HOME BUYER june_july 2020

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Serving Southeastern Wisconsin & Northern Il inois

June/July 2020

REAL ESTATE • RENTALS • NEW HOME DEVELOPMENT • BUILDERS

Area home sales are down drastically because of the COVID-19 pandemic and industry experts expect the trend to continue throughout the summer home-buying season and well into fall.

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HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

JUNE/JULY 2020

Housing market catches the virus Realtors predict numbers to dip further in coming months

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic hit the state’s housing market in April and leaders of the Wisconsin Realtors Association are predicting a long-lasting hangover as the state slowly begins to reopen.

“It’s going to get a lot worse over the next few months, which unfortunately is our peak sales period,” WRA Chairman Steve Beers said.

Nearly all closings from this point forward are based on signed contracts after the initial Safer-at-Home order by Gov. Tony Evers went into effect.

“We’re in for a rough road for housing given that summer is the peak sales season in Wisconsin,” Beers said.

In a typical year, approximately 43% of total annual home sales in Wisconsin occur in the

May-through-August period, so the economic slowdown could not come at a worse time, according to the WRA. The dramatic slowing of the economy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 decreased home sales in April even as prices continued to rise, according to the most recent review of the existing home market by the association.

“Since the time from an accepted contract to a closing can be four to eight weeks, it’s only now that we’re seeing the effect of the coronavirus on monthly sales,” Beers said.

Closings that took place in the second half of April could have been under contract in midMarch, around the time the national emergency was declared.

Existing home sales fell 6.9% in April,

compared to April 2019 whereas the significant tightening of inventories drove the median price up 9.7% over the past 12 months to $214,000.

Among area counties, Walworth County experienced the steepest plunge in the number of homes sold with a decrease of 27 percent (107, down from 152 the previous April).

Among other local communities in April, Racine County sales decreased 12 percent, and Kenosha and Waukesha counties were both down 7 percent.

Year-to-date home sales remained in positive territory after a good start to the year, rising 2.9% through the first four months of 2020 relative to that same period in 2019. Median

See HOUSING MARKET, Page 3

• Housing market (Continued from page 2)

prices continued to rise on a year-to-date basis, increasing 8.3% to $200,000.

“Our inventory problems got much worse over the last month, and that is continuing to drive home prices up,” said WRA President and CEO Michael Theo.

The tight inventory was evident locally where median prices were up 10 percent across the eightcounty Southeast Wisconsin area. The only county that did not see an increase was Racine, which was down 1.7% for April.

A silver lining

5 outdoor projects that add value

Exterior renovations can enhance the appearance of a property and make it more enjoyable for homeowners. Certain renovations have the potential to add value to a home, while others may do the opposite. Learning which one have the largest return on investment can help homeowners select features that will have the most positive impact.

Curb appeal goes a long way toward attracting potential buyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, first impressions of a property have a strong influence on buyers. Landscaping and external features can do much to influence such impressions. .

LAWN CARE PROGRAM

FIRE PIT

A fire pit can be used for much of the year. In the spring and summer, the firepit is a great place to congregate to roast marshmallows or sip wine and gaze into the fire. In the fall, the fire pit can make for a cozy retreat.

A fire pit that has a gas burner is lowmaintenance, and the National Association of Landscape Professionals says that most can recoup about $4,000 of their $6,000 average price tag.

SOFTSCAPING

Hardscaping refers to structures like outdoor kitchens or decks. Softscaping involves the living elements of the landscape. Hiring a landscape designer to install trees, shrubs, natural edging, and rock elements can do wonders toward improving the look and value of a home.

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Outdoor improvements can improve the marketability of a home, as well as enhance its appearance and function.

HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

Investing in a lawn care program that consists of fertilizer and weed control application and can be transferred over to a subsequent home owner is an attractive feature. NAR says such a care program can POOL OR WATER FEATURE recover $1,000 in value of the $330 average In certain markets, particularly hot cost, or a 303 percent ROI. climates, a pool or another water feature is a must-have. However, in other areas LOW-MAINTENANCE LIFESTYLE where outdoor time is limited, a pool or When choosing materials for projects, water feature can actually lower the value those that offer low-maintenance benefits of a home. Speaking with a real estate can be preferential. These include lowprofessional can give homeowners an maintenance patio materials, composite idea of how a pool will fare in a given decking, vinyl fencing, and inorganic neighborhood. mulched beds.

