Alison Stark - Stark Company Realtors

06/12/2026

How to Decide Between a Starter Home and a Forever Home
Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your budget,...

Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your...

06/08/2026

Cool off this summer at lakefront beaches near Madison where you can swim, paddle, picnic, and enjoy the season. From quiet Lake Monona spots to Stoughton's Troll Beach, these destinations make summer days easy to enjoy.

06/05/2026

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...

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...

05/29/2026

How to Assess Natural Light When Touring Homes
Natural light is one of those qualities that listing photos don't always capture accurately. A room that looks bright and airy in listing photos might tell a different story in person — and the reverse is just as true. When you're touring homes, taking a few extra minutes to evaluate how light moves...

Natural light is one of those qualities that listing photos don't always capture accurately. A room that looks bright and airy in listing photos might tell a different story in person — and the reverse is just as true. When you're touring homes, taking a few extra minutes to evaluate how...

05/22/2026

When Buying New Construction Makes More Sense Than Resale
The debate between new construction and resale homes is one that comes up often in today's market — and there is no single right answer. What matters is understanding what each option actually offers and whether it lines up with your priorities. For many buyers, new construction deserves a closer look...

The debate between new construction and resale homes is one that comes up often in today's market — and there is no single right answer. What matters is understanding what each option actually offers and whether it lines up with your priorities. For many buyers, new construction deserves a...

05/08/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Flood Risk and Insurance
Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't anticipate,...

Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't...

05/04/2026

Enjoy some of Madison's best-loved festivals and events this May and June! With live music, great food, and a lot of fun, there's something for everyone at these upcoming events in my latest blog.

05/01/2026

Storage Solutions for Homes Without Large Closets
Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to storage...

Shallow closets and limited built-ins are a hallmark of many beloved older American homes — Craftsman, mid-century ranches, Cape Cods. It's one of the trade-offs that comes with the character and charm those homes offer. What it doesn't have to come with is clutter. A thoughtful approach to...

04/24/2026

What Happens Between Offer Acceptance and Closing
Your offer has been accepted. It's an exciting milestone — but if you've never bought or sold a home before, you might be surprised to learn that the journey is far from over. The period between offer acceptance and closing day is one of the most activity-packed stretches of the entire real estate...

Your offer has been accepted. It's an exciting milestone — but if you've never bought or sold a home before, you might be surprised to learn that the journey is far from over. The period between offer acceptance and closing day is one of the most activity-packed stretches of the entire real...

04/10/2026

What to Know About Homeowners Associations Before You Buy
Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and if the property you're considering is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there's an extra layer of research worth doing before you sign on the dotted line. HOAs can offer real value, but they also come with responsibilities...

Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions you'll ever make, and if the property you're considering is part of a homeowners association (HOA), there's an extra layer of research worth doing before you sign on the dotted line. HOAs can offer real value, but they also come with...