October 2025 - VOLUME 30 - NUMBER 11

UPCOMING EVENTS

This free Lunch & Learn will help you jump-start your 2026 business planning, connect you with key resources, and give you the chance to network with other new agents in your market. Plus—you’ll hear insider tips straight from top-producing agents who know what it takes to succeed. 

Tuesday, October 21st

12:00 - 1:00 PM

RASCW Office

 NEW THIS YEAR: Swear Jar - $1 for every cuss word, all proceeds will be donated to the Baraboo School District to provide books to students in need.



Wednesday, October 30th

11:30-3:00PM

Baraboo, WI

UPCOMING WEBINARS

10/16/2025

Economic Outlook 2025 (Webinar)

NEWS

2026 Membership Dues Renewal has started. Key things you should know:

If you have changed your email address, phone number, or mailing address within the past year and have not yet notified RASCW, please complete the Change of Information Form and return it to member@wisre.com by October 10th.

Invoice Reminder:

If you do not receive your invoice by October 2nd, and you’ve already checked your promotions, spam, or junk folders, please contact us at RASCW@wisre.com so we can assist you promptly.

We kindly ask for your patience as response times for phone calls and emails may be slightly delayed due to a high volume of inquiries. Please rest assured that we value you as a member, and our team is working diligently to respond to all requests as quickly as possible.

Thank you for being a valued RASCW member!

We appreciate your continued involvement and look forward to another successful year together.

 PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGES

The following amendments to our bylaws have been approved by the Board of Directors and will be voted on by the membership electronically and at our Annual Meeting November 18th.

We invite you to review the proposed changes prior to voting:

• Review the summary of proposed changes here.
• Access current bylaws here.
• Review the complete version of the revised bylaws here, which will be voted on November 18th and online voting starts November 10th.

Market Update: Rising Inventory Creates More Buyer Opportunities


According to the latest NAR report, home buyers now have more negotiating power than at any point in the past five years. Inventory is up 16% from last year, the highest since May 2020, giving buyers more choices and helping to slow price growth.


• Sales Activity: Existing-home sales rose 2% in July and are slightly above last year’s pace.
• Prices: The median price was $422,400—up just 0.2% year-over-year—showing a cooling trend.
• Buyer Advantage: Builders are offering deeper concessions, including price cuts and incentives, while wage growth is outpacing home price increases.
• Seller Position: Despite slower growth, sellers remain strong, with average homeowner wealth up nearly $141,000 since 2019.
• Competition: Many homes still sell quickly—58% in under a month—and 21% above asking price. Cash buyers continue to hold a significant share of the market.

Overall, the mix of higher inventory and moderated prices is giving buyers their best window of opportunity in years—though competition is still present in many markets.

Pending Home Sales Hold Steady as Buyers Wait

NAR’s latest report shows pending home sales were essentially flat in July—down 0.4% from June but up 0.7% year-over-year. Despite mortgage rates easing and inventory at its highest level since 2020, many buyers are still cautious about committing.


• Affordability: Home prices are rising at their slowest pace since 2023, and wage growth is now outpacing housing costs.
  
• Buyer Behavior: Mortgage applications are up 23% from last year, signaling interest, but many buyers remain on the sidelines.
  
• Regional Trends: The West saw the strongest monthly gain (+3.7%), while the Midwest posted the steepest monthly decline (-4%).
  
• Opportunity: With more listings and softer price growth, buyers may have their best chance in years to negotiate—though many are waiting for further rate improvements.

The VA Home Loan Guaranty helps active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible spouses achieve homeownership with unique benefits compared to conventional loans.

The recently signed VA Home Loan Program Reform Act strengthens protections by allowing veterans to pay their agents, ensuring fair competition in today’s housing market.

New Agents, Offices & Transfers

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