Tyler Rufenacht - RE/MAX Preferred

Tyler Rufenacht - RE/MAX Preferred Mad Town Homes Team by Tyler Rufenacht | RE/MAX Preferred Mad Town Homes by Tyler Rufenacht - RE/MAX Preferred.

Helping buyers and sellers in Madison, Oregon, Verona, Fitchbur, and Middleton with a construction-savvy, straightforward approach to real estate.

08/27/2026

How does zoned heating work in a house?

In larger homes, a zoned heating system can divide the house into separate areas that are controlled independently with individual thermostats.

Dampers in the ductwork help direct airflow to each zone instead of treating the entire house as one large space. That can help reduce hot and cold spots and improve comfort throughout the home.

It’s one of the features I look for when showing larger homes because it’s difficult to add later and is a huge value add to the home.

Buying an older home in Madison, WI? Different eras of construction tend to come with different things worth paying atte...
08/24/2026

Buying an older home in Madison, WI? Different eras of construction tend to come with different things worth paying attention to.

Homes built in the early 1900s, 1950s, 1970s, 1990s, and newer construction can raise very different questions about condition. From foundations, electrical systems, plumbing, drainage, roofing, mechanical systems and workmanship to the general condition of the home can have huge impacts on current value and future costs of ownership.

These are some of the things I look at when helping buyers evaluate homes. The age of the home gives you a better idea of where to look a little closer.

08/21/2026

How does a sump pump work?

A sump pump/pit helps manage groundwater around a home’s foundation. Drain tiled installed collects water around the foundation and directs it into the sump pit, where the sump pump sends it outside the home.

When I’m looking at a basement with a buyer, I also pay attention to where that water is being discharged and whether the grading helps move it away from the house.

It’s not the most glamorous system in a home, but it’s an important one to understand when you’re buying.

What happens after your offer is accepted?Getting your offer accepted is huge, but that starts the clock on the process ...
08/19/2026

What happens after your offer is accepted?

Getting your offer accepted is huge, but that starts the clock on the process to closing. What needs to be done from acceptance to closing?

Inspections, financing, appraisal, title, the final walkthrough, and closing all have their own steps and deadlines.

If you’re planning on buying a home in Madison, WI or surrounding areas save the full series for a straightforward look at the buying process from start to finish.

08/14/2026

How does a septic system work?

If you’re buying a house in the country, there’s a good chance you may run into a private septic system instead of municipal sewer.

In this video I walk through the basic flow of a residential septic system from the house, to the septic tank, and then out to the drain field or mound system.

Understanding how a septic system works can build confidence i. The decision to purchase a rural home.

Making an offer on a home is about more than just deciding price. In part 3 of the home buying process, I go through som...
08/12/2026

Making an offer on a home is about more than just deciding price.

In part 3 of the home buying process, I go through some of the things I look at when helping a buyer put an offer together. Recent comparable sales, the condition of the home, how long it’s been on the market, and whether there’s other competition.

The terms matter too. Inspection and appraisal contingencies, financing, closing date, and other details can all affect how a seller looks at an offer.

The goal is to understand both the price and the terms so you know what you’re agreeing to and why.

Part 4 will cover what happens once the offer is accepted and how the process moves toward closing.

Part 2 of the Home Buying Process : Finding the Right HomeThere’s a lot to take in when you’re touring homes. Buyers are...
08/10/2026

Part 2 of the Home Buying Process : Finding the Right Home

There’s a lot to take in when you’re touring homes. Buyers are naturally thinking about the location, layout, finishes and whether they can see themselves living there.

At the same time, I’m looking at the condition of the house and how that may factor into its value.

Here are some of the things worth thinking about when deciding if a home is the right fit.

Part 3 will cover what goes into making an offer.

I’ve had a lot of conversations with buyers who weren’t sure where ti start. I put together a simple guide that walks th...
08/07/2026

I’ve had a lot of conversations with buyers who weren’t sure where ti start. I put together a simple guide that walks through the home buying process one step at a time.

Part 1 covers what ti have in place prior to scheduling your first showing. In Part 2 we will cover finding the right home and what to look for in a showing.

08/04/2026

How does a private well system work?

If you’re buying a home with a private well, it’s helpful to understand the basics. Quick walk through of a typical well system, including all the basics.

Understanding how a home works and working with an agent that also understands how a home works is vital when looking for a home.

Have questions about wells or other home systems? Feel free to reach out and ask.

07/17/2026

Open House this Sunday!

If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to tour this Midvale Heights home, now is your chance.

📍4409 Odana Rd, Madison
🕛 Sunday 7/19 12-2

With over 2500 SqFt, large room sizes, original character, and plenty of opportunity to make it your own, it’s a home that’s worth seeing in person.

Stop by, take a look, and let me know what you think!

Address

5320 Monona Drive
Monona, WI
53716

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