Wisconsin Real Estate Today

🎙️ Episode 62 – The Unveiling of the Certified Pre-Owned Home ProgramIn Episode 62 of Wisconsin Real Estate Today, John Gscheidmeier and Office Manager Monica Young pull back the curtain on one of RE/MAX Service First’s most powerful seller advantages: the Certified Pre-Owned Home Program 🏡✨This episode dives into why the program was created, how it works, and what problems it solves for today’s homeowners — especially sellers who want top dollar 💰, fewer surprises 🚫, and a smoother, more predictable path from list to close.John and Monica break down the behind-the-scenes steps that separate an ordinary listing from a Certified Pre-Owned listing, including proactive preparation and buyer-confidence tools like a pre-inspection 🔍, professional staging guidance 🛋️, and high-impact marketing assets such as 3D photography 📸. They also explain how value-add protections like a home warranty 🛠️ help reduce friction and eliminate last-minute renegotiations.Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear how the Certified Pre-Owned Home Program is designed to deliver one clear outcome: more certainty ✔️, more confidence 🔒, and a clearer path to a higher net result 📈 — all while making the selling experience feel organized, professional, and stress-free.If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling in Waukesha County, Lake Country, or the greater Milwaukee area 📍 — or you simply want to understand what next-level listing preparation truly looks like — this episode lays out the blueprint 🧠📊.

In this episode, I sit down with Dustin Grenier, VP of Mortgage Lending at Epic Mortgage, to break down today’s interest rate environment, explain what’s behind the recent swings, and share tactical guidance for both buyers and homeowners considering refinancing.✨ Key Takeaways: 📊 What’s driving the latest rate shifts — inflation, Fed policy & economic data 🔒 When to lock and when to float: Dustin’s strategy for managing uncertainty 🏡 Refinance vs. purchase — how to weigh your options in today’s market 📑 Which loan programs adapt best in volatile conditions 🧑‍🏫 How Dustin educates clients to cut through the noise and make smart decisions 📍 Local Wisconsin housing insights and how they connect to national trendsWhether you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just trying to make sense of all the rate talk, Dustin brings clarity, perspective, and actionable advice you won’t want to miss.👉 Listen now to Episode 59 of Wisconsin Real Estate Today!

Episode 58: Why Is My Home Not Selling? Host: John Gscheidmeier, RE/MAX Service First Duration: ~27 minutes🏠 In this solo episode, John dives into one of the most frustrating questions for home sellers: “Why isn’t my house selling?”Drawing from over a decade of personal experience and hundreds of transactions, John breaks down the top reasons homes sit on the market — and what you can do to fix it. From pricing pitfalls and showing condition issues to agent responsiveness and even seasonal timing, he offers sharp insights and actionable advice that every seller (and real estate agent) should hear.🔑 Key Topics Covered:The three P’s of why a home won’t sell: Price, Presentation, and PromotionHow overpricing affects buyer psychology and online visibilityReal talk about outdated finishes, clutter, odors, and deferred maintenanceThe critical importance of professional photography and stagingWhy an unresponsive or unmotivated agent could be hurting your chancesThe role of market conditions and interest rate shiftsWhen it’s time to adjust or even relaunch a listing📈 John also shares proven strategies from his team — including pre-listing inspections, Certified Pre-Owned Home benefits, and staging consultations — that have helped move “stale” listings to successful closings.💡 Whether you’re a frustrated seller, a curious homeowner, or an agent looking to improve your service, this episode delivers straight talk and smart tactics to help you get your home SOLD.John G. Gscheidmeier | RE/MAX Service First \ Waukesha, Lake Country | 414-559-8898 | john@soldwisconsin.com

📄 Episode Description: In this episode of Wisconsin Real Estate Today, we’re joined by Sam Walker, City Assessor for Waukesha, to demystify the property assessment process and give homeowners and business owners the clarity they deserve.We break down:What a property assessment is and how it’s calculatedThe differences between residential and commercial assessmentsWhat happens during the Open Book period—and how to formally raise concernsThe difference between an assessment and an appraisalWhy assessments aim to reflect real market valueAnd why a change in assessed value doesn’t automatically mean your taxes are changingWhether you're a first-time homeowner, longtime resident, or local business owner, this episode will help you understand how Waukesha determines property values—and what you can do if something doesn’t seem right.📍 Location: Waukesha, Wisconsin 📅 Released: April 24, 2025 🎙 Hosted by John Gscheidmeier

