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It’s easy to get wrapped up in the house hunt or pull the trigger on a new property that looks absolutely perfect, but without the proper preparation, one could find themselves trapped in a home completely unsuited for them. Additionally, doing this preparation and research can clue you in on options you never knew existed and wouldn’t have known to look for otherwise. Whether you’re searching for a home in Whitefish Bay, Brookfield, or a Downtown Milwaukee condo, narrowing the list to exactly what you need is a great place to start. 1. Number of bedrooms This can be one of the most critical things to consider before you start your home search. First, you’re going to want to sit down and carefully consider not only how many people you’re going to have living in your house. You may be planning on growing your family while you're in the home, but sometimes children or other family members needing a place to stay can be a surprise, so it's a safe bet to consider having one to two more than you might think. Secondly, how often are you going to have guests, and how many at a time? Once you’ve figured out a good number, it’s time for the next item on your checklist. 2. Layout You’ll hopefully only be spending a third to half of your time in the bedroom, so making sure you love the rest of your house is important too. Considerations like handicap access, window placement, and more come into play. Make a list of rooms and potential room ideas that you’d want for your future home. Whether it’s an office, home theater, loft, den, or wo/man cave, it’s important to list out your necessities. Additionally, make sure to choose your kitchen space carefully and think hard about whether you’d prefer the main floor of your house to have an open layout or something a little more segmented. If you've already got a type of floor plan that you prefer or need, that's great! Whether you are looking in Whitefish Bay, Brookfield, or a downtown Milwaukee condo, we are seeing more properties on the market. I recommend touring a few of the homes available for open houses to get a feel for your own tastes. 3. Amenities A home is much more than just the four walls and roof under which you live. When searching for a home, you want to ensure it is fitted to your every need. Not only should you carefully consider the essential features like the garage size or the property’s move-in readiness, but what else do you want your dream home to have? Do you want your bathrooms to have jetted or sunken tubs, a separate shower, or lighted mirrors? Things to consider can even include pools, privacy, flooring material, and much more. Make sure to have your list of must-have amenities before you start your home search in order to prevent missing out or going through a painstaking and expensive construction process to make up for what your home lacks. 4. Style of home Not every home buyer is picky when it comes to the style of a home's exterior, but it’s still very important to consider. There is a vast variety of home styles, each with its own unique look and flavor that may not suit everyone. A Mid-Century Modern home could be exciting and stylish for some, while cramped and unattractive for others. We recommend coming up with a list of your favorites as well as ones that you’ll definitely pass on. This can save you a whole lot of wasted time and trouble! 5. Outdoor space Your connection with your dream home goes far beyond what's inside the building’s four walls. Choosing the right outdoor layout and amenities can mean a world of difference between two equally attractive houses. Outside of the previously mentioned pool, there are dozens of options to consider when choosing what you want for the rest of your home's property. You’ll have to consider what size you want, what kind of landscaping you’d prefer, as well as the yard’s features. If a spot for grilling, a carefully tended pond, or a scenic gazebo sound like a dream come true, make sure to add it to the list! 6. Location A good location can be what makes or breaks a home. It’s important to take notes on what sort of neighborhood you would like to live in. Proximity to train lines or highways can ruin what could be a perfect home or make transportation easy, depending on your preferences. For example, homes in Whitefish Bay are right by the charming village as well as lakeside parks while condos in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward give close access to museums, food culture, and vibrant breweries. Do you want to live close to a city or be surrounded by quiet suburbia? If you’ve got kids or are planning on having them, make sure to find the best local school district you can as well as a neighborhood with plenty of young families. Restaurant and grocery store access, local community, and even movie theater proximity can be vastly important to different people, so choose the area you’d like to live in carefully. 7. Commute Building on that note, how far are you willing to drive to work? While work from home and hybrid schedules may have eased that struggle somewhat, a long commute can mean you won’t have the energy to get anything done after a full day's work. Map out exactly where your limits are, and take them into account before you begin your house hunt. Make sure to list the things you could consider but would prefer to not have separated from your complete non-negotiables. This will help you stay firm on your decisions, as well as organize your thought process and potential choices. Once that’s done, make sure to discuss your plans with your family and hammer out a list that works for everyone and you’re sure to find your dream property. Of course, this isn’t the exclusive list of everything you need to plan for, but it is a good starting point for orienting yourself into the mindset of a pro-house hunter. Are you or somebody you know ready to take the next step and start looking for a home in Whitefish Bay, Brookfield, a condo in downtown Milwaukee, or anywhere else in metro Milwaukee? Be sure to keep my name and information handy for guidance: Chris Muellenbach, text/call: 414-335-8038 or email, Chris@MKE-RealEstate.com

