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Liz Tobolt
Over 27 years of Award-Winning Real Estate Sales
Mobile: (414) 881-0738, Direct: (262) 337-9211
[email protected]
https://liztobolt.firstweber.com
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Hi There!
The weather is getting warmer and the market is heating up. If you’re interested in buying, selling, or simply getting a free market analysis for your property, I’d love to connect with you.
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WISCONSIN’S REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK
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Home sales continue to break records in Wisconsin and Nationwide
SALES
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2021 was off to a record start, according to the Wisconsin REALTORS Association (WRA), with sales up 9.8% in the state in the month of January. The market is expected to be very active throughout 2021, so listing early in the season may give sellers an opportunity to take advantage of historically high demand. Listing with a First Weber Realtor will put you in the best position to receive and manage multiple offers in a fast-paced environment.
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INVENTORY
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Inventory is low, with only a 2.1 month supply on the market in January 2021. Average days on market is also down by 15.7% from 108 in 2020 to 91 this year.
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AFFORDABILITY
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Average prices continue to rise, up 10.5% in the first month of 2021, from $190,000 to $205,000.
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Source: https://www.wra.org/HSRJan2021/
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Active Market, Trusted Professionals “The market is competitive, so a buyer needs to be preapproved for a mortgage and a seller needs to understand the demands of navigating a transaction in this environment. The most important thing for a smooth and successful transaction, whether buying or selling, is partnering with a REALTOR.”
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Shawna Alt
First Weber President
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Spring is Here! “Now is the time when markets traditionally see more inventory. This should bring more properties on the market and hopefully some relief to those buyers who have been discouraged by lack of inventory, and it means that finding a professional who can connect you with the perfect listing fast is more important than ever.”
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Tammy Maddente
First Weber Senior Vice President
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MORTGAGE NEWS
In March, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rates rose to more than 3%, the highest they have been since July 2020. Despite this, rates are still close to historically low levels. Consumers can expect rates to continue to rise, but not dramatically, throughout 2021.
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Source: https://time.com/nextadvisor/mortgages/monthly-mortgage-forecast-and-predictions/
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Home Repairs: DIY or Hire a Pro?
There are some repairs that every homeowner should learn to do. There are others, though, that always need a professional’s touch.
DIY: Basic Leak Repair
You would be amazed how easy it is to fix a leaky faucet. Tightening up a few bolts or replacing a simple part can let you get the job done in a flash, saving you a great deal of money and making you feel like a home repair professional! These simple jobs should almost always be attempted first by the homeowner before looking for professional help.
Professional: Installing Plumbing
If you are looking at installing new plumbing, though, you’re going to need to get some help from a professional. Plumbing systems are incredibly complex and even a small mistake can lead to expensive consequences. While you should be able to take care of small leaks on your own, going after the big problems almost always requires calling a plumber.
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DIY: Patch Repairs
There are many repairs that fall into the category of simple patch repairs. From fixing a simple hole in your drywall to replacing the locks on your doors, these are jobs that take little to no special training and that can be done by almost any homeowner. Though these jobs are small, knowing how to take care of them yourself can save you quite a bit of time and money.
Professional: Drywall Replacement
Although you can likely patch a hole yourself, you should not be installing drywall on your own if you do not know what you are doing. If you are looking at any kind of repair that involves major demolition and reconstruction, you will want a professional handyman’s help; doing so is the best way to ensure that you don’t cause structural problems while you’re trying to fix basic problems. A repair person can help with things like large drywall damage and basic carpentry.
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Some repairs are easier than others. If you feel confident in your DIY skills, give a few of them a try. If you do not, though, there’s no shame in getting help from your local handyman or another professional.
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Adapted From: http://blog.rismedia.com/2021/repairs-homeowners-leave-pros/
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4 Details That Can Turn Your Patio Into a Great Place for Entertaining
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Summer is just around the corner, and now is a great time to reimagine your outdoor spaces so you can fully enjoy all the beauty of a Wisconsin summer! From comfortable seating to safe and attractive railings, here are a few key upgrades that will turn even the most basic patio into a relaxing and appealing outdoor lounge area:
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Furniture
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One of the most straightforward ways to update a patio is to purchase an outdoor furniture set. Next to style, durability is the most important factor when purchasing outdoor furniture. Treated aluminum and wood are popular materials, as is wicker, which can easily be coated with custom waterproofing oil. Canvas cushions can add comfort to simple metal chairs, while glass tables are both attractive and designed to last for years.
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Railings
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Another key upgrade is railings. You want to make sure that your deck or patio’s railings are both attractive and secure. Loose railings can lead to a slip and fall accident, and they may even cause someone to fall off the deck itself.
Glass baluster deck railings are good choices if you are redoing the railings on your deck. Stylish and secure, these railings allow kids and pets to admire the view beyond the patio, without risking injury by falling off. They are weatherproof and easy to clean, making them an investment that will stand the test of time.
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Outdoor Kitchen
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Of course, no entertainment space would be complete without a section dedicated to food and drink. An outdoor kitchen and bar area immediately elevates any patio area. Whether a simple barbecue and cocktail corner furnished with removable shelves and counters, or a more elaborate built-in bar-top complete with a full kitchen, guests will appreciate being wined and dined while still enjoying the fresh air.
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Plants
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Flowers, herbs, and trees can finish off what is now an otherwise perfect outdoor entertainment area. Planters, small and large, can be strategically placed to add shade and color. The planters themselves come in all styles, from classic terra cotta to modern metal cubes, and they can hold everything from manicured hedges to lushly flowered vines. Moreover, unlike designing a yard, these planters can be easily moved, allowing for constant updating and adjustment to keep things fresh.
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Adapted from: http://blog.rismedia.com/2020/details-turn-patio-entertaining/
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Force of Nature: The Most Likely Causes Behind Your Home’s Roof Damage
Stormy winds, wind shear, straight-line winds and tornado-type winds can wreak havoc with your roof. All it takes is a sharp gust of wind to hit your roof at just the right angle to cause serious damage. Existing problems from long-term wear and tear or previous windstorms can weaken the roof, removing shingles and loosening downspouts, as well as eroding chimney bricks.
Precipitation:
Repeated bouts of heavy snow or dowsing rain can put significant pressure on a roof. Over time, shingles can break off along with other kinds of structural issues that require immediate repair to keep the problem from getting worse. Water damage leaking in through cracks and missing shingles can do significant damage. Failure to notice the damage or take steps to correct it makes your roof more vulnerable to the next major downpour, which can exacerbate the damage and lead to more costly repairs.
Icy Conditions:
Freezing rain or melting snow can deposit layers of ice on your roof, adding pressure to the structure and damaging the shingles, gutters, and downspouts. Depending on the extent of an ice storm or the amount of ice buildup on your house, the damage could be extreme, costing thousands of dollars to repair. While you cannot thaw the ice that accumulates on the roof, you can check the damage when it melts and take care of any initial problems right away.
Tree Branches:
A weak or aging tree near your home can topple without warning, crushing part of your roof and gutter system. Even a sizable tree branch can cause heavy damage by falling on your house and scraping at the shingles or chipping at the chimney. Remove tree limbs that pose a danger to your home as soon as possible. If part of a tree does fall on your home, check for damage, and repair it immediately.
Roof problems are not uncommon. Check your roof when you suspect damage and call roof experts for help when needed. Keep an eye on the elements and how they affect your roof to prevent serious issues in the future.
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Adapted from: http://blog.rismedia.com/2021/force-nature-damage/
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