One of the best parts of fall is watching the foliage transform into vibrant colors adorning the countryside. It’s a stunning scene, as a sea of green gives way to an explosion of red, yellow, and orange.
Although the process seems magical, it’s scientific. Fall colors develop as daylight wanes (causing a drop in chlorophyll production) and weather conditions change; as a result, leaves will turn an array of colors, including bright yellow, purple, red, brown, orange, and golden yellow. Although you can always watch this phenomenon happening from your windows, there are some spectacular spots to visit in Southeastern Wisconsin that are dazzling.
To ensure you get the best colors possible, be sure to check the Fall Color Report before you go! It will give you the most up-to-date information regarding when the peak colors will be.
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
Holy Hill is a popular color spot, allowing for tremendous views amidst stunning architecture. The church rests upon a hill created by a retreating glacier, 1,300 feet above sea level; however, for an even better birds-eye view, climb the steps to the tower. From this vantage point, you can see for miles and get an excellent view of the natural forest below. If you prefer to stay on the ground, there are plenty of trails nearby to see the colors up close.
As this is a popular spot, you’ll want to time your visit right to ensure you can find a parking spot. It’s best to get there earlier in the day, as it usually is not quite as busy then.
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
The Devil’s Lake area is said to glow with color each fall as its dense forests change colors. In addition, the lake offers some fantastic hiking trails for various skill levels; if you’re looking for a more tricky hike, try out the Balanced Rock trail. For those who want to enjoy the colors without hiking, picnic areas near the lake provide an excellent vantage to take in all the colors.
Also, for those who want to enjoy the lake at the same time, you can take out kayaks, paddleboards, or canoes. They do have some available for rent on-site if you don’t have any of your own; however, please note that gas motors are not allowed on the lake.
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
Known for its charming downtown and family-friendly fun, Lake Geneva offers a sensational color display. There are a few different ways to enjoy the changing colors in the Lake Geneva area:
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
Located in Grant Park, the Seven Bridges Trail is a shorter trail in Milwaukee that offers an opportunity to see the changing colors near downtown. With ravines, bridges, and a trail end on the shore of Lake Michigan, this trail is a photographer’s dream.
Peak Foliage: September [at time of posting-3rd week of September per Fall Color Report]
The highest point in Waukesha County, Lapham Peak, is an excellent area to view colors, with numerous hiking trails. If you want to get even higher, the observation tower offers a panoramic view of the surrounding cities & landscapes.
Peak Foliage: October [at time of posting-approx. 1st to 3rd week of October per Fall Color Report]
The northern and southern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest offer 50,000 acres of forest; enjoy it all on a 115-mile scenic drive through southeastern Wisconsin. There are places to shop, eat, fish, swim, and historical sites along the route.
The route goes through six counties and is marked by green & white “acorn” signs. Check out the route here!
Peak Foliage: October or November [at time of posting-3rd week of October or 1st week of November per Fall Color Report]
This area of Wisconsin is well-known for towering bluffs and narrow valleys, both of which can be seen at this state park. This state park also has two 40-foot observation towers on either side showcasing the views of the lower Wisconsin riverway, Baraboo bluffs, and the countryside. There are also trails for hiking and off-road biking.
Only 25 miles from Madison, this 1,153-acre park is a great place to visit the forests & its convenient location allows for easy access to Madison’s thriving downtown.
Fall colors certainly don’t last long in Wisconsin, so hit the road and check out the dazzling color displays this fall season before they are gone!
What’s more fall than stopping by an apple orchard for some fresh, local apples straight off the tree? We would argue not much, so make the most of your fall by stopping by one of these apple-solutely amazing apple orchards in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Address: N5648 S Farmington Rd, Helenville
Although many know them for their berries, did you know Jelli’s Market has an apple orchard as well? With popular varieties, like Honey Crisp & Cortland, there’s an apple type that everyone will enjoy.
U-Pick? Yes, Jelli’s Market does offer u-pick, but only on Wednesdays from 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturdays & Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. However, they also provide pre-picked, which can be bought from their farm store. Their farm store also has other local goodies.
Varieties? Check out their variety list to see their total offerings and what’s currently available here.
Address: 5454 County Road Q, Colgate
You’ve got to check out this family-owned certified organic apple orchard with over 29 varieties. They also offer fresh cider, pies, and other apple products.
