For Sale: 5597 Brendan Ave

Top 5 Reasons to Love This Condo:

1. McKee Farms Park is your neighbor! There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors just steps from your front door. You can also soak up the fresh air from the comfort of your screened balcony.
2. The unique, modern facade delivers on the inside with tall, open and clean spaces.
3. Each bedroom is a suite complete with it’s own beautiful full bath and roomy walk-in closet.
4. Lots of potential for living and working with a lower level office and private, attached 2-car garage.
5. It sits in the heart of Fitchburg, convenient to many great restaurants and community amenities both indoor and out!

Come see this modern gem in person at our open house on Thursday, May 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Details:

• $198,000
• MLS 1746775
• 1644 square feet
• 2 bedrooms
• 2.5 bath
• 2 car garage

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Charming, airy, modern. Fabulously located to suit urban dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Love the open kitchen/dining/living room with private screened balcony overlooking the bike path and creek. Beautiful finishes including solid wood doors and trim plus modern cabinets/hardware/countertops. You’re sure to enjoy the exposed lower level office and private bed/bathroom suites. Steps from the popular McKee Farms Park with plenty of activities for all ages, including a new splash pad; not to mention within easy walking distance to several fabulous restaurants!

Want to learn more or schedule a showing? Just let us know.

Listing a home? Net more with Roost Realty! We’ll market your home with style, vision and boundless energy. Looking to buy? Let us be your property matchmakers! We’ll get you in the community, lifestyle and home of your dreams – because we know a home is so much more than a house.

Wow! Sell NOW!

Today’s inventory shortage and low rates (less than 4%) are driving prices up! Without many listings to choose from, competition is fierce. A strong listing strategy is more important than ever. Just because selling a home is easier today doesn’t mean you should rely on an internet listing and a yard sign to get the job done right. Powerful staging, marketing and negotiation skills are key to drumming up the very best offer and taking full advantage of this seller’s market.

Not selling? Help spread the word! If you know anyone who’s been contemplating a move, do them a favor and tell them inventory is low and demand is high. Now is the time!

Whether you are looking to sell, refinance or remodel, if you own a home, you should know what it’s worth. Call us for your free market analysis or check out www.roostinmadison.com/sellers.

Vintage Gems for Sale!

Over the last few weeks, we have been featuring fabulous bloggers who have graciously agreed to contribute to our dear blog, Live. Love. Roost. While the topics have been straying from what’s near and dear to our heart, Madison real estate, they are all in line with our deep love for great design ideas and all things homey. Please enjoy our final featured blogger in this series, Sarah Mullins, co-owner of the fabulous Monona-based vintage, reclaimed and custom rental warehouse A La Crate! Sarah knows her stuff when it comes to vintage chic and talks about a great opportunity for you (and a great charity) to benefit from her impeccable taste! Are you ready?! Garage sale season is FAST approaching. Mark your calendar for Friday, May 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and be prepared to rummage out on our loading dock located at 2619 Industrial Drive, Monona, WI 53713.

We're selling some gems of pieces that we know you'll love at killer prices and all for a great cause. All of the proceeds will benefit Artworking, a local non-profit that is near and dear to our hearts. Artworking provides professional art mentorship and training for adult artists with cognitive disabilities in our community. As an added bonus, they will be selling some of their artwork at the sale as well!

Three other local businesses will be adding to the sale: Oak + Olive, the owner of which was recently featured in this very guest blogger series, The Cozy Home and The Ironstone Nest!

Here are some examples of pieces that could be yours:

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Vintage Elementary School Chairs: Use one in a child's room for a reading area!

Materials: Pinecones, barn wood, lace, beads, fabric, you name it! Use the pinecones to make a wreath for your home; the beads to make a necklace; lace for garland and vintage fabrics for table settings or sewn together for pillows! I varnished and suspended large embroidery hoops to create a light fixture in our home. You could too!

Furniture: A bar cart in your home could be used to hide beverages and a variety of chairs/tables. The andirons could house a stack of books or an ironing board could be used as a console table behind your sofa. It’s the perfect height!

Trunks: They make great coffee tables and can hold keepsakes.

Odds and Ends: Sometimes these are the best finds! Take for example our stack of burgundy lunch trays! Imagine taking them and making a pattern on the wall. A tripod would make an awesome lamp base! Now that would be cool and I would be jealous!

The sky is the limit, friends, for what you can do with vintage found objects in your home. Get creative and have fun! We’re here to help with ideas.

See you at the sale!

Listing a home? Net more with Roost Realty! We’ll market your home with style, vision and boundless energy. Looking to buy? Let us be your property matchmakers! We’ll get you in the community, lifestyle and home of your dreams – because we know a home is so much more than a house.

