Yes, it is still a great time to purchase a home, condo, or duplex. The lender we work with just locked in a 30 year at 2.75% and 2 VA loans at 2.5%.
That is CRAZY!!!
Move2Milwaukee Home Buyer Stimulus Plan
The Move2Milwaukee Commitment to Local Real Estate Buyers
Our Milwaukee Stimulus Plan Covers Any Buyer Who Works Exclusively with a Realtor on our Team!
In 2020, metro Milwaukee real estate trends show the market has not gotten any easier for buyers looking to purchase a home or a condo. The trend we’ve seen of inventory decreasing has continued into this year & with current events, the market has become even more competitive. This may result in a continued rise in prices, but has also resulted in low interest rates which should stay low for the next 6-8 months.
Wisconsin Real Estate is STILL Open for Business! The Move2Milwaukee Team is deemed an essential service. Not only do we continue to provide private showings for our buyers while following ALL CDC Guidelines, but we are now promoting our EXCLUSIVE Move2Milwaukee Stimulus Plan for the next 3 months.
The Details: Move2Milwaukee Stimulus Plan
Effective April 20th, 2020: Any Buyers who works exclusively with a Buyers Agency to purchase through the Move2Milwaukee Real Estate Team will have their first month’s interest & principal payment PAID for at closing. At closing, you will receive the keys to your new home AND a check from the Move2Milwaukee Team you can use for that first full month’s payment.
The Terms: Our Stimulus Plan excludes any Redfin buyers working with Realtor Bob Arnold & any Wisconsin relocation buyers with relocation packages working with Realtor Bob Arnold or the Move2Milwaukee Team. Buyers must have a Buyers Agency signed with Realtor Bob Arnold, a member of the Move2Milwaukee Team or agreement on the Stimulus Plan. Buyers working with a co-broker agent will not be included. Buyers need to have an Accepted Offer on or before July 20th, 2020 to qualify.
Contact Realtor Bob Arnold or the Move2Milwaukee Real Estate Team below to learn more or discuss this exclusive opportunity.
Sign Up for the Move2Milwaukee Home Buyer Stimulus Plan
Low Interest Rates & a Winter that’s been Warmer than Usual…
NOW is the Time to Look at Homes!
If finding a new Milwaukee home, condo or investment property is your New Year’s Resolution or goal for 2019, jump on the opportunity before the rest of the crowd! The low interest rates & a warmer winter are setting this Spring up to be one of the most competitive & crowded buyers markets I’ve seen in years. If you want to stay ahead of the herd, gain an advantage with my 2019 home buying tips.
3 Urgent Tips for the
First Time Home Buyer in 2019
1 | Get Pre-Approved
Be prepared. If you want to have an edge with your offer, pre-approval is necessary. You’ll want to align yourself with a solid lender or mortgage broker – avoid internet lenders if you can. Establish your budget keeping in mind what you’d like your monthly payments to be. This is usually less than what you’re pre-approved for, but it’s a number you can realistically afford. It helps us better define what homes you can look at as well.
2 | Choose a Full Time, Experienced Realtor
It’s vital you work with a real estate agent who prioritizes YOUR schedule & moves as quickly as possible to keep you at the advantage with whatever property you may be interested in. As your Realtor, I always make sure to…
+Set up my buyers on an Auto Search so they can see homes that match their criteria the moment they hit the market.
+Provide comprehensive service. Many homes are blocked from sites like Zillow or Homes or have Accepted Offers search engines can’t see. I make sure to consider all avenues, so my buyers know exactly what’s on the market – no questions or wondering.
+Be responsive & respectful. As your agent, it’s my job to answer the phone when YOU call or text & to prioritize YOUR home buying experience. My reviews highlight why I have 17 years of success in this industry.
3 | Start ASAP!
The Spring Market has already begun. Last year it picked up in February & the warmer weather/low interest rates this year have pushed it up even earlier. The sooner you jump in, even to start looking at homes, the faster you’ll be able to get your foot in the door with an offer where other buyers who waited won’t be able to.
There have been 4 consecutive years of prices increasing on homes for sale in the $100,000-$400,000 range. It’s showing no signs of slowing down. You don’t want to risk getting stuck competing for a home & losing out on opportunities!
Realtor Bob Arnold
15 Years of Success with the Experienced & First Time Home Buyer in Milwaukee!
With nearly two decades of experience in real estate, a strong team for support & a special background in first time home buyers & transferees coming to the metro Milwaukee area, I’m a top tier choice to represent you in your home search & buying processes.
