Hospitality Legacy 3 Apr 2025, 6:49 am

Tastes & Tastemakers | Buck & Honey’s
Written by Dave Fidlin

After immersing himself in the financial industry for a period of his professional life, restaurateur Tom Anderson felt a calling to go back to his roots and make his mark on the Madison area with an establishment that provided heaping doses of hospitality, flavorful dishes, and memorable ambiance.

Buck & Honey’s, which opened its flagship Sun Prairie location in 2010, has stood out in the Madison area’s crowded restaurant scene with the key ingredients Tom says diners crave. Since its inception, three additional locations have opened in Monona, Waunakee and, most recently, in Mount Horeb.

“The restaurant world has always been in my blood,” Tom, a native of Lake Delton, says. “I grew up working six days a week in the Dells.”

While Buck & Honey’s has a taste of the modern flare patrons enjoy in today’s dining scene, history is also interspersed throughout the restaurant at each location—down to the name itself. 

The establishment is named in honor of Buck and Honey Birkinbine, who had previously farmed and owned all of the land at the original Sun Prairie location before the site transitioned to a commercial development.

“They were big stewards of the community, and great people,” Tom says. Reflecting on the earliest days of establishing the restaurant, Tom recalls, “We got to meet them. Buck was in a nursing home; Honey was still alive, at home. Buck showed me all of these old photos of his family and his farmland. It just seemed too good to be true not to name the restaurant after our namesakes.”

There is a connective tissue between all four Buck & Honey’s locations, but each site also has its own unique personality that reflects the specific community. Waunakee, situated against a cornfield, has a rustic theme, while Mount Horeb pays homage to the site’s history as one of the earliest John Deere farm implement buildings.

“All of the (locations) celebrate their own history,” Tom says. “It’s really important to us that we do that for each community.”

The Monona eatery, by contrast, overlooks the Yahara River and Monona Park and features 23 boat slips. It also happens to be the largest Buck & Honey’s amongst the four locations. The Monona site, at the connection point between Lake Monona and Lake Waubesa, has a rich history, in terms of water navigation. 

“In Monona, there was Inland Boats,” Tom says. “They used to actually make these boats in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s on our exact site. We celebrate Inland Boats in Monona. It’s just a great spot for lake life.”

Since laying roots in the Madison area a decade-and-a-half ago, Buck & Honey’s has attained a number of awards and nominations, based on patron feedback. For instance, Buck & Honey’s has been a winner in Madison Magazine’s “Best of Madison” competition on several occasions, most recently in 2024.

In explaining the mission behind Buck & Honey’s, Tom says he aspires to give diners an environment where they feel comfortable and at home as soon as they sit down at any of the four locations.

“We have an amazing team that cares about each other,” he says. “We care about the guest experience, and we focus on what’s important, and that includes how a guest feels when they leave. We use the phrase, ‘Celebrating Wisconsin hospitality.’”

His personal focus is perhaps best personified through the other people at the helm of day-to-day operations, many of whom are family members. For instance, Tom’s sister, Aimee Anderson, serves as Director of Operations and says she considers it a blessing to work alongside her brother.

“We just have a relationship where we can bounce things off of each other,” Aimee says. “We lost our father when we were in our early 20s, and he kind of took me under his wing after that and has always been a huge supporter of mine. It’s been great to work side-by-side with him everyday. I know my parents are looking down on us and going, ‘Wow! It’s pretty amazing that they get to do this together.’”

Beyond immediate family, other seasoned professionals have lent their talents to Buck & Honey’s. Executive Chef Sam Millan, a native of Ixtapa, Mexico, says he has felt at home at Buck & Honey’s since first joining the team in the early days in 2010. 

In explaining the menu, Sam says, “It’s a lot of Wisconsin, a lot of comfort food. That means a lot of pasta, and the cheese curds.” Sam admits he never had a cheese curd before coming to Wisconsin, but has taken a liking to the Dairyland staple.

Aimee says the menu is sprinkled with foods she and Tom grew up with in Lake Delton. She says, “We brought a lot of things from our childhood—our pizza, a few of our sandwiches, and things like that.”

While there are tried-and-true staples, the menu also features unique flare. Bacon-wrapped dates, flower sprouts, lump crab cakes and chips, and eggamole are a small sampling of some of the unique offerings available.