Where to Love Madison in the Spring

It's funny how stepping out of your usual surroundings, if only for a few hours, can give you a new sense of clarity and energy. Now that it's nice out, I find myself dying to get outside any chance I can. For some reason it's a stronger pull than in years past, so I made a promise to myself to get outside every day. While I've missed a couple days here and there, I'm happy to report I’m doing pretty well! A couple weeks ago, I visited the Cherokee Marsh Preserve on the north side of Madison. If you've never been, I highly recommend it. Accessible nature is one of the things that makes Madison, Monona, Shorewood Hills, Middleton and our surrounding communities so wonderful. The walk was beautiful, as always, and I had the pleasure of experiencing one of the coolest wildlife encounters. Quietly making my way through the forest, I came across four deer emerging from the woods and onto the path. As soon as I spotted the first one, I froze. She was about to run but instead came closer. Her eyes met my gaze or so it seemed. I've heard that deer don't have great eyesight, so she could have thought I was a stubby, branchless tree trunk, I suppose, but it really felt like we were having a “moment.” Anyway, I remained still, camouflaged in my brown skirt and jacket, and we stared at each other for about a minute before she ran into the adjacent woods. One by one the rest of the deer followed suit. It was truly amazing.

Last week felt a little more chaotic and stressful than usual. Abiding to my promise to get outside daily, I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the Lakeshore Nature Preserve (home of our beloved Picnic Point). While everyone says that Madison is at it's best in the summer, I somewhat disagree. As the ice on our lakes begin to melt and the trees stand leafless against a crisp blue sky, it's hard not to appreciate a different array of urban and natural views that you simply don't get once the leaves fill in. Since I had my camera and nothing but time, I spent my morning on the trails admiring the beauty that is literally steps from the urban bustle of the university and UW hospitals and tucked behind the coveted Shorewood Hills neighborhood.

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Three hours later, I found myself back at the trailhead. Grounded and energized, I grabbed a late lunch and got back to work with a new sense of love for the city I call home. Sure, it may be “small” and imperfect like any other place, but it's a space for anyone and everyone to work, play and find nature. If you find yourself itching to get some fresh air, check out what the Madison area has to offer!

For Sale: 803 Nichols Rd

Top 5 Reasons to Love This Home:

1. It sits in the heart of Monona within an easy walk to the library, pool, parks, schools, beaches, restaurants and more.
2. The spacious, beautifully renovated, sunny kitchen leads out to a large deck.
3. Beautiful solid oak hardwood floors.
4. Original character with all the right updates.
5. A spacious park-like fenced backyard.

Come see this beautiful home in person at our open house on Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The details:

• $195,000
• MLS 1742023
• 1272 finished sq ft
• 3 bedrooms
• 1 bath
• 1 car garage

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A classic cape cod with a twist—a gorgeous and spacious remodeled kitchen comes complete with a Vermont Casting wood stove for cozy entertaining or anytime relaxing. Original solid oak flooring gleams upstairs and down, and the bathroom update has already been done. Just grab a cool drink and head out to the deck to enjoy the large fenced, private backyard!

Updates Include:

• Refinished solid oak floors – 2015
• Garage: New roof and siding – 2015
• New water heater – 2012
• Exposed staircase – 2008
• Many new windows – 2007
• Complete kitchen upgrade and expansion – 2002
• New dishwasher – 2014
• New refrigerator – 2012
• Bathroom update – 2004

Want to learn more or schedule a showing? Just let us know.

Listing a home? Net more with Roost Realty! We’ll market your home with style, vision and boundless energy. Looking to buy? Let us be your property matchmakers! We’ll get you in the community, lifestyle and home of your dreams – because we know a home is so much more than a house.

Affordable DIY Ways to Decorate Your Space

Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring three fabulous bloggers who have graciously agreed to contribute to our dear blog, Live. Love. Roost. While these upcoming topics stray from what’s near and dear to our heart, Madison real estate, they are all in line with our deep love for great design ideas and all things homey. Please enjoy this week’s featured blogger, Jane Blanchard, from the fabulous Austin, Texas blog Modernize! We think this post will especially appeal to those venturing to decorate their new accessory dwelling unit or Airbnb space. Whether you just bought a home or are looking to furnish your newly constructed accessory dwelling unit, you could be flat broke when it comes time to decorate. Luckily, we have some ideas for you that make use of basic items to decorate your space DIY style.

Make that Firewood Useful

Some properties are chock-full of firewood just decorating the backyard. Bring some choice pieces inside to use as decorative accents. Cut small branches lengthwise to hang on the wall. Add fasteners for a makeshift coat rack or even connect four branches into a framed piece of art.

Create an Office...Out of the Closet

If you lack the space for a completely separate office or the supplies to fill it, try filling a closet with shelves and a desk, allowing a compact chair to slide right underneath. You can remove or keep the closet doors as needed. Hiding the space may be preferable in a studio apartment, for instance.

