Did you know realtors do a lot more than just sell houses? This week I wanted to touch on something that doesn’t always come up in everyday conversation — the housing issues being discussed at the local, state, and national level that directly affect homeowners here in Wisconsin.

What Is RPAC and Why Does It Matter?

RPAC stands for the Realtor Political Action Committee. It’s funded through voluntary contributions from realtors and is connected to the National Association of Realtors. The goal is to support legislation on housing issues that impact real estate, private property rights, and homeownership. People often ask what housing advocacy has to do with everyday homeowners, and the reality is — quite a bit.

Property Taxes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin homeowners already pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. And even if your mortgage payment stays the same, your monthly payment can still increase because of rising property taxes and insurance costs. This is something that affects every homeowner’s budget, and it’s a topic that’s constantly being discussed at the state and local level.

Flood Insurance and Water Concerns

Flood insurance and water concerns are becoming a much bigger topic in our area. With the heavy rains and flooding we’ve been seeing, more buyers are asking questions about drainage, grading, sump pumps, and insurance costs — even in areas that never used to worry about flooding. This is changing the way buyers evaluate properties and the way homeowners think about protecting their investment.

Affordability Is About More Than Home Prices

When people talk about housing affordability, it’s easy to focus just on the price of a home. But buyers today are balancing interest rates, property taxes, insurance, maintenance costs, and their overall monthly payment comfort level. A lot of people can technically qualify for a home but still don’t feel comfortable with the payment. Affordability is a much broader conversation than just the purchase price.

Closing Cost Surprises

Closing costs are another area that catches many buyers off guard. Beyond the down payment, there are inspections, lender fees, title work, escrow, and transfer costs that can add up rather quickly. For first-time buyers especially, these additional costs can be a real surprise and can affect how much home they can comfortably afford.

Inventory Shortages Continue to Impact the Market

We simply haven’t built enough homes over the years, and that shortage continues to impact the housing market. This is especially true for affordable starter homes and ranch-style properties — the types of homes that so many buyers are looking for here in southeast Wisconsin. Limited inventory means more competition, which drives up prices and makes it harder for buyers to find what they need.

Zoning Changes and ADUs

You may also be hearing more about zoning changes and ADUs — accessory dwelling units. These include things like in-law suites, garage apartments, and backyard cottages. Some communities see them as a good way to create more affordable and flexible housing options, especially for multigenerational living. It’s a conversation that’s gaining momentum and could change the way we think about housing in our neighborhoods.

These Are Homeowner Issues

At the end of the day, these aren’t just real estate issues — they’re homeowner issues. They affect affordability, monthly budgets, property values, and the overall housing market here in Wisconsin. As a realtor, I’m proud to be part of a profession that works not only to help people buy and sell homes, but also to advocate for homeowners and the future of housing in Wisconsin.

If you have questions about how any of these issues might affect your home or your plans to buy or sell, Sue and Travis Derby are here to help. With over 1,000 transactions and 30+ years of experience serving Waukesha County — including Waukesha, Brookfield, Pewaukee, New Berlin, Menomonee Falls, Oconomowoc, Delafield, and Mukwonago — we’re ready to put our expertise and advocacy to work for you.

Have questions about the housing market in Waukesha County? Contact Derby Realtors at DerbyRealtors.com — we’d love to hear from you.