Host: John GscheidmeierGuest: Sophia from the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) of WaukeshaEpisode Overview:In this insightful episode of Wisconsin Real Estate Today, host John Gscheidmeier welcomes Sophia from HAWS to discuss the challenges and best practices of moving with pets. Whether planned or unexpected, relocation can be stressful for animals, and this episode provides expert advice on how to make the transition smoother for both pet owners and their furry companions.Key Takeaways:Understanding HAWS' Mission:The Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) supports Waukesha County with pet adoptions, education programs, and community assistance.They aim to build a no-kill community and provide resources to help owners keep their pets.Challenges of Moving with Pets:Moving can be extremely stressful for animals, particularly dogs and cats, who rely on routine and familiar surroundings.Dogs may become anxious seeing moving boxes, new environments, and unfamiliar people.Essential Pre-Move Considerations:For Renters & Condo Buyers:Research pet policies before committing to a new lease or purchase.Some landlords and condominium associations have breed or weight restrictions.Preparing Your Pets for the Move:Gradually introduce moving boxes and changes to avoid overwhelming them.Create a safe space for pets on moving day to reduce stress.Moving Day Strategies:If possible, arrange for someone to watch your pet during the busiest parts of the move.Introduce pets to the new home gradually—let them explore room by room.Walk dogs around the property on a leash to establish boundaries.Recognizing and Managing Pet Stress:Signs of anxiety include panting, excessive licking, trembling, hiding, and avoiding eye contact.Consider consulting a veterinarian if your pet struggles with anxiety.Chewing and licking help produce dopamine, which can naturally calm pets.Post-Move Adjustments:Provide consistency with feeding, bathroom breaks, and bedtime routines.Check fences and yards for any escape points before letting pets roam freely.Be patient—adjusting to a new home takes time for pets.Microchipping & Identification:Ensure pets are microchipped and wear updated ID tags in case they get lost.Register pets with the local municipality after moving.Final Thoughts:Sophia and John emphasize the importance of preparation, patience, and using available resources to ensure a smooth transition for pets. HAWS offers training, behavioral support, and other resources to assist pet owners in Waukesha County and beyond.Resources Mentioned:HAWS Website: haws.orgHAWS Main Line: (262) 542-8851🔔 Subscribe to Wisconsin Real Estate Today for more expert insights on real estate, community resources, and homeowner tips!

Episode 52 – Winter Home Inspections: Challenges & Hidden AdvantagesHosted by John Gscheidmeier with guest Dave KolesariWisconsin winters can be brutal—but did you know they can actually reveal hidden issues in a home inspection? Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create unique challenges for buyers and inspectors, but they also expose certain problems that might go unnoticed in warmer months.In this episode, John Gscheidmeier sits down with Dave Kolesari, owner of Homesight, Inc., a veteran-owned inspection company, to discuss how winter conditions affect the home inspection process and what buyers need to know when purchasing a property in cold weather.Key Takeaways:✅ Inspecting Snow-Covered Roofs – How inspectors assess roof conditions when snow blocks direct observation✅ Assessing Grading & Flat Surfaces – Understanding the limitations of winter inspections and how professionals work around them✅ Winter Inspection Advantages – Surprising ways cold weather can uncover hidden issues that summer inspections might miss✅ Evaluating Additional Structures – How pools, ponds, sheds, and outbuildings are inspected during winter months✅ Pro Tips for Home Buyers – What buyers should ask inspectors and how to prepare for a winter home purchaseWith thousands of inspections under his belt, Dave Kolesari shares expert insights to help buyers feel confident in their decisions, no matter the season. If you're thinking about buying a home in Wisconsin during winter, this episode is a must-listen!🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Wisconsin Real Estate Today - Episode 52📢 Stay Connected:🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 YouTube🔹 LinkedIn🌐 Explore More Real Estate Insights: www.soldwisconsin.com

Episode 50 – Understanding the Offer to Purchase (Part 2)Hosted by John Gscheidmeier with guest Monica YoungIn Part 1, we broke down the fundamentals of the Offer to Purchase—how it’s drafted, negotiated, and accepted. But what happens after an offer is signed? What key details can make or break a deal?In this second and final part of our series, John Gscheidmeier and Monica Young, Transaction Coordinator, bring the conversation full circle, covering the remaining steps, crucial contingencies, and final considerations before reaching the closing table.📢 Haven’t listened to Part 1 yet?Start there first! Catch up on Episode 49 here before diving into this episode.Key Takeaways:✅ What Happens After Acceptance? – The next steps once both parties sign the Offer to Purchase✅ The Final Contingencies – What buyers and sellers need to know about appraisals, financing, inspections, and more✅ Closing the Deal – How to ensure a smooth transaction and avoid costly delays✅ Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them – Why attention to detail is critical in the final stages✅ Agent Advice for Buyers & Sellers – How having an experienced professional protects your interestsThis episode wraps up everything you need to know about the Offer to Purchase, ensuring you’re fully prepared for one of the biggest financial transactions of your life.🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Wisconsin Real Estate Today - Episode 50📢 Stay Connected:🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 YouTube🔹 LinkedIn🌐 Explore More Real Estate Insights: www.soldwisconsin.com