Sand and Finish an Old Wood Table

If you salivate every time you pass by a designer wood table, you are a traditionalist at heart. From the 1950s to 1970s, everyone wanted that smooth wood table. Step it up for the 21st century and make your own wood design. Search for large pieces of wood sold at thrift shops and other outlets. Sand it down, add legs and place it where you like!

Brighten up that Firebox

Fireplaces can look lonely for most of the year, so fill yours up with candles. Use different candles with various heights and sizes to fill the space. Turn them on throughout the year to lend a gorgeous glow to the room without the added heat.

Make old items brand new again with some creative ideas. Your decorative prowess may persuade people into thinking the items are chic designer products. Keep your decorative secret to yourself to impress everyone with a shoestring budget.

Need more home design inspiration? Check out Modernize.com!

Listing a home? Net more with Roost Realty! We’ll market your home with style, vision and boundless energy. Looking to buy? Let us be your property matchmakers! We’ll get you in the community, lifestyle and home of your dreams – because we know a home is so much more than a house.

For Sale: 1439 Rutledge St

1439 Rutledge St, 5 Things I Love About You:

1. You are DONE. As in the move-in ready, gorgeous, no corners cut kind of done. As in the improvement list is pushing 30 bullet points kind of done. (See below for updates.)
2. The fine attention to detail. From the lovingly restored front door to the Art Deco light fixtures; even the light switches and their covers scream vintage cool.
3. Amazing location! While Rutledge Street is quiet, it’s just blocks from one of Madison’s hippest hotspots, the beloved Willy Street area. Need a break from it all? Just around the corner you’ll find yourself at one of many shoreside parks on beautiful Lake Monona.
4. Your yard. It’s private, urban and, of course, thoughtfully landscaped. Love hosting? A fantastic new patio and deck (with built in storage benches) will make you the talk of the town.
5. Your well designed mudroom. When it comes to old homes, it’s the little things we love!

Okay, I've got to cut myself off here. Honestly, I could go on and on. Interested? Come see this beautiful home in person at our open house on Saturday, March 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You won’t be disappointed.

The details:

• $333,000
• MLS 1740488
• 1412 finished sq ft
• 3 bedrooms + finished attic space
• 1 car garage

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Nowhere on the Isthmus will you find a home with such style and panache! Everything major has been done. Recent improvements include the following:

Exterior

• Replaced knob and tube wiring and light fixture with up-to-date electrical
• Replaced front porch
• Added exterior outlets
• Repaired rot damage on trim and soffits
• Upgraded gutter system
• Painted house and garage
• Repaired and refinished front door
• Replaced roof
• Upgraded handles and locks on front and back entrances
• Added deck
• Added patio
• Landscaped back yard
• Replaced roof ridge vent
• Landscaped front yard

Basement

• Added water softener
• Replaced furnace
• Replaced AC
• Replaced water heater
• Replaced washer/dryer

First floor interior

• Added built-in benches to back porch
• Added cabinet doors to spice rack
• Added light fixture to back porch, insulated ceiling
• Replaced dishwasher
• Added shelves and electrical to living room closet for mini-office space
• Updated kitchen, including sink, faucet, quartz counters, backsplash, lighting

Second floor interior

• Added wainscoating to TV den
• Added cable hook-up to TV den
• Replaced all windows

Live the life! Whether you’re craving the eclectic mix of food, drinks and shops that line the ever popular Willy Street or the peaceful waters of Lake Monona, it’s all just steps away. See? It’s beautiful AND smart. What more could you ask for?

BONUS: Light fare will be served by local food blogger Jessica of SaucyPear.com. She’ll be sharing easy, produce-heavy recipes and will be available to provide tips for using more local vegetables in your family's meals!

Want to learn more or schedule a showing? Just let us know.

Listing a home? Net more with Roost Realty! We’ll market your home with style, vision and boundless energy. Looking to buy? Let us be your property matchmakers! We’ll get you in the community, lifestyle and home of your dreams – because we know a home is so much more than a house.

Where and How to Buy Good Vintage Pieces

Over the next few weeks, we will be featuring three fabulous bloggers who have graciously agreed to contribute to our dear blog, Live. Love. Roost. While these upcoming topics stray from what’s near and dear to our heart, Madison real estate, they are all in line with our deep love for great design ideas and all things homey. Please enjoy this week’s featured blogger, Madison’s own kick-butt furniture refinishing extraordinaire, Krizia Villanueva from Oak+Olive! Do you love thrifting? Do you love cruising Craigslist? Do you love going to antique stores and markets? I think most of us do, and how could you not? It's fun, it's energizing, and it spurs creativity to no end! But, how do you know where to go?  Will you find what you're actually looking for? Will it be the right piece for you? Don't go rushing to the nearest big box retailer because you might be frustrated! Of course there are items that you need at these larger establishments, but it's really wonderful to be able to mix and match your decor. It's interesting, it has a story, and it feels more welcome for both you and your guests. Blending new, vintage, and handmade is the perfect recipe for a cozy home, I promise.