If you want to find & close on homes, condos or investment properties anywhere between Sheboygan & Racine, I would enjoy the opportunity to meet & talk with you about your goals. Please feel free to call, text or email me at any time with questions or to plan a meeting.
2019 has already shaped up to be a great year for buyers to take advantage of interest rates & prices. The sooner you act, the sooner you’ll be able to say “Glad I missed the rush!”.
I’m looking forward to working with you & helping you find your next home or property.
Sincerely,
Bob Arnold
(414) 379-1101
4655 N Port Washington Rd Ste 300
Glendale, WI USA 53212
Glendale, WI USA 53212
Contact Realtor Bob Arnold today for more information on his 3 Tips for the First Time Home Buyer 2019!
5% Down, No PMI
Limited Buyers & Great Inventory – No this is Not a Dream!
With winter in Milwaukee right around the corner, it is one of the best times to purchase a home or condo.
Looking for a home? I have partnered with Jeff Sizemore from Providence Home Lending to get qualified buyers the opportunity of buying their next home with a 5% Down Payment and no PMI!
For years, I have said November and December are the best months to put an offer on a home or condo. With this new option of 5% down and NO PMI, it couldn’t get any better. Many buyers don’t want to tempt fate with the holidays around the corner, but you don’t have to close in December if you don’t want to.
In some cases, we can close in December, but you can always wait to close until January or February.
When You Find the Right Home, I Write Offers Around your Goals
Let’s say you have a lease ending in March. If I structure your offer to close in January, your first home payment won’t be due until March 10th. This establishes a smooth financial transition while also helping you beat the competitive spring market without giving up your chance to own a home early next year, with no double payments.
Benefits of Purchasing a Home in November/December
1.Less Buyer Competition Gives Us Increased Negotiation Power. Closing in Some Cases can be Extended until January or February.
2.Great Inventory in Fall vs Spring, Starting January/February, with Homes Getting First Day Offers
3.Lower Interest Rates than what’s Predicted for 2019
4.Beat the Spring Market Price Increase (Market Price Usually 5-10% Increase Over Year Before)
5.Potential to Purchase with as Little as 5% Down, No PMI* Working with Bob Arnold
So what are you waiting for? Want to view some homes? Give me a call or text at (414) 379-1101 or email met at [email protected]
We can meet to discuss your options and goals and work on finding your next dream home or condo
Sincerely,
Bob Arnold
*5% Down, No PMI Subject to Qualified Buyer, Select Terms & Pre-qualifying with Designated Lender
Contact Milwaukee Realtor Bob Arnold for More Info on this 5% Down, No PMI Opportunity!
Milwaukee Streetcar
The Milwaukee Streetcar Screeches Into Real Estate
Mayor Tom Barrett Reassures the Third Ward & East Side of Milwaukee are Gaining Property Value Thanks to “The Hop”
The Milwaukee Streetcar, also known as “The Hop”, is scheduled to begin service on November 2nd, 2018 just days after Halloween. The timing is uncanny for residents who have heard its spooky call in the late hours of the night, but Mayor Tom Barrett reassures locals that there is plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.
The Milwaukee Streetcar in Action
*Make sure to turn the volume on.*
A Huge Hop for Property Owners
Property Value Up 28% Within a Quarter Mile of the Streetcar
Milwaukee’s City Assessor confirms property values near the newly installed streetcar routes have increased 27.9% since 2015. Citywide values have increased by 13.4%. In a recent press conference, the Mayor spoke on the subject.
Milwaukee Streetcar Controversy
The Safety of Local Cyclists & Motorists in Question
When accessibility for locals and tourism options for visitors is taken into account, one could see the value of the new Brew City transit addition. However, Barrett has not been able to confirm the exact impact the streetcar has had on the property value improvement. When considering the new construction, property rehab and investment projects happening downtown, its easy to understand why.
In fact, many residents are concerned about the true value of the streetcar following the recent Personal Injury Claim being filed against the city.
“We had tracks here. We tore them out 50 years ago. They say if you don’t learn from history, you’re doomed to repeat it.” – Michael Hupy, Hupy & Abraham
Milwaukee Streetcar Bike Accident
Milwaukee Streetcar 3 Vehicle Accident
Future of the Streetcar
An Expansion is Planned for the Modernized Transit Option
Although the streetcar has gained a lot of attention before officially debuting, the success of it has yet to be tested. Based on its performance, Mayor Tom Barrett is hoping to expand its route to reach further than just the East Side and Third Ward. With Milwaukee, I’d personally welcome any positive change.
