Wisconsin Real Estate Today

Podcast Episode Summary: Wisconsin Real Estate Today – Episode 55Title: Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed in 2025? Expert Insights with Dustin GrenierHost: John GscheidmeierGuest: Dustin Grenier, Epic Mortgage – Brookfield, WIEpisode Overview:In this must-listen episode of Wisconsin Real Estate Today, host John Gscheidmeier sits down with mortgage expert Dustin Grenier of Epic Mortgage to discuss where mortgage rates are today and where they could be headed in 2025.With economic uncertainty, a shifting political landscape, and differing views between the new presidential administration and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, the housing market is at a crossroads. Will rates drop soon, or should buyers and homeowners prepare for higher costs?Key Topics Covered:

Host: John GscheidmeierGuest: Sophia from the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) of WaukeshaEpisode Overview:In this insightful episode of Wisconsin Real Estate Today, host John Gscheidmeier welcomes Sophia from HAWS to discuss the challenges and best practices of moving with pets. Whether planned or unexpected, relocation can be stressful for animals, and this episode provides expert advice on how to make the transition smoother for both pet owners and their furry companions.Key Takeaways:Understanding HAWS' Mission:The Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) supports Waukesha County with pet adoptions, education programs, and community assistance.They aim to build a no-kill community and provide resources to help owners keep their pets.Challenges of Moving with Pets:Moving can be extremely stressful for animals, particularly dogs and cats, who rely on routine and familiar surroundings.Dogs may become anxious seeing moving boxes, new environments, and unfamiliar people.Essential Pre-Move Considerations:For Renters & Condo Buyers:Research pet policies before committing to a new lease or purchase.Some landlords and condominium associations have breed or weight restrictions.Preparing Your Pets for the Move:Gradually introduce moving boxes and changes to avoid overwhelming them.Create a safe space for pets on moving day to reduce stress.Moving Day Strategies:If possible, arrange for someone to watch your pet during the busiest parts of the move.Introduce pets to the new home gradually—let them explore room by room.Walk dogs around the property on a leash to establish boundaries.Recognizing and Managing Pet Stress:Signs of anxiety include panting, excessive licking, trembling, hiding, and avoiding eye contact.Consider consulting a veterinarian if your pet struggles with anxiety.Chewing and licking help produce dopamine, which can naturally calm pets.Post-Move Adjustments:Provide consistency with feeding, bathroom breaks, and bedtime routines.Check fences and yards for any escape points before letting pets roam freely.Be patient—adjusting to a new home takes time for pets.Microchipping & Identification:Ensure pets are microchipped and wear updated ID tags in case they get lost.Register pets with the local municipality after moving.Final Thoughts:Sophia and John emphasize the importance of preparation, patience, and using available resources to ensure a smooth transition for pets. HAWS offers training, behavioral support, and other resources to assist pet owners in Waukesha County and beyond.Resources Mentioned:HAWS Website: haws.orgHAWS Main Line: (262) 542-8851

It is said that real estate values are often reliant on great communities and great schools. Together, communities grow and exist hand-in-hand. In this episode, Dr. Ron Russ, Superintendent of the Merton Community School District, joins John Gscheidmeier to discuss how great schools enhance and help maintain great real estate values. Originally recorded in December, 2024, this episode will be one of our listener's favorites. Dr. Russ can do a little bragging here as well - his district scored incredibly high in the annual student testing scores compared to over 400 comparable schools in Wisconsin!  Wow!From the district's webiste:  The Merton Community School District has a reputation for high standards and accountability.  According to the DPI's school report cards, the District continues to exceed expectations and has been highlighted by multiple sources as one of the best schools in southeast Wisconsin the past several years.  All this is done in spite of an annual cost per student for K-8 schools below the statewide and the Waukesha County average annually. But how does this help maintain or even elevate real estate values?  Home buyers and parents will tend to pay more for great services - in other words - great schools and great communities. Join Dr. Russ and John as they explore how valuable great school are not only to our families, our kids, our future, but also real estate. 

Winters in Wisconsin can be bitter cold, mild, or anywhere in between! Even if you don't live in Wisconsin, cold-weather climates create some challenged - and some advantages - when it comes to real estate inspections. Milwaukee-based Dave Kolesari, owner of veteran-owned inspection company Homesight, Inc., joins John Gscheidmeier for an episode that describes the challenges and advantages of conducting inspections in winter months. How do inspectors inspect a roof when it is snow covered?What limitations are there for viewing grading, flat surfaces, or more, in the winter?Are there advantages of a winter inspection that cannot be obtained in milder spring, summer, or fall months?How does an inspector assess the condition of ancillary structures and amenities such as pools, ponds, or sheds in winter?Dave is an expert in his field and has conducted thousands of inspections. Dave's insight will make you more comfortable with buying and inspecting a home or property in Wisconsin winter months!

2024 was a wild year for real estate sales.  What seemed to be "normal" several years ago isn't normal any longer and the goalposts have been moved on how business is conducted. John spends a few moments looking back at where we were one year ago and what has transpired over the course of the last twelve months. Join us during a brief walk down memory lane, with a brief look at what to expect next year!

Part 2 of 2This episode brings the discussion of the Offer To Purchase full circle and to a conclusion. If you haven't listened to part 1, it might help to start there. Join John & Monica as they finish up the educational discussion about the Offer. 

Whether you are a buyer or seller, the Offer To Purchase is potentially the most important document in a real estate sale.The Offer, as it is commonly known as, dictates the entire sale. The buyer drafts an Offer To Purchase, usually through an agent, and it is presented to the seller by the listing agent. The seller can then decide to accept it, reject it, or counter it. That's where the real fun begins. Once accepted through, this contract of sale is pretty much as solid as concrete. This contract then becomes binding on each party and then each party starts working through contingencies. Those contingencies can be inspections & testing, financing, appraisal, document delivery and review, and ultimately closing. John and Monica Young work through the Offer in a two part series that will certainly give both buyers and sellers an education. 

Language Matters.In real estate sales, language very much matters. Wording such as "Seller shall..." conveys a very different meaning that "Seller may..." etc. Oftentimes agents don't understand that when drafting an offer, drafting counter offers, or more, how this language could affect the sale down the road. In this episode John and Monica Young, Transaction Coordinator, talk in detail about the way language can affect any sale - in a good way or create a mess as well. An agent's main role is to protect their clients during the sale. Having an experienced agent matters when it comes to language as well. 

New data recently released would indicate that the next few weeks in the market could be very volatile when it comes to not only interest rates, but the financial markets. In a series of lender releases, John extrapolates the data and provides a quick overview of what could be a very interesting few weeks in the real estate mortgage rates arena. This is a quick podcast episode - filled with some technical data - with another update expected next week. 

As eager Buyers start rejoicing at the news that the Feds are finally going to start initiating rate cuts, this episode covers what to expect and when to expect it. According to Reuters, "Federal Reserve policymakers on Friday signaled they are ready to kick off a series of interest rate cuts at the U.S. central bank's meeting in two weeks, noting a cooling in the labor market that could accelerate into something more dire in the absence of a policy shift."The reality is that if and when the Feds lower the interest rates, it won't have the exact effect on mortgage rates. If the Feds make a cut of, as expected, 25 basis points, it won't correlate to an equal cut in mortgage rates. In fact, and hopefully this isn't too disappointing for listeners, most of the anticipated rate cut has already been factored in to the current lowered mortgage rates. Mortgage rates work similarly to gasoline prices. Gas prices don't go up or down based on what happened that day, most of the time it is anticipatory in nature. If there's trouble ahead, or a shortage, gas prices start elevating. John explains further in this episode, so tune in and learn more. 

Do you know the difference between a 'pre-qualification" versus a "pre-approval"? Do you only look at lending & mortgage rates as one number rather than an individual plan that is specifically designed for each person?Do you know that there is a stark difference between lenders and pre-approvals? In this episode I am joined by Dustin Grenier of Epic Mortgage based in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Epic is a newer company in metro Milwaukee but the faster growing lender in our area. And for good reason - they are now lending in 11 states and offer a wide variety of programs from conventional loans, FHA, VA, WHEDA and more. Dustin and John discuss the importance of a pre-approval, and the importance of the lender being part of the realtor's team. They dive into the differences between lenders and how their pre-approval might be different from others - especially some bigger banks & credit unions. Let's face it, an experienced agent will give Seller's the "pros" and "cons" of each offer's pre-approval they receive. You'll walk away with some "best practices" and ideas that could get your offer accepted over others. 

Summer 2024 in Milwaukee is a bustling place and time! The real estate market isn't far off from that description over the last few months. The Republican National Convention was here and gone, Summerfest was a success, and State Fair is right around the corner. In this episode John unpacks the current metro market but these "stats" might surprise you. Comparing June, 2023, sales statistics to June, 2024, brought some good new to the market but not all good news. Believe it or not, we might be in a Buyer's window.  A "Buyer's window" I mean?  YES! Now might actually be the time - probably only for a few months - when a savvy Buyer makes the move to purchase a home while inventory is up, interest rates slowly starting to move, but more importantly, other Buyers haven't figure out NOW might just be the time. Much depends on what the Fed decides to do in the upcoming months, but consumer prices are still up, rent is up, gasoline is up, food is up...seems to be the story of the last few years in our economy. Buyers are getting squeezed by inflation and home prices aren't falling. However, some sellers are actively lowering their prices, which is good news for Buyers. Could this be a Buyer's window that only last for a few more months before many other Buyers begin flooding the market? Time will tell, but join John in the discussion to find out more. 

Part Two of Two - Debunking The NAR Settlement Myths and Rumors. Hopefully you had a chance to learn about how we got to where we are today in Episode 42, Part 1 of this 2 part series. If not, you might want to go back and listen to that one first.Real estate agents have been licensed since the early 1900's. Since then, real estate agents have helped buyers and sellers navigate the complex world of buying or selling their homes or properties. In exchange, they have received compensation for their efforts. WHat has always made realtors different, however, is how they get paid. The NAR settlement and lawsuits against real estate companies is not-so-simple, and is broken down by John Gscheidmeier in this episode. Tune in and listen to Part 2 and learn more about where the industry is headed after the dust settles - and it might not be as consumer friendly as the government thinks it will be. 

Let's cut to the chase on what the National Association Of Realtors settlement is all about in this episode. There are rumors and misunderstandings about what happened, what is happening, and what is about to happen. John will start by giving background on where this came from and what is really is, despite the media-driven rumors. "NO more commissions!" is something we've heard from the media on this one and it simply isn't correct. Consumers have always had a choice in the compensation offered to buyers, their agents, and their own agents. In part 1 of this 2-part series, you'll know everything you need to know about the settlement and what got us to where we are today. And yes, what John says might just surprise you.

Municipal assessments can be confusing. Oftentimes homeowners will confuse their city, village or town assessment (in some other places county) with their actual market value. Those numbers can be very different - especially with accelerating home values the last few years. Guest Sam Walker, City of Waukesha (Wisconsin) Assessor joins John for a deeper dive into what a city assessment is, how it is calculated, and how citizens can become more involved in the assessment process.This is a podcast you will find interesting and will answer many of the questions you have regardless of where you live.

2023 will go down as one of the slowest years for real estate sales since 1993. But what happened, and what can sellers and buyers expect in 2024?  John breaks down his thoughts in this end-of-year episode. 

