Nope! In Wisconsin, you’re not required to use a Realtor to buy or sell a home — but having one on your side can make a world of difference.

Buying or selling a home involves a lot of moving parts — contracts, negotiations, legal disclosures, inspections, deadlines, and more. A licensed Realtor or Real Estate Agent helps protect your interests, keeps things on track, and ensures you don’t miss important details that could cost you money or cause stress or a law suite later.

For instance, do you know what to do if an appraisal comes in low or has required repairs? What happens if someone refuses to pay their earnest money? What do you do if someone illegally tries to keep your earnest money? What happens if the seller doen't actually move out on the contracted date?

Sure, when everything goes smoothly, everyone thinks it is easy to buy or sell a home. But what if things don't go according to plan? Will you know what to do next without getting yourself into hot water?

Think of it this way: Yes, you can go it alone… but having a seasoned pro in your corner makes the process smoother, safer, and often more profitable in the long run.

The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A solid pre-approval letter will tell you exactly how much house you can afford and all the parameters that you are able to work within.

Once you’re pre-approved, Uncle Drew can help you narrow down the best neighborhoods, find homes that fit your lifestyle, and guide you through each step — from showing to closing.

PLEASE DON'T DO THIS! And here's why. If you are following the proper order in which to do things, then you would already have your own agent lined up and that agent should be the one talking to the agent that is listing the property. You have no idea how easy it is to tip your hat and give that person leverage to use against you in the future should you buy this home. This is like a poker game and they can see a novice from a mile away. This agent listing the property is required to keep the seller's best interest in mind, not yours. Get your own agent before looking at properties and making phone calls or you won't have to worry about anyone else screwing you over because you will likely screw yourself.

If you are trying to buy a home without an agent then yes, you can call but beware. Everything that you say can and will be used against you. Also, keep in mind that many of the websites that list all of the properties for sale will also try to steer you to one of their agents and the agent likely listed for the property is NOT the actual listing agent. (It's an advertisement for a different agent).

It depends on your loan program and financial situation. Many people think they need 20%, but there are programs in Wisconsin that allow as little as 3% down — and even 0% for qualified buyers in certain situations.

Uncle Drew can connect you with trusted lenders who’ll help you explore your options and find a plan that not only works for your budget but also lenders that have a true understanding of the entire home buying process so that you can make smart, confident decisions .

In many cases, it takes a while to find the right house and get an accepted offer and it depends on the inventory in your market.

Once you have an accepted offer in hand, it takes about 30 to 45 days for the entire process — but that can vary depending on financing, inspections, and the actual contract dates that you negotiate.

With the right team and good communication, the process can move quickly and smoothly. Drew keeps everything on track so there are no surprises or delays.

Not always! You can buy and sell at the same time — it just takes careful planning.

Drew can help you explore bridge loans, contingent offers, or timing strategies to make the transition as stress-free as possible.

Not necessarily! You can buy and sell at the same time — it just takes some careful coordination.

Drew specializes in helping clients transition smoothly between homes in the Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin area, using creative strategies like bridge loans, contingent offers, and timing plans that fit your situation, making things as stress-free as possible.

The key here is also getting your Lender involved before making that jump so that you are protected financially.

Welcome to the Greater Milwaukee area! Each part of southeastern Wisconsin has its own charm — from the lakeside energy of Milwaukee to the family-friendly feel of Waukesha, Menomonee Falls, and West Allis.

Uncle Drew helps newcomers learn the lay of the land — from commute times and local amenities to school districts and taxes — so you feel confident about where you’re putting down roots.

Typical costs include Realtor commissions, closing fees, and any optional repairs or staging.

The good news? When you work with Uncle Drew, his smart pricing strategy and market expertise often help you walk away with more money — even after expenses. You’ll get an honest breakdown upfront so there are no surprises.

🏡 Your Milwaukee Area Affordability Checklist: Find Your Dream Home Budget

Figuring out your home-buying budget is the very first and most important step in the Milwaukee, WI market. Don't worry about what a bank says you can borrow because in most cases, it will be more than you are actually comfortable with—let’s figure out what you can comfortably afford to live your best life in Bay View, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, or wherever you land!

STEP 1: The Magic Number: Your DTI RatioLenders use one main formula to determine your max affordability, called the Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio. Think of it as your financial health report.

The FormulaWhat it means for Milwaukee Homebuyers$\text{Total Monthly Debt} \div \text{Gross Monthly Income} = \text{DTI}$Lenders generally like to see your DTI under 43%, but 36% or less is considered the "safe zone" for comfortable homeownership.

The FormulaWhat it means for Milwaukee Homebuyers$\text{Total Monthly Debt} \div \text{Gross Monthly Income} = \text{DTI}$Lenders generally like to see your DTI under 43%, but 36% or less is considered the "safe zone" for comfortable homeownership. BUT, the expenses that lenders don't count in this formula are important too such as child care, utilities, groceries and the costs of everyday life.

What to include in your debt (DTI): Car payments, student loans, minimum credit card payments, alimony/child support, and your NEW estimated monthly mortgage payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance—PITI).