Let’s hope the Milwaukee streetcar turns out to be less problematic so we can continue seeing property values rise. After all, Milwaukee is a great place to call home.
Sincerely,
(414) 379-1101
Expansion Planned for “The Hop”
The Original Milwaukee Streetcar
Contact Realtor Bob Arnold for More Info on Property Values & Condos for Sale in Downtown Milwaukee!
Sustainable Housing
Healthier Homes for Your Family & The Environment
What Does it Mean to Live with Operating Efficiency & Long-Term Utility Cost Savings?
The New Construction, Eco-Friendly Sustainable Homes Subdivision (Matthaeus Farms) between Port Washington and Grafton has opened my eyes to an entirely new type of housing. Homes in Wisconsin can now be built to be Energy Efficient and less impactful on the environment!
Living Sustainably with High Quality Construction
When it comes to the construction of new homes, builders are approaching the task with the goal of helping reduce the speed at which Earth’s resources are consumed. Using sustainable materials like Steel Roofing and Composite Siding goes a long way.
In other parts of the world, people are almost entirely self-sufficient in how they live, only eating food they grow such as milk, meat and eggs. Transportation is handled as a community resource with a focus on Energy Efficiency, such as carpooling, railways, buses and bicycling. Recycling also plays a large part in sustainability in other parts of the world, from reusing clothes and household utensils to recycling all kinds of plastics.
Some of these practices may seem extreme to heavy consumers like Americans, but being more environmentally conscious doesn’t mean having to give up your way of life.
Finding a Balance: Go Green with Matthaeus Farms
Homeowners don’t have to be completely self-sufficient to make a worthwhile contribution to improved sustainable living. Taking action when it comes to how you shop (cutting down on packaged goods), what you buy (local vs exotic produce), how you travel and, most importantly, where you choose to live can play a huge role in affecting positive change.
16 Easy Tips to Reduce, Reuse & Recycle at Home
How to Save Energy at Home in Wisconsin
1. Turn off Switches & Plugs When Not in Use.
2. Wash Clothes at a Lower Temperature & Avoid Small Loads.
3. Always Close the Fridge, Freezer & Oven Door Fully.
4. Invest in Drought-Proof Doors & Windows.
5. Take Quick Showers & Avoid Taking Long Baths.
6. Use Rechargeable Batteries & Lower Energy Lightbulbs.
7. Collect Rainwater & Use it to Water Your Garden or Wash the Car.
8. Buy at Farmers Markets or Grow Your Own Vegetable Garden.
9. Keep Household Scraps & Use Them as Compost.
10. Give Away Old Clothes to Local Charities & Foundations.
11. Try Repurposing Old Objects.
12. Only Buy the Amount of Food You Need to Reduce Waste.
13. Recycle Household Glass, Plastic, Card & Paper at Your Local Recycle Center.
14. Walk, Use Public Transport, Carpool or Switch to Electric Vehicles.
15. Build a Home Using Sustainable Materials. (More Info at Matthaeus Farms)
By reducing, reusing and recycling, we can all live a more sustainable lifestyle. Imagine the impact it would make if everyone did one or two things on this list every day. I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: it starts at home.
Sincerely,
Bob Arnold
Realty Executives Integrity
(414) 379-1101
Learn more about Sustainable Housing in Wisconsin when you contact Milwaukee Realtor Bob Arnold today!
Bob Arnold’s April Newsletter
Realty Trends in Milwaukee are as Wild as the Weather!
What has happened over the last 2 years with real estate near Milwaukee WI? As I was looking at the main page of MLS, there is a short list of statistics on display. While our transaction volume in the Metro Milwaukee area has not increased much since April of last year, our prices certainly have.
ALL Properties Sold in the Metro MLS as of April 24th, 2018:
2016 | Year to Date
8,440 Transactions YTD
$1,562,842,823 Total Sales YTD
2017 | Year to Date
8,528 Transactions YTD
$1,709,542,145 Total Sales YTD
2018 | Year to Date
8,769 Transactions YTD
$1,933,824,221 Total Sales YTD
Unexpected Shifts in Milwaukee Real Estate Transactions & Trends
County to county in Southeastern Wisconsin, there has been nothing but increases. As of April 2017, Ozaukee County has seen the largest percentage of increases with +29.8% while Racine County increased +13.1% and Milwaukee County not far behind at +10.4%. Overall, MLS, which collects data from the entire state, saw an increase of 7.8% in Wisconsin from April 2017 to April 2018.