What does it take to complete the PERFECT real estate sale? How do all the pieces of this complex puzzle come together? Have you ever wondered what is really happening - the things your agent hasn't told you about?  Tune in to hear all about the perfect sale and all the components that could go wrong but don't thanks to a great agent. Administrative Assistant and Transaction Coordinator Monica Young joins the show to talk about all the details that go into the perfect sale, plus all the things that could - and sometimes do - go wrong. She stresses the importance of a good leader helping their clients (aka a great real estate agent) who can make, or break, a sale. 

This is your July, 2023 Metro Milwaukee real estate market update for mid-summer sales. Join John Gscheidmeier as he talks about how the market is performing in this extremely complex real estate environment. Sales are down almost 25% from this time last year - but not to worry - we still are in a very strong market despite higher interest rates and increased concern over economic conditions. Is it still a good time to buy or sell? Is it time to prepare for selling later this year?  All great questions answered in this episode. Plus, John might make a guarantee or two in this podcast!

Given a choice, everyone prefers a discount. We are a society that loves to cut coupons; we'll search endlessly for discount codes; we'll wait months to purchase an item knowing that there is a potential sale coming. Given an opportunity to take a discount, most of us will. But is that the best thing in real estate?When leaving law enforcement to join real estate, John Gscheidmeier joined a discount provider. John quickly rose to the top of the firm as the sales leader with very little guidance & training. He saw the "ins and outs" of working inside a discount provider first-hand. He has a clear understanding of the 'pros' and 'cons' of using a discount provider to sell your home - and the things John discusses might surprise you. Teachings and lessons in this episode include: What is and how does a discount real estate firm operate? How the definition of "full service" varies with each type of firm? How a discounter's yard sign could adversely affect your sale as the seller Why a discount agent must sell more to achieve the same income  The myths of a discounter's promises to you to achieve the 'same results for less' John breaks down his experience in working inside a discount real estate firm and how his experiences can help you make an informed decision when choosing a real estate professional. 

Wondering where real estate is today in Wisconsin? This is your latest market update from host John G. Gscheidmeier. Sales are down - prices are up - inventory is low - rates are up. Holy cow, that's a lot to digest and understand. In this quick market update John takes you through the latest market stats, as well as understanding how and when to navigate this current market. 

Wondering what the 2023 real estate market looks like so far?  The January, 2023, market stats are in courtesy of the Greater Milwaukee Association Of Realtors. John, your expert host, provides an overview of the metro Milwaukee real estate market. Don't be fooled by what the media tells you about real estate sales & trends; this data clearly shows we need more homes on the market but it is still a good time for buyers to purchase a home, and an even better time for sellers to sell their home. The second half of the program is dedicated to some bragging' rights!  Did you know John's firm outsold out competition by some outstanding numbers?  John is the CEO & Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Service First | Lake Country and takes a few moments to differentiate firms. Those agents that sell more know more, experience more, and can provide you with incredible service, a top-notch experience, especially in this complex market. Your free resources can also be found here:   https://linktr.ee/jgscheidmeierTune in, tell others, and let's all learn more about our metro-Milwaukee market!

A great lender helps the sale close seamlessly. A not-so-great lender can destroy a home sale. A believe it or not, that happens more than you might think. So what can go wrong related to lending? What is the difference between a pre-approval and a pre-qualification? How does a lender take a prospective buyer through the process of getting pre-approved? Michael Creed of Luminate Home Loans, is one of the most respected lenders in metro-Milwaukee. Michael and his team continue to shatter previous year sales records within their company and have perfected the client experience. Creed explains the lending process from beginning-to-end, and also give listeners a peek into what to expect in 2023. Rates are the talk of real estate today and it is the sole reason why some buyers are not purchasing homes. Those buyers should rethink that process after listening to this episode. NOW is the the time to buy real estate! 

