Total listings of homes for sale in Wisconsin plummeted nearly 40% over the last 12 months, which boosted the median home sales price over 10%, according to a recent analysis by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). This was a drastic difference from the modest 5% shrink in inventory in March 2020 compared to March 2019.
The southeast region of the state remains a strong seller’s market. Remarkably, there wasn’t a region in Wisconsin that had more than 2.6 months of supply of homes in March, the WRA’s report revealed. A balanced market is indicated by having 6 months of supply.
In Waukesha County, the number of home sales dipped over 12%, while median prices grew over 14% in the first quarter of the year compared to 2020’s Q1. The inventory crisis has caused housing prices to skyrocket, and will likely start weakening the number of home sales we see this summer.
Low mortgage rates have helped offset the rising home prices for buyers. According to the WRA’s report, the rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage was at 2.68% in December, and has inched up consecutively in each of the last three months, to 3.08% in March. Rising mortgage rates may start to dampen demand, and lead to moderating home prices in 2022.
For now, multiple competing offers made above asking price is expected to remain common. If you’re looking to purchase, it is imperative to have your financing lined up and to stay patient. You may lose out on a few homes you put offers on, but that just means your home is still waiting for you. At the end of the day, buyers are still closing on homes, and you will too when the time comes. Learn how to stand out from the competition with these 6 Buyer Tips.
If you’re thinking about selling while the market is in your favor, having a new place lined up is imperative. The average days on the market are down, meaning homes are selling more quickly.
Preparation is the key to success if your looking to purchase or sell a home in today’s market.
If you are thinking about selling or purchasing a property in the Lake Country area, we can help you. Request your in-person or virtual appointment below, or call us directly at (262) 567-3611 to speak to one of our real estate professionals.
There continues to be high demand for homes in Oconomowoc and surrounding area, making it a competitive market for buyers to purchase a home in the local community. Low mortgage rates and tight inventory has kept the pressure high for available homes for sale.
Here we’ll share some strategies, that can help get you into a new home.
When sellers review the offers presented to them, one of the major considerations is how the buyer plans to fund the purchase. Eliminating a financing contingency all together is ideal, but paying all cash is not feasible for many buyers.
Conventional loans as opposed to FHA loans are typically preferred by sellers. The conditions and dynamics of federally funded FHA loans are very different, and normally have stricter guidelines and requirements than traditional loans.
If you know a specific neighborhood or condo community you want to live in, but there are no listings for sale, sending a letter to potential sellers can lead to an opportunity.
We have helped buyers draft a letter, create a mailing list of homeowners in their desired community, and mail it out. Sometimes there are residents that have been considering putting their home up for sale and a real estate match can be made.
Omitting a home sale contingency will make your offer more attractive to the seller. If you’re looking to move but also have a home to sell, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss. One of our knowledgeable realtors can offer you advice on how to navigate the transition best, and to help you weigh your options.
Hiring a local real estate agent, in the community you want to purchase a home has its advantages. Not only will they have a better understanding of the area, but they also network with contacts and other agents in the community constantly. This can help them get a feel for homes that may be coming on the market soon.
A professional who has established positive working relationships with other local realtors can help get offers to the finish line. They can call the listing agent prior to submitting an offer, to learn about things important to the seller. Doing so can help you tailor an offer to be more appealing. Furthermore, they can communicate to the seller’s agents that they will help safeguard a smooth transaction.
When house hunting online, be more open minded about potential houses. Doing so can help you uncover a wonderful home. Sometimes bad listing photos or outdated cosmetic features can cause a property to be ignored. If you like the location and it meets your requirements, seeing it in person can reveal its true character and potential.
When submitting an offer to purchase, also include a personalized letter to the seller. Writing a letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and your family, explain why you love their home, and to make a connection with the seller. You can also highlight favorable terms such as your flexibility on the closing date. Bonus points for including a photo of you and your family (especially if you have a cute kid or pet).
If you’re ready to purchase your first or next home, we can help. Contact us to consult with one of our professional agents that can educate you on the local market conditions, and help you develop a game plan to successfully purchase a new home.
You may have heard that it is a strong seller’s market right now. If you have been considering selling, now is a great time before housing prices begin to moderate. Home values in Oconomowoc have increased substantially over the last few years.
Due to the high demand for housing in Oconomowoc, it is essential to be prepared before putting your home on the market. Here’s what you need to know if you’re selling your home in the Oconomowoc area in 2021.
You should be fully prepared to have a lot of foot traffic through your home, especially if it is priced at $350,000 or lower. It is recommended to remove personal items and de-clutter.
We have seen listings get back-to-back showing requests, prompting the need to reduce the maximum showing length for potential buyers to just 15 minutes. As the seller, you’re in charge to dictate the showing schedule, and can have days and times pre-blocked off as desired.
The average number of days that homes are staying on the market are down, meaning they are selling quicker. Make sure you have a new place lined up, in case your home sells quick. We have seen sellers get offers the first day their home is listed.
In today’s market, it is not uncommon for sellers to receive multiple offers, above asking price. It is important to look at all the conditions of each offer, not just the price.
For example, if a buyer has a financing contingency, ask for their pre-approval letter from their lender and make sure the dates are valid. This will give you an idea of how much they can afford, to help you gage if they might be offering more than they can handle, which increases the risk of the deal falling through.
Selling a home can be stressful, due to all the moving parts involved. The real estate agent you hire matters more than ever. Your realtor should be someone you can rely on to manage numerous phone calls, multiple offers and negotiations on your behalf.
The process can be chaotic, and you want to be assured that your professional real estate agent will help mitigate your stress, and have your best interest in mind. Selling your home with a well-versed agent can guide you to a smooth and successful closing.
If you don’t have an agent, we can help you find a great match with someone from our team. Send us an email at info@oconomowocrealty.com or fill out the short form below.