“The firecracker shrimp is a well-known dish,” Tom says, pointing out one of the notable items on the menu. “It gets ordered at almost every private event. It’s something people ask for a lot.”

In addition to its main dining space at each location, Buck & Honey’s offers on- and off-site catering and on-site spaces for large groups. The Mount Horeb location also offers an event space for weddings.

“We’re throwing a party every day, and this is an escape for people to come out of their daily kitchens, their daily lives, and enjoy a meal and company with others,” Mera Charnecki, Director of Events and Catering, says.

Another important component at Buck & Honey’s is the spirit of giving back to the community whenever possible. Since its inception, restaurant staff has supported various local nonprofit organizations. 

“Success is doing our part to help others,” Tom says. “It means a lot to us to give back. We get involved in larger efforts in the community with different organizations. If somebody has a need, and you’re able to help them, that feels good. Yes, of course we’ll help you.”

Aimee adds, “It feels good to be able to contribute to the successes or mission of another company or group that is trying to help people.”

As he looks back to his first 15 years of heading up a small group of restaurants, Tom thinks about a box he has to help organize and collect assorted thank-you cards, notes and letters. The collection of sentiments, he says, is worth their weight in gold.

“Someday, when I’m old, that’s what’s going to matter — it’s that box,” he says. “It reminds us of the impact we had on a lot of people’s lives. That’s why we do this.”

The Ambassador of the Home 2 Apr 2025, 6:46 am

Written by Philip Sassano
Photos Courtesy of The Design Coach

As a child, I remember the exhilaration of sprinting home from school almost every day, eager to immerse myself in a world of boundless creativity and personal expression. That memory of uncontainable excitement resonates with me even now, as a design and contracting professional with over 25 years of experience. Today, I am privileged to recreate that same sense of joy and limitless possibility for my clients by crafting spaces that embody their unique concept of “home.”

The Art of Home Design

Designing a home is so much more than choosing aesthetically pleasing elements. It’s about creating an environment that reflects your values, elevates your lifestyle, and nurtures your passions. Crafting a personal sanctuary begins with thoughtful intention. Let’s explore how you can transform your living spaces into a place you’re always eager to return to:

Define the Lifestyle Intent of Each Room

Begin by asking yourself: What activities will take place in this room? How do you want to feel here? What memories will this space help create? Establishing a room’s “lifestyle legacy” is key. For example, a family room can be a hub of connection and comfort, while a bedroom might become a tranquil retreat. As I often remind my clients, “Once you’ve established the substance, the style will naturally follow.”

Transcend Your Home’s Current Limitations

Even if you’re not living in your dream house, you can still create dream rooms. Don’t let the perceived limitations of your space hold you back. Focus on potential rather than restrictions. I’ve seen spaces transform entirely when clients let go of traditional definitions. For instance, a rarely used formal dining room can become a cozy library or a vibrant playroom. As I like to say, “If a room doesn’t work, it’s because it’s not thoughtfully designed or is trying to be something it’s not.”

Infuse Your Passions

Your home should tell your story, not someone else’s. Infuse each room with elements that spark joy and represent your interests. Whether it’s a gallery wall showcasing your travels, a reading nook adorned with your favorite books, or a workspace brimming with tools for your hobbies, your passions should punctuate your home’s aesthetic. Personalization is what makes a house feel alive.

Embrace the Creative Process

Great design doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that involves exploration, experimentation, and evolution. Be open to trying new materials, layouts, and combinations. Often, the most inspiring ideas come from unexpected discoveries. Remember, “The journey of discovery is where the magic happens.”

The Design Coach Approach

At The Design Coach, we foster curiosity, empowerment, and connection through design. We encourage our clients to set goals, learn continuously, and create spaces that enhance their quality of life. “Your home is your personal canvas,” we often remind them. “It’s where you express yourself, recharge your spirit, and pursue your dreams.”

By thoughtfully designing each space, you’re not just decorating rooms—you’re crafting a sanctuary. A home that nurtures your well-being and fuels your aspirations. By following these steps, you’ll create a destination you’re always eager to return to. Before long, you’ll find yourself running home once again, thrilled to immerse yourself in the personal paradise you’ve brought to life.

inspires your creativity. Remember, your home is your personal canvas. It’s where you can express yourself freely, pursue your passions, and recharge your spirit. By thoughtfully designing each space, you’re not just decorating rooms – you’re creating a sanctuary that nurtures your well-being and fuels your dreams.

