These home renovations tend to not pay back your investment. photo credit: Jeremy Levine Design via photopin cc Home investors have to walk a very thin line in their prospecting and repairing.  They want to find a home that others have ignored due to necessary repairs and updating.  However, they don’t want to waste money on improvements that simply look nice but fail to increase the home’s overall price.  Here are the top renovations that do not add much value to the home. Grandiose Landscaping Potential buyers will appreciate a well-kept lawn and may be somewhat attracted to a nice flower bed by the front door, but elaborate landscaping will not add to the home’s price.  Even worse, if the prospective buyer has no inclination to spend hours in the yard weeding, fertilizing and replant... 10/03/2013

Are you interested in a Rent-To-Own opportunity?   What if you could shop for any house currently listed?     I’m excited to tell you about a brand new opportunity in the Madison and Janesville areas. We are now working with an investor who will allow you to do just that, shop for the home that you want to Rent-To-Own! Actually, they offer two options: Find the perfect home in your price range. The investor purchases it and you start your journey towards home ownership! Find a fixer upper. The investor remodels the home to your tastes and then you move in and start making payments! Let’s face it, if your credit isn’t the best, most banks won’t consider financing a home for you. Does bad credit really mean that you won’t make your payments? Of course not. We realize that sometimes thing... 09/17/2013

When sellers put their home on the market it is important that it is staged to be appealing to buyers. You may be only selling the home and not your furniture, but how you arrange your furniture can influence how potential buyers see your home. Let’s FocusHaving a focal point in the room helps the appeal. Especially in living rooms it is important to make sure you have a focal point and arrange the furniture around it. Great focal points may be a fireplace, picture window, or a big screen TV. Make sure you arrange the furniture in a way that makes sense for the focal point. Don’t Cramp My StyleToo much or too little furniture for a space may influence how buyers perceive the space. Having too much furniture in a room may make it seem smaller than it really is. If there is no or not enou... 09/03/2013

Are you searching for a home?  Visit an open house this upcoming Sunday,   to find out if the perfect home is out there for you. An open house is the perfect way to start your search. No obligations and the ability to take your time. If you would like to schedule a private appointment to see one of these homes please Contact us at 608.239.5593.   Monona Open House August 18th Vilas-Greenbush Open House Sunday August 18th Westmorland Open House 8/18 Nakoma Open House Sunday August 18 Downtown Open Houses August 18 08/16/2013

Are you searching for a home?  Visit an open house this upcoming Sunday,   to find out if the perfect home is out there for you. An open house is the perfect way to start your search. No obligations and the ability to take your time. If you would like to schedule a private appointment to see one of these homes please Contact us at 608.239.5593. Nakoma Open House Sunday August 11th Sunset Village Open House August 11th Maple Bluff Open House August 11th Middleton Open House August 11     08/09/2013

Westmorland is a close knit community of neighbor and friends. Its neighborhood association goes back almost 70 years and is one of Madison's most active community groups. Its quiet tree lined streets and diverse architecture make this neighborhood very pleasant. It's the kind of neighborhood young couples and growing families drive through and dream about their first home.  The blending of perfectly sized family homes with easy access to a newly renovated library and local businesses makes this neighborhood a perfect place to get the best of a small neighborhood on the edge of a bigger city. The neighborhood hosts many social events like the Winter Play Day, Summer Garden tours, Halloween Parade-Party and Winter House Decorating Contest. Westmorland also has its own Walking Band. It's ... 08/08/2013

Are you searching for a home in Madison? Visit an open house this upcoming Sunday, to find out if the perfect home is out there for you. An open house is the perfect way to start your search. No obligations and the ability to take your time. If you would like to schedule a private appointment to see one of these homes please Contact us at 608.239.5593   Monona Open House August 4   Vilas-Greenbush Open House Sunday August 4th   Sunset Village Open House August 4th   Downtown Open Houses August 4th   Fitchburg Open House August 4th 08/03/2013

Sunset Village, dream and last major project for Madison developer John C McKenna. He felt it was the "Sunset" of his career and named it so. Sunset Village is on the near west side south of University Ave and west of Eugenia St. Gently rolling hills with mature tree-lined street make up this neighborhood. The reality of the community stayed true to McKenna's original vision for the area. When the project was started in 1937 he envisioned a neighborhood of 2 to 4 bedroom single family homes with nice sized yards that were well taken cared of and loved. He also envisioned a lively close knit community of young families that were active in the neighborhood. His vision for Sunset Village is why it's one of Madison's most desirable areas to live. Events like the Annual Neighborhood picnic, ... 08/01/2013

