2016 was a record breaking year for Wisconsin home sales! The year was full of solid growth, which caused annual home sales to a record high. According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association (WRA), December 2016 home sales were 4.1% above 2015 December home sales. This year, as a whole, saw an increase of 6.1% for home sales compared to the 2015 year. I’d say this is pretty good news!

The 2017 year is anticipated to be similar to the 2016 year. Even with mortgage rates rising (they already have actually), Wisconsin will stills see a strong year for home sales, but home buyers will have to move quick.

Don’t take my word for it, here’s WRA President & CEO Michael Theo and his 2 cents:
“There are excellent values and opportunities in this market, even in an environment of rising prices and rising rates, but buyers must be decisive. Working with a REALTOR^® who is experienced and who knows your neighborhood can make a new home a reality, but only if buyers are ready to write an offer quickly after touring a home they want to buy. This really is a ‘you snooze, you lose’ market.”

So here’s to a great year, and buyer’s — let the games begin!