Insights, tips & news

Real estate transactions are always unique. Each sale offers an opportunity to learn. Here’s a collection of thoughts, experiences, and lessons learned.

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3 Reasons to Consider selling before spring

You don’t have to wait until spring to put up your “for sale” sign! Even though interest rates have increased and post-pandemic demand has steadied, you don’t need to wait to sell if your home no longer meets your needs. Here’s why now *might* be the right time for you to start the process: 1) […]

Summer Backyard Fun!

We’ve come up with a list of some pretty awesome things you can do in your backyard to make summer even MORE exciting! But most importantly…. stop by the Whitefish Bay summer Ice Cream Socials that we’re happy to sponsor!

Negotiator or Dealmaker?

Negotiation is an important part of a real estate transaction.  Protecting the interests of your client is a fundamental duty.  Realtors are often hired to get the best deal possible. Clients expect you to be tough.  They expect you to be firm.  “Your job is to stare down the other side”, I was once told.  Which I did, and then […]

Are you ready to take the plunge?

Thinking of buying a house?  Welcome to the shark tank!  By now I’m sure you’ve heard stories of homes getting multiple offers.  Five, ten, or fifteen offers on a single home are not unusual.  First let’s understand why this is happening.  Then let’s consider important lessons for both buyers and sellers. What’s Fueling the Fire It’s not complicated.  Low inventory and […]

Let’s get out the crystal ball…

There is no question that 2021 was an exciting year in the real estate market.  Overall home prices were up 12% in Whitefish Bay according to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  That’s the highest single-year value increase in my 24 years as a Realtor.  Many homeowners sold their home in days and achieved prices above their asking price.  It’s […]

Practical ways to refresh your home

New year, new home? Or maybe just a refresh? Here are 7 simple things you can do around your house to help it feel like a “new home” again:

Designers’ Best Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors

If painting your kitchen cabinets has been on your mind…. this post is for you! Read the article below for tips and tricks on painting existing cabinets and determine which colors the designers recommend as the best cabinet paint colors. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-kitchen-cabinet-paint-colors-according-to-designers

How’s the Market You Ask?

There isn’t a week that goes by when I don’t bump into past client or friend at Sendik’s who asks, “hey Essam, how’s the market”?  It seems like a simple question.  But the answer is a bit more nuanced than you might think.   The answer depends on whether you are seller, buyer, investor, lender, […]