+Homes under $300,000 accounted for 76% of homes sold in March 2018
+Units in good condition with a highly rated school district sell in just a few days
+In the 1st Quarter of 2018, 79% were under $300,000 in price
+The Average Home spends a month & a half LESS on the market since this time last year!
– (3.2 Months on the Market in 2017; 1.7 Months on the Market in 2018!)
Home Buyers: Don’t Give Up!!!
It never gets easier and with trends rising as they are, it will be even more competitive next year. Too many buyers gave up last year and are now kicking themselves for it. While the statistics above are not pretty for buyers, they are the facts and it is important for buyers I work with to understand the market.
What Should I Do to Buy My Home, Condo or Duplex?
Make sure you have one of the best real estate agents in Milwaukee aggressively combing the current market, looking for new listings to send you and showing you properties they day they come on the market. You need an agent who is a Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) who has a strong knowledge of the market so they are able to be successful when it comes to competing in Multiple Offer situations.
Great questions to ask your potential realtor:
+Have you Been Involved in a Multiple Offer?
+How Many Multiple Offers have you Won for your Clients?
+What is the Current Real Estate Market Like & How does it Affect My Buying Plans?
Important questions to ask yourself:
+Having trouble with your current agent or property search?
+Are you set up for success with an offer? (What should all buyers do before looking at homes?)
+Is it your goal to own a condo, home or duplex this year?
This April, we’ve seen rain, snow, hail and 60 degree weather in Milwaukee. The real estate market is just as unpredictable and if you’re considering buying a home, you’ll want to get in contact with a Realtor such as myself who has an umbrella of knowledge at the ready and a snowplow of experience ready to be used at a moment’s notice.
Please call or text or email me and I would enjoy talking or meeting with you.
Happy Spring!
Sincerely,
Bob Arnold, Realty Executives Integrity
(414) 379-1101
Milwaukee Real Estate April 2018: Give Bob Arnold Realtor a call today to find your dream home!
New Construction FAQs
Find All the New Build Answers You Need at Matthaeus Farms
Stop by Port Washington this Weekend to Learn About New Construction in our Eco-Friendly Subdivision!
This weekend from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm both days on Saturday April 21st & Sunday April 22nd, Matthaeus Farms is hosting a New Construction FAQs weekend to find all the answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask. From the costs of Energy Efficiency to the importance of working with a lender willing to lock in your interest rate during the time of construction, the information available this weekend is imperative to collect!
While real estate near Milwaukee WI offers a diverse inventory to choose from, environmentally conscious home buyers are looking for better, green living. Leaving a smaller footprint on the Earth doesn’t have to come at the cost of your new construction dream home! Our team of Realtors and Builders will be present this weekend only to answer any and all New Construction FAQs you may have, including:
+How long will it take to build my new home?
+What are my options concerning interior and exterior finishes?
+What extra buildings costs exist – if any?
+Will my subdivision include sidewalks & driveways?
+Are there any local lenders who can lock in my interest rate while my home is being built?
+What are the financial benefits of building an energy efficient home?
+Where is Matthaeus Farms & what’s nearby?
+What materials are being used to build these eco-friendly new homes?
Have any additional questions? Reach out to Bob Arnold Realtor for specific inquiries regarding Matthaeus Farms or the homes being built there. We understand not everyone can make this weekend and are eager to assist anyone with any New Construction FAQS or questions they may have.
Contact Bob Arnold today to find all the answers you have to your New Construction FAQs!
Metro Milwaukee Real Estate Inventory Update
Milwaukee Real Estate Home Sales Continue to Be Strong 2nd Month in a Row.
Longer days and warmer weather are just around the corner! The first day of Spring is March 20th, Daylight Savings Time was last weekend, interest rates are still below 4.5% and we’ve picked up some more inventory. Life is GREAT! With the spring market is well on its way, finding real estate near Milwaukee WI in January or February was not easy.
Low inventory, competitive offers and an extremely active market made it difficult and a little frustrating for some home buyers. New statistics show February closings were up 11% from last year. (Remember, those are buyers who wrote offers in January. These successful deals are not the offers in escrow today!)
