What does this picture have to do with this post? Nothing. What does the Case-Shiller real estate report have to do with Wisconsin real estate? Nothing.
When reading news about the performance of the real estate market, it is important to remember that Wisconsin was not affected nearly as hard as other states such as Florida and Nevada. So when newspapers and news outlets report on national home price trends, that does not necessarily reflect real estate activity in Wisconsin. One good example of this caution is the S&P Case-Shiller report released May 31, 2011 saying US home prices have fallen for the eighth consecutive month. The Case-Shiller report tracks only 20 markets in the country – some of the hardest hit – and NO markets in Wisconsin. So if you’ve read that news, please remember real estate is local and ask your real estate agent for stats in your area – do not be swayed by a national index tracking Las Vegas, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami, Phoenix and others. That has nothing to do with home prices in Wisconsin.
For data relevant to Wisconsin home buyers and sellers, here’s a link to the WRA statistic page where you can do some searching in your area. Or see our Wisconsin real estate statistics category. Some highlights about the Wisconsin real estate market we’d like to share with you are below:
- Wisconsin’s statewide median homes prices in May 2011 are the highest they have been all year
- Statewide, the number of homes has increased each month through May
- The same holds true for the Northern region of Wisconsin: sales in May 2011 are the highest they have been all year – median price, too.
- Ditto Central Wisconsin: Sales in May 2011 are highest they have been all year – median price, too
- Same with Northeast Wisconsin on both accounts. And South Central Wisconsin. And same with Southeastern Wisconsin/Metro Milwaukee!
This is not to say that things are all rosy. Sales and prices ARE off from previous years and these are tough times. But there is something to be said for looking at the positives of the negatives, even if numbers are not as good as last year. We’re positive about buying – just like the Wall Street Journal and Forbes are. Financially, it is an incredible opportunity to buy. So think positive, don’t pay attention to a report that does not track Wisconsin real estate and talk to a Wisconsin Realtor about buying a home now! When buying for the long term, you’ll be glad you did.
Thank you for reading the First Weber Wisconsin real estate & Wisconsin living blog about real estate in Wisconsin. Don’t allow national reports to form your opinion – ask a First Weber agent to share local Wisconsin real estate statistics with you.
photo credit http://www.flickr.com/photos/wza/338135581/