U-Pick? Yes, they offer only u-pick with different price options for different sized groups and the number of apples picked.
Varieties? With over 29 types, there’s sure to be something for you. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for current updates!
Address: 1545 Main St, Mukwonago
More than just apple picking, The Elegant Farmer offers a fall experience with FREE Admission on Saturdays & Sundays from September 10th through October 23rd from 10 am to 5 pm. This farm allows you to pick apples from the trees or pick up some pumpkins from one convenient and magical location. You can also purchase one of their famous apple pies baked in a paper bag.
If you’re looking for additional activities (with fees), they also offer hayride and pony rides, a corn maze, laser tag, and a cafe. You can also catch a train ride with the East Troy Electric Railroad.
U-Pick? U bet!
Varieties? Check out their website here to be up-to-date with the most current types currently being picked.
Address: 5006 South Sylvania Ave, Sturtevant
You holler, I holler, we all holler for apples at Apple Holler! This is a stop you won’t soon forget; with apples, farm fun with different farm animals, wagon rides, a corn maze, and a restaurant on-site-you’re sure to have a day full of fun.
U-Pick? Yes, Apple Holler allows for self-pick on their 78-acre orchard.
Varieties? This stop is sure to please with more than 3,000 trees featuring 30 types. Planning ahead? Check out their picking calendar for the scheduled apple-type availability! They also have active pickings on their homepage for the most up-to-date information.
Address: 19760 W National Ave, New Berlin
If you’re an apple connoisseur, this orchard is the perfect stop. Weston’s Antique Apples specializes in antique apple types (it’s even in the name) with over 100 different antique varieties. If you’re looking for more standard apple types, this likely isn’t the spot for you, but if you want to taste Calville Blanc d’Hiver (from France and a favorite of past royalty) or Hawaii (that tastes like a pineapple?!), then you need to check it out.
If you’re looking to stop at their home stand (where the orchard is), these are their hours: Saturday, 3–6 pm & Sunday, 12–4 pm; August through November. However, you can also catch them at the West Allis Farmer’s Market (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1 to 5 pm) or the Shorewood Farmer’s Market (9:30 am to 1 pm).
If you’re lucky, you might also find some tasty cider for sale at their home stand.
U-Pick? Nope, because the trees bear antique apples, the timing of ripeness can only be left to a professional. Therefore, they don’t offer u-pick at their orchard.
Varieties? Over 100! This page on their site goes over their different types with a short description. Interested in one of the types and want to know the timeline? Check out this projected ripening calendar!
When you describe the classic American dream, what comes to mind? A white house? Two-car garage? Perhaps it’s less material, more about certain freedoms or personal successes? How about a perfectly manicured, green yard space?
For better or worse, the American population has become obsessed with their lawns. They’ve become a status symbol, showcasing position in community and embodying the American dream. Moreover, it’s a symbol of suburb conformity, with many HOA’s establishing rules and neighbors who ensure compliance through passing comments. Sometimes, it goes beyond comments, with fines and even jail time given to those who fail to conform.
However, for something seen as so American, funnily enough, the typical American lawn is not. Instead, it’s a product of European emulation with European grass specimens, which at first, was only for the elite and wealthy. Eventually, the middle-class picked it up, as more became homeowners and it was included as a feature of developments.
In fact, it’s become so pervasive that, according to a research ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service, there is an estimated 163,800 square kilometers of lawn space across the county, including parks and golf courses. This land mass roughly equates to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts-imagine mowing that!
So, what’s the problem with this beloved property feature? Well, there are a few. . .
On average, per The Lawn Institute, lawns require around 1 inch of weekly rainfall to maintain a lush, green appearance. However, this is more rainfall than many parts of the United States now get. In fact, a third of all residential water consumption is allocated to lawn irrigation, equating to about 7 billion gallons of water daily (making it the largest irrigated “crop” in America).
A monoculture is an environment where one plant grows. Monocultures are typically a product of consumerism, allowing efforts to focus on caring for one specific organism, whatever it may be. Simplicity and efficiency are the driving force behind this method of growing. Although worthy aspirations, this monoculture has disastrous effects on the environment for the following reasons:
Although pouring or sprinkling fertilizer or pesticides/herbicides in the yard may seem harmless, it can cause problems for the surrounding environment and the organisms that populate it, even you.
