Stacie Lee Purko - RE/MAX Forward

Stacie Lee Purko - RE/MAX Forward Real Estate Instructor with Real Estate Express by Colibri Group

Waiting until fall won't make homes more affordable, but here's what willMany are holding out hope that waiting until fa...
09/18/2026

Waiting until fall won't make homes more affordable, but here's what will
Many are holding out hope that waiting until fall will make homes more affordable, but the numbers tell a different story. Right now, the income needed to purchase a median-priced home in the US has climbed to over $120,000—almost double what it was before. With mortgage rates hovering around 6.5% and prices continuing to rise, postponing your search may not bring the relief you’re looking for. The reality is, most buyers put down between 6–9%, but there are also low or even zero down payment options available. The key lies in preparation—understanding your options and getting ready ahead of time can make all the difference when the right opportunity comes along. As someone who helps buyers and sellers navigate the greater Milwaukee area every day, I know firsthand how important it is to be ready in this fast-moving market.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/stacie-lee-purko/1900258-Waiting-until-fall-won%27t-make-homes-more-affordable%2C-but-her

09/17/2026

US Confidence Hits Seven-Mo Low
In recent months, we've seen US consumer confidence reach a seven-month low. While many felt more positive about current conditions in mid-Q3, concerns about income, business prospects, and job stability in the coming months led to an overall dip in confidence. The present-conditions index climbed nearly 7 points to 121, but the expectations gauge dropped about 6 points to 68—dipping below a level that's historically been linked with recession risks. Early in Q3, employers cut 23,000 jobs, and unemployment hovered around 4%, mainly because more people stepped out of the labor force rather than an uptick in hiring. Despite these shifts, homebuying expectations only eased slightly and even continued to rise, with about 61% of people still anticipating higher interest rates ahead. For those considering a move, it’s worth noting that federal policymakers are keeping rates steady, and markets foresee limited relief in the near term. As a real estate associate serving the Milwaukee area, I’m following these trends closely—especially as elevated borrowing costs look likely to remain through the end of the year.

09/16/2026

More Homes Hit the Market as Demand Cools
We're seeing a welcome shift in the housing market, with inventory on the rise and more options available for buyers. Over the four weeks ending August 23, new listings across the US increased by 0.4% and total homes for sale went up 0.5%, marking the highest inventory levels since early Q2. At the same time, pending home sales dropped 1.1%, reaching a six-month low. High housing costs are keeping some buyers on the sidelines, even as choices improve nationwide. The median US home-sale price is now up 1.9% year-over-year, sitting above $400,000, while average mortgage rates remain close to 7%—a 13-month high. For buyers who are ready to act, these conditions can mean more negotiating power for price reductions or seller concessions, especially for homes that have been on the market a few weeks. Sellers, on the other hand, are finding better results by setting realistic prices rather than aiming for the peaks of previous years. In my work here in the greater Milwaukee area, I keep a close eye on these national trends to help guide clients through their real estate decisions with confidence.

09/15/2026

NAHB: Builders Remain Resilient Amid Affordability Challenges
Even as builder confidence in the single-family home market nudged up to 35 this August, it's clear that affordability remains a challenge. Many builders are responding: 35% have trimmed prices by 6%, and 63% are offering incentives to attract buyers. Here in Wisconsin, especially throughout the greater Milwaukee area, I'm seeing the Midwest's relative resilience reflected in local activity. For those navigating the current mix of economic uncertainty, higher costs, and mortgage rates, understanding these market shifts can make all the difference in your home search or sale.

09/14/2026

US Luxury Home Sales Vary Widely
Luxury home sales across major US metros are truly fascinating this season, with listing data revealing a wide range in top-end transactions—from $3.7M all the way up to a remarkable $130M. While some cities saw their highest sales at $47M, $40.2M, $40M, $21.2M, $19M, $18M, and $17.5M, others stood out for the impressive depth of their luxury market: in four metros, even the fifth-most expensive sale topped $10M, highlighting how deep luxury demand runs in those areas. In one particular market, the five priciest sales were unusually close together, ranging from $24M to $40M, reflecting a tight luxury tier. It’s important to note these figures come from publicly marketed listings, so some off-market or private deals may not be included, and in nondisclosure areas, the top numbers reflect asking prices. Tracking trends like these is a key part of my approach at RE/MAX Service First, as understanding both national and local dynamics helps me provide better insights for my Milwaukee-area clients—whether you’re interested in market benchmarks or simply curious about what’s possible in luxury real estate.

09/13/2026

Menomonee Falls Market Update

Statewide home sales, prices continue upward trendWisconsin’s real estate market continues to move upward, with existing...
09/12/2026

Statewide home sales, prices continue upward trend
Wisconsin’s real estate market continues to move upward, with existing home sales up 8.1% and the median price now reaching $360,000—a 6.8% jump. While the supply of homes is holding steady at 4.2 months, affordability has become more challenging, dipping by 4.1%. This shift is especially noticeable for first-time buyers, as the number of lower-priced homes on the market has decreased. As someone who guides clients through the greater Milwaukee area, I’m always keeping a close eye on these trends to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions in a fast-changing landscape.
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/stacie-lee-purko/1946602-Statewide-home-sales%2C-prices-continue-upward-trend

Cities with the most expensive homes in WisconsinWisconsin home values can differ dramatically depending on the city—and...
09/11/2026

Cities with the most expensive homes in Wisconsin
Wisconsin home values can differ dramatically depending on the city—and it’s easy to see why location, size, and home condition matter so much. Right now, the typical U.S. home value stands at $371,757, which is up 1.1% from last year, with 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaging 6.67%. In my experience working with buyers and sellers throughout the greater Milwaukee area, I’ve seen firsthand how neighborhoods shape price and opportunity. Whether you’re considering a move or simply curious about your community’s market position, understanding these variations helps you make informed decisions about your next step.
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/stacie-lee-purko/1939015-Cities-with-the-most-expensive-homes-in-Wisconsin

09/10/2026

USA Starter Homes: A Rare Shift for Buyers
As someone who helps guide first-time buyers through the Milwaukee area market, I see how challenging it can be to decide when to take the leap, especially with today’s borrowing costs. There’s often a temptation to wait for rates to drop, but experience shows that strategy can backfire—lower rates tend to bring more buyers into the mix, which can quickly drive up prices and ramp up competition. For those exploring starter homes right now, it’s rarely about perfectly timing the market, but rather understanding how shifting conditions might impact your options. My approach is always to keep clients informed about how these trends play out locally, so you can make confident, well-timed decisions about your next move.

Address

New Berlin, WI
53151

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Stacie Lee Purko - RE/MAX Forward posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category