Oconomowoc Festival Week includes an assortment of activities and entertainment leading up to the annual Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts, happening the third weekend in August. Check out what is going on, leading up to the art festival. Event information should be verified before attending, as they are subject to change.
Starting August 7, 2021
Take a stroll through Downtown Oconomowoc after it is colored with yarn. Trees, benches, bike racks and more will be covered with colorful patterns knitted by volunteers, to help benefit the Lake Area Free Clinic.
August 10, 2021 | 9 AM to 1 PM
This year’s Oconomowoc Kid’s Fest will be held at a new location: Fowler Park. There will be free games, performances, activities, crafts, and plenty of fun for kids.
August 12, 2021 | Starting at 6 PM
Watch a movie in Fowler Park at dusk, at this free community event. Come early to watch the Badgerland Waterski Show at 7 pm. Movie to be announced.
August 20-22, 2021
Enjoy craft beer and entertainment at the Village Green, Downtown Oconomowoc.
August 21, 2021 | Dusk
Watch the boat parade on Lac La Belle as the boats illuminate the lake, by being decked out in lights and decorations. Come early for the Oconomowoc American Legion band concert at the City Beach band shell beginning at 7:30 PM. After the parade, stay for the fireworks show over the lake.
August 21 & 22, 2021 | 10 AM to 5 PM
The annual Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts will take place the third weekend in August, at the beautiful Fowler Lake Park. This year, the festival will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Learn more about this popular event on the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts website.
Weaving art into your home is a perfect way to add character to your home’s décor. Pieces of art will also add a sense of depth and sophistication to any room. Here are 10 helpful tips for integrating art into your home.
Find the focal point of a room to display art. When you walk into a room, where do your eyes look first? Since the focal point of a room draws attention, it provides an ideal spot to hang artwork.
Use the secondary color in art to use as an accent color in a room. Pillows and lampshades in the accent color can help unify the space.
Make a bold statement and also add cohesiveness to a space, by grouping multiple pieces of art from the same artist.
For a casual look, lean multiple pieces of artwork in different sizes instead of hanging.
For good feng shui, artwork that has water depicted in it should not be displayed higher than your nose. If displayed higher, it can evoke the feeling of suppression.
Framing artwork can make it more special and keep it in good condition.
Display art that inspires you in the office. Art is a great way to personalize your office area and keep you inspired.
Bedroom artwork should reflect relaxation. A large-scale piece in soothing colors can help your bedroom feel more like a retreat.
Going beyond the canvas and blending in other works of art such as tapestries, sculptures, and pottery will help add texture and depth to a space.
For smaller rooms or spaces, using one bigger piece of art, versus multiple small pieces can help the space feel less cluttered.
The first half of 2021 had strong home sales, and robust median home price growth in Waukesha County. The number of home sales in the county were slightly up from 2020. The median home sales price increased over 11.5% in the first half of the year, compared to the respective time frame last year.
Forecasts predicted June home sales would fall flat or decrease, given the tight inventory of homes for sale. Home sales in June exceeded the number of sales a year ago in the County, but below the number of sales for the same month in 2015 through 2019. The median home sale price was over 9% higher in June, compared to a year ago.
According to the latest Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) housing report, the available supply of homes statewide was down almost 32% in June versus June 2020. Locally, the number of available homes for sale as of July 29, 2021 listed on Metro MLS was slim, as illustrated in the chart below. A strong seller’s market remains, as demand for homes continue to exceed the number of homes available. Homes are expected to continue to move quickly through this fall, the WRA’s report predicted.
The threat of inflation on the horizon, may lead to slow down in the real estate market. Inflation could lead to higher mortgage rates, resulting in buyer demand to moderate.
For now, the lack of inventory will continue to fuel high home prices. Home buyers should expect to offer at or above asking price for sought after homes, especially in the Oconomowoc real estate market. Besides the offer price, buyers should consider other ways to sweeten the deal for sellers, for a highly desirable home. Working with an experienced REALTOR, who knows the local market well can help buyers increase their chances to successfully purchase a home.
The celebrations are back for 2021. Here are a list of scheduled firework shows, Independence day parades & celebrations near Oconomowoc. Events mentioned below are subject to change and should be verified before attending.
Okauchee’s 4th of July Weekend Music Festival is July 2-4 at the Okauchee Lion’s Park. July 3 on Okauchee Lake. Enjoy music on land and water, and the car and ride-in bike show.
Kick off Independence Day weekend with a fireworks show at Centennial Park at dusk.
The Oconomowoc Rotary Club Independence Day Parade at 5 PM. The parade route starts at South Main & Jefferson St, through downtown and ends at Fowler Park.
The city’s annual Fireworks show over Fowler Lake is scheduled for 9:30 PM.
The fireworks show over Lake Nagawicka will begin at dusk. Watch the show from St. Johns’ Park or Naga-waukee County Park.
Enjoy the fireworks show from Riverside Park, scheduled for 9:30 PM.
Brookfield’s Independence Day Parade starts at 10 AM. Spectate from Calhoun Road, between Gebhardt Rd. and North Ave.