In terms of effects on humans, numerous chemicals in lawn-care products have become the subject of concern; two, in particular, are herbicides glyphosate and 2,4-D. The CDC has proclaimed that long-term exposure to either of these chemicals can have adverse effects from nausea to respiratory issues. This glyphosate is the main ingredient in Roundup, a widely used weed killer, and there is debate amongst different health organizations as to whether it could be carcinogenic. However, this ingredient will cease being used in Bayer residential products, the manufacturer of Roundup, within the US by 2023. These health organizations are also now looking at 2,4-D as a potential health hazard and recommend caution in use.
Besides the impact on human health, fertilizers and pesticides also affect the environment. Although the biggest culprits of fertilizer runoff are large farms, residential homes still have an effect, especially on waterways. Nitrogen & phosphate, the main ingredients in most fertilizers, cause algae blooms when it washes into lakes, choking out the aquatic life–resulting in dead zones. In addition, pesticides and insecticides have been shown to be a contributing factor to the reduction in the bee population.
Perhaps the most apparent impact lawns have on the environment is the equipment used to cut them. The fuel-powered equipment contributes to greenhouse gases; however, the mowing frequency is also an essential factor to note. Lawns cut more often, contribute more gases, and also negatively effect diversity and bees. A study by researchers showed that lawns mowed every two weeks had more lawn diversity and a larger abundance of bees.
The mowers contribute to greenhouse gases through their emissions, that further air pollution and climate change progression. These emissions can include things like methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulates.
So, if grass isn’t green, then what is? Well, first off, there are ways to maintain your grass in a low-impact way; in fact, your lawn could even become a carbon sink if appropriately treated by. . .
However, if you’re looking for grass alternatives, these are also good options:
These alternatives are not as good:
It can be easy to be green, by making responsible choices–homeowners can work to create a more environmentally-friendly yard!
The recent real estate market has been interesting, creating a challenging market for buyers and a golden opportunity for sellers; however, recent changes have many wondering-is the housing market finally slowing down?
As inflation rates push higher, buyers have responded. The sale of existing homes experienced a 3.4% decrease between April and May of 2022 and were down 8.6%, when compared to May of 2021. Meanwhile, the sale of new builds dropped 6%, on an annual basis. It’s not just a decrease in home sales; Redfin has also reported a reduction in competing offers, with just 60.7% of offers written by their agents facing competing offers, down from 67.4% around a year ago. Not only are there less competing offers but buyers are also backing out of deals, on a nationwide scale 60,000 home-purchase agreements fell through in June, almost the highest percentage on record. The reasoning behind this is the current market state, giving buyers more room to negotiate and the rising mortgage rates forcing buyers to back out.
Another aspect buyers are now dealing with is that mortgage rates have spiked from 3.11% to 5.25% in the past five months to control rising inflation and are now up to 5.51% at the time of writing this post; experts expect this number to range from 5 to 7% the remainder of 2022. The rising rates have affected the housing market, with the number of mortgage applications dropping by 18% when compared to last year. These high rates have turned some buyers away, as they simply cannot afford to buy a house. In fact, “today’s average monthly mortgage payment of $1,700 is nearly $500 more than last year” and is more than double the amount a homeowner would expect to pay a decade ago. When combined with the high listing price of homes, these higher rates reduce the fervent market we’ve become accustomed to. The rising rates also have potential sellers deciding not to, or risk losing out on low mortgage monthly payments.
However, that’s not to say that we’re headed towards a real estate market crash-at least not according to most experts. For example, Bill McBride an analyst, sees the current market as very similar to 1980; in a bid to combat the inflation of the 1970s, interest rates rose, and the housing market plateaued. McBride sees the potential for another stall or plateau as the worst-case scenario in the current market. Meanwhile, Fannie May predicts a modest recession will likely hit in the second half of 2023, brought on by multiple factors, including rapidly rising interest rates, food prices, and surging house prices.
Even if the statistics show a slow-down, it doesn’t equate to affordability. The higher mortgage rates and the high prices of homes will make purchasing a home unaffordable for many; however, there may be some changes on the horizon. As more people are priced out of this current market, and interest rates remain high, the chief economist for Comerica Bank predicts that price increases will slow during the remainder of 2022, while others believe that mortgage rates are close to peaking.
