Following are excerpts from a Small Business Times article on the real estate market in Wisconsin. Various brokers and Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS President Mike Ruzicka are interviewed, all sharing the general opinion that the market is leveling off and now is a good time to buy.  You can read the entire article by Andrew Weiland of the Small Business Times here.

"Buyers may not want to wait much longer to pull the trigger. Conditions could change and the market may not be so favorable to buyers within a year, Ruzicka said."

"The housing market in southeastern Wisconsin has actually returned the market to a normal level compared to the recent boom years, REALTORS said."

Are you waiting on the sidelines?  It takes a while to buy a home.  Most people do their research online before contacting a broker so start looking on firstweber.com now - there are listings from hundred of brokers across the state.  Another thing you should do to be prepared when the perfect home pops up is to talk to a loan officer about your loan options so you have a head start on financing.  Please let us know if you have any questions - or if you would like a particular subject covered in this blog.

Traditional media such as newspapers and TV are supposed to inform.  Most media outlets seem to only report bad news, or at least there seems to be more bad news than good.  When the opportunity comes to put a positive spin on a bad fact, the media just doesn't do it.  So we are left to try and do it ourselves and hope we make a point with readers who are online and looking at real estate.

What we are talking about is the screaming headlines about foreclosures up 79%, 121%, 89% etc. etc. etc. While it is the sad truth, screaming disaster like that is not helping the housing market get any better. Why not look at those numbers a different way like foreclosures in Wisconsin amount to only 1.017% of households?! Or 99% of households are NOT in foreclosure. That is the truth too.  (Milwaukee, per RealtyTrac.com) Encouraging people to buy homes at historically low rates and at lower prices would help the housing market.

Only 1% of households in Milwaukee are in foreclosure.  99% are not.  Don't be afraid if you are thinking of jumping into the market.  Get a good REALTOR and a good Loan Officer, buy within your means, stay put for a few years, pay your bills like any responsible person would and be one of the 99%.

Ready when you are!

The management team of First Weber Group Realtors got together yesterday in Madison for an annual retreat. Over 100 managers from across the state attended.

Why should you care? A few reasons, I think. 

1. Our coverage across virtually the entire state is impressive.  We can help you pretty much anywhere in Wisconsin. I can't believe it myself sometimes when I see all the management in one room like that.  Big organization and lots real estate experience behind every transaction! 

2. We are excited about future home buyers and sellers and are focusing on the future!  We explored for the differences in generations:  Traditionslist - Boomer- Xer and Millennias.  Fascinating. (Which one are you or are you a little of several?) 

3. Some good news was shared...

- Managers reported statewide that they are seeing multiple offers on well priced properties!

- There was a report of a home sold in just 3 weeks thanks to staging and correct pricing

- One manager even reported an Accepted Office in 45 minutes - for over list price!  This buyer received an automated email with new listings matching their criteria and acted right away.  If you want to sign up for a service like this, please do so here

So... did you care about that?  Hope the reports of some good news regarding sales at least was worth the read.  The right price is still very important.

Great article on ten facts you should know about the Wisconsin real estate market from WRA and First Weber agent Pamela Meller

Are you in the market?  We are all over Wisconsin so when you want to make your move, please contact First Weber Group.

Wow. This makes you feel good if you are a resident of Ozaukee or Waukesha County.  Big selling point in homes for sale in these areas.

Forbes' "Best Places in the U.S. to raise a family" list gave top 10 billing to two Wisconsin counties!

From Forbes.com :

"2. Ozaukee County, Wis.

Population: 86,321

Originally settled as a stop on the old dirt trail between Green Bay and Milwaukee, Ozaukee is now the wealthiest county in Wisconsin and earns top marks for its low crime and high graduation rates. Port Washington, the county seat, is just 25 miles from Milwaukee. It's situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, and its Port Fish Day is reputed to be the world's largest one-day outdoor fish fry."

There are more than 600 single property homes and more than 250 condos for sale in Ozaukee County at this time.  Prices are low, selection is high, get into this top rated community soon if you are thinking of buying.

"8. Waukesha County, Wis.

Population: 380,985

Once called "Cow County USA," Waukesha is now home to some of Milwaukee's most prosperous western suburbs. Residents are treated to a short commute and great education. With a 96% high school graduation rate, the county has produced such luminaries as Les Paul, inventor of the electric guitar."

There are more than 2600 single property homes and almost 1000 condos for sale in Waukesha County at this time.  Prices are low, selection is high, get into this top rated community soon if you are thinking of buying.]

According to PMI Housing Mortgage Review June 2008:

House value change 1st quarter 2008 vs 1st quarter 2007

U.S. average:          -3.07%

Worst: California      -19.14%

Best: North Dakota     6.56%

Right in the middle: WISCONSIN  at 0.23%

It's not much, but at least it is a positive number.