The Joshua Holt Podcast

There’s a lot of confusing and contradictory information about the housing market right now, more homes for sale, but still a seller’s market; high rates, but people still buying. So what’s actually happening in Madison? We track this data every single week, and in this video we cut through the noise. First, this is a market of contradictions: there are more homes on the market than we’ve seen in...

What if you could make an offer on a home before anyone else even gets to see it, with no bidding war and no crowd to beat? In this video we break down the "coming soon" offer strategy that most Madison buyers don't even know exists. With more active listings on the market than we've seen in years, but some homes still getting multiple offers, timing matters. We explain what "coming soon" or delay...

Can you still buy a home at a mortgage rate around two percent in 2026? In rare cases, yes, through a VA loan assumption. In this video we break down a real deal where our relocating buyer, a veteran, assumed another veteran's VA loan at a COVID-era rate, and how the whole thing started with a business card left on a kitchen counter. You'll learn what a loan assumption actually is, the big catch t...

What happens when an appraiser declares a home non-financeable, even for a standard conventional loan? In this video, we break down a real deal where we represented the seller of an 1886 farmhouse that was rated in condition too poor to finance, and handed a long list of demanded repairs, including a request to add an entire second bathroom. You'll see how we got a detached garage removed from the...

If you're getting ready to buy a home, you've probably heard an inspection is part of the process, but may not know what the inspector is actually doing once they're inside. We brought in Kyle Jensen from Homestart Inspections, a local Madison inspector, to answer the question we keep hearing from buyers. Kyle walks through what an inspector checks, the specialized tools most people never see, and...

A new housing bill just cleared Congress, and it’s being called the biggest in decades. If you’re buying or selling in Madison, you’re probably wondering what it actually means for you. In my latest video, I break down what’s really in the bill, from the limits on big corporate investors to the changes that could help everyday buyers, plus an honest look at what it won’t do. Watch my video for the...

If you're thinking about buying or selling a condo in Madison, some important changes are coming that could affect financing, monthly dues, buyer demand, and even property values. These changes are tied to how lenders review condo and HOA communities, and the review process that many buyers once breezed through is tightening. In our latest video, we walk through four specific changes coming to the...

Over half of home listings right now are sitting for 60 days or more without going under contract. And in most cases, it's not the price. Buyers are walking through homes and deciding within the first 30 seconds whether they're interested or moving on. In our video, we break down the three things that separate the homes getting offers from the ones getting skipped, and most of them take less than...

Well-priced homes are selling in 63 days right now. Overpriced homes are sitting for 121. If your home is on the market and you're not getting the response you expected, there are really only three things to look at. In our video, we break down how to tell which one is the problem and what to do about it before you lose more time or make the wrong adjustment. Watch our video before you make your n...

One of the most common things we hear from buyers is "I know I need 20% down, so I just can't buy right now." The truth is, you don't need 20%, and that myth is holding a lot of people back. In this video, we sit down with mortgage expert Jess Rielly from Envoy Mortgage to break down the loan programs that can get you into a home in Madison with far less than you think. Watch our video to see what...

Should you skip the home inspection to make your offer more competitive? It's a question we hear all the time, and the answer is more nuanced than most buyers expect. We sat down with Kyle Jensen from HomeStart Inspections to break down what actually gets caught during an inspection, why it matters even in brand-new construction, and what your options are if you end up waiving one. Watch our video...

One of the most common questions we get from buyers is whether they need a preapproval before they start looking at homes. The short answer is absolutely. We sat down with our mortgage expert Jess Rielly from Envoy Mortgage to break down why it matters, what documents you need, and why getting preapproved doesn’t mean you have to buy right away. If you have been hesitant about taking that first st...

Is Madison’s housing market finally becoming more affordable for buyers? In this video, we’re breaking down the latest trends in Madison’s market and what they really mean for you. While home prices are still rising, mortgage rates have dropped, and inventory is improving, making it slightly easier to navigate the market. You’ll learn why affordability remains a challenge and how the increase in l...

Are you wondering whether to update your home or sell it as-is? Many homeowners in South Central Wisconsin worry about spending money on repairs that might not pay off. Today, I’ll guide you on which updates attract buyers and when selling as-is can be the smarter move. You’ll learn how small changes, pricing, and positioning can make a big difference in offers. If you're looking to maximize your...

Madison’s housing market is already tough, and now the city has hit pause on building new data centers. Could this finally give people more room to find a home without prices skyrocketing? In this video, I break down exactly how this pause could impact the market and your next move. Click the link below to watch and see what this change could mean for you.

Wondering what the 2026 real estate market will look like? After years of uncertainty and fluctuations, many potential buyers and sellers remain on the sidelines, afraid of getting the timing wrong. In this update, I’m breaking down what's actually happening beneath the headlines about rates, inventory, and buyer behavior. Right now, mortgage rates are easing to around the low to mid-sixes, creati...

Thinking about buying a home in 2026? A proposed ban on institutional investors could shake up the market, but many buyers aren’t sure what it really means for them. I’m breaking down how this policy could affect competition, affordability, and your chances of landing the right home. From markets with heavy investor activity to broader housing supply trends, knowing what’s happening can help you p...

Madison, Wisconsin, is officially one of the hottest housing markets in 2026, and the buzz is real. Redfin placed it alongside other surging Midwest cities like Minneapolis, Cleveland, and St. Louis. I’ll explain what’s driving the boom: affordability, climate stability, and population growth, while homes are selling fast and competition is rising. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or inve...

Want to buy a home in Madison this year but don’t know where to start? Take action now before the competition heats up. I’ll guide you through three smart steps to make homebuying easier and more strategic, plus common mistakes to avoid. Want to hear the full step-by-step process? Just check out my video.

The holiday season is here, and we’re feeling all the good vibes! We’re grateful for all the amazing people we’ve gotten to meet, and helping you find new spaces or start fresh has truly been one of the highlights of our careers. You’ve made this journey meaningful and a whole lot of fun. Here’s a quick, festive holiday message from our team to kick off the season.

Imagine stretching your loan to 50 years or carrying your rate through a portable mortgage, only to see how slowly your equity builds and how quickly costs rise. What looks like affordability today can create challenges later. I’ll show you what these mortgage options really mean for your finances and what buyers should consider before committing. Click the link below to make the choice that’s bes...

What will the housing market look like in 2026? Some signs point to slow price growth, possible rate relief, and changes in inventory. What that means for buyers and sellers may surprise you. Today, I’ll break down what you need to know based on the latest data so you can make a solid plan for your next move.

Wondering why more home deals are falling through? Contract cancellations are at a record high in late 2025. But it’s not a crash; it’s a reset. Today, I’ll explain the four real reasons deals are stalling, and what you can do to protect yours, whether you’re buying or selling. Right now, buyers and sellers are misaligned, small hiccups are becoming deal-breakers, and every market is moving differ...

Should you stage your home before selling? The truth is, it depends. You first need to assess your home, market, and goals. In this video, I’ll break down when staging makes the biggest impact, how to do it cost-effectively, and when it may not be needed at all. Whether you’re working with a vacant home, an unusual layout, or just want to stand out online, these smart tips can help you attract mor...

Selling your home? Here’s one thing sellers never anticipate: Even if you've accepted an offer, you're still not guaranteed a sale. It's incredibly frustrating to invest time and energy only to have the deal fall through from a bad inspection or financing issue. In this video, I’ll walk you through the five most common reasons buyers back out and how to prevent them. Whether you're selling soon or...