Many experts are seeing this period in the housing market as a correction, not a crash. However, with continued low inventory (as building is 30% more expensive than it was a year ago) the market is projected to continue to be good for sellers and not so good for buyers. Although there has been a cool down, it has been at the expense of buyers, with many being pushed out by high prices and now by mortgage rates.
Well, even with expert opinions and predictions, the state of the market is largely unpredictable, and opinions split. Additionally, the real estate market is different in every location. The following is some of our agents’ thoughts of whether the housing market is slowing down in the Oconomowoc area . . .
“There’s still a large pool of buyers and a lack of inventory in our area. The rising interest rates have taken some buyers out of the running; I am seeing homes stick around a bit longer, but it is still a good time to be a seller.”
“The market is experiencing a correction. Buyers are moving to the sidelines, due to higher interest rates and a lack of inventory and waiting for the market to become more favorable to their side of the transaction. For sellers in the area, they’ll start to see the effects of this change, with fewer offers and less competition.”
Summer is flying by this year, but before it’s over-be sure to get out there and enjoy Southeastern Wisconsin. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are our recommendations on 11 things to do this summer in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Taking advantage of the summer’s berry season is an absolute must. From strawberries to blackberries, the Wisconsin season for berries is here. The following are the typical seasons for berry picking in Wisconsin, although they are always subject to changes based on the good ol’ Wisconsin weather patterns.
Strawberry Season: late June to early July (the season is almost over-be sure to hit the fields before they’re gone!)
Raspberry Season: July to September
Blueberry Season: mid-July to August
Blackberry Season: August and September
There are plenty of great berry farms to visit in southeastern Wisconsin this summer. Here are just a few:
Jelli’s Market: N5648 S. Farmington Rd., Helenville
This spot is top-tier in berry picking and other fantastic produce. They have strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry picking, alongside beans and even apples in fall. They offer u-pick or pre-picked options and have lots of great goodies in their store market on-site.
Mayberry Farm: W2364 Cty Rd Y, Mayville, WI 53050
This farm knows strawberries! They are first-generation strawberry farmers who continue to perfect the strawberry-picking experience after six seasons. Their farm also offers raw honey and a full line of soap & skincare products.
Fideler Farm: 2863 Ridge Rd, Kewaskum, WI 53040
Although the strawberry season here has ended, they’ll have both summer and fall raspberries for picking-so be sure to check them out!
Wisconsin has so many great festivals during the summer, especially in Milwaukee. So whether you’re looking for tasty food, great music, or a cultural experience, there’s a fest for you. . .
Summerfest: 6/30-7/2 & 7/7-7/9
There’s still time to hit Summerfest for Weekend II or III! Check out some tips on getting in for free by clicking here.
Bastille Days: July 14th through the 17th
One of the nation’s largest French-themed fests, with fantastic food and music.
Germanfest: July 29th through the 31st
The 40th-anniversary festival celebrating German culture and traditions- there’s even a Daushhound Derby Race.
Wisconsin State Fair: 8/4-8/12
Enjoy all things Wisconsin by stopping in at the state fair. From cream puffs to show cattle and everything in between, this fair is a must-go-to this summer.
A La Carte at the Zoo: 8/18 to 8/21
A weekend of wild fun, with local eats, trendy music, and an opportunity to see the 200+ species of animals.
Nothing better than relaxing by floating down a river in a tube. If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy the nice weather, this is your ticket.
Spring Green: Wisconsin Riverside Resort offers a 1 or 3-mile float, with tubes due back at sunset.
Wisconsin Dells: Point Bluff Camping Resort offers a tubing experience that takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, although it is float at your leisure.
Enjoy your summer by hiking through one of the amazing state parks in Southeastern Wisconsin. The following offer a variety of trails and stunning scenery throughout.
You can’t skip out on a Wisconsin tradition this summer by missing a meal at one of these classic supper clubs.
Wisconsin is a cheesy place with a cheese-making heritage that goes back over 180 years. Celebrate this past by stopping at any of the cheese shops in southeastern Wisconsin this summer; here are just a few that you could make a trip to . . .
Besides the festivals, plenty of concerts are happening in the area; if you’re looking to attend some Lake Country Area free concerts-check out our last blog post!
It’s easy to forget how great of a place southeastern Wisconsin is, and when you start to feel like you might be forgetting-doing something a bit touristy is just the thing to make you appreciate your home.
