Two Homes Next Door - Verona Family Relocation

A career relocation that brought two generations of one family from Chicago to the Madison area.

This family was relocating from Chicago for a career opportunity in Madison. They were not searching for just one home. They also wanted to help the buyer's parents find a separate home nearby.

The younger family needed a newer, move-in-ready home that worked for their children and pets. The parents wanted their own home, ideally within five to ten minutes.

Finding two suitable properties within that distance would have met the goal. Finding two homes next door to each other created an opportunity none of us had expected.

Two households with different needs

The younger family prioritized strong schools, a deep basement and outdoor space. Easy access to the backyard was especially important for their children and older dog.

The parents preferred a ranch with at least three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a basement.

Because the family was new to the Madison area, I helped them compare communities based on schools, commute, lot sizes and available housing. We initially focused on Middleton and Waunakee and toured several homes together.

The challenge was finding two properties that met different needs while keeping the households close.

An unexpected opportunity in Verona

During the relocation tour, we explored a newer Verona neighborhood.

One home stood out because it offered easier backyard access without the steep grade found at some other properties. Another newly built home was available next door.

I contacted my representative with the builder to learn more about both homes and the upcoming neighborhood inventory. We also considered whether the family should purchase one available home and build another nearby.

The family briefly stepped back to compare the Verona opportunity with other options. After considering the homes, locations and timing, they decided the neighboring properties offered the best overall solution.

Coordinating two purchases

Purchasing two homes for one family meant managing two contracts, financing files, inspections and closing timelines.

Because the family still lived in Chicago, part of the process happened virtually. I connected them with the builder representative, helped them evaluate the available homes and guided them through the contract process.

One purchase also required bridge financing. My team and I tracked the separate deadlines while coordinating with the builder, lender and title company to keep both transactions moving together.

Independently inspecting both homes

Even newly built homes should be independently inspected.

I helped the family arrange for one inspector to evaluate both properties and coordinated the inspections with their builder walkthroughs. This allowed them to complete everything during the same trip from Chicago.

The inspections gave the family an independent assessment of both homes and an opportunity to address questions with the builder before closing.

Connecting the two yards

The family wanted fenced outdoor space for their children and pets, but they hoped to leave out the dividing panel between the two properties.

The request required approval from the neighborhood's architectural control committee. I helped clarify the request and its conditions with the builder.

The family received approval for the shared configuration while they owned both homes. Instead of simply living next door, the two households could enjoy connected outdoor space.

Closing both homes on the same day

The closing schedule changed while the lender finalized bridge funds and the remaining requirements for both purchases.

Completing the transactions on different days would have required additional travel from Chicago. The buyer also needed to help his parents through their closing.

I coordinated with the lender, builder and title company to move both closings to the same day. They were scheduled consecutively so the family could complete one purchase and then the other.

What began as a search for two nearby homes ended with two generations of one family living next door to each other.

In their own words

“We worked with Cait Berry to buy a home in Verona, WI. She communicated clearly, guided us through every step, and made the process feel manageable from start to finish. Very good communication and easy to contact! Thank you for everything.”

Buying near family in the Madison area

Finding homes for multiple generations requires a broader strategy than a typical purchase. The right solution may involve different property types, builder inventory or communities with multiple homes available at the same time.

It helps to consider: