Looking to buy or sell your home? Join the Accunet experts as they discuss this week's mortgage & real estate markets to help you make well-informed home buying decisions. The Accunet Mortgage and Realty Radio show airs every Sunday at 10am on WTMJ 620AM.
**The Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show - Episode 9/14/25**Mortgage rates hit their lowest point in a year, and (some) homeowners are finally waking up from the “one percent rule” coma that's been costing them real savings. This episode serves up real client wins and exposes the outdated advice.One smart homeowner just pocketed $3,000 in annual savings on a refinance without spending a dime on closing costs.**What you'll actually learn:**- Why the mortgage math from previous decades doesn't work in 2025- How new FEMA declarations from the m August floods in Wisconsin will add another layer to the appraisal process- Divorce refinancing advice that helps avoid liquidating your retirement accounts- Pre-approval strategies that make sellers excited to say Yes- Why timing the Federal Reserve doesn't workFrom escrow account strategies to appraisal waiver wizardry, this episode cuts through mortgage industry nonsense with practical advice you can actually use. Whether you're house hunting, refinancing, or untangling your financial life post-divorce, discover why being smart with your mortgage beats being stubborn every time.Stop overthinking. Start saving.Accunet Mortgage LLCNMLS ID 255368Equal Housing Lender
Brian and David Wickert dive into August's surprisingly weak jobs report and what it means for homebuyers and those looking to refinance. With only 22,000 jobs added versus the expected 75,000, mortgage rates responded favorably - giving borrowers some much-needed relief.**“Every month you wait, you're wasting money. Why would you voluntarily be paying more?”** They challenge listeners stuck in the “waiting for rates to drop more” mindset, sharing real client stories about the costs of hesitation.The duo explores Milwaukee area housing data, revealing a subsurface trend: while August home sales stayed flat compared to last year, new listings last month dropped 12% - creating an even tighter seller's market with just 2.15 months of supply.Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the trenches, including a client who lost their job right after getting an accepted offer (**“Can I qualify using my severance?”**) and how creative mortgage solutions saved the day.Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, this episode delivers practical insights. NMLS ID 255369Equal Housing Lenderwww.accunet.com
Inside the Milwaukee Diaper Mission with Founder Meagan JohnsonJoin David Wickert from Accunet Mortgage as he sits down with Meagan Johnson, founder and executive director of Milwaukee Diaper Mission (MDM), to discuss an incredible organization making a real difference in our community.What started in her two-car garage during the pandemic has grown into Milwaukee's diaper bank.Discover how MDM operates through a network of distribution partners including food pantries, shelters, and community organizations, ensuring families have reliable access to essential supplies with minimal barriers.Get Involved in the BIG Give Back (September 7-21)!Visit milwaukeediapermission.org to:- Create your own fundraising page- Donate to their $50,000 campaign goal- Learn about volunteer opportunitiesSpecial announcement: Accunet Mortgage is offering a $5,000 matching gift challenge during the BIG Give Back!Whether you're a parent, community member, or business owner, learn how you can support this vital mission serving Milwaukee families.
Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show - August 30, 2025 EpisodeBrian and David Wickert from Accunet Mortgage are back with straight talk about what's really happening in southeastern Wisconsin's housing market - and spoiler alert: it's not what you're reading in the headlines.**Don't Believe the Hype:** Those scary clickbait internet stories about now-record contract cancellations? Brian's got your back: “Do not believe the national headlines.” Here in Milwaukee, we're sitting pretty with just 8.3% cancellation rates vs. 15.3% nationwide - third lowest in the entire country. As David added, “85% of contracts kept going.”**Your Market is Different:** While parts of the country have a surge in inventory, Milwaukee remains a solid seller's market with buyers still going 55% over asking versus just 31% nationally. It's a two-month supply locally compared to a nationwide supply of nearly five months.**Real Stories, Real Success:** The guys share how their clients are winning - like the smart buyers who offered $4,000 over the list price on a house that had sat for three weeks. **Money-Saving Tips:** Get the inside scoop on condo financing (25% down can save you serious money) and how to navigate seller credits without headache.No fluff, no fear-mongering - just honest advice from mortgage pros who actually care about your success.
This week, Brian and David Wickert dive into the aftermath of the Federal Reserve's annual Jackson Hole gathering, where Fed Chair Jerome Powell's carefully measured words sent both bond and equity markets into a “relief rally.” While bond traders celebrated modest policy hints, our hosts remind us that the real question isn't what rates might do, but whether you can actually win the house you want in today's competitive market.The episode features a fascinating case study of two brothers navigating their first home purchase together (yes, you can buy with anyone - siblings, friends, or even strangers!). With a generous gift from dad in their back pocket, they're wrestling with the classic dilemma: put 20% down or keep some cash for improvements? David shares the strategic thinking behind this decision, especially when shopping in the ultra-competitive $200-300k price range where “nicely done” homes attract more eyeballs than fixer-uppers.The single family versus condo debate gets thorough treatment, with Brian delivering the hard truth: “There's no discount to your pocketbook by owning a condo - you're simply forced to keep up with maintenance.” The hosts break down HOA fees, special assessments, and why sometimes the “invisible” costs of homeownership become very visible in condo living.For first-time buyers, David shares his “buy the five-year house now” philosophy, challenging the conventional wisdom of starter homes. Why suffer through two moves when you could stretch a bit now and grow into the payment as your income increases?The show wraps with timely advice about homeowners insurance following the recent flooding in and around Milwaukee, including an innovative idea about keeping a backup sump pump ready to go in the box. Because as the Wickerts remind us, homeownership isn't just about the mortgage - it's about signing up for both the pleasure and the pain.Real talk, real solutions, real results - that's Accunet.
This week on The Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show, Brian and David Wickert break down why mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest levels since last fall—and what might come next. They unpack the latest inflation data, bond market moves, and the strong possibility of a Fed rate cut in September. You'll also hear a practical comparison of loan options, including whether it makes sense to pay points for a lower rate or keep more cash on hand.Beyond rates, David shares real-world stories from clients navigating new construction timelines, move-up purchases, and appraisal waivers—highlighting the puzzle-like challenges of selling one home while buying another. The conversation also revisits the one-year anniversary of the National Association of Realtors' commission settlement, with fresh numbers showing that despite all the changes, buyer agent commissions have hardly budged. Finally, Brian and David look at seller price-cut trends across Wisconsin markets, proving that Milwaukee and Madison sellers are holding strong compared to the national average.Whether you're refinancing, building new, or moving up, this episode is packed with insights on how to structure offers, protect yourself in contracts, and think strategically about mortgage choices.
David sits down this week with Fred Coleman, CFP and Branch Director at Annex Wealth Management. We got into some real talk about what money's actually for: spending time with the people you love, seeing the world, and making memories that matter.Fred shares his perspective on using money as a tool, not a scoreboard — and why it's okay (and important) to spend on the things that bring you joy. We also laugh about the classic Milwaukee summer struggle: if it's not winter, it's road construction.Laid-back, thoughtful, and full of little nuggets — hope you enjoy this one!
This Week on Accunet Ambassadors: Turning "Meh" Homes into "Wow" Homes with Andy Renner from JRL ImprovementsJoin David and Tim as they sit down with Andy Renner of JRL Improvements — the guy who helps homeowners bridge the gap between what their house is and what they want it to be. Whether we're calling him the "Transformation Guru" or the "Outdated Upgrade Leader," one thing's clear: Andy knows how to bring visions to life.From outdated kitchens to uninspired basements, Andy shares insights on how thoughtful design and smart renovation can dramatically boost both comfort and value. If you're thinking about remodeling — or just love a good home makeover story — this episode is for you.
Brian and David discuss gyrations in the bond market this week, provide an update on a Buyer who made their No Regrets offer, and scope out consulting with a client on if paying points to acquire the lowest interest rate is the savvy choice.