For some ideas, check out this list of 100 things to do around Milwaukee or the 30 best things to do in Madison.
Bike riding is a great way to get outside to enjoy the outdoors and exercise at the same time. There are some excellent trails in the area. This site outlines the various routes all over Wisconsin, dividing them by their compass location.
If you’re interested in pedaling a different kind of vehicle, pedal taverns are alive and well in southeastern Wisconsin (there’s even one in Oconomowoc!).
There’s nothing better than enjoying a baseball game on a nice summer day or night. Whether you’re cheering the Brewers or a local team to victory, it’s a great event to add to your summer schedule.
Did you know that Oconomowoc just got their own baseball team? Be sure to attend a game at the new stadium and cheer on the Dockhounds.
Summer in southeastern Wisconsin is prime time for arts festivals and classes. If you’re an arts connoisseur, it’s the perfect time to hit the festivals and pick up some great art or create some of your own.
Art Fairs/Festivals:
Morning Glory Art Fair (August 13-14, 2022)
Angora Art Fair (August 20, 2022)
Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts (August 20-21, 2022)
Art Classes:
Fisk Avenue DIY Workshop Classes (Waukesha)
Soul Fire Art Studio (Delafield)
Is there a better way to enjoy a Wisconsin summer than kicking back in a lawn chair and listening to quality music? We would argue that there’s not. So check out these planned 2022 Summer Concerts happening in the greater Lake Country area.
The events are color-coded so that you can better distinguish between them.
Red = Nixon Park Concert Series (Hartland)
Orange = Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert (Oconomowoc)
Blue = Bands at the Beach (Oconomowoc)
Green = One-Time Events (Oconomowoc & Delafield)
Purple = Twilight Concerts at Fowler Park (Oconomowoc)
June 2nd: Nixon Park Concert Series-Ryan Meisel (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
June 3rd: Bands at the Beach featuring Geoff Landon & Friends
Time: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Enjoy a free concert on the lake!
June 8th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
June 9th: Nixon Park Concert Series-Devon Huckstep w/ Catelyn Picco (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
June 15th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
June 16th: Nixon Park Concert Series- Montage (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
June 22nd: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
June 23rd: Nixon Park Concert Series- CIA2 (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
June 24th: Bands at the Beach featuring The Love Monkeys
Time: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Enjoy a free concert on the lake!
June 26th: Summer Tango
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Oconomowoc Community Center
Cost: Free
Enjoy this free community concert at the community center, with a theme of summer tango.
June 29th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
June 30th: Nixon Park Concert Series- Steve Meisner (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
July 6th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
July 7th: Nixon Park Concert Series- The Midnight Purchase (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
July 8th: Bands at the Beach featuring Bootjack Road
Time: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Enjoy a free concert on the lake!
July 8th & 9th: Delafield Block Party
Time: 5:00 PM to 11:55 PM (Fri) & 5:00 to Midnight (Sat)
Location: Downtown Delafield
Cost: Free
Enjoy this two-day music festival downtown Delafield with various musical acts. On Friday, Totally Neon and Bella Cain perform & on Saturday, listen to the music of The Kingfish Band and The Toys.
July 10th: Twilight Concert in Fowler Park – Dan Rodriguez Band
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Fowler Park
Cost: Free
Attend this family-friendly musical event with high-quality musicians, curated by the Magic Mansion. Bring your chairs, blankets, drinks, & food to enjoy while you kick back and listen.
July 13th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
July 14th: Nixon Park Concert Series- Twang Dragons (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
July 20th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
July 21st: Nixon Park Concert Series- Depot Express (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
July 22nd: Bands at the Beach featuring the 5 Card Studs
Time: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Enjoy a free concert on the lake!
July 27th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
July 28th: Nixon Park Concert Series- Myles Wangerin (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
August 3rd: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
August 4th: Nixon Park Concert Series- Fat Andy (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
August 5th: Bands at the Beach featuring The Orange Whips
Time: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Enjoy a free concert on the lake!
August 10th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
August 11th: Nixon Park Concert Series- Hartland Community Band (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
August 14th: Twilight Concert in Fowler Park- The Accidentals
Time: 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Fowler Park
Cost: Free
Attend this family-friendly musical event with high-quality musicians, curated by the Magic Mansion. Bring your chairs, blankets, drinks, & food to enjoy while you kick back and listen.