By following these steps, you’ll create a home that’s not just a place to live, but a destination you’ll be excited to return to every day. So, take the time to explore, experiment, and express yourself through your home design. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself running home once again, eager to immerse yourself in the personal paradise you’ve created.

Summerset Marine Construction’s Lifetime All Seasons HD Pier Sets New Standard For Geneva Lake 1 Apr 2025, 6:45 am

Summerset Marine Construction has become synonymous with high-quality piers and lifts. For over three decades, the company has been the leader in the design, manufacture, and installation of premium piers and lifts, offering unparalleled craftsmanship and durability. At the heart of our commitment to Geneva Lake is our Lifetime All Seasons HD Pier, a testament to engineering excellence and innovation in marine construction.

A Legacy Of Quality And Innovation

Over the years, our mission of providing robust, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing piers has driven us to constantly innovate and improve our products, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and performance while withstanding the harshest Wisconsin weather conditions. The Lifetime All Seasons HD Pier is the culmination of these efforts.

Our piers, entirely factory-direct and locally manufactured, are built to meet the specific needs and conditions of the customers they serve. Every Lifetime Pier is tailored to the unique requirements of the location where it will be installed, ensuring that the pier not only fits perfectly but also performs optimally in the specific conditions it will face.

The customization process begins with a thorough site evaluation, which includes an assessment of factors like water depth, location on the lake, wave action, fetch, and shoreline geometries. Based on this assessment, our team of engineering experts designs a pier that will provide maximum stability, durability, and robust functionality. 

Year-Round Installation And Durability

Our Lifetime All Seasons HD Piers can be installed any time of the year, even through ice. The pier’s year-round durability is a major advantage, avoiding the constant cycle of installation and removal that’s unpredictable, time-consuming, and costly.

The durability in our construction is achieved by using only the highest-quality materials and by deploying advanced engineering and construction techniques. 

For more information, visit https://SummersetMarine.com. 

Compass Wisconsin 2024 Year-in-Review 31 Mar 2025, 6:39 am

In 2024, Compass Wisconsin celebrated a milestone achievement, surpassing $1 billion in sales statewide—a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our agents and the trust of our clients. This success reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service, fostering meaningful relationships, and providing innovative solutions in Wisconsin’s real estate market.

Expanding Our Footprint in Madison

This year marked a period of exceptional growth in Madison, one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic markets. Compass agents in this vibrant community achieved remarkable milestones, supported by the opening of our new office at 525 Junction Road. The Madison office has become a hub of innovation and collaboration, housing over 30 top-performing agents who collectively closed $297 million in sales last year. Notably, Compass Madison experienced a 190% year-over-year increase in agent growth, solidifying its position as a key player in Wisconsin real estate. These achievements highlight the power of teamwork and Compass’ ability to attract the very best professionals in the industry.

The foundation of our Madison success lies in our commitment to empowering agents with state-of-the-art tools and resources. From our proprietary technology platform to our robust national network, Compass ensures agents are equipped to deliver unmatched service to their clients. The growth in Madison also reflects our dedication to understanding the unique needs of the local market and creating tailored solutions that drive success.

Leading the Market with Record Metrics

Compass agents continued to excel across Wisconsin, delivering outstanding results:

• #1 in waterfront sales: In Southeastern Wisconsin, Compass dominated lakefront sales volume, maintaining a commanding lead in sought-after markets like Waukesha and Walworth Counties.
• Statewide excellence: With the highest average sales price among leading brokerages and strong market share growth, Compass solidified its position as one of Wisconsin’s premier brokerages.

These achievements underscore the power of Compass’ industry-leading technology platform, which empowers agents to provide seamless, client-focused experiences. From intuitive marketing tools to data-driven insights, our platform is designed to help agents achieve extraordinary results. This commitment to excellence has set Compass apart as a trusted partner for buyers and sellers alike.

