Pete Waite, Madison, Wisconsin 608-576-5865 The Stark Company

08/20/2026

Ways to Make Small Bathrooms Feel Larger
Small bathrooms tend to feel restrictive, but there's no need to break the bank to fix that. A few simple tweaks to lighting, color, and storage can make a real difference in how big a bathroom feels, and none of it requires a major renovation.
Let Light In (And Out!)
Bathrooms that are underlit tend...

Bounded by a small space? Add some layered lighting, a larger mirror, and smarter storage to make your bathroom feel almost twice as big without a full renovation.

08/17/2026

Cool off with ice cream, frozen custard, açaí bowls and smoothies at these favorite shops around Madison, WI. Stark Company Realtors highlights refreshing local stops for summer.

08/17/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Property Boundaries
You might assume the fence marks the edge of your property. In many cases, it doesn't, and that gap between what you see and what the survey shows is where boundary disputes start. Before you fall in love with a lot size or a mature tree line, it's worth understanding what actually sets the edge of a...

Property lines aren't always where you think they are. Here's what buyers should check before closing so a boundary question never turns into a costly surprise.

08/13/2026

Weekend Projects That Improve Your Home's Function & Appeal
You don't need to wait for the perfect time or hire a professional to make worthwhile improvements around your home. A few hours of work over the weekend can help surfaces, fixtures, and other features last longer while also improving how the property looks. Many projects require only basic tools and...

Small weekend projects can improve both the function and appeal of your home with minimal time and expense. Here are the areas to focus on first.

08/10/2026

Evaluating Storage Space When Touring Homes
Storage is rarely the first priority for buyers touring a home, and it shouldn't be the first thing they consider. Kitchens and floor plans usually command the most attention, while storage receives far less notice. But a home that looks spacious during a showing can feel cramped once the boxes are unpacked.
Inspect...

Storage often gets overlooked during a home tour. Here's what to check in closets, the kitchen, the garage, and other hidden corners before you make an offer.

08/07/2026

How to Improve Your Home's Outdoor Lighting
Most people don't think much about outdoor lighting until something feels off. The front walk is hard to see, or the porch feels dim. The backyard is pleasant during the day, then disappears once the sun goes down.
Small changes can help more than a full redesign. The point is not to make everything...

Better outdoor lighting can make your home feel safer, warmer, and easier to enjoy. Start with the areas people actually use after dark.

08/03/2026

Explore Madison's vibrant art scene at local galleries, studios and creative spaces. Discover contemporary works, Wisconsin artists and special exhibitions.

08/03/2026

Why Commute Times Matter More Than You Think
Commute time is one of those things buyers tend to round down in their heads.
Forty minutes becomes "about half an hour." A route with three bad intersections becomes "not too bad." A home that's farther out starts to feel reasonable after you've seen the kitchen, the yard, or the extra bedroom you...

A commute can seem simple during a home search, but daily routines tell a different story. Here's what buyers may want to test first.

07/30/2026

Simple Ways To Make Your Laundry Area More Functional
Laundry rooms rarely get the same attention as kitchens, bathrooms, or living areas. They're often squeezed into whatever space was left over: a hallway closet, a basement corner, a mudroom, or the pass-through from the garage.
Still, this small area can affect daily routines more than people realize....

A laundry area doesn't need to be large to work better. These simple updates can make washing, folding, and storage feel less chaotic.

07/27/2026

How to Balance Location, Layout, and Long-Term Needs
Almost every home search eventually hits the same wall. You find a layout you love in a neighborhood you're not totally sold on, or the location is right, but the floor plan needs more work than you expected when you walked in.
There's rarely a house-hunting scenario where all three of these line up...