I'm Krizia, the owner of Oak+Olive. I paint and refinish furniture. I find a piece of furniture that needs some love and turn it into a modern and sophisticated (sometimes whimsical) piece that you can add to your home. I like to use color, but I also want my pieces to have a warm and earthy feeling to them because I value a comfortable and stylish home. My other goal is to provide you with inspiration on style and decor as evidenced by the addition of House Tours on my blog. I show homes that are creative and stylish. Homes that blend those three important pieces: new, vintage, and handmade.

Today, I wanted to share with you some tips on where to find good vintage furniture and decor as well as some thought processes on how you can determine that the item(s) will be the right purchase for you.

The first thing to consider is where to shop:

Well… Shop local, of course! See what kind of cool vintage shops and antique stores are around you. I promise there are many. Sometimes I think these stores are a little harder to find with basic searches - like “vintage shops (+your city),” “thrift shops,” “antique stores/malls,” etc. - but it is possible to find them this way with a little effort.

A REALLY great resource to find shops in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin is the Vintage Shop Hop. I don't know a lot about who's behind this magnificent idea, but it's an excellent way to plan a weekend, hit the road with your friends and stop at all of the participating stores in the area. This year's annual Shop Hop just happened; however, they leave the names of 200+ participating shops on their website for you to check out. You can easily plan your own road trip anytime to visit these unique places. They make it so easy to figure out your route with their handy map of shop locations too.

Also, if you’re into sourcing even more vintage, the folks behind the Vintage Shop Hop have put together a photo album of places all throughout the midwest. Click on “Photos,” then “Albums,” then “Road Trips” on Nellie’s Barn Sale Facebook page for all sorts of flyers for  flea markets, pop up shops, and barn sales in the Midwest.

Etsy is another great way to shop local believe it or not! I think so many people think Etsy is this unmanageable sea of stuff (which it can be), but if you know what you are looking for or have an idea, then this is an excellent resource for vintage and handmade. On their homepage you can choose “Shop Local,” type in the city you're looking to shop and also what you are looking for. For instance, you could type in "vintage" or "furniture" or you can be more specific and type in "ceramics" or "jewelry.” I think the great thing about this is that you can find small businesses who are really passionate about what they do but don't have a brick and mortar shops. You can write the shop owners directly, ask questions, meet them and pick up your order without the hassle of paying for shipping.

Along with local shops, go to vintage and handmade markets to find great pieces. You can search the internet easily for flea markets, pop up shops, indie craft fairs, or urban outdoor vintage markets in your area. Many times, you'll find out about local shops because they are the vendors at these markets along with other regional shops who travel to be in the shows.

How to shop:

Now that you know where to shop, it's time to think about how you are going to choose the right item to add to your collection. Decor purchases are generally easier, but be careful about going overboard with those smalls! It's easy to buy small $5-$20 purchases just to get home and wonder where the heck you’re going to put it all and does it actually match your style/decor?! Try not to let it get out of control because if you're like me, it'll just make you feel uncomfortable and your space will be cluttered.

Buying Furniture:

When buying larger items like furniture, that's always a little harder. Prices tend to be a little higher than you were hoping, yet you know you really want something fun and unique to add to your house. Here are some things to consider when you're choosing a piece of furniture for your collection.

Consider the structure/assess damage:

Is the piece of furniture well built? Is it solid wood? Are there broken pieces like missing veneer, cracks, and/or water damage? Sometimes these aren’t always reasons to say no to the piece and it’s important to ask yourself if it’s fixable. A lot of times broken or missing pieces of wood can be fixed with wood filler if you are going to paint it. If you aren’t going to paint it, occasionally that missing piece is not that big of a deal.

For example, to the left is a Mid Century Modern dresser that I refinished earlier this year. You can see where there’s a small chunk of wood that’s missing on the bottom right of the third drawer. To me, that was no big deal and I thought it added to the uniqueness of it. Plus it’s old! Letting some character show is OK in my book.

Style:

What’s the style you’re going for? Is your home mostly modern, cottage chic, industrial, bohemian? Many times these different styles can work together, but sometimes they don’t. I’ve always loved a more modern look with some industrial and bohemian thrown in. But, occasionally I’m drawn towards a vintage farmhouse look. I found that when I bought furniture and decor with a farmhouse look and tried to mix it in, it just didn’t quite fit. There have been a lot of  times where I’ve spent money on things that just don’t go, leaving me with more clutter than I know what to do with. (Good thing for Craigslist!) So, I think it’s always a good idea to keep in mind the overall look you are trying to achieve before buying a piece of furniture.

Function:

What are you going to use the furniture for? Dressers, for example, have become very versatile with people thinking of other ways to use them. Changing tables in nurseries, credenzas in the dining room or living room, or entryway storage are the most popular. It’s great that one piece of furniture can be so multifunctional.

Below are three pieces I worked on that speak to the power of versatile furniture. The first one is a MCM dresser that I painted for Sarah and Jeff of A LA CRATE Vintage Rentals to use as changing table in their little one’s nursery (image courtesy of Twig & Olive Photography; dresser painted by Oak+Olive). The second one is an antique buffet retrofitted as a bathroom vanity (image courtesy of Oak+Olive). The last one features a MCM dresser used for storage in a kitchen (image courtesy Beth Skogen Photography; dresser painted and refinished by Oak+Olive featured on this house tour).

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[/slider] So when you start planning your trips and getting out there, try to keep in mind function, style, and the structure of your vintage furniture (and decor)! There’s an incredible amount out there along with reclaimed and handmade, so why not fill your home with all of these gems? Spring and summer are the perfect times to plan your trips. Good luck and happy hunting!

Listing a home? Net more with Roost Realty! We'll market your home with style, vision and boundless energy. Looking to buy? Let us be your property matchmakers! We'll get you in the community, lifestyle and home of your dreams - because we know a home is so much more than a house.

Five Reasons to List with Roost

Looking to sell your home this spring? Here are five reasons to hire Roost!*

1. Our snappy writing and clever marketing draw the utmost attention to your home.
2. We tell everyone why your neighborhood is the cream of the crop! Buyers aren’t only looking for the perfect home, but also their ideal location, which is why we get out to play in our community. What better way to showcase your fab locale than to visit, photograph and blog about your local hotspots?
3. Our popular blog and social media sites are bursting at the seams with a wide array of real estate info. We not only have the attention of current buyers, but also their friends, family, co-workers and even their Realtors. We can’t think of anyone better to help us spread the word about our next hot listing!
4. We limit our workload to ensure you the very best customer service.
5. We consistently go the extra mile to make our clients’ home-selling experience a smooth and positive one.

Listing a home? Net more with Roost Realty! We'll market your home with style, vision and boundless energy. Looking to buy? Let us be your property matchmakers! We'll get you in the community, lifestyle and home of your dreams - because we know a home is so much more than a house.

*Not intended to solicit active listings.

The Dirty Secrets Behind Zestimates

A while back, we uncovered the truth about the accuracy of our beloved Zillow's "Zestimate."A recent article by the Washington Post made us wonder, are Zestimates totally invalid or do they still provide value to home buyers and home sellers seeking the hard facts behind the Madison, WI real estate market? Read on to draw your own conclusions and if you're a homeowner asking "But what can I do to improve my Zestimate?" - don't fret! The answers are just a click away! Read more >

Roost Around Town: Exploring Hidden Gems

Exploring all that our neighborhoods have to offer is one of my favorite parts of being a Madison Realtor. Since our family loves getting outside, a healthy roster of outdoor destinations is a must. Luckily, the communities in the Madison area provide many chances to escape the daily grind year round. Whether you have 45 minutes or an entire afternoon, the Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy is always a good place to escape and recharge. Forest, prairies, natural springs, wildlife and Native American burial mounds are just a few things you’re sure to appreciate about this 500-acre site.

If you’re looking for a little more action, swing by the the adjoining Orchid Heights Park (along the outer path of the conservancy on the eastern edge) where you’ll find a seasonal ice skating rink, a baseball diamond, play structures and soccer fields as well as basketball, volleyball and tennis courts.

As you may suspect, expansive, natural delights such as Pheasant Branch aren’t easy to come by in urban areas, making the conservancy a valuable asset to Middleton residents as well as the local real estate market. Nestled between several coveted Middleton neighborhoods (Middleton Hills, Conservancy View, Northlake, Pheasant Branch Ridge and Orchid Heights, to name a few), the conservancy serves as a place for children and adults to explore, learn, play, exercise, spot wildlife and hone their photography skills.

Whether you’re walking, running or biking, you’re sure to enjoy your time in this dynamic natural space! Likewise, if you're in the market for Middleton or Madison real estate and you want nature, outdoor fun and urban amenities at your fingertips, I urge you to explore this fine Middleton locale.

Listing a home? Net more with Roost Realty! We'll market your home with style, vision and boundless energy. Looking to buy? Let us be your property matchmakers! We'll get you in the community, lifestyle and home of your dreams - because we know a home is so much more than a house.