A Digital Presence That Resonates

Compass Wisconsin’s digital presence expanded significantly in 2024, with a notable increase in social media engagement and visibility. This growth amplifies our ability to connect with clients and showcase the exceptional properties represented by our agents. Through countless posts, press mentions, and community interactions, Compass has built a reputation for being at the forefront of the real estate industry. Our digital strategies are not just about visibility; they are about creating meaningful connections and building trust with our audience.

Gratitude for Our Community

To our clients, agents, vendors, and community partners: thank you for your trust and support. Your partnership has made 2024 a landmark year for Compass Wisconsin. We recognize that our success is a shared achievement, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with such incredible people.

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to helping you find your place in the world. Our vision for the future includes continued growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, we can achieve even more significant milestones.

Here’s to continued success and collaboration in the year to come!

Welcome to Cedarburg 30 Mar 2025, 6:27 am

If you’re looking for a town that feels like a Hallmark movie come to life, Cedarburg, Wisconsin, might just be the perfect spot. Just 20 miles north of Milwaukee, this little gem is packed with history, personality, and plenty to do.

Cedarburg’s downtown is straight out of a postcard. Cobblestone streets, 19th-century buildings, and the iconic Cedarburg Grist Mill make it a great place to wander. The historic Cedar Creek Settlement is a must-visit, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and even a winery. Speaking of shopping, you’ll find plenty of cute boutiques downtown offering everything from handmade gifts to stylish home décor.

Food lovers won’t be disappointed either. The Stilt House is a local favorite for its craft beer and elevated pub food, and Anvil Pub & Grille serves up delicious eats in a cozy, restored blacksmith shop. Got a sweet tooth? Amy’s Candy Kitchen is the place to be—they’re famous for their caramel apples (trust me, they’re worth it).

Cedarburg is also big on community. Seasonal festivals like the Strawberry Festival and Wine & Harvest Festival bring everyone together for live music, local crafts, and amazing food. In the winter, the Christmas markets and decorations make the whole town feel magical.

As for living here, Cedarburg has a mix of charming historic homes and newer neighborhoods like Prairie View and Cedar Pointe. Families love the top-rated schools, and nature lovers can explore nearby parks or bike along the Ozaukee Interurban Trail.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or thinking about settling down, Cedarburg’s mix of history, charm, and community vibes makes it a place you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Making Business Personal 29 Mar 2025, 6:25 am

How FORM Wealth Uses Their Advising Model to Create Long-Lasting Client Relationships

Written by Tricia Carzoli

“FORM is about relationships,” FORM Wealth Advisors Chief Operating Officer Kim Cochenour said. “Our goal is to help each of our clients live the best life they can afford.”

Founders Tyson Ray CFP® and Luke Kuchenberg CFP® grew up in Walworth County holding strong Midwest values, and they sought to take a different approach to wealth management, making the process less intimidating and more personal.

FORM has now been developing relationships and guiding clients for 25 years.

“There is nothing more personal or more intimate than finances,” FORM Wealth Advisors Chief Operating Officer Kim Cochenour said. “We take a Total Relationship Approach with each of our clients.”

FORM is an acronym that stands for family, occupation, recreation, and mission. The team has created its Total Relationship Approach —a method that puts relationships at the center of planning, investing, care, and service–and has guided their clients towards retirement for more than two decades.

“At FORM,” Cochenour said, “our financial advisors take time to get to know each and every client personally. We know their likes, their big life achievements, their hopes, and their goals. We celebrate with them. We encourage them. It is a great privilege to help our clients through the various stages of their lives.”

The company, which has locations in Lake Geneva and Middleton, understands that every client’s goals are different. 

FORM assists clients from the very early stages of seeking advice to guiding them in setting the stage for retirement to being stewards of their legacy. 

“Our team really shines when we walk a client through those ten years or so prior to retirement so they are confident that they can retire and achieve some of those life goals,” Cochenour explained. 

“We look at where they are, what they hope to achieve, what is important to them, how they can live the very best life they can afford, and when they can do that,” she said. “We want to be able to give them permission to enjoy their dreams—and for them not to be afraid.”

The biggest reason everyone should have a wealth advisor is to help protect them from making financial mistakes based on fears cultivated by the media or the ebb and flow of markets, Cochenour explained. FORM offers a free intake tool on its website along with an FAQ pulldown so potential clients can decide if FORM is right for them.

