Market update

November Market Update: What’s Really Happening in Milwaukee + North Shore Real Estate

If you’ve been watching the real estate market and wondering, “Is now actually a good time to buy or sell?” — you’re not alone. The last few weeks have brought a meaningful shift in buyer activity, inventory levels, and seller expectations across Milwaukee and the North Shore. Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground every single day.

📉 Interest Rates Are Finally Softening — and Buyers Are Moving Again

Rates have pulled back from their peak, and buyers who were sitting on the sidelines are stepping back into the market. Showings are up. Open houses are busier. Homes that sat for weeks are suddenly seeing new activity.

What this means for you:

• Buyers: Slightly lower monthly payments + less competition than spring.
• Sellers: More motivated, qualified buyers entering the market before winter.

📦 Inventory Is Still Tight… But Not Everywhere

Certain pockets — especially the North Shore — remain extremely low in available homes. But we’re seeing a bit more balance in areas like Grafton, Glendale, and Mequon.

If you’re a seller:

Low inventory = opportunity. Well-priced, well-presented homes are still getting strong activity.

If you’re a buyer:

You’ve got more options than you did this summer — but you still need to be fast and strategic.

💰 Price Reductions Are Increasing (And They’re Not a Bad Sign)

We’re seeing more sellers adjusting pricing after the first 10–14 days, especially on homes that were priced for the 2023 frenzy rather than today’s market.

This is good news for both sides:

• Buyers: More realistic pricing + better negotiation leverage.
• Sellers: Correcting early prevents long market times and strengthens your position.

🏡 North Shore Spotlight

Fox Point, Bayside, Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Mequon

• Homes under $600k are still moving quickly.
• Homes over $1M are seeing more selective buyers but strong interest when the home is properly staged and marketed.
• Waterfront buyers are shopping now, not waiting for spring — serious buyers always want the first look at Lake Michigan listings.

🏘️ Ozaukee County Snapshot

Grafton, Cedarburg, Mequon, Port Washington

• Homes with updates or good layouts are selling in under 15 days.
• Anything needing heavy renovation is taking longer unless priced aggressively.
• Cedarburg’s historic district + creekside homes continue to be hot for out-of-state buyers.

🔍 What Sellers Should Be Doing Right Now

• Prep your home with smart, cost-efficient updates (I can walk you through exactly what matters).
• Price based on today’s data — not this past spring.
• Consider listing now rather than waiting; serious winter buyers = less competition + motivated offers.

🔍 What Buyers Should Be Doing Right Now

• Get fully pre-approved before touring.
• Understand the monthly payment you’re actually comfortable with at today’s rates.
• If you’re eyeing a specific neighborhood, I’ll set you up on a targeted MLS search so you get listings before Zillow updates.

Bottom Line

This is a transitional market — not slow, not chaotic, but full of opportunity on both sides when you’re strategic. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or you’re just watching the data, I’m here to break down what’s happening in real time and help you make the smartest move.

If you want your own neighborhood-specific data (Fox Point, Mequon, Cedarburg, Shorewood, etc.), I’ll send it right to your inbox.