Buying a new home while selling your old property is no easy journey, but it’s also not impossible. The most important thing to remember is that one will have to come before the other. Most experts suggest focusing on finding your dream home before getting ahead and focusing on selling your current home. What are the pros? Well, this process keeps a roof over your head and gives you an ample amount of time to search for your new spot. No one wants to rush the home-buying process, especially when their current property is listed on the market. Who knows how long it’ll take before someone offers, and the last thing you want to find yourself in is a scramble. Luckily, with trial and error and expertise from some of the best real estate, there’s a foolproof timeline you can follow. Whether or not you’re selling your Brookfield real estate or looking to get your hands on one of the best Whitefish Bay homes on the market, there’s a step-by-step process you’ll want to follow to get things started. Make moves as simultaneously as possible Even just thinking about making moves simultaneously can seem intimidating. But buying and selling a home at the same time doesn’t have to be a challenge. One thing to note is that when looking to sell your Mequon real estate and purchase at the same time, preparation is key. These highly sought-after locations tend to go quickly, so the same applies when looking at the possibility of your own property getting sold quickly in today’s market. That’s why it’s essential to pay equal attention to both buying and selling—resisting the urge to prolong any part of the process. Luckily making moves simultaneously follows a simple three-part process. The most important thing to remember is that you’re trying to not only find a new place but that you’re also trying to sell an old property. Because it’s unlikely that both will execute themselves at the same exact time or at least within the same week, you’ll want to prepare both goals at the same time. If you don’t mind being without your current property in search of a new place, or vice-versa, then these steps will likely seem simpler to your circumstance. But because not everyone has the luxury to tackle one task at a time, following a foolproof timeline can’t hurt. Prepare your current property to go on the market The number one step to buying and selling your home is to prepare your current property. The last thing any homeowner wants is to find the home of their dreams but realize that it’s too early to move. Preparing your property will ensure it’s ready to be seen and more important, purchased. How do you do this? Handle the basics and get upgrades out of the way. Things like painting walls, decluttering your belongings, and making minor updates to the most important features of your home are great places to start. Waiting until the last minute will likely prolong your sale due to any potential concerns. Plus, once you’re ready to list your property and get things moving, it’ll be all set and ready to go. But before you get right to it, don’t forget to consult with an agent on what updates and moves to make with your property. This can save you loads of time and money on how you prepare your home. Don’t stop looking for your new place The most important thing about buying and selling your home simultaneously is not pausing one step for another. It would be virtually impossible to focus on one without the other unless you either don’t mind having two properties or being without any at all. Because of this, you never want to stop your new home hunt. If this step is tricky in your circumstances, you might want to lean on an expert who can help you in your search. While finding the perfect Whitefish Bay home might not be terribly difficult due to the lovely properties in the area, it’s still always best to partner with an agent. This will not only ensure you can handle preparing your current property, but also that your future one is just within reach. If you decide to tackle this on your own, it’s important to continue searching for properties, attend showings, and do the research to secure the right fit. Pausing for even a week or two will only create time for potential buyers to offer on your home. Request an extended closing If you’ve come across the place of your dreams and have found yourself in the midst of closing, it’s always a good idea to request an extended closing. Why? Well, you still have property on your hands. Of course, this only applies if you’ve managed to sell your home at the same time as your move-in, but oftentimes not, you could end up with your current property as you move into a new one. If you find yourself frantically scrambling to sell your home, requesting an extended closing will give you time to not only move your belongings but get your home sold. If you don’t choose to do so, you might want to keep yourself informed of any hurdles to closing on your new home. Getting ahead of yourself will prove to be extremely helpful when you find the perfect property at the “wrong” time—although in this case, we’d argue it’s never the wrong time. While tackling this expedition can seem exciting, you don’t have to do it alone. After all, spending weeks in search of your new home while getting rid of your old one can be intimidating for some. Partnering with local experts like Chris Muellenbach will not only help expedite your home search but also your sale. More importantly, you can kiss any potential stress goodbye and lean on a shoulder that has your back throughout the whole process!

