsin politics lately, you’ll know that we have a new Governor, and a new state budget in the works. One of the items that Governor Evers is hoping to pass with the 2019-21 budget could benefit prospective home buyers. This item is called the First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account (FHBSA) and it could give first time buyers an easier way to save for a down payment on a home. In an effort to address the rising costs of home ownership and large student loan balances that many of today’s first time buyers are carrying, the FHBSA would offer savers an easier…

One of the reasons people love to call Madison and the surrounding Dane County area home, is that there is always something to do! Madison is a “community driven” city and not a moment of our precious summer weather is wasted. On any given weekend during the warmer months, you can find a festival or family-friendly event to get you out and about. We’ve provided a list of event highlights for the coming months, but this is by no means an all-inclusive list. If you’re looking for something to do – whether it’s a fitness boot camp or a cupcake tasting – check out Destination Madison for all of the area happenings.…

Home Sweet Home   As the awards continue to pile up, we at Restaino are proud as ever to call the Greater Madison Wisconsin area our home! In a May 2019 study, Madison was ranked the No. 3 city for jobs, social life, and affordable living after college graduation. The study was conducted by Apartment List and reported in the May 22 issue of USA Today. It analyzed the city’s population of young adults, unemployment rates for young adults with a bachelor’s degree or higher, affordability of rent, nightlife and recreational activities, and ease of meeting new people. Apartment List aggregated their data and then compared the numbers for 75…

If you’ve considered a move to Madison, WI you’re not alone! Madison consistently ranks high in National reports that evaluate cities for livability – it’s a great place for families and recent college grads alike. Recently, it was voted the #1 city for jobs, social life, and affordable living after college graduation. Whether you enjoy the lakes, the free zoo, fab restaurants and micro-breweries, the UW scene, or downtown arts and culture, Madison has something to offer everyone. If you are contemplating a move to our area, I can help! Did you know that Restaino & Associates (my broker) has a full time relocation department? We know Madison inside and out,…

If you’ve lived in the Madison area for any length of time, you’ve probably become familiar with some of the surrounding suburbs. These smaller communities can offer the best of both worlds if you’re willing to take on a small commute to work every day. You can benefit from the close knit community of a small town, while being just a short drive from all of the amenities that a large city offers. One city that fills this niche is Evansville, WI. Located just a short drive south of Madison, Evansville is one of the fastest growing communities in Rock county. It’s convenient location as a mid-point between Madison and…

  Don’t Let The Weather Fool You! Although southern Wisconsin weather seems to have difficulty warming up, our local real estate market is already white hot. Continued favorable interest rates matched with low inventory has buyers scrambling to view new listings the minute they become available. The Federal Reserve meets early in May to consider whether or not interest rates will be raised. Prognosticators believe there is only a 3% chance that will happen in May. Accordingly, we predict no slow down due to rate increases for the foreseeable future. Nationally, the job market keeps strengthening and wages are increasing at the fastest rate since the Great Recession. This should…

  With warmer weather, comes the return of outdoor markets in our area. Dane County is home to a number of great farmer’s markets, where you can get great local food, grown in its peak season, while supporting local farms – everybody wins! Most markets also feature other local vendors, offering everything from pet treats to jewelry. So, spend your dollars locally and get healthier food and one of a kind products in return! Here is a list of some of our area’s best farmers markets for you to check out: Dane County Farmers Market Location: Capitol Square in Madison Date: Every Saturday from April 13 – November 16 Time:…

Spring has finally sprung! Well, as it always does in Wisconsin – with two steps forward and one step back. Who doesn’t love a snow day in April? The last lingering traces of winter aside, warmer weather is on its way. Make the most of it by ensuring your home is ready for Spring with our handy home maintenance check list. Check Your Roof If you’re comfortable on a ladder (use binoculars if you’re not), inspect your roof for any signs of damage. Missing shingles, cracks, or signs of leaking will warrant a call to a professional to assess the damage. Clean Out Your Gutters Clean any organic debris from your gutters…

How Low Can They Go? As quickly as they shot up, mortgage rates have fallen back down, enticing more buyers back into the real estate market. Rates are now at their lowest level since January of 2018, when 30-year mortgage loans peaked just below 5%. As of the time of drafting of this newsletter, local lenders are offering 30 year rates as low as 4%. On a $300,000 loan, that means your payment each month would be $178.00 lower than on a loan obtained at the beginning of last year. As we say in Wisconsin, “That’s some serious cheese!” As reported to you last month, year over year inventories remain…

If you are new to the home buying process, it can seem intimidating. You’re entering into the biggest financial transaction you’ve undertaken so far in your life, and there are real legal and financial consequences if things go wrong. You want to be prepared, but sometimes just understanding the terminology commonly used in real estate can be a challenge. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most commonly used real estate terms you’ll likely encounter as a new buyer, and their definitions, so that you can start your home search with confidence. Appraisal – A written analysis provided by a real estate appraiser that provides the…