Tammy Shallberg Restaino & Associates Realtors

04/23/2026

Spring is officially here, and if you're thinking about listing your home this April, now's the time to prepare for peak buyer activity.

Here's the truth: buyers are out in full force during spring, but they're also comparing more homes. The difference between a good offer and a great one often comes down to how your home presents.

Three simple steps can make a big impact:

1. Declutter ruthlessly – Remove personal items, excess furniture, and anything that makes spaces feel smaller. Buyers need to envision their life in your home, not yours.
2. Deep clean everything – Don't just tidy up. Clean baseboards, windows, grout, and carpets. A sparkling home signals that it's been well-maintained.
3. Add light staging touches – Fresh flowers, neutral throw pillows, and good lighting can transform a room without a big investment.

These aren't just cosmetic changes. They help buyers emotionally connect with your space, which directly impacts offer strength.

Spring sellers who take these steps seriously tend to see faster sales and higher offers. It's not about perfection—it's about presentation.

Call/text/email us at (608) 575-6575 or [email protected] if you have questions

04/21/2026

Is April really the best time to list your home?

Historically, spring has been one of the strongest seasons for home sellers. April specifically tends to bring a surge of motivated buyers who are ready to move before summer. Families want to settle in before the new school year, and the warmer weather makes home shopping more appealing.

With 2026's improving market outlook, we're expecting even stronger foot traffic this spring compared to recent years. More buyers are gaining confidence, and inventory is still relatively tight in many areas—which means well-prepared homes could see multiple offers.

If you're thinking about listing this April, here's one key tip: strategic pricing is everything. Overpricing can cause your home to sit, even in a hot market. Work with an agent who knows your local market data and can position your home competitively from day one.

Also, don't skip the prep work. Curb appeal, fresh paint, decluttering, and professional photos make a massive difference in how quickly your home sells—and for how much.

Bottom line: April can absolutely be a great month to list, but success comes down to timing, pricing, and presentation.

Let us know in the comments

04/16/2026

Nearly half of multigenerational home buyers say caregiving was a primary reason for their purchase — specifically, caring for or wanting to be near aging parents.

There are now more than 70 million Americans age 65 or older, and the question of how families want to handle aging parent care isn't one most people want to fully outsource. Living together — when it's set up well — gives families proximity without sacrificing everyone's independence.

For families with young kids, it works the other way too. Having grandparents nearby can be transformative for daily support, school pickups, and simply not feeling like you're navigating parenthood alone.

This isn't about making the best of a hard situation. It's about designing a living arrangement that actually supports the people you care about most — on both sides of the generational equation.

Read the full article: https://tammyshallberg.myagent.site/is-buying-a-home-together-right-for-your-family-heres-how-to-think-it-through/

04/14/2026

Thinking about multigenerational living? Before you start house hunting, ask yourself one critical question:

Is everyone genuinely choosing this — or is someone just going along with it?

The families who thrive in multigenerational arrangements almost always have shared intent. Everyone wanted it. Everyone understood what they were agreeing to. That's completely different from one party tolerating it because the math worked out or because it felt easier to say yes.

This matters more than the floor plan, more than the financing structure, and more than how nice the property is. If the foundation isn't mutual commitment, the rest won't hold up.

Other questions worth sitting with: Are the financial expectations truly clear and fair? Does everyone have a realistic picture of what shared space feels like on a random Tuesday — not just on a great weekend?

If the answers are honest and mostly positive, multigenerational living can be genuinely great. But if there's hesitation at this stage, it's worth pausing before you move forward.

Read the full article: https://tammyshallberg.myagent.site/is-buying-a-home-together-right-for-your-family-heres-how-to-think-it-through/

04/09/2026

Here's what derails most multigenerational home purchases: families fall in love with the idea, find the perfect property, and convince themselves the financial details will sort themselves out.

They don't.

Before you start the search, get clear on:

💰 Who's on the loan and what that means — Co-borrowers combine income to qualify for more, but they also share legal responsibility for the debt and the equity. That's different from a co-signer, who carries liability but doesn't own a piece of the property.

📝 How ownership is structured — Joint tenancy vs. tenancy in common affects what happens if someone wants to sell, refinance, or passes away. Equal contributions don't always mean equal ownership makes sense.

🤝 Getting it in writing — A written agreement covering expenses, maintenance, common areas, and exit plans protects everyone and makes future conversations easier.

The families who work this out before closing have far smoother experiences than those who assume it'll work itself out.

Read the full article: https://tammyshallberg.myagent.site/is-buying-a-home-together-right-for-your-family-heres-how-to-think-it-through/

04/07/2026

A great tip for saving money on taxes :)

I paid more in taxes the year I was a W2 employee making $60,000 than some of my clients did the year they made $400,000.

That's not a glitch in the system. That's the system working exactly as designed.

Here's what took me years of studying tax law as a CFP® to fully understand.

The top 1% of earners pay an average effective federal tax rate of around 26%.

But when you look at true economic income including unrealized gains, borrowed capital, and asset appreciation, researchers at the Office of Tax Analysis estimated their effective rate drops closer to 8%.

That gap isn't fraud. It's structure.

W2 employees operate in the most tax-inefficient vehicle that exists. Income hits the account, taxes come out immediately at ordinary rates that can reach 37%, and you invest whatever's left. The government goes first every single time and you have almost zero control over the timing.

Asset owners live in a completely different tax universe.

