Field Notes

Data-driven analysis, local perspective, and honest guidance on Madison WI real estate — from Brian Callahan at Madison Abodes.

Brian's Take

First-person perspective from 30+ years in residential real estate — including 11 years in brokerage leadership and product at Redfin.

Brian's TakeSeptember 28, 2026 · 5 min read

Why I Started Madison Abodes after 11 Years at Redfin

Responsiveness, trust, data, and transparency — the things that actually matter to buyers and sellers, and why they shaped how I built Madison Abodes.

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Brian's TakeAugust 1, 2025 · 6 min read

Buyer Agency Fees in Madison WI: How Agent Compensation Works After the NAR Settlement

The NAR settlement changed how buyer agent fees are disclosed and negotiated. Here's what it actually means for buyers in Madison — and why our 2% fee structure was built for exactly this moment.

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Data Reports

In-depth analysis using real MLS data — neighborhood comparisons, school district premiums, and pricing insights you won't find anywhere else.

Data ReportsOctober 5, 2026 · 6 min read

What Does $400K Buy You Across Madison Neighborhoods?

A $400K budget goes very differently depending on where in Madison you buy. Based on 2026 closed sales data, here's what that price range actually delivers across 40+ neighborhoods — square footage, age, beds, and how fast homes are moving.

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How It Works

Wisconsin real estate forms and contingencies explained — actual contract language from board-approved forms, with AI-generated plain-English summaries. Not legal advice; always consult an attorney for guidance specific to your transaction.

How It WorksOctober 1, 2026 · 5 min read

The Wisconsin Real Estate Condition Report: What Sellers Must Disclose

The RECR is the primary document for seller disclosure of known property defects in Wisconsin. Here's what the law actually requires — and one critical connection to the inspection contingency that buyers often miss.

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How It WorksOctober 1, 2026 · 5 min read

The Inspection Contingency: What Your Home Inspector's Report Actually Protects

The inspection contingency is one of the most important protections in a Wisconsin home purchase. Here's the exact WB-11 language and what it means in plain English.

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Reference

Wisconsin Real Estate Contract Forms

Board-approved forms used in Wisconsin real estate transactions — free PDF downloads including the Real Estate Condition Report formatted from statutory language.

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