May 26, 2018 by Bob

5 Reasons To Hire A Milwaukee Realtor When Buying A Home

Finding the home of your dreams is such a thrilling feeling. But few people think about the hours and hours of searching that comes before it.

In reality, the home buying process is quite difficult, especially for those new to the market. To make finding the right home easier, you’ll want an advocate.

That’s why your own personal Milwaukee realtor comes in! Here are five reasons to hire a realtor to help you find the perfect home in Milwaukee.

1. Guidance for First-Time Homebuyers

It can be tempting to cut out the middleman and buy directly from a seller. Perhaps you’re confident enough in your own abilities to barter a deal on your own behalf.

Unfortunately, there are people out there banking on your fortitude. Plenty of sellers are looking to get every penny they can for their home, even if that means ripping you off in the process.

When you hire a Milwaukee realtor, you’re not just hiring an agent. You’re hiring an advocate who will protect you from predatory sellers.

2. Your Realtor in Milwaukee Knows Where to Find the Best Homes

Milwaukee is a gorgeous city, so you may not know where to begin your search. Again, this is where having your own personal realtor can come in handy. From Brookfield to Bay View to Wauwatosa, your realtor will clue you into the best up and coming locations the city has to offer.

Learn about the finest neighborhoods and the best school districts, like Whitefish Bay, currently ranked the top school district in the area.

Whether you’re looking for a shorter commute to work or considering your future family, your realtor will be happy to assist you in finding the perfect location.

3. Your Realtor Comes with Experience

When you hire a realtor, you’re buying more than their time and services. You’re buying their expertise and knowledge.

Even if you’ve researched the home buying process before, your realtor knows the ins and outs of the industry like no other.

Certain factors, like the quality of a home’s foundation or workmanship, aren’t things that can be taught. To understand what makes a house a home, you need to hire someone with years of experience.

4. Realtors Help Negotiate

Earlier, we briefly mentioned that some sellers may not take you seriously if you’re buying on your own behalf. As a result, they’re likely to charge you more than they would if you had representation.

Thus, a realtor is, in a sense, a bargaining chip. When a seller sees that you have a realtor, they know that you value your time and money.

This is particularly true when it comes to signing documents. Your realtor should be able to walk you through any difficult legal documents you may not understand.

5. You May Not Have the Time

Finally, there’s no telling how long it’ll take to find your dream home. You could spend weeks, months, or even years if you don’t have a bit of help.

And mind you, your search will need to continue as you fulfill your everyday obligations like your career or family. A Milwaukee realtor is capable of saving you more than just money, they’ll save you tons of time, as well.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Home?

Hiring a realtor in Milwaukee is a brilliant choice even if you’ve bought a home before. Are you ready to start the search for the perfect home?

If so, get in touch today and let Bob Arnold and the team help put you in a house you’re sure to love. Contact us online 24/7, or call by phone at (414)-379-1101.

August 29, 2017 by Bob

Wisconsin Home Buyers – NOW is the Time!

In July home sales were down 5.2% in the Greater Milwaukee Metro area. I have noticed the market has been a little soft lately, but statistics always tell all. July was only the 6th decrease in sales in the last 31 months. The decrease in sales is not due to any weakness in the market, rather, there are simply a limited number of homes for sale in the last 6 months discouraging buyers. The decrease in home sales is equating to fewer buyers recently which has made the inventory go up. We are now seeing more homes on the market in Wauwatosa, Bay View, Brookfield, Glendale, and Mequon making it the perfect time to buy.

The underpinnings of the local economy are solid with employment rates, interest rates, and lending all performing well. The strong economy is producing more interest in home buying, with a large amount of that being first-time buyers with purchase prices under $300,000.

Good interest rates + more inventory + less competition = a great time for you to purchase a home! If you are renting and looking to buy, let me help you find a creative way to still purchase a home this year. If not, let’s put together a plan for next year. I am always open to meet and discuss the market and answer any questions about buying or selling a home or condominium.

I recently did an update on the number of reviews and ratings I have received. I happy to see these online results!

5 Star Ratings
Zillow: 42/43
Google: 12/12
Redfin: 88/93
Thumbtack: 4/4

Feel free to check out one of my reviews below:

“Rock solid, does things by the book, and gets back to you in a timely manner. Extremely experienced and knowledgeable too. He’s good at this. He showed us roughly 10 – 15 homes before we found the one. He was very patient. He was also able to refer us to an experienced home inspector and mortgage broker.”

