Issue #59

The WIRE Newsletter.

Happy 2026! As we settle into the new year, the real estate market is already showing intriguing shifts — serious buyers are back, inventory is strategic, and winter staging is key. This week’s issue highlights an expert market insight you’ll want to know, an easy upgrade to boost your home’s winter appeal, a delicious cold-weather recipe, a funny new joke, and hand-picked local happenings for Milwaukee and Waukesha that fall within your dates.

Market Spotlight

Why Listings in Mid-January Are Turning Heads

• After the holiday lull, motivated buyers — especially those relocating or aiming for spring — are touring homes with clear goals.
• With fewer new listings this time of year, high-quality listings stand out and receive more serious attention.
• Homes staged to feel bright and cozy during winter are often the most memorable — warm lighting, clear walkways, and clean interiors make a measurable impact.

Pro Tip: If you’re preparing to sell, add warm LED bulbs and clear snow/ice from entryways early in the day. This creates a welcoming first impression even on gray winter afternoons.

Home Tip of the Week

Boost Your Curb Appeal With Fresh House Numbers & a Winter Welcome Mat

• New, modern house numbers can give your home a crisp, updated look at minimal cost.
• Pair with a clean, seasonal doormat to help contain slush and add warmth at the entry.
• These small changes take under 30 minutes and help create positive first impressions during winter showings.

Recipe of the Week

One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 4 Tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter
• 1 (140 g) medium yellow onion diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 stalks (105 g) celery leaves removed and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 large (130 g) carrots chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 Tablespoon minced garlic about 3-4 large cloves
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¾ teaspoon table salt plus additional to taste
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper plus additional to taste
• 5 cups (1.2 L) chicken broth
• 1 lb (453 g) raw boneless skinless chicken breast or a mix of chicken breast and thighs
• 1 cup (180 g) wild rice uncooked
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream

Instructions

• Melt butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.4 Tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter
• Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook until softened (about 4-5 minutes).1 (140 g) medium yellow onion,3 stalks (105 g) celery,2 large (130 g) carrots
• Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).1 Tablespoon minced garlic
• Sprinkle flour evenly over the pot and stir until flour is absorbed and no lumps remain. Add spices (thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper) and cook several seconds longer until well-combined.3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour,¾ teaspoon dried thyme,½ teaspoon dried parsley,½ teaspoon smoked paprika,¾ teaspoon table salt,½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Slowly, while stirring, add chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil.5 cups (1.2 L) chicken broth
• Add chicken and rice and return to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook until the chicken is cooked through and rice is fully cooked (about 20 minutes).1 lb (453 g) raw boneless skinless chicken breast,1 cup (180 g) wild rice
• Remove chicken from the pot and cut or shred (I prefer to shred). If the rice is not tender yet, let the chicken rest, covered, beside the stovetop and continue to cook the soup, covered, until the rice is cooked through (that way you don’t overcook it). Once the rice is cooked through, return the chicken to the pot.
• Reduce heat to low then slowly stir in heavy cream until combined.⅓ cup (80 ml) heavy cream
• Allow to simmer for several minutes before serving warm. Enjoy!

This Week’s Laugh​
Did you hear about the guy giving away dead batteries?

They were free of charge.

Local Happenings

❄️ Waukesha JanBoree – Winter Festival (Opening Weekend)

• 📅 January 16–18​
  Wisconsin’s premier winter celebration with ice sculpting, toboggan runs, fireworks, games, planetarium shows, and more — fun for all ages.
  ​https://www.janboree.org/​

⛸️ Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park(Milwaukee)

• Dec 29 – Early March (weather permitting)
• Outdoor skating rink in Downtown Milwaukee — rentals available, and skating is free if you bring your own skates!
• ​https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/Parks/Explore/Slice-of-Ice​

🎙️ Have You Tuned In Yet?​
I just dropped a new episode of my podcast. If you would rather listen to your content, 👉 Check it out here:

Upcoming Events:

🌸 Winter is here, and so is your perfect photo opportunity! 📸

Lake Country Photography is now booking winter photo sessions — and you’re going to want to grab your spot before they’re gone!

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy indoor session in our beautifully designed studio or want to take advantage of the stunning outdoor backdrops around Waukesha and Milwaukee County, we’ve got the perfect setting for your story.

✨ Now Booking:

• Family Sessions (yes, even the wild ones!)
• Senior Portraits (hello, Class of 2026!)
• Christmas Family Sessions
• Newborn in Studio Photo Shoots
• Sports Action Shots
• ...and truly anything else you can imagine. If you can dream it, we can capture it.

Every session is customized to bring out your personality and preserve the moments that matter most. If you’re looking for photos that feel natural, fun, and you, Lake Country Photography is the place.

📅 Spots are filling fast — click below to learn more and reserve your session today!​
Let’s create something unforgettable together. 💫
​

See you next week! -Joseph Singsheim

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