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JUNE/JULY 2020

On every measure tracked by the WRA, inventories have fallen significantly. New listings in April dropped 38.2%, which caused total listings to fall 20.5%. This pushed Wisconsin’s housing supply to just 3.7 months in April, down from 4.7 months 12 months earlier.

“With such limited homes for sale, it’s not surprising that home prices are rising so quickly,” said Theo. “What is surprising, however, is that housing affordability is unchanged over the last year, thanks mainly to historically low mortgage rates.”

The Wisconsin Housing Affordability index shows the fraction of the median-priced home that a buyer with median family income can afford to buy, assuming a 20% down payment and the remainder financed with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at current rates. The index stood at 204 in April, unchanged from April 2019.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 3.31% in April, which reflects its lowest level since 1971.

“Even though home prices rose nearly 10% this year, mortgage rates fell at twice that pace, which is a great situation for creditworthy buyers,” said Theo.

“The prospect of a V-shaped recovery is diminishing given how quickly unemployment has spiked,” said David Clark, Marquette University economist and consultant to the WRA. Although the Wisconsin unemployment rate for April has not yet been released, it is expected to increase dramatically from its March level of 3.4%.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the regular weekly claims for unemployment insurance for the week of May 3 to May 9 increased more than tenfold from 24,838 during that week in 2019 to 312,797 in 2020.

“Even as much of the state economy begins to open up now that the stay-at-home order has been struck down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, it will be a gradual process,” Clark said.

He noted that many of the state’s most populous counties such as Milwaukee, Dane and Brown, remain locked down. “Economists are now suggesting more of a Nike swoosh-shaped recovery with social distancing protocols preventing a more rapid bounce in economic activity once we bottom out,” said Clark.

Theo indicated that although sales levels will be lower the next few months, there are still buyers taking advantage of these historically low rates.

“Realtors are following all CDC guidelines and taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of buyers and sellers,” Theo said. “There continue to be great opportunities even during the pandemic.”

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JUNE/JULY 2020

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Simple strategies to meet the neighbors after moving A lot goes into building safe, strong communities. While no single factor can be highlighted as more important than another in regard to building strong communities, a willingness on the part of residents to connect with their neighbors can greatly benefit local neighborhoods and the people who call those communities home.

According to Mental Health America, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting the mental health of all Americans, research has shown that social connections increase happiness and lead to improved overall health and even longer lives.

Adults may find that establishing a connection with their communities, and maintaining that connection while juggling the responsibilities of work and a family, is not always so easy. That’s especially so for adults who have recently relocated to new areas.

Reaching out to neighbors can be a great way for adults to build new relationships that can benefit them as individuals and strengthen their communities.

Don’t be shy People often want to know who’s living next door, so adults who have recently moved need not be shy about introducing themselves to their new neighbors.

Introduce yourself and share what inspired you to move to your new neighborhood.

Host a backyard barbecue Backyard barbecues are laid back affairs, and that pressure-free atmosphere is perfect for meeting new neighbors. Once you have settled in, invite a handful of your neighbors over for the barbecue.

If you have children, invite neighbors who also are parents, ideally ones whose children are the

same age as your own.

Kids have sparked many a conversation, and discussions about local schools, parks and programs for youngsters can be great ice breakers.

Volunteer Volunteering with communitybased organizations is another great way to meet new neighbors and share common passions.

(METRO CREATIVE)

Strong communities are built around people. When moving to a new community, adults can overcome the challenges such relocations present by taking various steps to connect with their new neighbors.

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MAIN WHITEWATER WEST OFFICE 1058 W. Main St. 207 W. Main Street P.O. Box 177 WI 53190 Whitewater, WI 53190Whitewater, 262/473-3666 (262) 473-2112

MAIN OFFICE 207 W. Main St. P.O. Box 177 Whitewater, WI 53190 262/473-2112

EAST TROY OFFICE 2546 E. Main St East Troy, WI 53120 262/642-2530

PALMYRA OFFICE 111 E. Main St. Palmyra, WI 53156 (262) 495-2101

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EAST TROY OFFICE 2546 E. Main Street East Troy, WI 53120 (262) 642-2530

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HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

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home and property sales Here is a listing of recent single-family home, condominium and vacant land sales in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties. The information is provided through the Multiple Listing Service.

