Nakoma Homes - Madison Move-Up Buyers

A home they planned to pursue later changed their timeline within days.

I first helped this couple purchase their starter home after they relocated to Madison. As first-time buyers in a new city, they wanted guidance they could trust while learning both the home-buying process and the local market.

That first home gave them time to settle in and decide where they wanted to live long term. They expected to wait another year before moving again.

Then a home in Nakoma caught their attention.

A Dream Home Appeared Earlier Than Expected

The couple had been casually watching new listings when they found a property they described as their dream home.

They were not planning to move immediately and wondered whether the house might remain available while they prepared. I explained that desirable Nakoma homes can move quickly depending on their condition, price and buyer interest.

Instead of trying to predict how long it would remain available, I suggested touring it for planning purposes. We arranged a showing the following day.

After walking through the property, they knew it was the home they wanted. They had spent time in Nakoma and around Monroe Street since moving to Madison and could see themselves settling there permanently.

Deciding Whether to Buy or Sell First

They still owned their starter home and had not been preparing to sell it.

I helped them compare their options, including selling first, using bridge financing or purchasing the new home before deciding what to do with their existing property.

Because they could buy without selling first, they did not need to make their offer dependent on a home sale. This gave them the flexibility to secure the new home, move on their own timeline and decide later whether to sell or rent their starter home.

Acting Before the Open House

After reviewing their finances and reconnecting with the lender who helped with their first purchase, they were ready to proceed.

The property had an open house scheduled, so I recommended submitting their offer beforehand rather than waiting to see whether additional buyers became interested.

I prepared the offer and explained the buyers’ connection to the home and neighborhood to the listing agents. I also reviewed the property’s permit history and gathered more information about the roof so they could make an informed decision.

Their offer was accepted before the open house.

What began as casually watching listings became an accepted offer within a few days.

Protecting the Purchase After the Offer

Once the home was under contract, my team and I coordinated the financing, inspection timeline, transaction documents and closing preparations.

The inspection identified a leaking water heater. The sellers had already contacted their home-warranty company, and replacement parts were being ordered. After reviewing the full inspection report, the buyers felt comfortable proceeding without requesting further negotiations.

I remained available to answer their questions, follow up with the sellers and help them evaluate which findings required action. I also attended the final walkthrough and joined them for part of the closing.

One Family, Three Transactions

This was the third time I had helped this family.

After assisting the couple with their starter home, I helped the buyers’ parents relocate from Virginia and purchase a Fitchburg condo near their adult children.

The couple then returned when their dream home appeared sooner than expected.

They are now settled into their long-term home and considering whether to keep their starter property as a rental. Because the purchase was not dependent on selling first, they did not have to rush that decision.

In Their Own Words

“We have worked with Cait 3 times now, buying our starter home, finding the perfect retirement condo for my parents, and again for our dream home.
Cait’s knowledge and experience is obvious every step of the way. Even when we were deep in the stresses of the home buying process, she was always available to answer our questions and make sure we had the best strategy and guidance.
When touring potential homes, she was always attentive and asking questions and concerns that we would never have thought of ourselves! It feels like she genuinely wants people to find the perfect space for them, not to mention she’s personable and easy to chat with!
When we were first-time buyers, we were intimidated about the home buying process, and she made it easy and understandable.
I really can’t recommend Cait enough, and we’ll absolutely be working with her for all of our realty needs in the future.”

What If You Find the Right Home Before You Are Ready to Sell?

You do not always have to sell your current home before pursuing the next one.

The right strategy depends on your finances, the competitiveness of the property, the expected market for your current home and how much overlap you can comfortably manage.

Sometimes selling first is the safest choice. In other situations, buying first can give you more control over the move and help you submit a stronger offer.

If the right home appears before you expected to move, I can help you compare the options and build a plan around your finances, timing and the Madison market.