You should start looking online now, and maybe get a list of favorites saved up for your visit. If your intention with your visit is to write an offer, then I would say come in March. Otherwise I would suggest February...January at the earliest (you should wait until after the holidays, when likely more people will list their homes for sale).

And to reiterate...get a Realtor! You definitely want a real estate agent that is working for you and looking out for your best interest (a Buyer's Agent). Especially because it shouldn't cost you anything. Feel free to check out the video I made that explains this a little further (see web reference below)

Hi Scott,

I'm going to keep it short, the answers below are fairly accurate. You should start casually browsing listings now through the internet. Your best option would be to hook up with an Agent and have them put you on a drip from the MLS that will provide you with the most accurate and up to date information available. If you decide to wait on connecting go to http://www.wisconsinhomes.com it's our local Board's public website and you can view listings unmolested.
Depending on how selective you view yourself you should start your search in earnest in late February / early March if you are determined to move straight into a home rather than renting first. Of course if you are eligible for the tax credit it would be difficult to not take advantage of it.
I am going to slighty correct the information provided below about the tax credit, you only need an accepted offer in place by April 30, 2010 and need to close on or before July 1, 2010.
Best of luck. Let me know if you have any other questions you would like me to help you with. I'd be happy to ship one of our company relocation packages to you if you'd like?

Thanks,

Dan Bowden
Broker / Manager
Restaino & Associates
608.220.5311
Dan@DanBowden.net http://www.MadisonMLSHomes.com

Scott,

Most of these answers are great... so I won't repeat. Just get yourself a good agent that knows the area that you want to be in. If you don't know what that area is, grab a local guy like myself that has worked all over Dane County and lived here my whole life. Amber is in my company as well, she answered below and she is a great agent too.

Call a couple of agents on the phone, block your number if you can or you will most likely get bugged for some time after that. Just ask some general questions until you feel comfortable with the answers and get a feel for one of us and then sit back and let them guide you. As buyer's agents, it's our job to answer all your questions and make your move as smooth as possible while protecting your throughout the buying process.

Of course I would love if you gave me a call as well!

Kindest regards,

Dan Bertelson
RE/MAX Preferred
608-212-1407 Mobile
dan@GreaterMadisonRealty.com

Scott,

You will want to start looking now. How many trips can you make to Madison to view homes? Make sure you are pre-approved and have your financing in line. That will help you when you come to town. I suggest having an accepted offer 45 days prior to closing. Ideally, I would suggest coming to town 60 days prior to closing.

The tax credit ends on April 30, 2010. It now includes an extension of the current first time homebuyer tax credit and expands to include previous/current homeowners that meet the criteria. It is something to keep in mind if you qualify.

It can seem overwhelming, especially from another state. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or if you would like to discuss a schedule. Also, if you would like to see a list of homes that meet your criteria to get started, let me know.

Kristi Ross
Coldwell Banker Success
608.235.8780
kross@cbSuccessRealty.com

Hello Scott,

If you would like to purchase a home and close by the end of May, I would suggest starting your search online now so you can become accuainted with our market and home prices.

As far as your visit to Madison to view properties, I would suggest mid March. Are you planning one visit to Madison or multiple visits.?

If you are a first time homebuyer, or have not owned a home for three years, you will qualify for a tax credit if you close by April 30. If you have owned a home for five of the past eight years you would also qualify for a tax credit if you close by April 30. If this is the case then I would suggest starting your search in late Februay or early March

I would be happy to assist you with your home search. I am an Accredited Buyer’s Representative and work with many buyers in all price ranges. I will be happy to search for all homes that meet your criteria and send them to you via email if you would like to forward your email to me. You can cotact me at (608) 770-1140 or donnaherms@aol.com. Also check out my website at http://www.Buying MadisonHomes.com.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Respectfully,
Donna Hermsen, Broker, ABR, CHMS
Bunbury & Associates Realtors
Master of Real Estate

Hi Scott,
If your plan is to be moved in by the end of May, I would suggest haveing an accepted offer Mid-March through Mid-April. Of course, every home seller has a different scenerio as to when they need to be out as well. I would be happy in the meantime to complete a search directly from the MLS and send you homes that meet your search criteria. I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have about the home buying process and/or about the Madison area!

You might want to move up your timeline if you are eligible for the Tax Credit.

Otherwise, I would suggest viewing online listings starting now...revising and refining your search over the winter then plan on visiting in March or so to see some properties in person. In the past, the listings start to pick up a little bit each and every day after the New Year. The first quarter is the peak for listings, the second quarter is the peak for sales and things taper off from the 4th of July until the end of the year.

This is exactly what I do: Exclusive Buyer Agent helping people from other parts of the country find just the right house from a distance. No conflicts, no Dual Agency...