“We work best with clients who want to cultivate a relationship,” Cochenour continued. “Because of our business model, our clients are often looking for an advisor who wants to know about who they are and what they are looking to do, who works with them, and who truly cares about them and has their best interest in mind.

“We’ve had clients who save and save and keep working,” she said. “And it is an honor when we can tell them… ‘This is what you said you’d like to do. I think it is time to buy that first-class ticket.’”

When clients choose FORM, they know that whether they bring financial concerns or a lifetime of savings to the table, they will have an advisor who will create a plan specific to their needs— no matter where they are in the retirement process. 

FORM relationships are built through in-person meetings over coffee, tea, or pop in a stress-free office, but they are also strengthened via Zoom or phone. When people call the office, it is a person that is heard on the other end. Each of their advisors have direct lines. Their advisors document everything, so, if an advisor ever changes positions, clients can be assured that their history is retained.

“We know what our clients’ favorite drinks are, we know if there has been a loss of a family member, we know their family, their hobbies, and their pets,” Cochenour said. “When big goals are achieved, our clients often send us photos—and we celebrate alongside them, often finding a well-suited frame to honor their life event or sending a note or making that phone call.”

And, when FORM is there to walk through life’s most tender moments, you can be sure that they do so with grace, compassion, and care. 

“Our clients are our family,” Cochenour said. “For 25 years, we have worked to get to know every aspect of their life so we can help them live the best life they can afford. Not everyone wants to travel after retirement. Some want to create a 529 Plan for their grandchildren, some have philanthropy at heart. Many are helping aging parents, and some are dealing with their own health issues. We walk through it all alongside them. That is what makes FORM different. We are invested in people—and the people and legacy they care about.”

FORM Wealth Advisors
262.686.3005
431 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI, 53147
FORM Wealth Advisors, LLC (FORM) is a registered investment adviser.

Important disclosure information: https://www.formwealth.com/disclosures.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States, which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

Now & Forever 28 Mar 2025, 4:43 am

A Williams Bay ‘Mountain Modern’ Home Brings Family Together

Written by Chrysa Smith

Photography by Aliza Baran

Dan Leahy is resolute that for he and his wife, Jenny, time in their Williams Bay home is centered on one thing—family. The couple from Elmhurst, Illinois, settled into their new home in late 2024 and, from the photos, it’s clear that this retreat is a perfect haven for Dan & Jenny today; however, their vision goes far beyond the present. Their goal is to create a legacy—a generational home that will be cherished by their children, grandchildren, and future generations to come.

At first glance, the home appears to be a classic ranch but unfolds into a dynamic design that meanders and rises—reaching up to three levels in one section. This area includes a bunkhouse and an exercise room that their kids are lucky enough to call their own. Spanning over 8,300 square feet, the home has six bedrooms, six baths, a couple of inviting three-season spaces, kitchen, pool area, and more—like their private pickleball court. It’s a presence on a four acre, partially-wooded lot, complete with a stream running through.

One of the first notable features are the floor-to-ceiling windows, designed to flood the space with natural light and offer stunning views of the pool area and hillside. For Dan and Jenny, having a connection to the outdoors was a must. The style of home may be contemporary and modern but Dan says, “We call it ‘Mountain Modern’ because we were inspired by our ski trips out west.” Jenny says the lot is both woodsy and relaxing, yet convenient at the same time. “We love that we can walk everywhere. To the lake, local coffee shops, restaurants, for ice cream, and still feel a million miles away.”

“Jenny and I bought a place in Cedar Point Park in 2005, when the kids were two, four and six,” says Dan. “We had it for over ten years, but the kid’s activities made it hard to get there. What we wanted was to build a home for family—a gathering place for kids. We consider this home a gift from Jenny and I to our kids and generations to come.”

Dan is hardly a stranger to Williams Bay. “My grandparents bought a place here in the ‘50s. As a kid, I was there a few weekends a year.” Dan has returned to his roots, sharing the experience with family members just as his grandparents did.

Dan and Jenny identified their ideal parcel for this project in 2023, during the COVID pandemic, but the journey to transform it into their dream home wasn’t without challenges. It took nearly two years to rezone and consolidate the land, as the project involved merging two parcels and vacating an existing road.

