Thinking of selling your Madison area home or condo in 2026? Here are 3 time-tested principles that will help you achieve a successful sale in the year ahead. 

 Mad City Dream Homes listing photo by Step Inside Media 

Three principles for a smooth and profitable sale 

#1) Be proactive. Seneca said it well, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." When we look back on two decades of selling Dane County real estate, we know these words to be true. The sellers who plan ahead tend to experience the best results. 

#2) The details matter. There are dozens of considerations that go into achieving a successful sale: The pricing, timing, and negotiations; the staging, repairs and updates; the photos and the marketing -- to name just a few. How you and your agent address each consideration can have a big impact on your bottom line. 

#3) Work with a professional. When you hire a realtor who approaches their work as a craft, not just a job, you've found the right one. A professional puts their personal stamp on their work. A professional gives you the attention to detail, discretionary effort, and creative problem-solving you need during this important life event.