Derby Realtors - Sue Derby & Travis Derby - Shorewest Realtors

09/29/2026

Fall is officially here, and before we know it, winter will be knocking on the door. I just had my furnace tuned up last week, and it reminded me — there are a few simple things every homeowner should do right now to get ahead of the cold weather.

Clean those gutters before the leaves pile up. Get your furnace checked and change the filters. Look at your windows and doors for drafts — a little weather stripping or caulk goes a long way. Put away the patio furniture, disconnect the hoses, and shut off the exterior water supply. And don't forget to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

A little time now can prevent some much bigger headaches once winter hits. If you have any questions about getting your home ready — whether you're staying put or thinking about selling — Travis and I are always happy to help.

09/28/2026

09/22/2026

Ever notice how some houses in our market sell almost instantly, while others sit for weeks? Even when things are moving fast, it happens all the time. Here are the four things that usually make the difference.

Price. Buyers have a huge amount of information at their fingertips and can compare your home to everything else out there. Priced right, buyers see the value fast, and that can mean more showings and even multiple offers. Priced too high, and they just say, "I'll wait."
Condition. Two homes at the same price in the same neighborhood, and the updated, clean, move-in-ready one wins the attention. Buyers will often pay a premium to avoid a long list of projects.
Location. Not every home appeals to the same number of buyers. A busy road, an unusual floor plan, or a smaller yard can all narrow the pool of people who say, "That's the one."
Marketing. Professional photos, video, staging, and how the home shows online all matter. You don't get a second chance at that first impression online.

So when a house sits, don't assume something is wrong with it. And when one sells in two days, don't assume it's just a hot market. The market may be fast, but buyers are still selective. The homes that sell quickly are the ones where price, condition, location, and presentation all come together.

In a fast market, you don't just want to be on the market. You want to be positioned correctly.

09/15/2026

Every three steps, the house changes.

Eric Vogel, Docomomo Wisconsin Architectural Historian, describes the Bernhard home in under 60 seconds. A floor plan of three C's set back to back around one center point, like a pinwheel, and a knockout view the moment you walk through the front door. Russell Barr Williamson, 1950. Fox Point, WI.

The full story of the house: https://bernhard.derbyrealtors.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=bernhard-showings&utm_content=reel-under60

09/15/2026

Mortgage rates have been climbing again, and we're hearing the same thing from a lot of buyers: "I'll just wait until rates come back down." It's a completely reasonable instinct. But here's something worth considering first. Waiting isn't always free.

There are a few hidden costs to waiting for a better rate:

You could pay more for the house. If prices keep rising while you wait, a lower rate later might not save you as much as you think. You could end up paying more for the same home.
You could lose purchasing power. Higher rates affect how much a lender will let you borrow, so waiting can change your buying power, not just your monthly payment.
You might miss the house you really want. You can wait for the perfect rate, but the home that checks every box might not wait for you.
You're still paying for housing while you wait. If you're renting, that's money spent without building equity. And if you already own but are holding off, you might be passing up your next move.

Here's the part we really want buyers to remember. You don't have to marry the rate you get today. If rates fall later, you can often refinance. But you can't go back and buy today's house at today's price once it's gone.

So try not to decide on the rate alone. Look at the whole picture: the price, your monthly payment, your cash position, your long-term plans, and what's available right now. Sometimes the cost of waiting is higher than the cost of buying.

We broke it down in this week's Tuesday's Two Cents. Link below.

Thinking about a move? We'd love to help you look at the full picture. Derby Realtors at Shorewest.

09/10/2026

Showings are underway at The Bernhard Home.

What's so special about an Organic Modern home from the 1950s? Eric Vogel, Docomomo Wisconsin Architectural Historian, explains it in under a minute. Stay for his last word.

7769 N Club Circle, Fox Point. A 1950 Russell Barr Williamson original on 1.32 acres east of Lake Drive. Private showings by appointment only.

See the house and reserve your showing:
bernhard.derbyrealtors.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=bernhard-showings&utm_content=om-promo

09/10/2026

Showings at the Bernhard home begin Thursday, September 10, by private appointment.

The house now has its own website. Full of amazing photos, the full story of this 1950 Russell Barr Williamson design, and everything an agent needs to schedule a showing, all in one place:

https://bernhard.derbyrealtors.com?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=bernhard-showings&utm_content=pinned-post

7769 N Club Circle, Fox Point. Offered at $1,150,000.

A 1950 Russell Barr Williamson home on 1.32 acres east of Lake Drive in Fox Point. Private showings begin September 10. Listed by Derby Realtors at Shorewest.

09/08/2026

At this year's Parade of Homes, one thing really stood out to us. Luxury home amenities have gone completely over the top, and honestly, we're here for it. We're not just talking about a beautiful kitchen or a gorgeous primary suite anymore.

One home had a full spa room with a sauna, massage chairs, a huge whirlpool, and its own bar area for smoothies. Imagine a spa day any day of the week without leaving the house. And downstairs? Forget the old basement bar and big TV. We saw hidden speakeasies, basketball courts, golf simulators, and even a bowling alley.

It got us thinking about how the whole definition of luxury has changed. It used to be about the biggest kitchen or the fanciest finishes. Now it's just as much about how your home makes you feel and how you spend your time in it. Want to relax? Your own spa. Want to entertain? A speakeasy. Want to stay active? A court, a simulator, or a lane of your own.

So here's our question for you. If money were no object, what would your dream home have?

Today's luxury home can be more than a place to live. It can be your own private resort, right at home.