Friday, August 7, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
If you're buying, selling, or already own a condo in the Madison area, new lending rules that took effect August 3, 2026 are about to change how that mortgage gets approved. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which guarantee roughly 70% of the mortgages originated in the U.S., have eliminated the "shortcut" review process that many condo buildings used to qualify for financing. Here's what changed, why, and what it means for you.
What Changed on August 3
For years, condo projects that looked low-risk could qualify for a "Limited Review" (Fannie Mae) or "Streamlined Review" (Freddie Mac) a faster, lighter-documentation path to loan approval. Roughly 40% of condo mortgage purchases relied on this streamlined pathway.
That option is now gone for most buildings. Unless a project qualifies for a waiver, every condo mortgage now has to go through a "Full Review," which means lenders must dig into:
The condo association's finances
Reserve fund balances
Insurance coverage
The physica ...
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Sunday, August 2, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Dane County WI Homes Sold from $400K to $600K: July 2026 vs. July 2025 Market Report
Quick answer: In July 2026, 259 single-family homes priced between $400,000 and $600,000 closed across Dane County, Wisconsin, up 13.6% from the 228 that closed in July 2025. The median sold price rose to $481,000 (a 2.3% year-over-year gain), homes still went under contract in a median of just 8 days, and 70% of them sold at or above list price. For move-up buyers and sellers in this price band, the mid-market stayed active and competitive heading into late summer.
How many homes sold in the $400K to $600K range in Dane County this July?
Closed sales in this price band jumped from 228 in July 2025 to 259 in July 2026. That is a 13.6% year-over-year increase in transaction volume, and it is the headline number for buyers and sellers watching this segment. More closings means more inventory changing hands, but as the pace numbers below show, it did not translate into a slower or softer market. If any. ...
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Monday, July 27, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
How far does your home buying budget really go in Dane County?
Home affordability in Dane County looks different at every price point, and the gap between a $200,000 starter home and a $450,000 family house isn't just square footage, it's speed to contract, competition, and what buyers get for their money. Using current under-contract listings across Dane County, here's how affordability actually breaks down in $50,000 increments from $150,000 to $500,000, and what it means for buyers deciding where to shop.
$150,000–$200,000: The Entry-Level Squeeze
Homes in this range are the scarcest segment of the Dane County market right now, and they move fast, with an average of roughly 16 days on market before going under contract. Buyers here are typically looking at smaller, older homes, often under 1,300 finished square feet, priced around $226 per square foot. This tier is the toughest for first-time buyers to break into simply because there's so lit ...
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Monday, June 29, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
Dane County Real Estate Market Update: New Listings
Dane County's housing market stayed active this week, with 257 new listings hitting the market in the last seven days. Single-family homes made up the bulk of new inventory at 187 listings, followed by 53 condos and 17 multi-family properties. Of those 257 listings, 22 are already showing as under contract (Offer-Show status) just days after going live, a clear sign that well-priced homes in Dane County are still moving fast. Single-family homes accounted for the majority of that quick activity, with 20 of the 22 going under contract, alongside 2 condos.
On the single-family side, an average of $587,028 reflecting some high-end properties pulling the number up (prices ranged from $199,000 up to $2,995,000). The typical new single-family listing runs about 2,068 finished square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 baths, with a median price of roughly $253 per square foot.
Condos showed a similar pattern at a lower price ...
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Friday, June 19, 2026 / by Ryan Huemmer
2026 Madison Area Parade of Homes: Dates, Locations, and What to Know Before You Go
The Madison Area Parade of Homes is back, running June 19-28, 2026. If you've ever wondered what new construction actually looks like inside, this is the one event all year where you can walk through homes that are normally closed to the public.
What is the Parade of Homes?
It's hosted by the Madison Area Builders Association and works like a coordinated set of open houses, except every home is brand new construction from the area's top builders. You get to see the latest trends, layouts, and building technology firsthand instead of guessing from photos online.
Hours and Dates
Dates: June 19-28, 2026
Weekdays (Mon-Fri): 4 PM-8 PM
Weekends (Sat-Sun): 11 AM-5 PM
Tickets are required and available through the official Parade of Homes site.
Where the Homes Are
Most homes are in Dane County, with a few in surrounding counties. This year there are two featured neighborhoods where you can walk to mul ...
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