Spruce Up! Designer Home Decorating Tips

Did you know that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reports that a staged house will sell, on average, 17% higher than an empty or unstaged house? Did you know that an investment of 1-3% of the asking price results in an 8-10% return, according to the National Association of Realtors? Well you do now! So what can you do with this vital yet somewhat overwhelming piece of information? Check out our blog series where we discussed home staging tips and tricks with one of Madison’s most creative interior designers, Katie Rusch!

Part 1: Home Staging: Expert Q&A Part 2: Home Staging: Common Mistakes & Success Stories Part 3: Home Staging: 10 Commandments Part 4: Home Staging on a Budget

All About CSAs

A number of years back, I heard about something called a CSA from some of my book club friends. Not having heard of this before, I was curious and wanted to know more about it. They explained to me that a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) essentially meant joining a local farm by buying a share and having a box of fresh produce delivered on a weekly (or biweekly) basis. The catch was that you had to pick up the box from a delivery site and you got what you got in your box, whether or not your family actually liked (or ate) what was in it. I was all about trying new veggies so I did some research and signed up for what sounded like the best fit for my family the next season. We have had a CSA ever since and rave about it to people who either haven’t heard of it or haven’t yet tried it. There are so many benefits to having a CSA. It supports local farms, challenges us to eat much more of a variety of healthy foods, and reduces the miles between where our food comes from and our plate. Living in the Madison area, we have the luxury of having loads of farms to choose from.

When it comes to choosing the right CSA there are numerous factors to consider:

• Size of the farm
• Price of the share
• Size of the share
• Number of delivery weeks per season
• Location of the pick up sites
• Types of produce offered (most CSA sites have a list of what they grow)
• Other food items offered (eggs, bread, fruit, meat, etc)

Having a CSA has opened our eyes to the importance of eating local and, in a good way, forced us to try things we never would have bought at the grocery store. Consider sharing a CSA or signing up for a biweekly share if you’re not feeling confident you can get through all the produce in a week. Sign up now to get your pick of farms and help your local farmers with some early season seed money. Soon you’ll be raving to all of your friends!

Why the “Off Season” is a Good Time to Sell

The spring is a wonderful time of year. Snow and ice melt away yielding to the beauty of green grass, budding flowers and "for sale" signs springing up in yards across town. Yes, spring is the time of year when the Madison real estate market really rocks and rolls. At Roost, we predict this spring to be no exception. And while it is common to wait until the spring to list a home, it's not necessarily the most ideal season to do so! What most home sellers don’t realize is that winter is actually a great time to list a home (see previous blog post, 5 Reasons to Sell in the Off-Season). Winter is a magical time of glistening snow, barren landscapes and troves of serious homes buyers combing a real estate market that contains significantly less listings for them to choose from as compared to other times of the year. Still skeptical? Check out these recent articles in the LA Times and Huffington Post that further support this claim.

If you’re thinking about selling your home this year, consider doing it sooner rather than later and contact us. We'd love to help you get the most out of your listing!

Declutter! You'll Be Glad You Did

Decluttering is a topic we here at Roost think about often (see here, here and here). And it’s no wonder! Whether preparing to be a home seller or gearing up to simplify your space, eliminating extra stuff can be hard. When items feel too valuable to donate, not only is it time consuming to sell them (determining value, taking photos, marketing, etc.), but it can also be emotional. Recently, I decided to take the plunge and liquidate my collection of mid century modern goodies. The first to go was my most prized treasure, a beautiful pair of mid century sofas. It was kind of like losing a family member. That said, they’d been in my garage for months, so it was time to find them a new, loving home.

As listing agents, we take great pride in our work. This work includes (on top of many things) staging, which is just one of the ways we maximize client profit. This process of decluttering opened my eyes to what our clients may feel as we walk through their homes identifying possessions that must go (or get packed up) in order to make buyers swoon. You may ask: Is it really worth it? You bet. It’s just another reason why our listings sell 2% higher than the average listing.

Starting with the sofas was like ripping off a bandage; painful at first, but soon enough it was like it never happened. The end result felt great; less can be more! If you’re preparing to sell your home, here are a few simple ways to declutter, inspired by the folks at becomingminimalist.com:

1. Make it manageable. Give away just one item each day, every day. This will create momentum without overwhelming you away from getting started.
2. Turn it into a game. See how quickly you can find 10 items to toss, 10 items to donate and 10 items to put back where they should go. Enlist your family members to play!
3. See your home in a new light. We develop a blindness to our everyday surroundings. Take photos and evaluate your space objectively or invite someone new over to get their two cents. Simply preparing for their visit may spark changes!

