Wednesday, November 12, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
The Huemmer Home Team - Your Madison Real Estate Experts
First-Time Homebuyers Face Historic Challenges in Madison and Beyond
If you're trying to break into the Madison housing market, you're not alone in feeling frustrated. Recent data from the National Association of Realtors reveals a troubling trend that's affecting aspiring homeowners across Wisconsin and the nation: first-time buyers are being squeezed out of the market at record rates.
The Numbers Tell a Stark Story
The latest housing report shows that first-time buyers now account for only about 20% of all home sales, a historic low and roughly half the percentage from a generation ago. Even more striking? The average age of first-time buyers has climbed to 40 years old, while the typical homebuyer is now 59.
"These statistics reflect real challenges we're seeing right here in Madison," says Amber Huemmer. "Young families and professionals who should be building equity are instead stuck renting, watching the mark ...
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Monday, November 10, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
The housing market conversation just got a lot more interesting. President Trump recently floated the idea of introducing a 50-year mortgage option for American homebuyers, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency is reportedly working on making it a reality. For families in Sun Prairie and the greater Madison area struggling with affordability, this could be the breakthrough they've been waiting for.
What Is a 50-Year Mortgage?
Similar to how President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced the 30-year mortgage during the Great Depression, a 50-year mortgage would extend the loan repayment period to five decades. William Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, called the proposal a "game changer" and confirmed his agency is actively working on this new mortgage product.
Lower Monthly Payments, Greater Accessibility
The primary benefit of a 50-year mortgage is simple: lower monthly payments. For a $400,000 loan at 6% interest, a 30-year mortgage would cost $2,398 p ...
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Monday, October 27, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
If you've been keeping an eye on the southern Wisconsin housing market lately, you've probably noticed the conversation has shifted. Whether you're browsing homes in Madison, considering a move to Sun Prairie, or exploring opportunities in the surrounding Dane County communities, today's buyers and sellers are navigating a market that looks very different than it did just a few years ago.
At The Huemmer Home Team, we're in constant conversation with our clients about what's really happening on the ground. Here are the top issues shaping the southern Wisconsin housing market right now and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates and Affordability: The New Reality
Let's address the elephant in the room: mortgage rates are higher than many of us have seen in years. After a period of historically low rates, today's buyers are adjusting to a new financing landscape. This shift has significantly impacted affordability across southern Wisconsin, from Madison's east side neighborhoo ...
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Monday, October 20, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
Fed Policy Meeting October 2025: Understanding the Impact on Mortgage Rates
The Federal Reserve is set to convene for its highly anticipated policy meeting on October 28-29, 2025, and the real estate market is watching closely. With expectations of another interest rate cut on the table, homebuyers and sellers across Dane County and the greater Wisconsin area are wondering: what does this mean for mortgage rates and the housing market?
Fed Rate Cut Expected After September Jobs Data
The U.S. central bank is widely expected to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point during this meeting. This would mark the second rate cut this year, following the Fed's decision last month to lower rates for the first time in 2025 after weakening jobs data signaled the need for economic stimulus.
St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem indicated support for an additional rate reduction, stating during a Washington conference, "I could support a path with an additional reductio ...
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Friday, October 10, 2025 / by Ryan Huemmer
How Much House Can I Afford in Madison, WI?
If you're considering buying a home in Madison, Wisconsin, one of the first questions you'll ask yourself is, "How much house can I afford?" Understanding your budget before you start house hunting is crucial to making a smart investment and ensuring you're comfortable with your monthly payments. Madison's real estate market offers diverse opportunities, from charming bungalows near the Capitol Square to modern developments in Middleton and Sun Prairie, but knowing your financial limits will help you focus your search and make confident decisions.
Understanding Your Home Affordability in Madison
The amount of house you can afford depends on several factors including your income, existing debts, down payment, credit score, and current interest rates. A general rule of thumb used by many lenders is that your monthly housing payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. This is known as the front-end ratio. Additionall ...
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