Market Spotlight
Early Signs of a Competitive Spring Market
With interest rates stabilizing and buyer demand rising, the local housing market is gearing up for a competitive spring.
Waukesha County: New listings are starting to trickle in, but demand still outweighs supply, especially for homes in the $350K–$500K range.
Milwaukee County: Multiple-offer situations are returning, particularly for well-priced properties under $300K. Sellers, now is the time to start prepping for a strong listing!
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, reach out now to plan your strategy before the busy season kicks in!
Home Tip of the Week
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal—Even in Winter
Winter doesn’t mean you can’t have a welcoming home exterior! Here are some quick ways to enhance your curb appeal this season:
- Keep walkways and driveways clear of snow and ice for safety and a polished look.
- Add winter-friendly plants like evergreen shrubs or decorative planters with birch branches and pinecones.
- Upgrade your entryway with a fresh doormat, wreath, or warm lighting to create an inviting feel.
Recipe of the Week
Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Nothing beats a hearty, slow-cooked meal on a chilly winter day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 pounds beef chuck, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 inch pieces (about 2 1/2 pounds when done)
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or beef bone broth)
- 1 cup dry red wine (or sub extra beef broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Lots of freshly ground black pepper
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into chunks
- 4 large carrots (or 5 medium), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch diagonal slices
- 1 pound yukon gold potatoes, diced into ½ inch cubes
- ¼ cup all purpose flour (or sub all purpose gluten free flour)
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a large skillet and place over medium high heat. Add beef, season with salt and pepper and brown in batches, so that you give the meat room for a nice sear. This should take about 5 minute per batch of meat. Transfer to large 6 or 8-quart slow cooker.
- Next add in beef broth, dry red wine, tomato paste, worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme and salt and pepper. Stir together with the beef until combined, then add in garlic, onion chunks, carrots and diced potatoes. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. I prefer to cook this slow and low so that the beef become really tender and the flavors have time to meld together.
- Next, remove 1 cup of beef broth from the slow cooker and transfer to a medium bowl. Whisk in ¼ cup flour until there aren’t any lumps remaining. Add back to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Add in frozen peas and cook uncovered on HIGH for 10-15 more minutes until beef stew thickens up a bit. Serve immediately with toasted french bread, cornbread, crackers, or biscuits. Serves 6.
This Week’s Laugh
Why did the real estate agent always carry a pencil?
Because they wanted to draw interest! ✏️🏡😂
Local Happenings
Here’s what’s going on in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties during the week of February 3 – February 9, 2025:
- Cedarburg Winter Festival
Enjoy ice sculptures, a chili cook-off, dog pulling contests, and a parade in downtown Cedarburg on February 3–4. (cedarburgfestival.org)
- Valentine’s Candlelight Hike at Retzer Nature Center
Take a scenic, lantern-lit hike through the trails on Saturday, February 10, from 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Great for couples and families alike! (waukeshacountyparks.com)
- Milwaukee Auto Show
Check out the latest cars, trucks, and EVs at the Wisconsin Center from February 3–11. Fun for car lovers of all ages! (autoshowmilwaukee.com)
- Lakefront Brewery Tour & Tasting
Enjoy a guided tour of one of Milwaukee’s favorite breweries with samples included! Offered daily, but book ahead—spots fill fast. (lakefrontbrewery.com)
- Live Music at The Back Room @ Colectivo
Catch intimate performances from talented musicians in a cozy setting. Shows run throughout the week. (pabsttheatergroup.com)
We’d love to hear—what’s your favorite winter activity? Hit reply and let us know! And don’t forget to share The WIRE Newsletter with someone who loves real estate, great recipes, and staying connected with the community. See you next week!
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February 22nd 2025
March 29th 2025
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See you next week! -Joseph Singsheim