“There were lots of challenges,” Dan admits. Their builder, John Matustik, echoes the sentiment. “It’s a great property, but it hadn’t been developed before because of a bog. The ground wasn’t suitable,” he explains. To overcome this, structural pilings were installed to support both the house and pool, ensuring a solid foundation for the project.

The Leahys discovered Matustik Builders while exploring the region, paying attention to who was building along the lake. “We felt a partnership with them right from the start,” Dan shares. “We felt comfortable.”

From there, John Matustik sat down with the Leahys to understand their vision for the home. “They wanted a modern-style design that connected seamlessly with nature,” John explains. “The home features expansive views from the living spaces to the outdoors, with a U-shaped, wrap-around layout.” As someone who describes himself as a “control freak”—albeit with a smile—John adds, “We put our heart and soul into the project. I was involved every step of the way, from start to finish.”

When it came time to work on the interior design, Dan and Jenny had one major request for their designer Donna Miceli (of Donna Miceli Interiors)—family first. “We first met Donna when we built our home in Elmhurst, then worked with her again for our home in Florida. She’s practically become part of the family. We have the utmost trust and confidence in her.”

Donna shares the same sense of connection with the couple, as her approach to the design reflected the heart and purpose of the home. “This is a super family-friendly house and the most contemporary of Dan & Jenny’s projects,” Donna explains. “It was created to be a forever family home, designed around the family’s dynamic and the next chapter of their lives.”

The next chapter will undoubtedly include grandchildren, so Donna prioritized practicality with performance fabrics that are virtually indestructible. “I wanted the house to feel like a place where they could walk in, drop their bags, and start having fun,” she says.

Once the architectural plans were finalized, Donna collaborated with designer Betty Brandolino of Fresh Twist Studio in Elmhurst to perfect the furnishings and window treatments. “I wanted the interior to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, given that the property is partially wooded. Everything flows—from the interior to the large screened-in area to the outdoors,” Donna explains. “It’s like three layers of living space.”

The neutral color palette enhances this connection to nature, creating a harmonious balance with the stunning views just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

With a short commute from their home base, the family takes full advantage of everything Williams Bay has to offer—from launching their boat, swimming, playing bocce or pickleball, or simply relaxing, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. “There are hiking paths, forest preserves, and tons of wildlife—like turkeys, deer, and raccoons,” Donna shares.

Being just a short drive from the Chicago area adds another layer of appeal. With so many residents and friends from their hometown nearby, there’s always someone to connect with.

Life on the lake is thriving for the Leahys, and with their family continuing to grow, it’s clear the good times are just beginning.

Spring 2025 18 Mar 2025, 7:17 pm

What’s REAL About the Recent Real Estate Headlines? 30 Oct 2024, 5:53 pm

As of August 17, 2024, changes from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) practice have taken effect. While many of these changes will not be apparent to homebuyers, we at Compass feel it is important for you to understand the specific aspects that will. Compass agents prepared for these changes in the months leading up to this change, and they have implemented the new practices, which are aimed primarily at enhancing transparency and protecting both buyers and agents. 

WHAT HAS CHANGED? 

The most notable change for buyers is the requirement for all agents to have written agreements when touring homes. This means you will need to sign an agreement with your Compass agent before viewing properties (this written agreement is not necessary for open houses). The requirement formalizes your working relationship, ensuring both the agent and buyer understand the services provided and their costs. It is crucial to note that this requirement applies to all licensed real estate agents nationwide and, if an agent says otherwise, they are not adhering to the new guidelines.

WHAT HASN’T CHANGED?

Wisconsin has always emphasized transparency in real estate transactions. Even before these current changes, Wisconsin came out with their first buyer’s agency agreement in 1986. We are fortunate this has become a common practice, as it clearly defines the agent’s role to the buyer. Additionally, Wisconsin’s real estate forms have always required sellers to detail the commission offered to buyer’s agents and subagents; therefore, the new practice of requiring written agreements is a natural extension of the state’s existing commitment to transparency and consumer protection. Compass agents have been thoroughly trained on these practices and are ready to embrace the industry changes. 

