Blog

The housing market in Dane and surrounding counties has transformed dramatically in recent years. As someone who's helped countless local families navigate these changes, I've seen firsthand how the right strategy can make all the difference in achieving your real estate goals.

Understanding Today's Market Dynamics

The current landscape is characterized by historically low inventory levels coupled with intense demand. This creates unique challenges – and opportunities – for both buyers and sellers. Success in this market requires more than just having your finances in order; it demands a comprehensive strategy that anticipates multiple scenarios.

Key Strategies for Success

1. Develop a Comprehensive Game Plan

Every decision in your home buying or selling journey affects the next. That's why we start every client relationship with a detailed strategy discussion, mapping out contingencies and creating a clear path forward.

2. Understanding Offer Types

Today's market features various offer types that weren't common a few years ago. From cash offers to verified preapprovals, each has its implications for both buyers and sellers. We help our clients understand the strength and reliability of different offer types, ensuring you can make informed decisions whether you're reviewing offers or making them.

3. Pre-Listing Preparation

In a market where homes often sell within days of listing, preparation is crucial. We provide our selling clients with a detailed net proceeds estimator, helping you understand approximately what you'll walk away with under different scenarios. This guidance allows you to make quick, confident decisions when offers start arriving.

4. Verified Preapproval: Your Competitive Edge

Park Bank's verified preapproval involves a full underwriting review of your application – at no cost. This gives sellers confidence that your offer is solid, putting you ahead of competitors who may only have basic prequalifications.

5. Essential Do's and Don'ts for Your Home Buying Journey

The period between loan approval and closing requires careful attention to your financial decisions. From employment changes to credit activity, certain moves can impact your ability to close on your dream home. Our team has developed a comprehensive Do's and Don'ts Guide that walks you through exactly what to avoid and what to prioritize during this critical period. 

6. Financial Strategy in a Higher-Rate Environment

With interest rates higher than we've seen in over 10 years, affordability has become a key concern. Our team stays current with market conditions and available loan programs, helping you optimize your financing strategy. We provide tools to monitor rate movements and can help you identify the right moment to lock in your rate.

The Park Bank Difference

What sets Park Bank apart is our commitment to partnership. Our Mortgage Advisors work closely with real estate agents and other professionals involved in your transaction, ensuring smooth communication and confident execution. We've built our reputation on delivering expertise with a personal touch, understanding that each client's situation is unique.

Taking the Next Step

Whether you're actively looking to buy or sell, or just starting to explore your options, we're here to help you develop a winning strategy. Our no-cost, no-obligation strategy sessions have helped countless clients navigate this market successfully.

Ready to begin? Start your application online or contact our team directly to schedule your strategy session.