Episode 48 – Language Matters in Real Estate TransactionsHosted by John Gscheidmeier with guest Monica YoungIn real estate sales, the language used in contracts and negotiations can make or break a deal. Words like "Seller shall…" versus "Seller may…" might seem minor, but they carry vastly different legal and financial implications. Many agents overlook the impact of wording, potentially leading to confusion, disputes, or even legal issues down the road.In this episode, John Gscheidmeier sits down with Monica Young, Transaction Coordinator, to break down the importance of precise language in real estate documents. They explore how the right (or wrong) phrasing in offers, counteroffers, and contingencies can protect or jeopardize a transaction.Key Takeaways:✅ The legal significance of different contract wordings✅ How improper phrasing can lead to unintended obligations or loopholes✅ Real-life examples of deals affected by poor language choices✅ Why having an experienced agent matters in contract drafting✅ Best practices for protecting clients through clear and strategic languageWhether you're a buyer, seller, or agent, understanding these nuances can prevent costly mistakes and ensure a smooth closing process. Tune in to learn how language matters more than you think in real estate!🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Wisconsin Real Estate Today - Episode 48📢 Stay Connected:🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 YouTube🔹 LinkedIn🌐 Explore More Real Estate Insights: www.soldwisconsin.com

As eager Buyers start rejoicing at the news that the Feds are finally going to start initiating rate cuts, this episode covers what to expect and when to expect it. According to Reuters, "Federal Reserve policymakers on Friday signaled they are ready to kick off a series of interest rate cuts at the U.S. central bank's meeting in two weeks, noting a cooling in the labor market that could accelerate into something more dire in the absence of a policy shift."The reality is that if and when the Feds lower the interest rates, it won't have the exact effect on mortgage rates. If the Feds make a cut of, as expected, 25 basis points, it won't correlate to an equal cut in mortgage rates. In fact, and hopefully this isn't too disappointing for listeners, most of the anticipated rate cut has already been factored in to the current lowered mortgage rates. Mortgage rates work similarly to gasoline prices. Gas prices don't go up or down based on what happened that day, most of the time it is anticipatory in nature. If there's trouble ahead, or a shortage, gas prices start elevating. John explains further in this episode, so tune in and learn more.

Summer 2024 in Milwaukee is a bustling place and time! The real estate market isn't far off from that description over the last few months. The Republican National Convention was here and gone, Summerfest was a success, and State Fair is right around the corner. In this episode John unpacks the current metro market but these "stats" might surprise you. Comparing June, 2023, sales statistics to June, 2024, brought some good new to the market but not all good news. Believe it or not, we might be in a Buyer's window. A "Buyer's window" I mean? YES! Now might actually be the time - probably only for a few months - when a savvy Buyer makes the move to purchase a home while inventory is up, interest rates slowly starting to move, but more importantly, other Buyers haven't figure out NOW might just be the time. Much depends on what the Fed decides to do in the upcoming months, but consumer prices are still up, rent is up, gasoline is up, food is up...seems to be the story of the last few years in our economy. Buyers are getting squeezed by inflation and home prices aren't falling. However, some sellers are actively lowering their prices, which is good news for Buyers. Could this be a Buyer's window that only last for a few more months before many other Buyers begin flooding the market? Time will tell, but join John in the discussion to find out more.

Let's cut to the chase on what the National Association Of Realtors settlement is all about in this episode. There are rumors and misunderstandings about what happened, what is happening, and what is about to happen. John will start by giving background on where this came from and what is really is, despite the media-driven rumors. "NO more commissions!" is something we've heard from the media on this one and it simply isn't correct. Consumers have always had a choice in the compensation offered to buyers, their agents, and their own agents. In part 1 of this 2-part series, you'll know everything you need to know about the settlement and what got us to where we are today. And yes, what John says might just surprise you.

2023 will go down as one of the slowest years for real estate sales since 1993. But what happened, and what can sellers and buyers expect in 2024? John breaks down his thoughts in this end-of-year episode.