Issue #22

The WIRE Newsletter.

The flowers aren’t the only things blooming this week—so is the local real estate market! As we roll through late April, it’s the perfect time to freshen up your home, get outside, and take full advantage of everything Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties have to offer. From buyer insights to brunch spots and everything in between, The WIRE is packed with spring vibes and helpful takeaways. Let’s get into it!

Market Spotlight

Buyers Are Back: Spring Surge Hits SE Wisconsin
If you've been waiting for the spring market to "wake up" — it's officially here. Showings are up, especially in the $250K–$400K range across Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties. We're seeing multiple-offer situations return, particularly for updated homes with outdoor space.

💡Pro Tip: Sellers who prep their homes now (think curb appeal, fresh mulch, and minor touch-ups) are positioning themselves to capture buyers' attention fast.
🏡 Looking to list in May or June? Now’s the time to schedule photos and pre-list prep — beat the May rush.

Home Tip of the Week

Enhance Your Home's Curb Appeal This Spring

Boost your home's first impression with these simple tips:

Refresh Landscaping: Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and plant colorful flowers.
Clean Exterior Surfaces: Power wash siding, decks, and driveways to remove grime.
Update Entryway: Repaint the front door and add a welcoming doormat.
Outdoor Lighting: Install or update lighting to highlight your home's features.

These enhancements not only increase aesthetic appeal but can also add value to your property.

Recipe of the Week

Healthy Midwestern Favorite: Veggie-Packed Sloppy Joes

A lighter take on the classic, these sloppy joes are loaded with vegetables and flavor.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
½ cup finely chopped carrots
½ cup finely chopped celery
½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper
½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
½ cup finely chopped yellow or red onion
½ teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
3 teaspoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 ¼ cups tomato sauce
¼ cup ketchup
½ cup low sodium beef broth (preferred) or water
buns or baked potatoes (optional), for serving

Instructions

In a large saucepan or skillet, sauté ground beef in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once the meat has browned, add the carrots, celery, bell peppers, onion, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are beginning to soften, about 5-8 minutes. If the mixture seems dry at any point you can add another drizzle of olive oil.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two, stirring occasionally.
Add brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, ketchup, and beef broth to the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine. Simmer over medium-low heat, partially covered, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender. If the sauce gets too thick you can add another splash of beef broth and/or water. If the sauce is thinner than you like you can simmer it uncovered and the extra liquid should cook off.
Season to taste with salt and pepper. Scoop the sloppy Joes into split buns or baked potatoes and serve.

This Week’s Laugh
Why did the real estate agent start a gardening business?

Because they had a knack for planting roots! 🌱😂

Local Happenings

Explore these exciting events in Milwaukee and Waukesha counties during the week of April 21 – April 27, 2025:

Milwaukee Film Festival 🎬
- Dates: April 24 – May 8
- Location: Various venues across Milwaukee
- Details: Experience a diverse selection of films from around the world at Wisconsin's largest film festival.
- More Info:https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/event/2025-milwaukee-film-festival/9340/
Art in the Green 🎨
- Dates: April 26 – 27
- Location: Mitchell Park Domes, Milwaukee
- Details: Enjoy a two-day indoor art festival featuring local and regional artists, live music, and food vendors.
- More Info: https://urbanmilwaukee.com/event/art-in-the-green-3/
Nerdwaukee Artist Alley 🖌️
- Date: April 27
- Location: Pilot Project Brewing, Milwaukee
- Details: Celebrate geek culture with local artists showcasing 2D art, comics, and crafts.
- More Info: https://awkwardnerdevents.com/products/nerdwaukee-artist-alley
Enchanted April – A Mainstage Production 🎭
- Dates: April 25 – 27
- Location: Waukesha Civic Theatre, Waukesha
- Details: Enjoy this heartwarming play about four women who escape their dreary lives in England for a month in Italy.
- More Info: https://www.waukeshacivictheatre.org/production/enchantedapril/