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 MoreHomes 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.
Read More
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!
Fall 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 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 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 MoreWhether sprucing up for yourself or for a future sale, consider trying out some fresh, new looks in your home. We’ve scoured the web to bring you our favorite 2018 home decor trends from Paris, Madrid, and beyond.
Read MoreWhile being 100% honest can be awkward at times, it’s the only way we operate. One thing that we can promise, though, is that our interactions will always be kind, respectful, and, when necessary, peppered with solutions to overcome whatever obstacle stands in the way.
Read MoreLove statement flooring, but hate the idea of committing to a total flooring redo? Try a vinyl floorcloth or Flor rug tiles.
Read MoreDo you love thrifting, cruising Craigslist or going to antique stores and markets? Krizia, owner of Oak+Olive spills the beans on where to shop, how repurpose the pieces you love, how to assess vintage pieces & how to blend various styles. This post is overflowing with expert tips.
Read MoreDoes your home have a feature that’s outdated, or specific to your tastes/needs, but not the general buyer’s? Is there an obvious quirk that buyers might not love? If so, get creative to help buyers envision themselves in your home.
Read MoreAre you getting ready to sell? Depending upon your house, repairs or improvements can sometimes increase your selling price and/or buyer pool. Likewise, if your home is in need of one of these large (or time sensitive) repairs, you may be best off doing it prior to putting the home on the market.
Read More
Selling soon? Do yourself a favor & begin to par down your belongings. Not only will this simplify your move & give you a fresh start in your new space, your home will show better. Staying put? Eliminating excess stuff cuts down on time spent cleaning & organizing. Simplifying your space is even said to provide a new sense of clarity & ease.
Read MoreA clean, staged home not only looks, smells, & shows better, it just feels more move in ready. A spotless home often gives buyers a piece of mind that it was well cared for & needs “less work” than a comparable home. It can even feel more solid & of better quality than a home that hasn’t had that same attention to detail.
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.