Al Wisnefske

Common Myth: "I should wait until the leaves are back to list my land."

The Reality: For many properties, winter is actually the best time to show off the terrain.

When the leaves are down and the brush is covered in snow, the "bones" of the property are visible.

Topography: Buyers can see the ridge lines and rolls that summer brush hides.

Wildlife: Deer trails become super obvious in the snow.

Sight Lines: You can see exactly how far the views go.

The Lesson: Don't hide your land's best features behind a wall of summer green. If you have great terrain, show it off now.

4 days ago | [YT] | 0

Al Wisnefske

One of the most common calls I get is from a frustrated buyer who just got rejected by their bank.

The Issue: They are expecting "Home Loan" terms on a "Land Deal."

The good news? You can find 30-year mortgages for vacant land now. The market has evolved.

The Reality Check: While the term might look like a home mortgage, the down payment usually doesn't.

You aren't likely to find 3% or 5% down payment options.

Most lenders require 15% to 25% down on raw land to mitigate the risk.

You need a lender who specializes in land to navigate this.

Call me at 262-873-8375 if you need a recommendation for a lender.

1 week ago | [YT] | 0

Al Wisnefske

If you're thinking about selling your land this Spring, don't wait until April to pick up the phone.

I'm working with a seller right now to prep for a Spring launch. Why are we starting so early?

Because land prep takes time.

Between title searches, potential surveys, soil tests, and trail clearing, it can take 45-60 days to get a property truly "market-ready."

The Lesson: If you wait until the grass is green to start the process, you will be stuck doing paperwork while other sellers are accepting offers.

Be ready for the market, don't chase it. Let's start the conversation today.

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Al Wisnefske

I had a buyer reach out recently, convinced that a price reduction on a local property was proof of a "market correction."

Here is the reality: Usually, it's just an overpriced Seller getting a reality check.

When a unique property sits on the market and then drops in price, it rarely means the market value is down. It means the Seller started too high (fishing for a number) and is finally adjusting to the true market value.

Don't read too much into a single price drop. Look at the data, not just the discount.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Al Wisnefske

It’s tax season, and the bills are hitting mailboxes. But before you write the check, take a moment to review the details.

If you own acreage or vacant land, check your "Assessment Class."

If you have active agricultural land, but the bill lists it as "Residential" or "Recreational," that is a red flag. It often happens when assessors assume the land use has changed.

If your classification changed, your tax bill could change significantly.

Don't just pay it; contact your assessor to review the details and ensure your assessment is accurate.

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

Al Wisnefske

I recently had a land deal under contract that hit a major wall.

The title company couldn't verify the full legal description.

Basically, there were "gaps" in the history.

In order to correct this we ordered an ALTA Survey.

This type of survey combines deep title research with a physical survey to define the legal boundaries.

Rural land can be messy. Old fences and handshake deals don't hold up at the closing table.

If you want to sell, you need to know exactly what you own.

1 month ago | [YT] | 0