We track listings being put into MLS daily. Since March 1st (As of March 12th), 919 new listings have come on the market in our 5 county area, including Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Waukesha, Washington and Racine county:
+673 are Homes
+147 are Condos
+99 are Duplexes, Multi-Family, Commercial & Land
**I have seen inventory up a little with a new influx of homes and condos on the market. If you are a serious home or condo buyer, stay active. The right one WILL come along!
A couple of weeks ago we had little scare when interest rates shot up to the 4.65% range, but are now back to the 4.25% range. (It going to happen again, just to prepare you.) For now, let’s take advantage of the market – don’t wait to look at homes on the market!
Is Now the Best Time to Buy Homes in Wisconsin?
“National home prices are set to increase by up to 6% in the coming months with end-of-year home sales reflecting the upward trend seen in 2017. Job growth, historically low interest rests and a successful stock market are responsible for these numbers. There really is no time like the present to buy new construction homes!”
– Bob Arnold, Milwaukee Realtor
4 Tips for Buying Homes in Today’s Market
Here are a few important takeaways for home buyers in today’s market.
1) If You are Renting a Home…
Start looking at homes today! We can work around your rent lease. Start looking 4-6 months before your lease ends. This would be much better than a 2-3 month time frame and will make your journey from apartment to home living much easier.
2) Find a Good Lender…
To get pre-qualified and not just pre-approved. You want to look as strong as you can when writing an offer in today’s competitive market. Ask you lender if they will be able to close in 30 days. You may need that option to be a step above other buyers in a multiple offer situation. If you are looking for lender, please give me a call or shoot me a text or email!
3) Made More Than 3 Offers?
If you have made more that 3 offers on 3 different properties and lost them to another offer or multiple offers, you may need to reconsider who you are working with. In a multiple offer situation, I have an 80% Acceptance Rate with 1st Time Offers and a 95% Acceptance Rate with Second Time Offers. The agent does make a difference.
4) Be Prepared…
and ask questions! When looking for homes, its important to know the offer process and understand the home inspection. Both move very quickly and will have their own bumps in the road. Make sure you understand the process completely and have a good professional realtor and lender working for you.
Please visit my web site, reviews and testimonials.
Sincerely,
Bob Arnold
(414) 379-1101
Looking for more details on the real estate market update? Give Realtor Bob Arnold a call!
Milwaukee Housing Market
February 2018 Update
January Rang in with Bells & Went Out Like a Tornado in Home Sales!
Milwaukee Housing Market 2018 Evaluation: The Full Report
The Milwaukee real estate market is off to a strong start in January of this year! Homes sales this past month up are 7.4%. This is also the first time January sales exceeded 1,000 Units Sold in the metro Milwaukee area. Breaking down these numbers, Milwaukee county and Waukesha county have been leading the way in sales with Ozaukee county containing the least amount of inventory!
Affordable Homes for Sale in Milwaukee: Thank the Economy!
With a healthy economy, real estate near Milwaukee WI is being bought off the market faster than ever before. Home sales in Milwaukee are continuing to set record levels! 2017 home sales alone were up 1.4% in units from 2016 while prices were up 5.5% STATEWIDE in 2017 from 2016! It’s fantastic news: Wisconsin housing remains competitively affordable.
Why the Increase?
JUST LOOK AROUND! New buildings are being constructed in downtown Milwaukee, new restaurants in Milwaukee are bringing everyone to the city, a new Milwaukee Bucks Arena has everyone excited and a new trolley system has tourists scheduling their next stop in Brew Town! When it comes to Milwaukee in 2018, there’s been nothing, but growth.
The Milwaukee Housing Market 2018 is Great for Renters
Both Rental & Housing Markets Are Up – Now is the Time to Choose!
I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but now is the time to take action if you are interested in change. If you are currently renting and your lease ends in JUNE, it’s the perfect time to start looking. If you gave up last year, don’t give up this time around. The next 3 years will be seeing the same growth we’ve had since the beginning of 2018.
Now is the best time to buy a house in Wisconsin!
If you are interested in a change of address or would meeting to discuss your goals, forming a strong business plan with an experienced Milwaukee real estate agent is your best bet. As a Realtor, I work for you and your best interests, whether they’re to own your dream home or to make the best possible investments TODAY!
Please feel free to call, text or email me with any questions you may have regarding the Milwaukee Housing Market in 2018.
Looking forward to meeting you!
All the best,
Bob
(414) 379-1101