A stock portfolio that doubles in value generates zero tax until you sell. Real estate cash flows while depreciation offsets the income it produces.

The IRS actually lets you deduct a building losing value on paper while it gains value in reality. That's not a loophole. That's Section 168 of the tax code working exactly as Congress intended.

Then when wealthy people need liquidity they borrow against their assets instead of selling. A loan isn't income. So there's no tax event. This is how someone can have a $50 million net worth and report almost no taxable income in a given year.

When they do eventually sell they pay long term capital gains rates capped at 20% compared to ordinary income rates hitting 37%.

The difference between the wealthy and everyone else isn't just how much they make. It's that they understand the tax code rewards ownership over employment and they built their entire financial life around that single insight.

Most people were never taught that distinction. And it's costing them every single April.

04/07/2026

New Listing in Monona with Lake Monona Views! Well maintained 1 owner home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sunroom, 2nd floor patio, large deck and nice sized yard with 1 car garage. A few updates and this home has unlimited potential! Call me today as this will go quickly!

Charming 2-story home across from Lake Monona offering great potential with a few updates. Enjoy lake views from the large private patio off the primary suite. This home features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a gas fireplace, large sunroom and plenty of outdoor space for gardening, pets, or play. Key upda...

04/07/2026

Not every home is built for multigenerational living — and assuming you can make any layout work is where most families get tripped up.

The properties that actually succeed long-term share three key features:

✅ Privacy by design — Dual primary suites, separate entrances, or a finished basement with its own sitting area aren't luxuries. They're what make shared living sustainable.

✅ Flexibility for the future — ADUs (accessory dwelling units) or convertible spaces give you closeness with breathing room. More cities are loosening zoning restrictions to allow this.

✅ Long-term functionality — First-floor suites, wider hallways, zero-step entries. Think about where everyone will be in 10–15 years, not just today.

The best multigenerational homes support both togetherness and independence. If a property only checks one box, keep looking.

Read the full article: https://tammyshallberg.myagent.site/is-buying-a-home-together-right-for-your-family-heres-how-to-think-it-through/

04/02/2026

Multigenerational living isn't a fallback anymore — it's a deliberate strategy more families are choosing. 🏡

According to NAR, 14% of recent buyers purchased a multigenerational home. These families aren't making the best of a bad situation — they're rethinking what "home" needs to do.

Why families are choosing this path:
• Shared costs make homeownership more accessible
• Caregiving support for aging parents or young children
• Remote work makes living near family more feasible
• Daily support and shared routines that strengthen connections

If this is something your family is considering, the key is getting the strategy right from the start — the right property, clear financial structure, and honest conversations before you sign.

Read the full article: https://tammyshallberg.myagent.site/is-buying-a-home-together-right-for-your-family-heres-how-to-think-it-through/

03/31/2026

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming if you're not prepared. Here are a few things I wish someone had told me before I bought my first place:

📋 Inspection contingencies are your safety net. They give you the chance to back out or negotiate if major issues come up during the home inspection. Never skip this step.

💰 Closing costs add up fast. Beyond your down payment, expect to pay 2–5% of the purchase price in fees like appraisals, title insurance, and lender charges. Budget for these early.

🏦 Rate shopping can save you thousands. Don't settle for the first mortgage offer. Compare rates from at least three lenders—even a small difference can mean big savings over time.

🏘️ Research the neighborhood, not just the house. Visit at different times of day, check school ratings, and explore local amenities. You're buying into a community, not just a property.

Every home-buying journey is unique, but being informed makes all the difference. If you're getting ready to buy, I'm here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

Let us know in the comments... what surprised you most about buying your first home?

03/26/2026

The way we work has changed—and so has what buyers want in a home office.

With over 60% of workers still working remotely or on flexible schedules, a functional workspace is now a must-have. But here's the shift: buyers aren't looking for massive dedicated offices anymore. They want intentional, well-designed spaces that work hard without taking over the home.

What adds real value? Built-in shelving and desks that maximize space. Quality lighting—both natural and task lighting—to reduce eye strain. Sound control through solid doors, insulation, or strategic room placement. Even a small nook can become a premium feature when it's thoughtfully designed.

If you're preparing to sell, upgrading your workspace doesn't mean adding square footage. It means showcasing function, focus, and flexibility. A clutter-free desk area with good lighting and storage can make a stronger impression than an oversized empty room.

Need ideas to upgrade your workspace before listing? Call or text us at (608) 575-6575 or email [email protected] if you have questions.

03/24/2026

Spring is here, and it's the perfect time to give your home some much-needed attention! 🌸

Whether you're planning to stay put or thinking about listing soon, these March maintenance tasks will keep your home in top shape:

✅ Schedule HVAC servicing – Replace filters and have your system professionally inspected to ensure it's ready for warmer months ahead.

✅ Inspect your roof – Look for missing shingles, damaged flashing, or signs of wear. Catching small issues now can prevent costly repairs later.

✅ Refresh your landscaping – Trim overgrown bushes, add fresh mulch, and plan your spring planting. Great curb appeal starts with a well-maintained yard.

✅ Declutter and deep clean – Winter can leave homes feeling cluttered. Go room by room, donate what you don't need, and give your space a fresh start.

Pro tip: If you're considering selling this spring, these tasks aren't just maintenance—they're investments in your home's value and appeal to buyers.

Taking care of these items now will save you time, money, and stress down the road.

Let us know in the comments which task you're tackling first!