Wisconsin is renowned for its scenic beauty, welcoming energy, and an array of indoor and outdoor activities–and nowhere is this more apparent than in its biggest metropolis, Milwaukee. From craft breweries and art museums to listening to the symphony and partaking in lively festivals, the nation’s official “Brew City” has an abundance of delights from which to choose. Read on for a list of experiences beloved by locals. Go on a brew cruise Milwaukee once held the title of the beer capital of the world–meaning, a trip to this fine city wouldn’t be complete without sipping an ice-cold, locally-made beer from one of its many acclaimed breweries. Stop in at Third Space’s tap room for a taste of their heavenly haze IPA or a frog Weiss fruited sour before hopping over to Lakefront Brewery for a 45-minute tour of their brewing process–an excursion that includes two 16-ounce pours and an in-depth look at their awesome machinery. Next, strengthen your knowledge of the city’s storied past by visiting the historic and extravagant Pabst Brewery and mansion, where the hipster-favorite PBR all started. Top off your cruise with a leisurely pause at Good City Brewing, where you can choose between a pineapple and yuzu hard seltzer and a full-bodied pale ale (among other delectable flavors). Hit up historic Third Ward Located in Milwaukee’s former warehouse district, this historic stretch of the city boasts a wonderful range of boutiques, galleries, and eateries. Dine on hand-tossed woodfire pizzas while peering at the water at the Riverfront Pizzeria Bar & Grill, shop to your heart’s content at shops ranging from West Elm to Lululemon Athletica, peruse fine art at Safi Studios or the Timo Gallery, and sample artisan eats at the ever-bustling Public Market. Planning your journey to Milwaukee in advance? Be sure to check out Historic Third Ward’s calendar: The culturally rich region frequently features excellent special events, including art festivals, an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, live music, and the “World’s Largest Coffee Break.” Delight in all that Milwaukee Lakefront has to offer Home to the much-loved Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon, this booming but romantic slice of Brew City features seasonal and perennial pleasures. Come spring and you can participate in kite flying or choose to simply ride your bike down the lovely Oak Leaf Trail. Summertime sees visitors and locals alike paddleboarding on the lake, engaging in sailing lessons at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, or watching a movie under the stars. Autumn and winter brim with just as many activities, no matter the drop in temperature, including surfing (yes, surfing!), watching a salmon run, or jumping–literally–into Milwaukee’s annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge. Spend an afternoon at the historic Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) Countless people have heard of Georgia O’Keefe; few know the iconic painter was a Wisconsin native. Her work, as well as 25,000 other pieces, are on full, gorgeous display at the Milwaukee Art Museum–a treasure trove of beauty and skill that originated in 1872. As one of the largest art museums in the nation, MAM features works by luminaries ranging from Frank Llyod Wright and Rodin to Degas and Monet. The architecturally striking museum provides additional treats for the eyes with splendid views of Lake Michigan. Indulge in Wisconsin’s second most famous product Wisconsin is practically synonymous with some of the most sumptuous cheese in the States–and Milwaukee honors this with numerous eateries offering it in spades. Fresh Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds–served with zesty chipotle ranch dressing, no less–are utterly delightful at AJ Bombers, while snacking on a basket full of them evokes nostalgia (and euphoria) at the Miller Time Pub & Grill. The Wisconsin Cheese Mart–an institution that has been around since the early 20th century–presents 150 types of cheese, including cheddar which has been aged for five years, and coffee stout-flavored beer cheese. Stroll through the North Point Lighthouse Constructed in 1888 in Milwaukee’s Lake Park, this mesmerizing museum and lighthouse were inducted into the National Register of Historic Places nearly two decades ago. Understandably so, the landmark features a fascinating tower, exhibits of artifacts and original ledgers, and a Lyle gun that was once used to save mariners. Spot a camel at the Milwaukee County Zoo Sprawling across 200 acres and thriving with a spectrum of animals–including spotted hyenas, giraffes, and mandrills–this enthralling zoo is one of the most comprehensive in the Midwest. Special exhibits are presented throughout the year, such as Dino Don’s Dragon Kingdom and Milwaukee locals’ favorite family Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo. Prepare to be amazed at The Domes The Domes–or, technically, the Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory–is a sight to genuinely behold. “Starring” the first conoidal domes in the world, each conservatory in this Milwaukee attraction mimics a climate. The tropic dome features over a thousand sultry-weather plants, including orchids, guavas, and avocados, while the arid dome flourishes with succulents from Madagascar and shrubs and plants typically found in the Sonoran Desert. The show dome presents seasonal exhibits, including an annual, enchanting revival of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Examine mammoth bones at Milwaukee Public Museum The Milwaukee Public Museum is a mainstay for Milwaukee residents and their families. Live butterflies, the biggest dinosaur skull on the planet, a replica of a T-Rex–all can be found at this absolutely captivating museum. Boasting over 150,000 square feet of wonders from around the world–including several of Wisconsin’s rarest birds–this is a place so riveting you’ll likely require a whole day to see it all. Explore Milwaukee real estate From stunning houses in Whitefish Bay to Third Ward houses for sale, Milwaukee’s real estate scene runs the gamut from historically significant to pure modern elegance. Chris Muellenbach is the broker to call if your interest has been sparked upon visiting Wisconsin’s biggest and most happening city. Knowledgable and trustworthy, Chris is a certified divorce real estate expert who takes particular pride in helping people shift into the next–and exciting–stage of their lives. Book a consultation with him today and learn even more about what it means to be a Milwaukee local.