Report: Wisconsin Home Sales Fall as Prices Increase Moderately

Madison, Wis. – The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association released its November 2025 Real Estate Report today, showing a cooling market with existing home sales down 9.2% year-over-year, the first monthly decline since May. Year-to-date sales are up 1.5%. Median prices rose 4.8% to $325,000 in November, while inventory grew 3.7% (26th straight month of growth), mortgage rates fell to 6.20%, and affordability improved with the Affordability Index up 4.7% to 134. Sales declines were sharper in urban areas but resilient in rural regions.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

Chris DeVincentis, 2025 Chair of the Board of Directors, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, noted that, “Although new listings have been somewhat variable this year, the trend of growth in total listings is now moving into its third year, which is a good sign that the total supply of homes has been steadily improving.”

Tom Larson, President & CEO, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association, highlighted that, “While affordability remains a challenge, we did see progress in November, and there are some promising trends. Mortgage rates continue to trend downward, and the annual rate of home price appreciation averaged just 5.5% through the first 11 months of the year. We hope these trends continue and lead to sustained improvements in affordability in 2026.”

David Clark, Professor Emeritus of Economics and Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Consultant, stated that, “The Federal Reserve has a goal of price stability, which means a target inflation rate of 2%. It focuses on core inflation, which excludes food and energy because prices in those sectors are somewhat volatile on a month-to-month basis. The Fed’s preferred measure of core inflation fell to 2.8% this past September. While this remains above the target rate, it is well below the 5.6% peak rate for core inflation in September 2022. Lower inflationary expectations are one reason we’re seeing mortgage rates come down.”

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Existing home sales fell 9.2% in November year-over-year, marking the first monthly decline since May. Year-to-date sales are up 1.5%.
• Median home prices showed steady appreciation, rising 4.8% year-over-year to $325,000 in November and 5.5% to $327,000 on a year-to-date basis.
• Total listings continued their upward trend, increasing 3.7% compared to November 2024 levels. This is the 26th consecutive month of annualized growth.
• The 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined for the fifth straight month, dropping from 6.82% in June to 6.20% in November (a 62 basis point reduction).
• Regional sales declines were most pronounced in urban areas, with drops of 16.3% in the West, 10.9% in the Southeast, 10% in the South Central, and 8.3% in the Northeast; rural regions fared better, with a 5.7% decline in the Central and a 1.4% increase in the North.
• Housing affordability improved, as the Wisconsin Housing Affordability Index rose 4.7% over the past 12 months (from 128 to 134), reflecting the portion of a median-priced home that a median-income household can qualify for with a 20% down payment and 30-year fixed mortgage.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

About the WRA
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) is one of the largest trade associations in the state, headquartered in Madison, Wis. The WRA represents and provides services to more than 17,500 members statewide, made up of real estate sales agents, brokers, developers, appraisers, inspectors, bankers and other professionals who touch real estate. The WRA is under the direction of a statewide board of directors, comprised of members from the top real estate firms around the state.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.