The mortgage market got a jolt this week as President Trump announced plans to direct Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities. Brian and David discuss what this means for borrowers and why the impact might play out differently across various real estate markets—potentially sparking bidding wars in competitive areas like Milwaukee while improving affordability in softer markets.

The team reveals Milwaukee’s 2025 housing numbers: sales up 1.7%, median prices climbing 6.1% to $355,000, and realtor.com projecting another 7% increase in 2026. Despite slightly more inventory, southeastern Wisconsin remains a hot seller’s market with strong buyer competition expected to continue.

David shares two compelling stories from the lending trenches: rescuing a client from a nosy credit union underwriter who questioned a legitimate price reduction, and coaching a million-dollar homebuyer on what really matters beyond just mortgage approval. His insight? For qualified buyers in competitive markets, the artistry of winning the house often matters more than simply getting the loan.

Plus, why that weak pre-approval letter might cost you the house, the importance of teamwork between lender and buyer’s agent, and how rising home values are creating refinance opportunities to eliminate PMI.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

# Milwaukee Housing Market Heats Up: Top 10 Nationally for 2026

Brian and David Wickert kick off 2026 with exciting news: Milwaukee metro area ranks #8 among the nation’s hottest housing markets according to Realtor.com. The four-county region is projected to see a 7% median price increase, pushing homes toward $391,000 by year’s end—great news for current homeowners, but a reminder that prices aren’t dropping anytime soon.

Even more impressive? Six Wisconsin markets landed in November’s top 20 hottest markets nationwide, with Kenosha claiming the #2 spot. These rankings reflect both high buyer interest and quick sales velocity, with Milwaukee properties moving in just 38 days versus the national average of 64.

For buyers, this means competition remains fierce. Rock-solid pre-approvals and strategic offers will be essential tools in 2026. David shares two creative refinance stories: helping expectant parents restructure their mortgage and another story in solving a daughter’s home-buying puzzle by refinancing her father’s duplex.

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling in a hot market, or exploring refinance options to optimize your financial position, the Accunet team delivers the local market intelligence and problem-solving strategies southeastern Wisconsin homeowners need in the year ahead.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

**Navigating Income Verification, New Construction Challenges, and Holiday Market Dynamics**

Join Brian and David Wickert as they break down a week of economic data that left mortgage rates surprisingly stable. Despite positive jobs reports and encouraging inflation numbers, rates held steady—proving that today’s market has already arrived at 2026’s forecasted levels.

The conversation dives deep into the critical details of income verification that can make or break a home purchase. From medical professionals changing to part-time schedules to the difference between “full-time” and “consistent” income, the Wickerts share real stories of deals saved and deals lost based on documentation details. Learn why co-signing is far more serious than most people realize and discover alternative lending tools like asset depletion and trust income strategies.

A fascinating new construction case study reveals the complexities of buying a spec home—from estimating future property taxes on incomplete properties to navigating appraisal challenges when builders need to establish neighborhood comps. The team demonstrates how quick turnaround on appraisals (completed in days, not weeks) can protect buyers’ earnest money and keep deals moving forward during the busy holiday season.

Perfect for anyone considering refinancing or preparing to purchase in early 2026’s expected market surge.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show – December 7, 2025 Episode

Join Brian Wickert and David Wickert as they break down what homebuyers and homeowners need to know heading into the Fed's December meeting. With predictions pointing toward another quarter-point cut, the Wickerts explain why waiting for the Fed to act has historically been the wrong strategy—mortgage rates tend to dip before meetings, not after.

David shares real-world solutions for clients looking to tap home equity without sacrificing their low existing rates, including a creative second mortgage strategy that saved one Milwaukee-area family significant money while accessing half a million dollars in trapped equity. The blended rate approach proves that sometimes two loans beat one.

Brian reviews November's Milwaukee metro real estate numbers, revealing a surprising 10% drop in new listings compared to last year, plus insights on seasonal market patterns as buyers gear up for the new year. With mortgage rates already hitting major economists' 2026 predictions now, the message is clear: buyers have officially run out of excuses to wait. The future is here, and it's time to get in the starting blocks for 2026.

The Thanksgiving weekend edition of the Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show kicks off with the story behind Black Friday before diving into mortgage market timing. Brian Wickert and David Wickert explore why waiting for the Federal Reserve’s December meeting might not be the best strategy, based on patterns observed throughout 2025.

The episode features a cautionary tale about credit scores, where an $80 collection account from identity theft caused a nearly 100-point credit score drop, derailing a refinance opportunity. The Wickerts detail the extensive process required to dispute fraudulent accounts and restore credit standing.

David introduces an innovative asset depletion loan program that transforms investment and brokerage accounts into qualifying income—without requiring retirement age or IRA status. This solution offers flexibility for buyers with substantial non-retirement assets who want to keep their money working in the market.

The housing market discussion reveals surprising trends: while over a third of major U.S. markets experienced price drops, all Wisconsin markets showed growth. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and other Wisconsin cities are forecasting continued appreciation through 2026.

The episode concludes with news about the 2026 conforming loan limit increase to $832,750 and reminds first-time buyers that only 3% down payment is required, regardless of income level.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

In this episode of the Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show, Brian and David Wickert analyze the delayed September jobs report and its impact on mortgage markets. They explore how the government shutdown created a rare gap in economic data—the October 2025 jobs report will never exist—and discuss what this means for Federal Reserve decisions ahead.

The team shares real-world stories from the front lines, including helping a Manhattan couple purchase an Orlando rental property and guiding Wisconsin natives returning from California through the complexities of duplex financing. They break down critical timing considerations that can dramatically affect down payment requirements and interest rates.

Brian also examines recent National Association of Realtors data, comparing national housing trends with Milwaukee’s notably different market conditions. Plus, they discuss why experienced real estate agents trust Accunet with their own children’s mortgages and why savvy buyers aren’t waiting until January to get pre-approved.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Join Brian Wickert and David Wickert for expert insights on Milwaukee’s real estate and mortgage landscape. In this episode, they dissect the proposed 50-year mortgage—calculating that once you account for higher interest rates on longer terms, the payment savings is immaterial.

From the front lines, David shares stories about creative financing strategies, including helping clients leverage second homes to purchase land and guiding homeowners through 15-year vs. 30-year refinancing decisions. The duo explores why Milwaukee’s market has become “twos and tens”—where great listings get 10 offers instantly while others struggle.

**The Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show - Halloween Edition 2025**

This week’s spooky surprise? Mortgage rates rose *after* the Fed cut rates—for the fourth time in a row. Brian and David Wickert explain why Chair Powell’s press conference spooked markets more than the rate cut helped, and what it means for your financing options.

**Real Client Wins:**

A Milwaukee-area buyer beat 10 competing offers on a $500K+ home using strategic appraisal waivers and smart negotiation—proving competitive markets still favor prepared buyers with solid financing.

Another homeowner locked in a refinance at 6.375% (from 6.99%), saving monthly without realizing they’d been sitting “in the money” for months. If your rate is 6.99% or higher on a loan over $250K, you might be leaving savings on the table.

A first-time buyer secured a $10,000 forgivable grant through Wisconsin’s county consortium—but navigating the Wednesday-only inspections and strict requirements required careful coordination between buyer, seller, and lender.

**Market Reality Check:**

National inventory is up just 4% from pre-pandemic levels, but local markets tell wildly different stories. Denver? Up 96%. Milwaukee? Down 38%. Your neighborhood matters more than national headlines.

Whether you’re refinancing, buying competitively, or maximizing down payment assistance, the Accunet team is ready to advise and assist.