Is now still a good time to buy or sell?  The short answer is - yes!  Of course, it depends on who you are and your perspective, right? If you are a first-time homebuyer and you've been trying to buy a home for a year or more, you've seen interest rates almost double. That might seen insane but yes, it is STILL a great time to buy?  Why you ask? The interest rate is high but home prices aren't ending up $10k, $20k, or $50,000 more than the list price. As Dave Ramsey said recently - date the rate, marry the home. Don't hold off on buying the home just because the rates went higher than when you were shopping last year. They will come down and when they do, refinance the rate. For home sellers, now is STILL a good time to sell!  Some will tell you to hold off, or wait for the collapse. The truth is there won't be a collapse, but home prices are starting to decline. Demand is still high and inventory levels keep flirting with all all-time lows. So you might not have 7 or 12 competing offers, but over the last few years you have gained more equity than you probably ever thought you would in such a short period of time. Now IS a good time to buy or sell - tune in and find out more. 

Industry and real estate expert John G. Gscheidmeier says it best in this episode - "We are in a period categorized as follows:   a deceleration of price appreciation".  The market is still strong - despite what national and local new outlets will tell you. Are interest rates higher? There is no doubt - they've doubled in the last year. The federal government isn't doing us any favors rate-wise but they are attempting to slow real estate sales for sure. It has taken it's toll on first-time home buyers and even experienced buyers. Sellers are no longer receiving multiple offers (sometimes upwards of 10 or more). What we do know it that it is still a great time to buy or sell. John walks you through what the market is telling us, and how the market will likely continue in this pattern for some time. 

Real estate is tricky today. The market has changed and it seemed to do so overnight. So how are we adapting to the market trends and changes? John goes into what to expect in upcoming episodes today!

Post COVID the markets continue to surprise!  Whether buying or selling, John Gscheidmeier provides an update into what the market is showing us. From a record selling year thus far so the latest "lull" in some price categories - arm yourself with the latest data you need to succeed in today's fluctuating market. * Where are sales at in Wisconsin through the end of September, 2021?* What price categories are struggling right now?* Which home price category is the likeliest of bring the maximum amount of value right now?John addresses all these in Episode #30 - the market update episode!

Imagine being a child and hearing your parents talking about selling your home. Imagine how scary that feeling can be - with no say in the matter whatsoever. Imagine not knowing what is coming next, or what toys you'll be able to bring with and maybe have to leave behind. Imagine having this uncontrollable feeling of insecurity as you watch realtors, buyers, appraisers & more come in-and-out of your home. Imagine seeing movers move all your belongings away from the childhood home you grew up in.These are very real and valid concerns and as a child - you have no say in what will happen. In this episode, John interviews Kat, a former teenager who went through the selling process with her mom. As a past client, and now an intern with RE/MAX Service First, she provides an incredibly valuable perspective to the selling process from a child's eye. 

Spring is upon us!Join John Gscheidmeier as he talks to the robust start of the 2021 selling season. Compared to a string start to 2020, you might be surprised to learn how things stack up against last year. Depending on what price range a home sale is in, the numbers are very different. Wisconsin sales stats show more than the latest trends, but also how to properly market you home. Knowing how sales look to your specific area is the first step toward marketing to the right buyer to attracted the right terms & price. Will buyers finally start to see some relief?Will the next few months be better or worse than COVID months from last year?How do the sales statistics shape up in various price ranges?You will find this information useful!

Thinking about selling real estate yourself?Thinking about hiring an attorney to represent you through the sale or purchase of real estate?Attorney Jaime Bouvette joins host John Gscheidmeier in this epic episode of Wisconsin Real Estate Today. If you've ever thought whether or not you should hire an attorney Jaime and John dive into the pros & cons of doing so, as well as the practicality of whether an attorney is needed or not. Having a real estate agent representing you in a sale adds a layer of protection by far, and sometimes the additional layer of an attorney looking over your documents is beneficial as well. The benefit of having a realtor that is also an attorney should be fairly obvious as well. Jaime talks about the role a real estate attorney can play in your sale or your purchase of real estate as well. Jaime covers one of the most important aspects to the sale, with that being seller disclosure. The seller has an obligation to disclose, and Jaime stresses the importance of completely & fully disclosing in the state's Real Estate Condition Report. 

