Did You Know?
Summer is here (almost) and that means it’s time for manicured lawns and blooming vegetation. Did you know that as much as 50% of outdoor water consumption is wasted due to poor watering methods?
Read MoreMadison and its surrounding communities are known for their amazing park systems, so we thought why not highlight a different park in some of our Blog Posts. Today Roost will be featuring McKee Farms Park & Splash Pad located at 2930 Chapel Valley Rd in Fitchburg. This park has it all!
My biggest struggle with some of the parks that I’ve been to recently is that the play equipment is too old and too sophisticated for my little one (23/mo). McKee farms park has three designated play areas so no matter what your child’s age/abilities, there is equipment that your little one can enjoy.
I also am a fan of the large multi-use shelter with restrooms and picnic tables. This is great for lunch, getting out of the sun for a few minutes and bathroom breaks. If you or your kids enjoy playing baseball, soccer, tennis, and/or sand volleyball, they have courts/fields for these activities as well.
What I love most about McKee Farms Park is the splash pad. The splash pad has three zones: toddler (soft mists and gentle streams), kids (high-energy, group play water activities), and family (water tunnels, dumping buckets, etc). The splash pad also has a restroom room attached. We hope you all are able to enjoy some of the fabulous parks that makes Wisconsin so special.
Homes For Helping Hands!
The Roost Team believes in recognizing those with careers that serve our communities: teachers, healthcare professional, firefighters, etc. As part of that, we are excited to announce our new “Homes For Helping Hands” program. If you use a Roost Team member for the purchase of your home, you could save up to $600 in closing costs.
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Admittedly, this is not a traditional featured park. Nevertheless, in honor of recent clients who are moving to Brooklyn, WI next month (located between Oregon and Belleville), I wanted to share with you all the hidden gem that is Brooklyn Wildlife Preserve. Hunters and nature enthusiasts alike will relish the 3,531 acres of DNR land (available to the public for hunting) encompassed in the Brooklyn Wildlife Preserve. What sets this recreation area apart from so many others around the state is Story Creek, a class 2 trout stream, that runs north and south through the preserve. For all you experienced hikers, you are sure to enjoy the 6.8 miles (3.5 hours) of the Ice Age Trail (Brooklyn Wildlife Segment), with prairie, mixed forest, and glacial moraines. The Brooklyn Segment links directly with the Ice Age Trail (Montrose Segment), known for its hardwood forests, prairie, farm fields, and bluff overlooks. Cyclists are able to bike 7 miles of this 15-mile journey (out and back). You can even bring your dog or camp in designated camping areas. This preserve is a must to check out on a nice summer day (summer sounds nice right about now)!
Have you considered adding solar to your home but haven’t quite been able to pull the trigger? 2019 might be the year to do it. According to energysage.com, photovoltaic (PV) solar installation costs have dropped 60% in the last 10 years, with costs predicted to continue falling. This has put solar in reach for an even larger group of consumers. In addition, 2019 is the final year of the full federal solar tax credit, which allows you to deduct 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes. It will begin to sunset in 2020. And locally, Focus on Energy offers a 12% rebate on the cost of installation, up to $2000 ($4000 in some rural areas). And you can combine those to really cut back the costs of installing solar on your home!
Not sure where to start? Madison has a great program called Madisun Solar Energy Program that will analyze whether your home is right for solar, and get you set up with a solar installation contractor. They also offer group buy and grant programs that help lower income Madisonians add solar to their homes. Check them out!
Looking for a unique gift idea? Here’s one that our family recently had a lot of fun with; I hope it gets your creative gift giving juices flowing. It’s great for anyone looking to give something “out of the norm” or perhaps even for a child that wants to give a gift to a friend or family member.
Read MoreFall is here. It’s time get your home ready for the colder months ahead & maybe even do a fall deep clean (or a purge). Here are a few tips to streamline the process.
Read MoreWhile the Madison quilt expo (held annually at the Alliant Energy Center) is clearly not a secret, you might be surprised to find such a wide array of captivating art in these quilts! Like myself, you definitely DO NOT need to be a quilt enthusiast to enjoy the show- with hundreds of quilts on display, I’m certain that nearly anyone can find plenty of awe-inspiring pieces.
I know what you’re thinking.. A) Never take suggestions from Jessica regarding things to do, and B) Isn’t the quilt expo for old ladies?? Well I’ll admit, I wasn’t exactly dying to go, but my grandma was riding the bus down to Madison with her quilting friends, and she really wanted me to join, so I dutifully obliged. Click through these gorgeous quilt contest photos here for photos of more quilts.)
Anyway, grams and I met at the expo on Thursday morning, and I was shocked to see what kind of turnout the quilt show garnered. The place was packed! As we approached the enclosed area with all of the “show quilts”, grandma asked if I had my camera. I’m thinking to myself, “ooookkkaaayyy grandma… I think I’m just fine with my two eyes. It’s quilts.”
Little did I know, quilts can be pretty dang amazing. I quickly found myself snapping more pics of the quilts than grandma! These quilts are true works of art, and cover a wide range in terms of style- you’ll find everything from traditional to bohemian, urban and mixed media. The level of detail and creativity put into each piece is truly astounding, I’ve got to think that many of these quilts have taken years to complete.
We probably spent an hour and a half admiring the quilts before lunch, and sadly, I had to get back to work, so there was even more that I did not get to see. Some of the quilters are local, but most are from across the country. It was a surprisingly neat show that I’ll definitely check out again, and if you like art, check it out for yourself, and let me know what you thought!
The next quilt show is September 6-8, 2018 at The Alliant Energy Center.