For sale: 409 N 7th Street

We’re excited to share our newest listing at 409 N 7th Street in the trendy Emerson East neighborhood! Join us at the open house on Sunday, January 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. [slider] [slide image_width="500" image_height="333" alt_text="409 N Seventh Street" auto_resize="true"]http://www.roostinmadison.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/IMG_7941.2.jpg[/slide]

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Top 8 Reasons to Buy This Home:

1. Open, sun-filled floor plan
2. Super spacious foyer: plenty of room to stash jackets, boots, bags and accessories
3. Private backyard with extensive landscaping (just ask us for the landscaping sketches)
4. Vintage-y charm
5. Modern improvements (exactly where you want ‘em)
6. Next to one of Madison’s coolest parks - Demetral Park
7. In coveted Emerson East neighborhood
8. Within walking distance to a growing number of hip, locally owned hotspots

The details:

• $195,000
• MLS 1733859
• 1562 finished sq ft
• 2 bedrooms + an office
• 1.5 baths
• 1 car garage

Everyday is a bright and sunshiny one in this stylish bungalow! An ultra open living and dining room boasts plentiful windows while creating a warm, inviting space for all to comfortably gather and tinker. A fine balance of modern and vintage means charming wood floors, original doors and fixtures, and cool yet practical built-ins. A sleek new bathroom and modern kitchen adds a fun twist to an old classic, and the list does not end there with numerous updates that will put your minds (and pocketbooks) at ease.

Perfectly located in the urban and trendy Emerson neighborhood, you’re sure to appreciate the array of shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bars that are within a short walk. On top of that, you’re literally a hop, skip and a jump away from the popular Demetral Park and extensive bike path system.

Updates Include:

• Completely remodeled bathroom - 2011
  • Grohe, CB2, West Elm, and Ikea fixtures
• Completely remodeled kitchen - 2005
  • Kenmore refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher
• Finished basement - 2006
  • Sewing/craft space
  • Guest area
  • Enclosed bathroom
  • New Samsung high efficiency washer - 2013
  • Storage room with built-in shelving
  • New hot water heater - 2010
  • New water softener - 2013
• New garage roof - 2007
• New garage windows - 2012
• Insulated garage - 2012
• Backyard landscape design by FormEcology - 2013
• Front deck - 2007
• Front landscaping - 2010
• Blown-in insulation in walls - 2005
• New windows throughout house - 2005

Want to learn more, or schedule a showing? Just let us know.

A Journey to the World’s Longest Yard Sale

Panic - an expression I would come to know well as we barreled down the interstates and highways. After all, the 12 passenger cargo van was a far cry from my little Prius and it took some getting used to. Paging through Ki Naussauer’s "Flea Market Style" magazine months prior, I came across an article about the World's Longest Yard Sale, a nearly 700-mile goldmine of treasure hunting opportunities. With slight hesitation, I invited my mom, grandma and daughter along to see what it was all about, bravely ignoring the fact that my mom and I despise driving long distances. I trusted that the invaluable treasures and trinkets found would make the 25 hours of driving worth it.

We began our journey with our sights set on Covington, Kentucky, an ambitious 10-hour day of driving with pit stops. The van, as I mentioned, took a little getting used to. Left turns & changing lanes became much more exciting/scary for my passengers. My mother, as much as I love her, is a professional backseat driver in typical driving scenarios; add the van/bus to the mix and I just wished she would take a nap. (She did not.)

Despite adversity and bouts of bickering, we made it to our destination! The sales, as assumed, were a ton of fun. We saw a lot of cool stuff, got some neat ideas and picked up lots of goodies. We spent hours at large clusters of sales that were much like mini flea markets. There was a lot to see, drink and eat, but the individual sales, once we got into the neighborhoods, were really the best. We saw a wider array of stuff and the prices were generally much lower. I was inspired by all of the "upcycled" furniture, and now I’m eyeing up my childhood dresser (which is currently "homeless") as my first project.

Overall, I would say the trip was a success; we came home with some cool stuff but, more importantly, we enjoyed our time together. Will we do it again? Maybe. If we do, I may add a few things to my packing list like a fully loaded iPod (internet was spotty most of the way, so relying on Pandora and the radio was a mistake); a cooler - I don't even want to tell you how much junky gas station food was ingested in those five days; and a driver. We're currently trying to recruit my cousin, Jason, to drive next year. We may need to bribe him.

Places to check out if you’re down around Kentucky ya’ll:

• Four Roses Distillery - A unique distillery with an interesting history and tasty bourbon.
• This awesome historic log cabin we booked for a few days found via www.airbnb.com.
• We spent a few hours glazing pottery at Elements Clay Studio. This pretty little shop was very warm and welcoming. A great place to spend an afternoon!

A photo gallery of my excellent finds:

9 Mini Home Makeover Tips

Whether preparing your home for sale or the parade of holiday visitors, here is our list of 9 tips to make your home shine.