New York loft living in the Midwest? Yes it is possible. Das Kronenberg could be in Mid Town or Soho New York but it's in Madison Wisconsin. This brown brick building started off as the Badger State Shoe Company's factory in 1910, was turned into a warehouse in the 30's and finally brought back to life in the 1990's as unique urban apartments. In 2004 this Historical landmark was converted into 43 condominiums and renamed Das Kronenberg after its famed architect, Ferdinand Kronenberg. The building was redesigned with "Modern Living" as its major priority. The units range from cozy 1 bedroom to spacious family sized 3 bedrooms. There is a fitness center with everything you need to work off a day's stress or that truffle you ate from Candinas. Close your eyes and imagine a view of both La... 07/29/2013

The Majestic Madison's Loraine Hotel  was saved from demolition and renovated into exquisite condominiums. The Tudor Revival 250 room hotel completed in 1925 was one of Madison's most prestigious  hotels until the 1960's. From the 60's to the late 90's The Loraine's beauty was hidden under fake walls & lowered ceilings to make the building useable as office spaces. It wasn't until a visionary Developer bought the building & started to bring The Loraine back to life that her beauty started to show again. The lower levels of The Loraine were excavated to make room for several levels of heated parking, 5 commercial spaces were created & 87 class "A" condos were designed. The crown on the Queen is the 7 2 story Penthouses on the 10th floor. Each have their own personalized layout and citysc... 07/22/2013

Considered one of Madison’s 1st suburbs, University Heights was planned to be close to the University and Lake Mendota. University Heights has always been the desired place to have a residence for the University, Madison’s professionals and entrepreneurs.  As one of Madison's leading neighborhoods, it features many architecturally important residences including Louis Sullivan's Bradley House, Frank Lloyd Wright's Gilmore House, George Fred Keck's Morehouse House, and many homes by leading Madison architects like Claude and Stark, Alvin Small, and Law, Law and Potter. Many wonderful examples of Queen Anne, prairie style and period revival houses were built in University Heights.  Many fine examples are still standing today.   Besides the amazing architecture University Heights  is also ... 07/15/2013

137 E Wilson St isn’t your typical address. It’s the location of one of Madison’s most contemporary and forward thinking downtown condominium communities. The first thing you notice is the striking corrugated aluminum exterior. Andy Warhol would have a field day with this fresh contemporary look. Wisely designed every unit of this downtown 14 story high-rise is a corner unit with a circular balcony. Walls of energy efficient glass give you panoramic views of Lake Monona, the Capitol and the Isthmus, abundant light and refreshing lake breezes.  9 ft ceilings give these condos a downtown New York loft kind of feeling.   With this downtown condo community being almost on the lake shore, boating and water fun is just outside your building. Where else can you find a beautiful lake downtown l... 07/11/2013

photo credit: reallyboring via photopin cc Advice About Purchasing Your First Rental Home/Property(Investment Properties: Part 1 of 5) Before buying that first piece of rental property it is important that you answer a single question. This question has nothing to do with your credit score, your experience with real estate or how much money you can gather for the purchase. The question is quite simple: WHY are you buying an investment home? The answer to this question will guide you towards the right kind of property and the right type of financing. Let’s look at some examples to get a better idea of reasons people use to start investing in homes. Saving for College Tuition This type of goal usually involves a term over a few years. Couples with young children will buy a home in an are... 07/11/2013

100 Wisconsin is the only condominium project downtown right on the Capitol Square.  With its simple modern brick & glass exterior it complements the more traditional downtown buildings. 45 unique condos (8 floors) & 4 floors of premier downtown office space make up this buildings community.   All four sides have different stunning views of Lake Mendota, the University of Wi campus, the State Capitol and urban downtown landscapes.   With a walking score of 98 and a biking score of 97 out of 100 for 100 Wisconsin there’s almost no need for a vehicle most days. With over 40 restaurants ranging from subs to haute cuisine downtown eating is like no other in the Madison area. The famous Capitol Square Farmer’s Market is right outside 100 Wisconsin’s lobby doors and the Overture Center is a s... 07/10/2013