-Scott

August 8, 2017 by Bob

Neighborhood Spotlight: Glendale

Glendale boasts a position in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, tucked between Milwaukee and the North Shore communities, as well as neighborhoods to the west. Despite being so close to many distinct communities, Glendale retains its own character and finds a nice balance of the urban and the residential, with natural beauty in spades. As Realtor to the Milwaukee area, Bob Arnold enjoys the opportunity to introduce great buyers to the fantastic homes for sale in Glendale.

With a rich array of affordable homes in quiet and appealing neighborhoods, Glendale offers a spaciousness that other local neighborhoods can’t match. Wide boulevards, large residential lots, and four county parks give a sense of more rural living, but the close proximity to all that Milwaukee has to offer keeps residents active and connected. Recreational opportunities abound, with parks, pools, golf, activities, and more always close by.

Three award-winning school districts serve the Glendale community, as well as several high-quality parochial systems. Included in these is the award-winning Nicolet High School, a silver medalist in the U.S. News & World Report search for America’s Best High Schools in 2009. Cardinal Stritch, the state’s second largest independent university, hosts its main campus in Glendale, continuing to attract and develop new talent right here in the Glendale area.

Glendale’s recently redeveloped business and commercial areas have brought a new vitality to the community. This is truly an area that is on the rise. Big corporate names call Glendale home, including Johnson Controls, Forrer Business Interiors, Weyco Group, and Strattec. Healthcare is also strong in the area, evidenced by Orthopaedic Hospital of Milwaukee, Columbia-St. Mary’s Headquarters and Wheaton Franciscan Services (Covenant Healthcare).

Shopping and dining are exceptional in Glendale. Bayshore Town Center, a unique shopping center combining a town-square feel with a more traditional mall, is an always-exciting hub of great shopping, great food, and great entertainment. More eclectic shops are also located throughout Glendale, keeping residents close to home when they go out shopping.

Glendale is truly a great place to live, work and raise a family. Bob Arnold is always offering great properties in the area. Take a look at the listings page for more information!

Experience the Bob Arnold Difference!

My commitment as your full-service Milwaukee realtor is to provide you with specialized real estate services to aid in your decision-making process. As a continual Multimillion Dollar producer, I use a professional, informative, non-pressure approach in working with my clients and customers. I am your personal Milwaukee Real Estate Consultant. Contact Me today at 414) 379-1101 or visit my website to see current listings.

July 11, 2017 by Bob

The Advantages of Working with a Buyer’s Agent

It’s important to be educated about the nuances of any housing market before you jump in, and Milwaukee’s housing market is no different. If you’re looking for a home in the Milwaukee market, you should consider a buyer’s agent to act on your behalf and assist you right up to closing. In Milwaukee, Bob Arnold is your full-service Milwaukee realtor.

A buyer’s agent works in the best interests of the buyer, and interacts with the listing agent, ensuring that the seller sells, and the buyer buys. The buyer’s agent intention shouldn’t be a hard-line negotiator bent on getting the best deal for the client, but rather act in service of the buyer, ensuring that the property is sound and that the buyer achieves maximum value out of the transaction.

A buyer’s agent can give an honest opinion or critique of a seller’s property beyond just disclosing defects, recommending or suggesting an offering price, or giving you an opinion about whether a particular house is priced too high or low. Also, buyer’s agents will assist you in the sale by structuring the offer and draft offer provisions with your best interests in mind, recommending and assisting with negotiation strategies for the best price and terms, and disclosing all information and research about a property’s history and liens so the buyer can make an informed decision. The buyer’s agent is an informed and experienced advisor, able to assist you in every action you take and decision you make and lead you in the correct direction toward a satisfactory buying experience.

With a trusted advisor as your buyer’s agent, such as the experienced real estate expert you get by hiring Bob Arnold, you are on your way to a smooth and headache-free sale. Bob’s deep experience and knowledge of the Milwaukee housing market makes him a great partner in your home buying experience, and one that will help you at every step of the way, giving you complete peace of mind.

Experience the Bob Arnold Difference!

My commitment as your full-service Milwaukee realtor is to provide you with specialized real estate services to aid in your decision-making process. As a continual Multimillion Dollar producer, I use a professional, informative, no-pressure approach in working with my clients and customers. I am your personal Milwaukee Real Estate Consultant. Contact Me today at (414) 379-1101 or visit my website to see current listings.