Whether you are buying or selling, the Right To Cure is a confusing topics for some. Your host explains how it applies to both buying a home and selling a home, and how to negotiate your best deal.

2020 will go down in the books as a year no one will soon forget. How did real estate fair though overall? Join as John discusses the year in review and what to expect in 2021.

What are the tips & tricks to hiring the very best agent for you? In this episode John Gscheidmeier is joined by broker associate Annette Herbert and they discuss all the ways to find the best fit for you whether you are buying or selling real estate.

The real estate agent's role in a sale is an important one, and so is understanding the duties those agents have to clients & customers. This episode details the agent role but also the duty of confidentiality.

The best offer requires you to understand the other side. Finding the best buyer for your listing along with effective negotiating requires a clear understanding of the other side. Stop making it about just you!

Ever thought you would listen to a podcast about homeowners insurance? Well you should! In this episode John and guest, Tom Gaumond, owner of G2 Insurance, discuss everything related to real estate and insurance. Insurance is not a "dime a dozen" product, and finding the right agent & company is as equally important in insurance as it is in real estate. We guarantee you will find this episode interesting!

Whether you are buying or selling a home, the day of the home inspection is one that is filled with trepidation. Dave Kolesari, owner of Milwaukee's HomesighT Inspections, joins John to discuss what to expect the actual day of the inspection.

Buying a home, whether a first-time or seasoned buyer, should be an exciting process. Guest & agent Stacey Guzanick spells out everything a buyer needs to know when purchasing a home.

The Buyer Agency Agreement is a document that the buyer signs and is between the broker/agent and the buyer. It states that the agent works directly for the buyer and not the seller. This ever-important document contains a lot more than you think. Stacey & john discuss buying and representation.

Arguably the curb appeal of your home, when listed for sale, says quite a bit about who you are and what the buyer will find inside. Disorganized, dull, and dark tells a buyer that inside the "vibe" will be the same. Guest Mike Madson, owner of Colorwheel Painting, details what helps a home shine when it comes to selling your home.

The real estate world is rapidly changing - or is it? Join John as he provides an update to the real estate world we are now living in as of today. You might be surprised to know that this is (still) an incredible time to buy or sell!

Home inspections come with unique challenges and issues! Dave Kolesari joined John Gscheidmeier for the 2nd of 3 episodes dedicated to home inspections and the role an inspection plays in a real estate sale.

Dave Kolesari, owner of HomesighT Inspection Services, joins John to talk about everything home inspection-related. What is the purpose of doing a home inspection if you are a Buyer, and what can you expect if you are a Seller? All your questions are answered here!

It seems we are surrounded by constant reports about the COVID-19 virus, commonly known as the coronavirus. How does this pandemic relate to real estate, and how should you react as a buyer or seller to everything happening around us? Tune in for all these answers and much more!

When a listing goes "live" in MLS, and subsequently to other 3rd party real estate sites, it is the seller's 24/7 open house. There is ONE THING that matters most at this point - good photography. In fact, good isn't enough...it needs to be great! Everything photography is covered in this episode.

Some people thing Open Houses are the answer to finding the right buyer. In this episode we'll dispel the myths and rumors about what works and what doesn't - and the truth about why most realtors conduct open houses.

Disclosure is the backbone of a trust that is created between Sellers and Buyers. Without it, the very foundation of a home sale is in jeopardy. In this episode the topic of Disclosure is discussed in detail.

A RE/MAX Service First exclusive program - the Protecting Heroes program helps our hometown Heroes earn significant discounts or rewards not only when they buyer or sell real estate, but on all sponsored products & services!

For years sellers wanted to attend their closing to give the buyers a warm welcome into their home, and to also feel good about a great transfer. However, it today's litigious society, this might not be a great idea.