Realtor Addison Radcliffe

June is National Home Ownership Month. 🏠 If you're a first time homebuyer, or considering becoming one, here are some tips for ensuring success on the path to home ownership:

1. Work on building your credit: A higher credit score can get you a better interest rate on your mortgage, saving you money long-term.

2. Gather your financial information: Loan providers will typically ask for 3 months of pay stubs and two years of tax returns. If you are self-employed or your income varies, you may need to submit more.

3. Develop a budget: Look for costs you can cut to save towards your down payment. Determine what you can reasonably afford—experts recommend keeping your mortgage payment 30% or less of your gross monthly income. You’ll also want to consider other expenses such as moving costs, HOA or condo fees, homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, closing costs, inspections, appraisals, and home repair and maintenance costs.

4. Talk to a real estate agent: A real estate agent can help you get clear on your needs and develop realistic expectations for the process. They will act as your ally, answering questions and guide you through the process. Find an agent you like and trust. You can ask for recommendations from friends and family, meet agents at open houses, or do some research on your own. Some people will choose a handful of agents and interview each one to find the best fit.

5. Get pre-approved: Having a pre-approval in hand when you’re ready to make an offer lets the seller know that you are a serious buyer who is prepared to make a deal and follow through. Not having one, especially in a competitive market, can result in your offer being rejected. Much like finding the right agent, you’ll want to find the right lender as well, so do some comparison shopping for the best rate and best fit for your needs.

Ever had a staring contest with a Holstein right outside the Governor's office? 🐮 Only in Wisconsin! Slide through to see how "Cows on the Concourse" brings the local dairy farm directly to the concrete center of downtown Madison every June. 🍦✨

Summer is here, and it's time to celebrate! Here are a few ideas for things to do this June. 🌞

One tradition I want to pass down is the making of "Bom Boms" around the holidays.

What to Look for in a Home Inspection Report
You've made an offer, it's been accepted, and now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. The report that follows can run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages. That's a lot of information, and knowing how to read it makes all the difference.
Not All Issues Are Created...

What to Look for in a Home Inspection Report You've made an offer, it's been accepted, and now comes one of the most important steps in the buying process: the home inspection. The report that follows can run anywhere from 20 to 100 pages. That's a lot of information, and knowing how to read it makes all the difference. Not All Issues...

What Sellers Should Know About Pre-Listing Inspections
Most sellers spend weeks preparing their home for the market: decluttering, touching up paint, maybe tackling a few overdue repairs. What some sellers overlook is hiring a home inspector before the listing goes live. It's not a requirement, but for many sellers, it's a smart move.
How It Works
A pre-listing...

What Sellers Should Know About Pre-Listing Inspections Most sellers spend weeks preparing their home for the market: decluttering, touching up paint, maybe tackling a few overdue repairs. What some sellers overlook is hiring a home inspector before the listing goes live. It's not a requirement, but for many sellers, it's a smart move. How It...

How to Choose Lighting That Makes Rooms Feel Larger
The right lighting can do more for a room than almost any other design decision. Paint colors, furniture arrangement, and clever storage all play a role in how spacious a space feels — but lighting is often the element that ties everything together. Understanding a few key principles can help you transform...

How to Choose Lighting That Makes Rooms Feel Larger The right lighting can do more for a room than almost any other design decision. Paint colors, furniture arrangement, and clever storage all play a role in how spacious a space feels — but lighting is often the element that ties everything together. Understanding a few key principles can help...

Looking to start a new chapter? 📖 Whether right here in Madison or halfway across the globe, I can help you move to the life you want.