Warm temperatures and the lack of snow are fueling the real estate market. This year's home sales are about as strong as they have been in ten years. Nbc26 breaks down how this unusual December weather is welcomed news for those in the industry.
You don't sell a lot of snowmobiles, shovels or ice fishing gear when it's this unseasonably warm out. But for those who sell homes, that's another story.
Those in the real estate business aren't used to a busy December.
"The slowest month as long as I've been in the business has typically been in December," says Mark Olejniczak a realtor in Green Bay.
But this December's lack of snow has resulted in more interest from home buyers than your typical December.
"We've seen more activity this year, this December, even at our open houses," adds Olejniczak.
With a lack of snow on the ground it has also given homes for sale a curb appeal that isn’t typical for the month. That in turn gives buyers a unique perspective on lots and homes for sale.
“Walk the lots on the houses, as opposed to having a foot of snow on the ground," adds Olejniczak.
Taking things one step further, the folks that build homes are not upset about the weather either.
"We're able to work quicker," says Steve Pott the owner of Steve Pott Construction.
Pott and his crew are capitalizing on this weather too.
"Siding, roofing all of those things go so much easier," adds Pott.
But while many professions welcome the slow to come change in the weather, everyone knows it's just a matter of time for Mother Nature to change her mind.
"In two weeks from now things might get shut down or slowed down," adds Pott referring to the winter that should be here by now.
So as some businesses take advantage of 50 degree weather in December, one thing is for certain, it can't last.
The Wisconsin Realtors Association says home sales have risen two point four percent this year with the average price for a home going up almost 5 percent. That’s not including the December numbers that are yet to be tallied.