1. Commit to the deep clean. It may not be spring, but a deep and thorough cleaning will make you see and feel a difference in your home! Tackle these often neglected areas or consider hiring a pro to do the dirty work. --Steam clean carpet --Wash windows, sills and trim --Wash walls --Wash baseboards and floors by hand --Take down overhead light shades and globes and wash them up in hot soapy water --Clean cabinetry, especially around the hardware --Do a cobweb sweep of ceilings throughout the house
2. Eliminate the clutter. Donate or sell what you don’t absolutely need. You will appreciate what remains more and it may even free up some mental space too!
3. Hide the necessities. Stash your to-do piles and everyday gadgets like phone chargers and keys in decorative containers. Making the functional more beautiful may not only brighten your mood but also help keep your life organized everyday of the year. (Pictured right: Wood boxes hide countertop clutter and cloth napkins.)
4. Pare down the furniture while making the most of what you keep. Can a cedar chest also serve as seating in an entryway or under a window? Can you use a bookcase for storage and as a room divider?
5. Touch up your walls, trim and baseboard if you still love the colors. Consider painting your ceilings if it’s been a while, it can make a giant impact! You could freshen up your white or get adventurous with the color.
6. Repaint if you're ready for a whole new palette. Choose complementary paint colors for rooms that connect to improve the flow of your home and make spaces feel larger and more cohesive.
7. Update your window covers, rods and/or brackets. Hang rods slightly higher than and farther out from the window trim to give the illusion of bigger windows. Floor length curtains also make ceilings feel taller.
8. Update your lighting. I love Cree LED bulbs. They give the appearance of higher wattage. I recently put these bulbs in all of my ceiling fixtures and lamps. What a difference!
9. Replace bland artwork with pieces that make you happy and help tell your story. Consider framing snapshots from your last vacay, favorite cards from friends or even your child's artwork. (Pictured left: Collages made from items collected on an extended cross-country road trip.)

Glenwood Park, Dudgeon Monroe

On these chilly yet tolerable days of fall, I’m always looking for reasons to get out and enjoy our fine Madison neighborhoods before the temps take a nosedive. Some time ago I stumbled upon the hidden gem that is Glenwood Children's Park in the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood. Discoveries like these always come in handy on those rare occasions that our family has a free day with no place to be. Camera in hand, we set out to enjoy a fantastic fall afternoon. Glenwood offers plenty of great photo ops as well as an endless amount of possibilities for crawling around in weird places, building forts and general goofing off.

It goes without saying that spots like these are few and far between in urban areas, making Glenwood an attractive asset to the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood and surrounding real estate. Not only does the park offer a peaceful place to contemplate the finer points of life, it also provides hours of creative outdoor play and exploration.

Growing up in the country, I spent countless hours playing in the woods. I would build forts and tree houses; find cool rocks, sticks and hiding spots; and, of course, make the occasional and important discovery of an animal bone, which was always exciting. It was refreshing to share that experience with my teenager and see her genuinely enjoy our time together in this urban forest.

If you're in the market for Madison real estate and enjoy walking to urban amenities, taking scenic bike rides, participating in water sports and/or letting yourself (or your kids) run loose in the forest, then you simply have to check out the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood and Glenwood Children's Park. You won't be disappointed.

If you would like to browse properties currently available in the Dudgeon Monroe neighborhood, please click here.

Pie, Me Oh My, I love Pie

One of my favorite parts about being a Madison Realtor is discovering the hidden gems within the neighborhoods that I work. A couple weeks ago I found a new favorite, Humble Pie, tucked just off of Regent Street in the University Heights neighborhood. Folks, I hold no degree on the matter, but I do like to think of myself as somewhat of a “dessert connoisseur.” This means that I not only have a deep love for all things sweet and sugary, but I also enjoy them regularly and tend to analyze and compare their tastiness. I can tell you where to find a mean lemon blackberry ricotta muffin (4&20 Bakery & Cafe in the Emerson neighborhood), a killer doughnut (Greebush Bakery on the edge of the Greenbush and Vilas neighborhoods), a fantastic brownie (Collectivo Coffee in downtown Madison) or the best ice cream cone in town (Babcock Hall at the Union Terrace). I digress... Back to the subject at hand: PIE! I had the seasonal Blackberry Stack, which was quite literally the best dessert I’ve ever had. (And have I mentioned that I am a former Norske Nook employee? That place is kind of a big deal in pie world, people.)

Heed my taste bud expertise! The next time you are craving a delicious, moist, buttery explosion of amazingness, go to Humble Pie. Enjoy your treat at the shop to fully soak in the good vibes that can only be created by true pie wizardry. And while you should never feel guilty about enjoying a truly fantastic piece of pie, ride your bike, if you must, and work off those extra calories as you enjoy the towering trees and sheer bliss of some of the finest Madison neighborhoods on the Southwest Commuter path.

Do you have any favorite go-tos in the Madison area when it comes to desserts? If so please share!