Family Fest, the annual pre-fireworks show event is from 6-9 PM at Mitchell Park. Enjoy family activities, food and entertainment. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:17 PM.
The Venetian Night lighted boat parade on Okauchee Lake is scheduled for 8:30 P.M, followed by the Okauchee Lake Fireworks show at dusk. The display will be held on Park Island between the Golden Mast Restaurant and The Hideaway Bar & Grill.
The Pewaukee Lake Waterski Show is scheduled for 6:45 PM, followed by music and fireworks at dusk.
The City’s Independence Day Parade downtown is set to begin at 11 AM. The Waukesha County Expo Center will host the annual fireworks show at dusk.
Family Fun Fest is an all-day event at Village Park. Kid activities will take place in the morning and afternoon, followed by the Third Space beer garden in the evening. The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 PM.
Watertown’s 4th of July parade is scheduled for 10 AM, downtown Watertown.
If you want to successfully buy a home in the Oconomowoc area in 2021, being decisive, aggressive on the offer price and terms, and working swiftly can help you succeed.
The pandemic that began last year did not deter home buyers, like it did to many sellers. Pent up buyer demand, and remarkably low inventory this year has caused bidding wars to surge for homes in Oconomowoc and surrounding area.
With no sign of buyer competition slowing down in the near future, being aware of the emerging trends in real estate negotiations can help you understand the local market and how to craft the winning bid on a home.
The trends are not listed in any particular order.
Bidding wars swell the final sales price, and sellers can get anxious about their home appraising out for the price they accepted at. In an effort to make a bid stand out to a seller, we have seen buyers offer an additional amount over the home’s appraised value, if the accepted purchase price exceeds the appraisal. This proposal sweetens the deal for the seller, and shows that the buyer is serious.
When a seller receives more than one bid they like, they have the option to multiple counter the appealing offers. Knowing other enticing bids are on the table, determined and capable buyers sometimes decide to just write a better offer instead, such as offering a higher purchase price.
If you receive a multiple counter offer from the seller, it means you are in the running for the home. Like any of these trends listed, it is wise to consult with your REALTOR® how to approach your unique multiple counter situation.
While secondary offers imply that you did not get the winning bid, you could still score the home in the end. A seller can accept one primary offer and have several “back up offers” known as secondary offers. If the initial primary offer falls through, the seller could move on to one of the secondary offers in line. Having secondary offers prevents the seller from putting the home back on the market if the first deal falls through.
To help manage several bids, it has become common for sellers to set a deadline for when any and all offers are due by, so they can review them simultaneously. In this case, being decisive and acting quickly is necessary as a buyer, to get your offer in front of the seller in time for them to review.
Accommodating the sellers with a lease-back option can help your offer stand out from the crowd. This option allows the buyer to rent the home back to the seller, for a predetermined amount of time after closing.
In this fast-paced market, some sellers are unprepared if their home sells quickly or have not found a new place to live yet. Catering to the seller’s needs can help you score the winning bid.
Being familiar with the trends and conditions of the real estate market you want to purchase in can help you set realistic expectations. Hiring an experienced REALTOR® who has a pulse on the local market can be your biggest asset, to help you successfully purchase a home in today’s competitive market. The best part: the seller pays both commissions at closing. It would be foolish not to hire your own agent that represents you and your best interests when purchasing real estate.
If you’re looking to purchase a home in Oconomowoc or the Lake Country area, Oconomowoc Realty is here to help. Just fill out the short form below to start the conversation, or contact one of our agents directly.
Now that your kids moved out, you may recognize that you have a big empty house that you still have to maintain, and that it might be time to downsize. Moving to a smaller house or a condo could help free up your time and money. Perks of the condo lifestyle may include having less maintenance, access to more amenities, and living in a unique location such as in a downtown area.
As your family expands and your kids grow older, you may start to acknowledge that you need more space. You may find that your ready for your own master bathroom, or need more room for all their toys and sporting gear. If your household is bulging at the seams, it may be a sign that it’s time to find a home that better fits you and your family’s needs.
If you have been thinking about retiring soon, or just want to divest in real estate, selling when property values are high can provide an opportunity to make a profit. In the local Oconomowoc real estate market, property values have increased significantly over the last few years.
Is that huge yard, long driveway, or expensive to maintain swimming pool got you financially or emotionally stressed? If so, then it may be time to purchase some lower maintenance real estate or try renting instead.
Sometimes you just want a new house. As your tastes and hobbies change, you may find yourself wanting something different than your current house offers, such as a larger yard. If you have been contemplating if the grass is greener on the other side, it may be a sign you’re ready to move on.
If homes in your neighborhood, similar to yours, recently sold for a price you would be happy with, it might be a good time to move. Check out sold listings online and “just sold” flyers in the mail to see what neighboring homes are going for. Another indicator is comparing the sold price to the asking price. In today’s crazy market, many sellers are cashing in on above asking price offers with favorable terms.
If you’re tired of traveling far for holidays to visit your family, have FOMO on other family gatherings, or want your parents more involved in your children’s life, it may be a good idea to move closer to family.
