Real Estate Moves Provided by Team Malchetske

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Team Malchetske

Tom Malchetske, Broker, GRI, CRS Billi Kaufman, REALTOR GRI, CRS, ABR
Mobile: Tom - 920-229-9925, Mobile: Billi - 920-290-1630
[email protected]
https://teammalchetske.firstweber.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

If you think the New Year might mean a new home, feel free to reach out to Us and explore your options. Whether you are ready to move, or just wondering what your home might be worth, put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

WISCONSIN’S REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK

Home sales continue to show growth

SALES

As the economy rebounds and interest rates continue to fall, Home Sales in Wisconsin continue to show strong growth – with the third quarter setting another record for home sales in the state. Sales roses 18.1% in September. Increasing consumer confidence both currently and in the near term “bodes well for the housing market over the next few months,” said Marquette University Economist David Clark.

INVENTORY

Wisconsin still shows a strong seller’s market in the last part of 2020, likely continuing into 2021. Statewide inventory fell in September to 3.7 months of supply from 5.1 months in 2019.

AFFORDABILITY

Limited supply means that prices continued their rise. The median home price for homes sold in September was $229,900, an increase of 17.9% percent from 2019.

FULL STORY

Source: https://www.wra.org/HSRSep2020/

	High Demand Continues “We’re still seeing high demand, even in what’s considered off season, so if you’re contemplating a move, you’re not alone. Working with a real estate professional can put you in the best position in this competitive environment.”
	Kel Svoboda First Weber Vice President

	Be Prepared “Those who know they want to make a move should jump in early in 2021. The inventory will likely be better early, they will get ahead of the new season’s price increases and interest rates have never been better.”
	Bob Weber First Weber President

MORTGAGE NEWS

Rates remain historically low, averaging 2.90% in the month of October, and with the Federal Reserve pledging to keep interest rates low, that looks to be the case for the foreseeable future. Even if you are not looking to move, now might be a good time to look into refinancing your existing mortgage.

FOR MORE INFO

Source: https://www.phmloans.com/blog/2020/11/09/november-2020-economic-roundup/

Four Tips for Home Buying During the Colder Months

Many people think winter is a bad time to look for a new home; however, several advantages make this season better than most. For example, if you don’t want to go out in the cold weather, then chances are neither will your neighbors. Second, a home will show all its problems in the winter because the systems have to work extremely hard to keep up with frigid temperatures.

ATTEND COZY OPEN HOUSES

Go see what’s open in your area, check out a new location or inspect a home you really want. Even if you don’t like the house you visit, you may hear of others nearby. You’ll find houses for sale in the winter that have virtual and in-person open houses. By visiting a virtual open house first you can weed out the homes that aren’t a great match and then visiting in person can show you exactly what the house will be like during the colder months.

READ THE HOME INSPECTION REPORTS

While it’s chilly outside, pull up a comfy chair and a mug of hot chocolate or coffee and do some research. With the bad weather and cold air that come with the season in some areas of the country, it’s easier to sit inside and get the monotonous part of moving out of the way first. Plus, getting some of the boring stuff done early gives you more time to spend on the fun things like getting open house gifts.

LOOK FOR DRAFTS AND OTHER LEAKS

There’s no better time than winter to check out houses for sale. With the home working at the highest level, potential buyers can easily check out windows and doors for air leaks. Gaps are easier to find because drafts are often present when the winter wind is blowing hard outside. Plus, going to showings in the winter lets you see the property during the drab months of the year, allowing you to envision it in the nicer weather.

	CHECK OUT THE PARKING IN BAD WEATHER
When you need a parking spot close to home in the winter, it’s best to go for showings during this season. Looking at houses when there’s snow on the ground lets you see where the problems occur in the area. You can avoid houses that have access problems, drainage issues or are last on the list for the snowplow.

Adapted from: http://blog.rismedia.com/2019/tips-home-buying-colder-months/

How to Make Your Home Look Good on a Budget

Making your home look like a million bucks doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can achieve a high-end look for less using some creativity and these tips.

Splurge on Focal Pieces.

You may not be able to break the bank on every item in your home, but consider splurging on attention- grabbing pieces. For example, a high-quality leather chair or fancy wallpaper on a prominent wall are good ways to spend money strategically. With these elements in place, you can be more budget-conscious with other purchases.

Layer Lighting.

A layered lighting concept will add warmth, depth and glamour to any room. Along with overhead lighting, utilize lamps, plug-in sconces and possibly LED lighting to create a glowing lightscape.

Layer Rugs.

Rugs are a cost-effective way to add warmth and style to a room. To create a custom look, layer rugs beneath a furniture grouping. For example, use a large, rectangular sisal rug in a neutral color as the anchor. On top, place an animal print rug or use a series of brightly colored rugs in geometric patterns to create interest.

Camouflage the Television.

While the television may play a prominent role in your family’s life, it can also detract from your interior design. Hide it in a cabinet, piece of furniture or behind a screen when you have visitors.

Adapted from: http://blog.rismedia.com/2019/make-home-look-expensive-budget/

How to Prepare Your Water Heater for the Winter Months

You never know how much you rely on your water heater until it stops functioning. If you are not sure how to prep your water heater for winter, contact an experienced plumber for assistance, but here are some tips to get you started.

Check the Temperature and Pressure

Water temperature plays a huge role in the lifespan of your water heater. When the temperature and water pressure are too high, it can cause a slew of mechanical problems. Leaks may become more frequent, your water bills may be higher and the water heater may not last as long.

It’s recommended that you set your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressure should be between 40 and 80 psi.

Wash Out the Water Tank

All you need to do is turn off your power or gas, connect a hose to the drain valve and simply wait for it to drain. After the tank has been completely emptied, use cool water to clean it out. If you’re not DIY-savvy around the house, hiring a plumber is the best course of action. They have both the skills and tools to properly diagnose any issues that might already be there and clean out your water heater.

Check on the Anode Rod

The anode rod is one of the most important parts of any water heater. It’s a rod made up of either magnesium or aluminum and is found at the top of the water heater. The anode rod is what prevents rust and corrosion in your water heater. While these rods typically last up to five years, they should be checked at least once a year.

Keep the Tank Insulated

You should also consider insulating your water heater. Insulation makes it easier for your water heater to heat up and use less energy. You can insulate yours by wrapping foil blankets around it. These are commonly found in most hardware stores and, while this is a simple job, it can save you a lot of money on your heating bills.

Adapted from: http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/prepare-water-heater/