June 21, 2017 by Bob

Consumer Confidence in Housing Market Hits All-Time High!

Consumer confidence in housing is at an all-time high, with millennials posting strong increases in confidence, according to new data from Fannie Mae.

According to Fannie Mae:

More Americans NOW expect their home prices to go up.
11% more Americans believe NOW is an appropriate time to buy a home.
7% more Americans believe NOW is an appropriate time to sell.

In the Metro Milwaukee Area, we are experiencing some of the lowest inventory in almost 17 years! According to the Metro MLS, new listings in April in the Milwaukee region decreased 6.3 percent, down to only 2,437 homes while Metro Milwaukee home prices continued to gain traction. The median home sale price has increased 9.1 percent.

Millennials have now taken over the baby boomers in shares of the housing market and are now one of the largest buyers of homes/properties in the Metro Milwaukee real estate market. Millennials are finally believing the time is right to purchase. Strong increases in job confidence and income gains, both necessary precursors for increased housing demand from first-time homebuyers is the leading contributor to the change in market share.

Purchase prices seem to range in the $100,000 through mid to high $200,000 causing a high demand for homes with very little investment. Short supply and high demand = multiple offers and usually for over asking price. I have been very successful with a number of my buyers in multiple offer situations, having won the bidding war. A lot of experience and being a certified negotiation expert helps. I make a commitment to my buyers and make sure we find the right home. It’s not easy and we do have to move quickly.

Please let me know if you would like to meet and discuss the market, your goals and/or additional questions you might have.

June 13, 2017 by Bob

Milwaukee Suburbs: Mequon and Thiensville

The Milwaukee metro area offers a wide variety of ways of living. From the city life of downtown, to the unique and culturally diverse neighborhoods, to the suburbs both close and far, Milwaukee and its close neighbors offer so much to so many. If you’re in the market for a home in the Mequon, Thiensville, or any metro Milwaukee area, Bob Arnold is your full-service Milwaukee realtor. Let’s take a closer look at these two excellent areas:

Visitors to the area often comment that it’s very convenient to get around and that it’s amazing that you can drive straight out of downtown and be in the country in about 20 minutes. For this reason, Milwaukee’s suburbs are thriving, with residents enjoying the unique benefits of small-town, near-rural life, but with close proximity to downtown Milwaukee and all the culture and energy of the big city.

Drive North from the city, just past the near suburbs, and you’ll soon hit the beautiful village of Mequon. It’s close neighbor to the West, Thiensville, shares much of the same benefits and charm. Together, these unique areas make a great case for a place to live, with tons of amenities, natural beauty, and the great city of Milwaukee just a short drive away.

Mequon

The city of Mequon boasts majestic lakeshore bluffs, stately homes, lush farmland and expansive open space, but also contains unique and plentiful shopping, great dining opportunities, and easy access to I-43 for a convenient commute to Milwaukee. The Mequon Public School System, the private schools in Mequon, as well as two universities located there are some of the nation’s top educational facilities. Even with all that it has to offer, Mequon has one of the lowest tax rates in the Metropolitan Milwaukee area, as well as exceptionally low crime rates. Top notch medical facilities and services are available throughout the city, and Mequon is also a business-friendly community with over 300 businesses and two industrial parks with small and mid-sized firms as well as large firms.

Whitefish Bay

Come and experience this charming, exquisite, lakeside community that is rich in history! This Village of roughly 14,000 residents is filled with beautiful, architecturally diverse homes, stretched along the western bluffs of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee’s North Shore. The living is easy, with corner coffee shops, park-like streets, day spas, frequent block parties, and fabulous award-winning schools!

Thiensville, the “Mile of Smiles” town, is a tiny, traditional village just one square mile in size. This clean, well-kept village is a neat surprise tucked right in the middle of the sprawling city of Mequon! Main Street, which runs the length of the Village, houses the Thiensville Business District and is the site of many historical buildings. Many of these buildings and homes have been converted into quaint shops and businesses. Thiensville is known for its Fourth of July celebrations with a traditional parade as well as a “boat parade” right down the river! The Mequon School District as well as nearby parochial and private schools service the students of Thiensville.

Experience the Bob Arnold Difference!

