Jacob Mueller - COLDWELL BANKER

More homes are hitting the market and buyers and closing on a quicker timeframe relative to a month ago.  With the school year being over and summer upon us, "backseat" buyers are becoming active again.  However, high(er) interest rates are hampering possible listing opportunities.  For example, someone locked in at an interest rate of 2.5% does not find it attractive to sell and buy close to 7%.  If you are thinking of making a housing move, be sure you are educated on your local area as the market is moving quickly.

Buyers are pleased to see an increase in inventory but still face a lot of competition when making an offer.  Many buyers are closing quickly as the number of days on market has been declining.  Before you start looking at a home, it is key to talk with a lender or have proof of funds ready.  To be in this market you must act quick and be educated on the local area.  

The real estate market is shifting from a seller's market to a more stable market.  Buyers are happy for more inventory and sellers are pleased with sales prices continuing to rise in certain pockets of the state.  With that being said, buyers must remain competitive and must be ready to act quick.  In select cases, sellers are still receiving north of 50 showings and 10 offers.  Overall, we are starting to see less offers way over asking but there are still cases of this.  Navigating this market can be a struggle and it is key to be educated on the local area before you decide to sell or start your home search.  

In today's market, it's best to be educated on how fast things are moving and you should expect to act quickly.  For example, property listings that are priced competitively are getting close to 20 offers and are selling much higher than the asking price.  Some are selling for 15% higher than asking.  Before you start your home search or decide to sell, it's best to understand what's going on in your local market.  

How's the market? I get this question daily as nearly everyone is wondering what the real estate market is doing.  Overall, inventory is low but there is no scarcity of buyers.  For example, within my office, we are seeing up to 60 showings per new listing with sellers accepting offers within a week.  

In 1903, Harley-Davidson, Inc. (H-D) was founded in Milwaukee and 120 years later, they are looking to become more relevant than ever.  On January 11, 2023, H-D announced plans for a community park with the focus on benefitting its employees and the community of Milwaukee.  Harley-Davidson is partnering with Thomas Heatherwick, an internationally renowned designer from England, to construct a community park.  Mr. Heatherwick is known for the following projects with the intention of his work enriching the lives of the people who use it:

Do you have plans to build or remodel in 2023? If so, head over to the Washington County Fair Park Pavilion (Main Building) to experience the WCBA 2023 Home Building & Remodeling Expo.  FREE ADMISSION ALL 3 DAYS with FREE PARKING! 

Similar to weather, real estate comes and goes in seasons.  Historically, residential inventory is low during winter months relative to the rest of the year.  With this being said, we are starting to see a lot more activity and expect Spring to bring a lot of inventory.   

In March 2022, I earned my Real Estate License and was hired with Shorewest Realtors in Menomonee Falls/Germantown, WI.  One of my goals as a new agent was to grow my network and resource base.  I started by talking with seasoned agents and joining various networking groups. Since I have been doing this, I've met very intelligent people of all different professions, bettering my understanding of the real estate industry.  In the first nine months of my real estate career, I met with a total of 15 different lenders or title companies.  Reason being each client has specific needs so it was very nice to understand what each lender's specialty or main focus is and how they can be a benefit to my client.  In addition, I joined four networking groups and was a guest at one: Greater Menomonee Falls & Sussex Chamber of Commerce, Cigar Networkers of Milwaukee, Hopportunity Networking, Brew City Cruise Night, and the West Bend Sunrise Rotary Club (guest x2).  I was present at a total of 19 events and am looking forward to 2023's events.  In terms of doing work, I held 11 open houses, conducted 28 showings, and was on floor, 60 times (floor is handling any walk-ins or answering the phone).  I am very excited to continue my real estate journey and helping those fulfill their housing needs.  

At the age of 15, I began working in the service industry, enjoying the day-to-day challenges, and I still love it to this day.  I grew up in Appleton with my brother, Lucas, and both my parents, Bruce and Lori.  I currently reside in West Bend with my wife, Bridget, and my dog, Gizmo.  In 2018, I earned a BBA in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  Out of college, I began my career as a Research Analyst, working with high-net-worth clients who invested in various products, from bonds to private equity.  A year and a half later, I took a position as a Mutual Fund Administrator, building reports such as Annual & Semi-Annual Reports, Quarterly Reports, Fact Sheets, and Board Books.  In addition, I tracked and monitored fund expenses and compliance daily, while maintaining direct communication with directors of the Funds.  In March 2022, I got married and earned my WI Real Estate License, all within 10 days of each other.  With my Real Estate License, I plan to help others find their forever home, relocate, or assist them with their investment properties.  I look forward to furthering my knowledge and becoming the best agent possible.  In my free time, you will see me at the golf course or at local car shows with my dog, Gizmo.