Rock Realty Client Testimonials"Mike & Matt, Thank you so much for helping us find our dream home! We love it! Thank you for the many hours spent in research, travel, phone calls, and emails. Thank you for being open & honest with us every step of the way! We felt we could trust you 100%. We really enjoyed working with you and highly recommend you to others. Thanks!" Kevin & Abby G. (Madison, WI)Rock Realty Home Buyer Client Thanks for the compliments, and Congratulations on your new home Kevin & Abby! Looking to purchase a home in Wisconsin?? Contact Rock Realty! We would love to help!! 07/10/2013

1817 Anhalt Dr, Madison, WI 53704 (MLS # 1688898)Now: $175,000! 3 Bedroom Madison Tri-Level w/ 2 Car Garage Very well maintained tri-level in quiet neighborhood. Real hardwood floors in dinning room and living room with vaulted ceiling and fan. 2 decks that overlook corner lot. Across the street from city park. Short sale. CLICK THE PICTURE BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND ADDITIONAL PICTURES! Property Highlights Tri-Level Corner Lot Two Car Garage Vaulted Ceilings Two Bathrooms Multiple Ceiling Fans Hardwood Floors Two Decks Short Sale Dishwasher Features Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Home Size: 1,540 sq.ft. Garage: 2 Lot Size: 0.20 Acres County: Dane Property Type: Single Family Home Year Built: 1995 MLS Number: 1688898 Click here for additional homes for sale in Madison: Madison Wisconsin Ho... 07/08/2013

Located just three blocks off the Capitol Square in downtown Madison, Metropolitan Place is one of the most popular condos for people looking for the best of downtown living with easy access to surrounding neighborhoods and the UW Madison campus. The building is split into two towers with a handsome brick and masonry exterior and views of both lakes from the upper floors. With on-site professional management, secure parking, a one-acre private roof top park for residents and dog exercise area, this great building is designed to cater to almost any resident’s needs.   The building itself was completed in 2009, so amenities and interiors feature the most modern touches, making every condo stylish and contemporary. For people who need to get to UW Campus quickly, or want to head down West... 07/03/2013

Just Sold! 125 Belmont Rd, Madison Wisconsin 53714 We are happy to announce a new home purchase for another Madison Wisconsin Rock Realty home buyer! This home was such a gem and so conveniently located to everything on the East Side of Madison. With 3 bedrooms, a nice sized lot and a large garage as well, we expect the new home owners will be happy for years to come! Congratulations on your new Home Purchase Kevin & Abby! If you are thinking of selling or buying a home in Wisconsin, our home buyer specialists would be happy to assist you. Give Rock Realty a call at 877-774-7625. We are a full service real estate brokerage.   OTHER ARTICLES Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before Looking for a WI Home 7 Steps to Take Before You Buy a Home Avoiding Problems with Your Escrow Account Be... 07/02/2013

  The 4th of July, the day we declared our independence for Great Britain.  The 13 colonies fought and won our freedom in 1783. We celebrate this day with picnics, parades & fireworks. Many things are planned here & around Madison. Rhythm & Booms 3rd of July-Fireworks & Music the largest show in the Midwest. Get there early to get a good spot. The green fills up fast. Shorewood Hills-Full Day Planned   There a Triathlon, Bake Sale, Dance, Art Fair & so much more Westmorland Celebration-Coffee & donuts in the park, parade & live music Deforest Whole Day Of Fun - Beer Garden, food & game booths, Parade & lost more Stoughton Fair Fun Times Games, Tractor pull, Lumberjack show, 2 nights of Fireworks For more events go to the Daily Page 07/01/2013

There is no way to be bored in South Central Wisconsin during the Summer. You can stay in town or take a short drive to the surrounding areas for fun, sun & entertainment. So many bands to listen to, check out whose playing. High Noon Saloon, The Frequency, Liliana's, Knuckle Down Saloon Midwest Log Rolling Championship (Where else can you see this) Wingra Boats Dane Fest, Firefighters Festival-Benefit Milw Summer Fest Maier Festival Park Vilas Zoo, Journey Through Time Middleton High School, Drums On Parade Looking for something else, LOOK HERE There always sitting by one of the many lakes in the area & soaking up the sun. Beach List Have a wonderful early Summer weekend. 06/27/2013