Interest rates have been at historic lows. Locking in a low, fixed rate mortgage for 15 or 30 years may sound like a good idea to you. Rates have been slowly creeping up however, and may continue to do so as the economy improves.
Renting has its advantages, but you may find yourself thinking about putting down roots and buying your own place. Owning your own home can give you a sense of stability, allows you to customize your home, and can help you build equity.
Deciding to move is a big decision with a lot of factors involved. If you own a home and have been thinking about selling, doing so in a strong seller’s market can help you sell your home faster, at a higher price and on more favorable terms.
To find out what your property could sell for in today’s hot market, contact us for a FREE comparative market analysis.
If you are considering purchasing a home or have questions about how to start the process, we can help with that too. Contact us at info@oconomowocrealty.com or 262-567-3611.
If you live in Oconomowoc or just visiting, there are plenty of things to do in Oconomowoc during summer. In the late 19th century, Oconomowoc became a favorite summer retreat for tourists and wealthy vacationers, including former U.S Presidents. Get out and experience summer in Oconomowoc. Events mentioned below are subject to change and should be verified before attending.
Being located in Lake Country, Oconomowoc has plenty of lakes and rivers in the area to paddle on.
Jane: I kayaked from Fowler to Oconomowoc Lake along the Oconomowoc River last summer – it was beautiful and I’d definitely recommend. You can rent kayaks at Sherper’s.
I love paddle boarding on Lac La Belle. If you need to rent a paddleboard, Paddleboard Specialists is great.
When their flags are flying, you know The Kiltie is open for the season. The iconic drive-in custard stand is a local favorite and only open during the summer months.
Oconomowoc’s rich history is evident by the historic real estate found throughout downtown and around Fowler Lake. Take the scenic, self-guided tour using the tour map from the Oconomowoc Historical Society. On your way to the 2nd historic site on the tour, stop in front of our office to check out the site of the 1st motion picture theater in Oconomowoc: The Crystal Theater, silent movies (1908-1930).
There are many lakes to choose from in the Oconomowoc area for swimming, boating, and recreation on the water.
The local farmers market take place on Saturday mornings from 8 AM to Noon, on the east side of Downtown Oconomowoc. The market offers a variety of local vendors and an assortment of products. Pete’s Pops is Jane’s favorite booth this year (really great popsicles in fun flavors). They’re @petespops on Instagram.
On July 3, watch the Independence Day Parade which ends at Fowler Park. Stay for the fireworks show at dusk.
There are plenty of free concerts throughout summer in Oconomowoc. Visit the bandshell at City Beach for the Oconomowoc American Legion Band concerts and Bands at the Beach. Magic Mansion in the Park is another free concert event at Fowler Park in the summer.
The 2021 dates for Moonlit Movies of Oconomowoc are June 22, July 8, and August 12. The free, family-friendly event is back at Fowler Park. Come early and find a spot along the shoreline to catch the Badgerland Waterski show beforehand.
Downtown Oconomowoc hosts an outdoor beer garden on the Village Green throughout summer. Enjoy local microbrews on tap along with other drinks and refreshments. This year’s beer garden dates are scheduled for June 17-19, July 15-17 and August 20-22, 2021
A great way to enjoy the area lakes is to go fishing. We’ve heard rumors of a secret musky population in Lac La Belle that only the best anglers can find. Wisconsin’s free fishing weekend is June 5 and 6, 2021.
Light up the lake is August 21, 2021 on Lac La Belle. A local favorite! Come see all the decorated and lit up boats in the boat parade and stay for the firework show.
The Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts is the third weekend in August, at Fowler Park. Enjoy free admission and shop a wide variety of artwork.
The Concord Zoo at Concord General Store has provided a sanctuary for animals from all different walks of life. Concord Zoo provides you the opportunity to reconnect with nature and animals. Plus, the best part: it’s free!
Dirty Kettle visits Concord General Store a few weekends throughout the summer. He brings Native American history alive with his hands on presentations and teepee replica.
Throughout summer in Oconomowoc, there are multiple races you can participate in, including the Yellow Brick Road 5k Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run, Lake Country Triathlon, and Midwest Paddlefest.
If you don’t want to compete in a race, watch one instead.
Ride to the Barns is a fundraising bike ride through Lake Country and rolling farmland in neighboring counties. Rest stops are at farms serving locally produced food and the ride ends with a post party featuring food, beer, refreshments and live music.
After a day on the lake, a frozen treat may be just what you need. Whether you prefer ice cream, custard or gelato- you can find them all in Oconomowoc. Jane’s excited for Mullen’s, which just opend behind Roots.
Take advantage of the weather when it’s nice out and dine outdoors. There are plenty of local restaurants and coffee shops that offer outdoor seating in Oconomowoc. If not, grab a to go order and find a table out on the Fowler Lake Boardwalk or have a picnic at Fowler Lake Park.
One of the best ways to unwind from the day is to catch a sunset lakeside. Lac La Belle has offered some of the most breathtaking sunset views.
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.
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