August 17th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
August 18th: Nixon Park Concert Series- Burgundy Ties (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
August 24th: Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Join the Oconomowoc American Legion Band every Wednesday for good tunes this summer. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks!
August 18th: Nixon Park Concert Series- 4 Wheel Drive (Hartland)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Nixon Park
Enjoy a collection of different styles of musicians at Nixon Park in Hartland during their Concert Series this summer.
August 25th: Bands at the Beach featuring The Decade
Time: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: City Beach Bandshell
Cost: Free
Enjoy a free concert on the lake!
Check out the following links to obtain additional information on these concerts!
Hartland Events (Nixon Park Concert Series)
Have you ever heard the saying, “shoot for the moon, at least you’ll land amongst the stars.” Although the sentiment is nice when setting goals, it’s not so applicable when setting a list price for your home. When it comes to overpricing a home, there are no stars to land amongst, only low-ball offers and a long time on market.
In fact, multiple studies have shown that price is the “largest determining factor for length of time on market.” Essentially, this means that even with a stellar marketing program or a picture-perfect home, a listing could still sit on the market if overpriced. However, sellers are confident right now, with a recent Realtor survey showcasing this confidence in their findings:
With a deficit of 554,000 homes on the market currently, some of this confidence is justified; however, overpricing is still occurring, and there are homes that should be selling that are lingering on the market.
Well, the following factors are reasons why you should consider your price point carefully as a seller.
In our experience, the first month a listing is on the market is the best time to get it in front of buyers, increase traffic and retain attention. After this time frame, interest begins to wane, and buyers begin to wonder what is wrong with that house? Additionally, if you eventually have to drop the price of the home to get interest, this will further the idea that there is something wrong with the home in the minds of buyers.
By pricing a home correctly in the beginning, you’re able to capture buyer attention immediately, which assists you in getting the highest possible offer.
When a listing has been on the market for a while, buyers will begin to feel that they have the upper hand, and in a sense, they do. The longer a listing sits on the market, the more a buyer can negotiate, and their offers are likely to be lower than the realistic list price for the property. The National Association of Realtors discovered the following statistics regarding home prices and length on the market:
Coming up in searches is an important aspect of marketing, and if the home is priced out of parameters, it’s not going to show up in the search. Did you know that the majority of people set their search parameters in $25,000 intervals? That’s not to say that you need to pick a price with a $25,000 interval, but going over a common price cut-off, is going to shrink your overall impressions. The numbers look like this, if you overprice by 10%, you’re cutting the pool in half; by 15%, and you’ve lost 90% of your potential buyers.
On the note of pricing, why do some many listings seem to be priced with so many 9s, for example, $499,900? Well, it’s psychology. The human brain sees the first digits as the most important ones, and with a six-digit price tag, brains tend to focus on the first 3 numbers. So, when you price a home at $499,900 versus $500,000, even though the price isn’t that much lower, the person will feel like it’s a lower price point because of the starting number of 4 versus a 5.
Now, let’s say you get an offer that will give you the number you’re asking for. That’s great, but if the buyer needs a loan, the bank is going to require an appraisal. If the appraiser doesn’t appraise the home out at an amount that supports the purchase price, chances are the mortgage is not getting approved. This throws the whole sale into jeopardy and may leave the seller looking for a new buyer.
Beyond these main reasons, other reasons to not overprice a home are that it will increase your holding costs, and you’ll make comparables look like a better deal. So, when it comes to pricing your home, be sure to do your research or connect with a qualified real estate agent who can give you a realistic price point and advocate for you when negotiations begin!
Buying your first-time home is a daunting process! Unfortunately, many experience the same common first-time home buyer mistakes – leading to trouble. By identifying the more common errors and planning around them, you are likely to avoid making these mistakes.
Buying a house in today’s market is not as simple as finding a home and purchasing it. Instead, buyers should take the time to research; with areas of focus on local market, preferred neighborhoods, and a budget.
We recommend planning to begin the home buying journey at least a year in advance. This timeline will allow you the necessary time to research, plan, and save for the complex buying journey. Three financial things to do during this time are work towards boosting your credit score, paying down debt, and saving for a down payment.