Did you know that Madison, Wisconsin is the only place in the world that you can witness dozens & dozens of muskies jumping a dam? While I’m no fish enthusiast, it is really cool to watch these 40+ inch long monster fish attempt to jump the Wingra dam.
Read MoreWhen moving, show your home & it’s new occupants some love by giving your space a thorough cleaning. While it may not be a part of your written agreement, it’s not only a gesture of goodwill, it may also benefit you down the road.
Read MoreLike many Madisonians, I love buying second hand. Luckily, Madison has no shortage of great spots for picking up vintage or lightly used home decor, furnishings & building materials.
Read MoreThe front of your house is the first thing you see when you get home; it’s your home’s public face to the rest of the world & communicates something about the personality & style of your house & its occupants.
Read MoreSituated on Madison's near west side, in the Dudgeon-Monroe neighborhood, the Glenwood Children's Park provides a rare urban experience. Its natural landscape allows for hours of creative outdoor play, exploration, imagination & good old fashioned fort building.
Read MoreDoes your home have a unique, quirky, or less than desirable feature? If so, think about how you could turn a potential “con” into a “pro”. This tip is for homeowners & sellers alike.
Read MoreBefore you write off a home for its outdated bathrooms (or start planning its demolition), try seeing it in a new light. There are so many ways to give a modern edge to retro bathroom. Plus, what better place than your bathroom to try out a daring, fun or bold decor?
Read MoreYou may be surprised to know that some of the iconic FLW features have lost their significance in today’s real estate market & are actually considered “dated” by many buyers & homeowners. I wanted to shed a little light on these material choices in hopes that others would re-recognize them for what they signified to Wisconsin’s beloved architect.
Read MoreBy neglecting to work with your home’s features, you may actually make it feel outdated, awkward, small or uninviting. If you want to sell your home quicker, for more money, OR you simply want to revamp your space, focus on creating cohesion.
Read MoreOne of our favorite things about Madison is the shared passion for recycling, upcycling, donating & buying second hand that is so prevalent throughout our community. In an effort to help simplify your downsizing, decluttering or moving process, we’ve compiled a list of places that you can donate, sell & recycle various items at.
Read MoreKnob and tube is a form of wiring used in homes built prior to the '30s. It’s still common to find active K&T in homes of this era. Here are the top 3 reasons why deals fall apart due to K&T, as well as solutions to overcome them for both buyers & sellers.
Read MoreBreak out of your routine and go underground for your next date night or family outing. You'll find live music, cocktail lounge nights, treasure hunts and even glow parties, if you know where to look!
Read MoreWe’re here to make your real estate transaction simple, fun & low stress while putting (or keeping!) as much money as possible in your pocket. See why we're ranked in the top 7% of agents in the South Central Wisconsin MLS. With an office in Fitchburg, Roost proudly serve the Madison, Wisconsin area.
Bay Creek boasts walkability to numerous restaurants, coffee shops, parks, the Goodman Pool, the Arboretum, the Henry Vilas Zoo & numerous lakeside hangouts. This Madison neighborhood should be on your radar if you crave easy access to urban amenities, bike trails, bus routes & nature.
Historic, vibrant, walkable. In the heart of Madison’s near-west side, the coveted Regent Neighborhood / University Heights Neighborhood sits along the western edge of the UW Madison campus. Close to downtown, as well as the bustling commerce of Monroe Street & University Avenue.
Dudgeon-Monroe is known for its history & proximity to nature as well as its restaurants, bars, coffee shops & boutiques. The neighborhood is tight knit & buzzing with energy. Situated on Madison's near west side, the Capitol Square, University of Wisconsin & hub of hospitals is a hop, skip & a jump away.
The Vilas Neighborhood has something for everyone. Coffee houses, restaurants, bars? Check. Local boutiques & yoga? Check. Nature trails, the lake, zoo? Check. History? CHECK. Learn about the neighborhood & discover a few fun facts.
Settled in the early 20th century, the "Bush" was a true melting pot, welcoming immigrant families of at least 14 established backgrounds. Today, Greenbush still boasts several historic homes from that era. Residents enjoy easy access to Lake Wingra, Vilas Beach, Vilas Park Zoo, the UW Arboretum, the UW campus, three major hospitals, as well as downtown Madison.
Rich in history and bursting with an array of community amenities and vibrant neighborhoods, its easy to see why Middleton has been named among the top places to live in the United States by CNN/Money and Money Magazine. Residents enjoy plenty of green spaces, parks and playgrounds as well as a skate park, splash pad, community pool and aquatic center. Four legged friends are welcomed with open arms; leashed dogs are allowed on all trails at the city parks and conservation areas plus the city has 2 off leash dog parks.
Heritage Heights boasts quiet, tree lined streets, spacious homes, large private backyards & is within a short walk of over 100 acres of parks & sanctuary space. Positioned within a triangle of three of east Madison’s big new developments (Union Corners, Royster Corners & the proposed Grandview Commons commercial center), this mature neighborhood offers a smattering of urban amenities within a leisurely bike ride.
Grandview Commons is a well kept secret on Madison’s east side. This newer neighborhood is a throwback to a simpler time; with it’s quiet streets, ample front porches, green spaces, fabulous parks and pond, relaxation is at your fingertips.
Fitchburg offers up an impressive spread of fantastic parks, cycling & mountain bike paths, conservancies & green spaces. A variety of restaurants, coffee shops & bars (many locally owned) are dotted throughout the community. Plenty of events keep residents plugged into the community- Farmer’s markets, an annual art fair, regular art exhibits, outdoor concerts; festivals, the list goes on.
Madison's Spring Harbor neighborhood has a little bit of everything- waterfront property, winding wooded streets & urban amenities.