Anna's Blog

Welcome to Anna’s blog where I hope you will find helpful information on the Madison-area real estate market!

Last weekend I had a booth at the Madison Area Builders Association New Home Products Show. I was there with my colleague Brandon Buell to chat with folks about our condo projects in Oregon & Verona and about Madison real estate in general. What I most enjoyed about the weekend was getting the chance to run around the show and talk with builders I know and to see the new and exciting home products that are available now.

Growing up, I was always around building and remodeling as my dad was an architect. He would pick me up from school and then take me to one of his job sites, so I got to see the building process from an early age… and home products have certainly changed since then. At the home show I saw roofing material made out of recycled plastics and metal roofs that look like shake shingles, tank-less water heaters, reclaimed flooring, radiant heating, home sauna kits and so much more. The focus now is on creating the ultimate comfort in our homes, but with special attention to its energy efficiency. Buyers, from first-timers to many-timers, are out there looking for a home that is “updated” – front loading washers, energy efficient kitchen appliances, 100 or 200 AMP electrical service with wiring for high speed internet and roofs and mechanicals that still have good life left in them.

You can go pretty wild with all of the exciting home products out there today, but it is best to keep in mind that whatever you choose should be something that you would enjoy while you live in your home as well as something that would add to the value when you decide to sell your home. And that is what I tell my clients! My personal favorite at the show was the home sauna kit… now, if I decide to sell my home soon would I get my investment back? Well, it depends on the buyer, but my guess is probably not. However, will I enjoy my home sauna? Absolutely!

If you have any questions about what remodeling projects will add the most value to your home, just give me a call and I would be happy to give you latest numbers on the returns on your home investment. Until then, happy spring remodeling!!