One common mistake new home-buyers make is to drain their savings to purchase a home, using the funds to pay the down payment and closing costs. The idea that you need a 20% loan is outdated. But, of course, the more you pay for a down payment, the lower your monthly payment, and with increased equity and better rate—if you can afford to do it, it’s something to consider.
However, if paying the 20% down will drain your savings account, you’re better off paying a smaller percentage on the down payment and retaining that money for your future. For example, with a conventional mortgage with PMI, you can put down as little as 3%, and with an FHA loan, you could put down only 3.5% if your credit score is 580 or higher.
Researching your mortgage is just as important as analyzing the real estate market. Don’t just take the first and only quote you get; you need to compare offers! Mortgages vary from lender to lender, so you’re more likely to find the best deal by shopping around.
As part of the mortgage process, lenders will pour over credit reports to decide interest rate and whether or not to approve you for a loan. If there are inaccuracies in your credit report, you could be penalized with a higher interest rate. By checking your credit, you will know your loan eligibility, and you can correct any errors, saving you money in the long run.
Additionally, don’t do anything drastic with your credit if you’re planning on purchasing a house: don’t open new cards or close existing accounts, and don’t take out any other loans. While you can save the new appliances and furniture to your shopping cart, you shouldn’t purchase them until after closing.
When you purchase a home, while the actual structure itself is important, the neighborhood and its location are just as important. Therefore, you should always research and check out the general area to make sure it’s a good fit with your lifestyle and priorities.
Not only is buying a home expensive, owning a home is costly. There are different costs associated with being a homeowner, such as property taxes, mortgage insurance, homeowners insurance, hazard insurance, repairs, maintenance, utilities, and more!
If you’re not prepared for these costs, they can quickly add up and overwhelm a new buyer. We recommend setting aside some funds every year, specifically for repairs and maintenance.
We understand how tempting it can be to forgo a home inspection, especially when you are vying for the coveted accepted offer status amongst hoards of other buyers; however, we always recommend getting a home inspection. By choosing not to include this contingency, you are entering into the unknown where various things could go wrong with essential components in the home.
Around 86% of home inspectors find at least one necessary repair during their inspection—that’s a lot of repairs! However, the inspection report will be an asset to you in the long fun, protecting your wallet and ensuring your future home is livable.
Buying a home is an emotional process; however, you’ve entered dangerous waters when you allow emotions to guide you in your decision-making. Of course, there should be some emotions involved, but it’s a massive investment. Allowing yourself to get overly attached or emotional will only hurt you and your wallet in the long run.
It’s better to be very logical, rational, and practical. Create a list of needs vs. wants, have a budget that you’ll stick to, and turn to your real estate agent if you can feel your emotions starting to take over.
We recommend not hiring the first or only real estate agent you meet (even if it’s one of our agents). An experienced buyer agent will be able to help you in all aspects of home buying and set you up for a smoother transaction. It’s a significant relationship, and putting all your eggs into one basket, might hurt you in the long run if you determine later on you and your agent aren’t the best fit.
You may click with the first agent you meet, but we recommend meeting with a few to determine which agent will work best with you and has the expertise you’re searching for. If you’d like to meet with one of our agents regarding your buyer’s journey, reach out!
Myths are commonplace in our world, and sometimes it can be hard to distinguish between the truth and fiction with such established lore. Unfortunately, myths are profuse on both sides of the transaction when it comes to real estate. On Myth Mondays, we will be analyzing common real estate myths and using our experiences/knowledge to label them as truth, fiction, or somewhere in between.
Although it can be tempting to hit the ground running when searching for a new home, it’s not very realistic, especially in the current market. Therefore, the first step interested home buyers should take is researching their local market. During this research, you could locate general areas you prefer, price trends in your locality, or a variety of other information that will allow you to start the process as an informed buyer. After the market research is complete, buyers must consider the financial aspect: getting a target price point, prequalified, and preapproved. For a breakdown of the steps, check out this article:
If you’re getting started on your real estate journey as a buyer, reach out, and one of our qualified team members can get you started on the right track!
Many buyers will choose to go after new builds because they feel that new construction will not have the repair costs of an older home. It does stand to reason that this would be the case, and sometimes it is; however, that doesn’t mean it’s always a fool-proof plan. Sometimes, newer homes with a rushed construction time may have even more underlying issues than older ones. By hiring a well-versed home inspector in new builds, you can help reduce the risk of running into problems.