My commitment as your full-service Milwaukee realtor is to provide you with specialized real estate services to aid in your decision-making process. As a continual Multimillion Dollar producer, I use a professional, informative, non-pressure approach in working with my clients and customers. I am your personal Milwaukee Real Estate Consultant. Contact Me today at (414) 379-1101 or visit my website to see current listings.

June 9, 2017 by Bob

Interest Rates Alert, Great News for Buyers!

While looking to purchase a home or condo in the metro Milwaukee area I understand that interest rates are a key factor. Interest rates fluctuate daily and it is important to stay up to date on them if considering buying a home or property. I keep a close eye on them and I have seen them creep downward lately. Interest rates are highly based on world catastrophes unfortunately. However, they open up opportunities for buyers. While the market is still challenging to find properties in some areas, interest rates make it appealing to look aggressively right now. FHA, VA, and USDA rates are at 4 % or lower.

When I work with my clients in the Metro Milwaukee Area I make a commitment to each of them to search for homes daily and I make myself available 24/7 to view homes as soon as they come on the market. Having an agent that is always available when you are actively and aggressively looking at homes in this tight market is extremely important. Please feel free to contact me by email or text to help answer any questions about the market or looking to purchase a home.

Check out this review from a previous client of mine:

“This is the second house I have worked with Bob with to purchase and things couldn’t have gone any better. Bob has a great sense of the market and what true market value is. He also isn’t going to tell you what he thinks you want to hear, he is going to tell you the truth which is super refreshing. Gives you confidence in what you are buying. Highly recommend.”

-Tyler

May 16, 2017 by Bob

Milwaukee Neighborhoods: Shorewood and Whitefish Bay

The Milwaukee area is full of vibrant communities, each with its own distinct personality and culture. The Northshore area, located directly up the Lake Michigan shoreline from the bustling Downtown area, strikes a unique balance between peaceful, scenic living and high-energy city action.

Two gems of this area, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay, are full of a variety of people, places, and beautiful properties with tons of potential. If you’re in the market for a home in the Shorewood or Whitefish Bay areas, Bob Arnold is your full-service Milwaukee realtor. Let’s take a closer look at these two excellent areas:

Shorewood

Shorewood is an attractive, progressive, established community, and is a great option for those planning on moving to the North Shore. Shorewood is the first suburb north of Milwaukee. Shorewood residents enjoy a wonderful blend of quaint, quiet living and all the modern conveniences of the big city. There exists a high quality of life, while preserving diversity amongst different age groups, races, tastes, and backgrounds.

Shorewood’s award-winning schools believe in maintaining a low student-teacher ratio to ensure that all children will succeed. Enjoy the beauty of Shorewood’s stately lakeside homes, the Village’s unique commercial strip with trendy shops and cafes, and the gorgeous beach and park. New condominiums that provide beautiful, carefree living in the village center and the diverse architectural styles of the historic homes give Shorewood the reputation of being truly unique.

Whitefish Bay

There is no industry in Whitefish Bay so the quality of life is quiet and peaceful. School children are usually within blocks of their schools and many residents utilize the sidewalks to jog, run errands, or greet neighbors. Festivals and small-town special events bring neighbors together often- the Pumpkin Carving and Lighting Festival, and 4th of July Festival. The main streets are closed off for special events like the Professional Bicycle Race, Christmas Parade, 4th of July, and Homecoming Parade, and for bands to play in front of Sendiks, where you will see children and parents dancing together in the street. The Village of Whitefish Bay is waiting for you!

Experience the Bob Arnold Difference!

My commitment as your full-service Milwaukee realtor is to provide you with specialized real estate services to aid in your decision-making process. As a continual Multimillion Dollar producer, I use a professional, informative, non-pressure approach in working with my clients and customers. I am your personal Milwaukee Real Estate Consultant. Contact Me today at (414) 379-1101 or visit my website to see current listings.

February 24, 2017 by Bob

Is it Spring yet?

Between the crazy weather and the raising interest rates in January, our Metro Milwaukee Real Estate market is well on its way. The lack of inventory is already at an all-time low, making it extremely difficult for buyers to take their time when looking at homes. New listings are down 7.5% (a 17 month low per MLS). Buyers are needing to make quicker decisions on purchasing a home when they find the right one. While mortgage rates are at 4.25-4.5%, they have not made a significant move further upward recently. Most analysts project stronger economic growth in the U.S. later this year which always causes fixed rates to rise. Everything is related. A stronger economy also means higher wages and more jobs (two key factors in housing demand).