RACINE COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Burlington • 29643 Durand Ave...................... $ 365,000 • 32854 Bohner Dr........................ $ 147,000 • 280 W State St........................... $ 154,000 • 318 Margaret Ct......................... $ 274,500 • 361 County Line Blvd................. $ 305,000 • Lt69 Stonegate Rd..................... $ 346,900 • 33511 S Lakeshore Dr............... $ 370,900 • 2456 S Teut Rd........................... $ 407,500 • 30800 Running Fox Trl............... $ 435,000 • 29643 Durand Ave...................... $ 365,000 • 32854 Bohner Dr........................ $ 147,000 • 280 W State St........................... $ 154,000 Waterford • 3347 El Camino Way.................. $ 368,000 • 27309 Apple Rd......................... $ 500,000 • 910 Meadowgate Dr Lt45........... $ 340,000 • 7927 Golden Bay Trl................... $ 345,000 • 706 Still Pond Dr Lt81................ $ 369,900 • 5025 Wood Lilly Ln..................... $ 379,000 • 3347 El Camino Way.................. $ 368,000 • 27309 Apple Rd......................... $ 500,000 Union Grove • 1793 Main St.............................. $ 205,000 • 1306 71st Dr............................... $ 215,000

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HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

JUNE/JULY 2020

CONDOS Waterford • 27324 Dover View Ln Lt5............. $ 90,000 • Lt10 Eagle View Dr..................... $ 120,000 Norway • Lt1 8 Mile W Rd.......................... $ 104,000 Racine • 141 Main St 420......................... $ 157,900 Kansasville • 1523 Grandview Ct EH2............. $ 158,000

VACANT LAND Burlington • Lt9 Ridge Ln............................... $ 147,000 Waterford • Lt1 Park Dr................................. $ 215,000 Racine • 3446 Charles St............................. $ 3,500 Mount Pleasant • Lt 94 Crosswinds.......................... $ 70,000 Kansasville • Lt0 County Line Rd.................... $ 700,000

WALWORTH COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Lyons • 1498 Mill St.................................. $ 39,900 Darien • 132 Freemont St......................... $ 137,000 Whitewater • 268 S Cottage St........................ $ 155,000 • 129 N Park St............................. $ 186,000 • W9395 Island Rd........................ $ 204,000 • 112 N Newcomb St.................... $ 121,000 • W7258 Bluff Rd.......................... $ 159,900 Elkhorn • W5310 Wandawega Dr............... $ 120,000 • 301 W Randall Pl........................ $ 140,000 • N6920 Northwood Dr................. $ 385,000 • N7742 Asta Dr............................ $ 409,000 • W5106 Plantation Rd................. $ 485,000 • N3910 County Rd NN................ $ 665,000 • W5310 Wandawega Dr............... $ 120,000 • 301 W Randall Pl........................ $ 140,000 • 4905 Mound Rd.......................... $ 155,000 East Troy • N9163 Pine St............................ $ 175,000 • W2135 O Leary Ln..................... $ 207,500 Delavan • 4117 Chestnut Ave..................... $ 162,000 • 205 N Eighth St.......................... $ 144,500 Lake Geneva • 1530 Lake Shore Dr................ $ 2,099,000 • 917 Clover St.............................. $ 162,556 • W4272 Oriole Dr......................... $ 670,000 • N2259 Alta Vista Dr.................... $ 940,000 • 1120 S Lake Shore Dr 20........ $ 1,525,000 • 1530 Lake Shore Dr................ $ 2,099,000 • 917 Clover St.............................. $ 162,556 • N3220 Beach Rd........................ $ 160,000 Genoa City • W1030 Geranium Rd.................. $ 150,000 • N1132 Hemlock.......................... $ 145,000 • N1351 Clover Rd........................ $ 163,000 • N907 County Highway H............ $ 188,000 • N1250 S Lake Shore Dr............. $ 205,000 Walworth • 225 Grace St.............................. $ 200,000 Darien • 517 Danielson Dr....................... $ 220,000 Fontana • 331 S Lower Gardens Rd........... $ 228,000 • 784 Arrowhead Dr...................... $ 462,000

CONDOS Fontana • 465 Mill St 201........................... $ 290,000 Lake Geneva • 127 Lake Vista Cir...................... $ 575,000 • 12 Abbey Villa Cir G................... $ 480,000 • 104 Lake Vista Cir...................... $ 515,000 • 127 Lake Vista Cir...................... $ 575,000 • 269 Fontana Blvd 2457................ $ 98,000 • 12 Abbey Villa Cir G................... $ 480,000 • 104 Lake Vista Cir...................... $ 515,000 • 127 Lake Vista Cir...................... $ 575,000 • 269 Fontana Blvd 2457................ $ 98,000 Delavan • 507 Betzer Rd A......................... $ 111,000 • 12 Abbey Villa Cir G................... $ 480,000 • 104 Lake Vista Cir...................... $ 515,000 • 127 Lake Vista Cir...................... $ 575,000 • 269 Fontana Blvd 2457................ $ 98,000

VACANT LAND Whitewater • 19-27 Saint Andrews Rd.............. $ 20,000 • Lt6 Dodge St................................ $ 63,500

KENOSHA COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Trevor • 27025 97th St............................. $ 147,000 • 12408 234th Ave........................ $ 159,900 Twin Lakes • 556 Park Ave.............................. $ 144,500 • 31024 75th Pl............................... $ 17,500 • 8045 Antioch Rd........................... $ 85,000 • 30500 79th St............................. $ 102,500 • 24708 82nd St............................ $ 121,500 • 23606 82nd Pl............................ $ 140,000 Salem • 31024 75th Pl............................... $ 17,500 • 8045 Antioch Rd........................... $ 85,000 • 30500 79th St............................. $ 102,500 • 24708 82nd St............................ $ 121,500 • 23606 82nd Pl............................ $ 140,000 • 6619 235th Ave.......................... $ 203,000

CONDOS Kenosha • 1252 Village Centre Dr 3............ $ 170,000 Pleasant Prairie • 6746 100th Pl C......................... $ 180,000

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Add a relaxing pool or spa Water has a calming effect and is often linked to our favorite memories at the cottage or on vacation. A pool or spa can help transport you somewhere far away without leaving your home.

A pool can help you and the kids get some exercise while swimming Bring the indoors out laps, while a spa can soothe tired We often hear about bringing muscles after a long day hunched the outdoors inside, but the reverse over your laptop. is also true when designing a To reduce energy costs and luxurious extension of your home. increase longevity, consider using Homey, lived-in touches can Nudura insulated concrete forms, take your outdoor space from sterile which provide superior insulation. and unfinished to cozy and inviting. ICF pools also can be customThink patterned throw pillows, made to accommodate any design, fluffy blankets for chilly evenings, making them a very versatile and outdoor rugs, colorful lanterns, and efficient way to build pools. decorative accessories like painted terracotta pots or metal tins.

Go wild with greenery Live plants can help you feel Invest in comfy furniture connected with nature, and tending What’s the best part of your to them can help you feel relaxed living or family room? Chances yet productive during isolation. are it’s your comfortable couch or A vertical garden can add visual recliner. interest, while trees and shrubs can To recreate the same feeling, provide shade and character. splurge on some soft furniture Aromatic herbs like lavender or that will make you want to stay rosemary offer pleasant scents and outside for hours reading a book or can spice up your cooking. And working remotely. It doesn’t have don’t be afraid to cut some flowers to break the bank either – you can from your garden to place in vases DIY a cozy lounging bench with or pots for beautiful finishing reclaimed wood and hand-sewn touches. cushions with outdoor stuffing and Find more information at fabric. nudura.com.

Our backyards are some of the best places to spend the summer months, especially if you’re practicing social distancing and are tired of being cooped up indoors. Fortunately, it’s possible to transform your outdoor living space into a secluded, open-air retreat.

(METRO CREATIVE)

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(262) 763-2575

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P.O. Box 406 Elkhorn, WI 53121

Elkhorn: (262) 742-3159 WhitEWatEr: (262) 473-3400 Fax: (866) 804-1463 lakesareagaragedoorllc@charter.net

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