BUYER’S AGENT ROLE

A buyer’s agent is a licensed real estate professional who represents your interests throughout the home-buying process and has fiduciary duties to you, the buyer, as opposed to the seller. Their primary goal is to ensure you get the best possible deal while navigating the complexities of buying a home. Here are a few key steps a Compass buyer’s agent will help you navigate:

COMPASS COLLECTIONS

While online portals like Zillow and Realtor.com provide access to many listings, they often are not up-to-date or have incorrect information. Your Compass agent has access to a comprehensive database of available homes, including “off market listings” that aren’t publicly listed. They can quickly filter properties that match your criteria, saving you time and effort.

Compass Collections allow you to favorite homes, comment about features, and request a tour of the home from your agent. The tool fosters collaborative conversation between you and your agent throughout the home buying process with instant updates on new listings and availability.

WRITING OFFERS

Crafting a competitive offer involves more than simply determining a price. Compass agents consider factors such as the home’s condition, the local market, and specific terms that might make your offer more appealing. In Wisconsin, real estate agents practice a limited form of law when filling out state-approved forms, making a knowledgeable agent essential to ensure you are protected as a buyer.

NEGOTIATIONS 

Real estate transactions often involve negotiations. Your Compass agent will advocate for your best interests, whether it’s negotiating the price, terms, or contingencies. In fact, buyer’s agents must put your interests first. Their informed perspective and market knowledge are invaluable during this complex process. 

COORDINATION & MANAGEMENT 

A buyer’s agent coordinates with various professionals such as inspectors, appraisers, and lenders, ensuring that all aspects of the transaction proceed smoothly. They manage the numerous documents and deadlines involved, helping you stay organized and informed on the transaction process. 

THE COMPASS BUYER ’ S AGENT 

At Compass, we believe that having a trusted professional by your side can make all the difference in your home-buying journey. Our agents bring not only deep market insights and expert negotiation skills, but also a vast network of industry contacts to help you make the best possible decisions. With the new requirement for written agreements, you’ll have the added peace of mind knowing that your partnership with your Compass agent is clearly defined, ensuring transparency and security every step of the way. 

While recent changes in Wisconsin may seem small, they highlight the value of working with a knowledgeable real estate agent. By formalizing your relationship with your Compass agent through a written agreement, you can move forward with confidence, knowing that your best interests are at the heart of everything we do– after all, our mission is to help everyone find their place in the world.

Reed Custom Builders 11 Oct 2024, 2:54 pm

Amid the scenic beauty of Geneva Lake, Reed Custom Builders proudly embodies the enduring spirit of community and family. With a rich history dating back over a century, Reed Custom Builders, now led by its fifth-generation owners, proudly introduces itself to the local area, embodying values of tradition, quality, and dedication. The convergence of serene lakeside living and the warmth of a close-knit community encapsulates the essence of Geneva Lake, making it an ideal setting for a company deeply rooted in the values of heritage and continuity. 

At the heart of Reed Custom Builders’ story is the cherished legacy of Bill and Beverly Birck, a family deeply intertwined with the traditions of Geneva Lake. The tale begins with Bill’s parents, who laid the foundation for a lasting family tradition by spending cherished summers at the lake and eventually acquiring a beloved cottage. This tradition, rich in meaning and memories, is emblematic of the values that Reed Custom Builders upholds. Bill and Beverly have continued this legacy, creating timeless moments with their children and culminating in the significant milestone of purchasing their current lake home in 2017. 

Beyond the realm of construction, Reed Custom Builders takes immense pride in being a committed member of the Lake Geneva community. Actively supporting numerous organizations—such as the esteemed Lake Geneva Garden Club, Horticultural Hall, Geneva Lake Association, and The Lake Geneva Fresh Air Association—Reed Custom Builders emphasizes the importance of giving back and making a positive impact that extends far beyond their construction projects. 

As Reed Custom Builders forges ahead, under the guidance of its fifth-generation owners, there is an unwavering commitment to upholding the meticulously crafted legacy. With a pledge to deliver the same dedication and quality that has been the hallmark of the company for over 131 years, the journey forward is brimming with excitement and the promise of continued impact on both the construction industry and the local community. 

At Reed Custom Builders, we remain steadfast in our mission to create quality homes and fulfill dreams while honoring the community that has supported us for over a century. We invite you to join us in our ongoing journey as we continue to build homes and lasting relationships at Geneva Lake. 

Reed Custom Builders | Beverly Birck – Partner  | 262.812.7749