Condos are popular; there is no denying that; however, some buyers may be under the impression that purchasing a condo or a home is interchangeable. On the contrary, a condo is not the same as a home for a few significant reasons.
Technically, you don’t need a home inspection, but our agents always recommend getting one. It can be very tempting to drop this contingency in this hot market, but this opens you up to possibly buying the home with no idea of the potential defects. Home inspectors look for more than 1,600 specific items in a home, including essential components like structure, roof, HVAC, and electrical system. These components are crucial to the health of a home, and any defects could prove very costly.
Check out this write-up on Home Inspections for an in-depth description:
Many online realty organizations may tell you that you don’t need an agent to buy a home in today’s day and age. To be fully transparent, it’s possible to buy a home without the assistance of a real estate agent. However, we would highly recommend that you interview agents and consider the benefits they would add to your home-buying journey. A good buyer’s agent is an expert in the industry; they will juggle all the aspects of buying a home and negotiate in your best interest; all in all, they will save you from the headache that can be working through a home sale.
If you’re looking for a good buyer’s agent, reach out to a member of our qualified team to get the conversation started!
Have any myths that you’d like us to discuss in the next edition? Let us know!
Sell the home as-is or renovate? This is a question that many sellers deliberate on before putting their homes on the market. The big decisions on whether to replace the outdated countertops or put in more modern and desirable fixtures are enough to keep a seller-to-be up tossing and turning at night. Unfortunately, the answer is complicated and requires the consideration of multiple factors.
If the market is a seller market, then it’s likely the home will sell quickly, whether it has the most up-to-date bathroom furnishings or not. A hot market allows a seller more leeway on selling a house as-is, due to the fierce competition amongst buyers. If there is no or low inventory, a buyer will look past the out-of-date fixtures. When the market leans the other way, buyers may be hesitant to even look at a home that “needs work.”
With the help of an agent, you’ll be able to do a comparative market analysis (CMA) and review the condition of comps. For example, suppose comparable houses to yours are more updated, or the less-updated comp sat on the market longer before selling. In that case, you will want to consider these factors and potentially consider a remodel.
Unfortunately, the average amount recouped for home remodeling projects has dropped in recent years. According to real estate professionals, the national average return on 21 popular remodeling projects in 2020 was 66.5%, whereas 2019 had 68.6%*. Additionally, it is essential to understand that you should not expect a 100% return on your investment, as it is far from the norm.
If you do choose to remodel, where even to start? Although focusing solely on the interior may be tempting, don’t forget the exterior remodels. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, the remodeling projects that will provide the most ROI are ones that seek to improve curb appeal. It found that projects like replacing a garage door ($3,907) provided a 94% ROI and a 92% ROI on installing exterior manufactured stone*. When moving inside, some key areas to focus on are:
Although the real estate factors are important when considering this question, it’s also important to ask yourself more personal questions. One of them is, do you want to live in a construction zone (if you’re currently living at the property), and do you want the hassle of managing a remodel? Remodels are messy, and if you’re preparing to sell and move on with your life, the hassle may not be worth it. Additionally, if you really want to do a remodel of something for yourself, and not a potential ROI, then you should do it.
We posed the question to our real estate agents, and they offered the following advice. If you’d like to chat to any of them on selling your own home, please reach out!
“We’re still experiencing a seller’s market; inventory is low, and demand is high. However, even with a large pool of eager buyers, sellers can still benefit from prepping their property – taking care of deferred maintenance items, touching up paint, decluttering, and depersonalizing – to bring in top dollar for their home. Replacing a broken window, resurfacing a tub, or painting that purple bedroom a warm white is a ‘yes,’ but I would steer clear of any major projects, e.g., redoing your kitchen or bathroom. Often, major home upgrades don’t provide a good return on investment. On top of that, many buyers prefer to fix it up once it’s theirs, rather than buy a newly renovated property that’s not to their taste.”
“I would always recommend fixing up anything that improves overall curb appeal to help generate interest. Additionally, in the interior, focus on the “little things” like repainting, cleaning up any disorderly areas, and deodorizing. In terms of major renovations, don’t go overboard because buyers today typically want to do their own renovations.”
Overall, if your house is a little outdated, don’t go rushing to do a big remodel before you sell because you think it will improve your home’s sale chances; instead, take your time and talk with your agent about what makes sense to potentially fix up before the sale.
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