Contact Us: 414-573-3300 | Scott.LaFleur@kw.com

Mortgage rates, home prices, and inventory are shifting in ways that make this one of the most interesting housing moments in years. Here’s what the data — and the experts — are saying, plus what it means if you’re thinking about buying in the Milwaukee, Waukesha, or Brookfield areas.

Interest Rates & Affordability

As of October 11, 2025, the average 30-year fixed-rate conventional mortgage is 6.125 % (source: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey).

That’s down from highs above 7 % earlier this year and roughly in line with Redfin’s October 6 report, which showed the daily average at 6.38 %.

This softening follows the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut and weaker national job data, both of which eased borrowing costs and nudged more buyers back into the market.

Home Prices in the Milwaukee Region

• City of Milwaukee: Median sale price ≈ $232,250, + 3.2 % year over year (Redfin Market Data).
• Milwaukee County: Median ≈ $285,000, + 7.5 % YoY (Redfin).
• Metro Milwaukee Overall: Home sales + 12 % YoY and prices + 8.2 %, placing Milwaukee among the strongest major U.S. markets in 2025 (Redfin Metros Report).
• Luxury Segment: Up 49 % since 2020 (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).

Inventory & Market Balance

According to the Wisconsin Realtors Association, listings statewide rose ~ 5 % YoY and months of supply up ~ 8 % as of June 2025 (WRA Report).

That still makes it a low-supply environment, but slightly more balanced than last year — a modest win for buyers seeking negotiation leverage.

What This Means for Buyers

Reasons to Consider Buying Now

• Lock in a 6.125 % rate before further fluctuations.
• Leverage rising inventory to negotiate repairs, credits, or closing costs.
• Capture long-term equity in a market still posting steady price growth.
• Enjoy comparatively lower monthly payments than earlier this year.

Reasons to Be Cautious or Wait

• Prices are still elevated, particularly in prime neighborhoods.
• Job growth and inflation data remain uncertain, keeping rates volatile.
• Downtown Milwaukee prices show modest softness ( – 1 % YoY ), illustrating variation across submarkets (Redfin Downtown Data).

Expert Perspective

Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather notes,

“Nationally, now is a good time to buy if you can afford it. Prices keep climbing, but with falling mortgage rates and more inventory, buyers have an upper hand in negotiations.” (Redfin, Oct 6 2025)

LaFleur Realty Group Guidance

For Metro Milwaukee buyers, the market is showing signs of balance without major downside risk.

If you’re financially ready and plan to own for the long term, today’s rates and inventory levels create a real opportunity.

If you’re still organizing your finances or seeking specific neighborhood conditions, waiting a few months could add clarity — but don’t expect dramatic price drops.

Contact us at LaFleur Realty Group if you’re uncertain and we’ll walk you through the numbers, consider your interests, and help you decide whether “now” is the best time for your move.

414-573-3300

scott.lafleur@kw.com

LaFleurRealtyGroup.com