GMAR reports that the 4 county Milwaukee Real state home sales are up 4.3% in January with also the fewest listings of any January in the 21st century. The median home price in Metro Milwaukee area has risen another 10.6% since last year which equates to 3 years of double digit price increases. A $200,000 home in the beginning of 2014 is now worth or would be sold for about 250,000 if on the market. With an increase of $50,000 in purchase price and .5 to 1% more in interest rates, your loan would change. The loan would need to increase $50,000 and a change of 1% in interest would increase your mortgage payment about $165/ per month.

Unfortunately, it is not going to get easier this year looking for homes or condos. My advice would be to work with an agent that is working for you! Make sure you are on auto searches and get homes emailed to you as soon as they appear online. While Zillow or Trulia provide great information on homes in the Milwaukee area, they are very inaccurate on listing status and late on new listings online.

I specialize in first time home buyers and understand what is needed for them. I feel it’s important to meet with the buyers so I can understand their needs, goals and discuss the market. I give the buyers I am working with the time they need and I’m always there to answer any questions they have. I have included a few of my reviews from 1st time home buyers for you to view. I am not here to push you or to sell you a home. I am here to guide you through the process and work with you to find not just any home, but the home that is right for you. I would enjoy meeting and discussing your goals or any questions you have about the Milwaukee Real Estate market. You can always get a hold of me by email at [email protected] or text at 414.379.1101. Please feel free to see past blogs and additional information about Milwaukee and the Real Estate market on my web site at move2milwaukee.com

Reviews

(5 of 5 Stars)

Wonderful experience with Bob, who is so patient and knowledgeable. He has helped us from beginning to end and given us his honest feedback. We will definitely work with him in the future and be proud to refer him to our friends.

(5 of 5 Stars)

This was my first home buy and Bob was more than I could of asked for. He was very helpful, readily available and helped us get to the bottom of what we were truly looking for. He did more than I could have expected and I was consistently impressed by his willingness to help. I'd recommend him to anyone Bob is a very honest, knowledgeable, great guy to work with

January 13, 2017 by Bob

Happy New Year

Is your New Year’s Resolution to purchase a home or condo this year? Well then join the club. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you are not alone. In the Metro Milwaukee 4 county area showings will increase by 100% in the next 2-6 months. Yes 100%, for every 100 people looking today there will be another 100 people looking next month! If you say you aren’t ready to purchase yet, think again. If your apartment is rented until June, I have an answer . If you have not been pre-qualified yet, I can help. These are all good concerns that can be easily addressed. It’s a process. Here are a few first steps in starting your search and addressing your concerns:

Make the commitment that purchasing a home is your goal for 2017
Do some research and choose an agent that will work for you and in your best interest. Check their reviews!
Talk to not only 1 but 2 or 3 lenders about getting pre-qualified. If you are not sure or don’t know where to start, find an agent. A good agent will start by explaining the process and helping you with the next steps.
Your apartment lease doesn’t end until June? If you make a commitment today to purchase a home, by the time you pick an agent, get pre-qualified, evaluate your search and start looking online, most of January will be over. Start looking at homes today because it could take 30-90 days to find the right home for you. Once you put an offer on a home or condo and it’s accepted, it will take another 45-60 days to close. Your first payment is the month after closing. If you close June 5th your first payment is not due until August 10th. Starting in February, take 2 months to find the home, 2 months to close and suddenly you are at the beginning of June.

Let me help you start your search today!

I have worked with over 100 first time home buyers in the last 3 years alone. I specialize in first time home buyers and understand what is needed for them. I give them the time they need and I’m always there to answer any questions they have. I have included a few of my reviews from 1st time home buyers for you to view. I am not here to push you or to sell you a home. I am here to guide you through the process and work with you to find not just any home, but the home that is right for you.

1st Time Home Buyer Reviews:

Danielle:

Bob Arnold you made this first time home buying experience wonderful. You pointed out things we wouldn’t have thought to look for and offered advice that we didn’t even to think to ask. Absolutely I would recommend you to anyone. Thank you.

Sarah:

As first time home buyers, we needed a lot of guidance and Bob was more than willing to go out of his way to meet with us and educate us through this process. He helped us not only find our first home, but our dream home!

Bob Arnold is a qualified Milwaukee real estate agent who understands the market and can help you navigate the purchase of your new home or condo. Call today.