Tricia L. Chartier CBR

09/20/2026

Statewide home sales, prices continue upward trend
As someone who has navigated the Wisconsin real estate market both personally and professionally since 1999, I always keep an eye on the latest trends for my clients. Recently, we've seen existing home sales climb by 8.1% statewide, with the median price reaching $360,000—a 6.8% jump. Inventory remains steady at 4.2 months, but affordability has dipped by 4.1%. That shift is especially noticeable for first-time buyers, as fewer lower-priced homes are available. Having experienced the challenges of buying and selling a variety of properties myself, I know how important it is to have the right strategy in a changing market. My goal is always to help you navigate these changes with confidence and secure the best possible outcome.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tricia-chartier/1946602-Statewide-home-sales%2C-prices-continue-upward-trend

09/19/2026

What Home Sellers Lose to Fees, Repairs and Holding Costs
Having been on both sides of a real estate transaction myself—whether selling a condo, a house, or managing a duplex—I know firsthand that the true cost of selling often goes beyond the listing price. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that 8%-12% of their sale price typically goes to commissions, closing costs, repairs, buyer credits, and holding expenses. On a $300,000 home, that means $24,000-$36,000 in total expenses, with agent commissions making up the biggest portion. Understanding these costs upfront is crucial for anyone considering selling. With the right guidance and strong negotiation, it’s possible to navigate these expenses and maximize your return. My years of experience help ensure you’re prepared for every step, from prepping your property to the final closing.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tricia-chartier/1954848-What-Home-Sellers-Lose-to-Fees%2C-Repairs-and-Holding-Costs

09/18/2026

Fastest-growing housing markets in the U.S. for 2026
As someone who’s navigated buying and selling homes on both a personal and professional level since 1999, I pay close attention to shifts in the market—especially trends that could impact your next move. Heading into 2026, we’re seeing the fastest-growing housing markets emerging in the Northeast and Midwest, thanks to a mix of affordability, tight inventory, and the migration of buyers from pricier coastal areas. These regions stand out for their lower home prices, older housing stock, and robust local economies rooted in education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Having experienced the ins and outs of different property types myself, I know how important it is to understand where value and opportunity intersect. If you’re thinking about your options in these evolving markets, it’s worth considering how these factors might work in your favor.


https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/tricia-chartier/1966278-Fastest-growing-housing-markets-in-the-U.S.-for-2026

09/17/2026

Milwaukee Home-Selling Costs
Having navigated my own home sales and purchases here in Milwaukee, I know firsthand how selling can feel more complicated than it appears on the surface. Sellers here typically see about 8%–12% of the final price go toward commissions, closing costs, repairs, credits, and holding expenses—often before seeing any proceeds. For a $300,000 home in the Milwaukee area, closing costs beyond the commission frequently add up to $1,500–$2,500, and property tax proration alone can exceed $4,000. Before listing, many owners invest up to $10,000 in light updates, yet inspection negotiations often still lead to buyer credits ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. Each additional month you hold the property can mean $1,800–$3,000 in extra costs, and delays with contractors—sometimes stretching to four months—can add up to around $9,600. For those selling inherited homes, rental properties, or an older residence, weighing the net proceeds of a full listing process against a direct offer is a valuable step for understanding the balance between time, preparation, and certainty. My own journey as a seller, landlord, and agent has shown me how critical it is to have a clear picture of these numbers before moving forward.

09/16/2026

Wauwatosa Sellers Can Lose Less
Selling a home in Wauwatosa can feel overwhelming, especially when you start adding up all the costs that come out of your proceeds. Having bought, sold, and owned a range of properties myself, I know firsthand how important it is to see the full financial picture before making any decisions. Typically, total selling expenses in Wauwatosa run about 8%–12% of your sale price. For a $300,000 home, that means you might see $24,000–$36,000 go toward expenses you don’t immediately see. The commission is usually the largest part—around 5%–6% in Wisconsin—which can swing your costs by about $9,000 depending on whether you’re paying both sides or just one. Then there’s the state transfer fee (about $900), closing charges ($1,500–$2,500), and possible property tax credits that sometimes exceed $4,000. Even if your home is in great shape, sometimes just cleaning and a bit of fresh mulch is enough, but each month your home sits unsold could add $1,800–$3,000 in carrying costs, and inspection credits can run from $3,000–$8,000. My advice—always compare two realistic net estimates using actual contractor bids and honest timelines, not just a hopeful list price. Realistic planning makes all the difference when it’s time to negotiate and close with confidence.

09/15/2026

End-of-summer home checklist: tasks to do before fall
As someone who’s experienced the ins and outs of homeownership firsthand—from living in a condo to managing a duplex—I know how important it is to get ahead of fall maintenance. Before the season changes, I always recommend a thorough end-of-summer checklist: pest-proof your home, schedule HVAC maintenance, clean decks and gutters, seal up any air leaks, winterize outdoor faucets, give your interiors a deep clean, and invest in your lawn with aeration and fertilizing. These steps not only protect your investment but also set you up for a comfortable transition into the colder months. Smart preparation now can make all the difference, whether you’re getting ready to sell or simply want to keep your property in top shape.

09/15/2026

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09/15/2026

09/14/2026

Three U.S. Housing Signals for September
September’s housing market gave us a few telling signals worth noting. Pending home sales dipped compared to last year, breaking an 8-month run of steady gains. As borrowing costs climbed—from around 6% in late Q1 to the high-6% range recently—it’s no surprise that buyer activity cooled and contract signings softened. Homes took about 60 days to sell, showing a slower pace. Yet, buyers did gain some ground: the median list price slid to $424,500, price cuts hit nearly 20% of all listings, and active inventory was up roughly 4%. Still, with national inventory about 11% below what’s typical pre-pandemic, the market remains tight beneath the surface. As someone who’s both purchased and sold a range of properties myself, I see how these shifts can open opportunities for buyers to negotiate—especially when sellers reconsider their pricing strategy and more homes stay on the market. Right now, I’m watching seller delistings and how regional trends might narrow as everyone adjusts to the new normal in borrowing costs. Each move in this market is a negotiation, and experience—on both sides of the table—matters more than ever.

09/13/2026

Milwaukee Market Update