Derek Schubel

11/09/2026

Welcome back to my Milwaukee Walk Series! 🚶‍♂️

📍 Basilica of St. Josaphat | Milwaukee, WI

This week we're exploring one of Milwaukee's most breathtaking architectural landmarks, the Basilica of St. Josaphat!

Located in the historic Lincoln Village neighborhood, this magnificent church was completed in 1901 by Milwaukee's Polish immigrant community. Inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, it was even built using materials salvaged from an old Chicago post office!

With its towering copper dome and incredible architecture, it's a remarkable piece of Milwaukee's history.

Follow along each week as we explore more of what makes Milwaukee such a special place to call home!

🏡 Thinking about buying, selling, or moving to Milwaukee? Let's connect!

🌐 schubelrealty.com

11/04/2026

🏡 **Real Estate Knowledge Wednesday: What Is a Home Sale Contingency?**

Thinking about buying a new home but need to sell your current one first?

That's where a **home sale contingency** comes into play!

A home sale contingency allows a buyer to make an offer that depends on successfully selling or closing on their existing property, according to the terms of the contract.

Here's what you should know!

✅ **It can help protect buyers.** If you need the proceeds from your current home to purchase the next one, a home sale contingency can provide important contractual protection.

✅ **It can create uncertainty for sellers.** The seller may have to wait for your existing home to sell before the transaction can move forward.

✅ **A bump clause may be included.** In Wisconsin, sellers sometimes negotiate a bump clause that allows them to consider another offer and gives the original buyer a specified opportunity to satisfy certain conditions or risk losing the property.

✅ **Preparation matters!** Having your current home ready to list, understanding its market value, and establishing a realistic timeline can help make your contingent offer more attractive.

**The takeaway?** Buying and selling at the same time can be complicated, but with the right strategy and contingencies, it's possible to coordinate both transactions successfully!

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Wisconsin real estate? Let's connect!

🌐 **SchubelRealty.com**

🏡 **Derek Schubel | First Weber Realtors**

Send a message to learn more

11/02/2026

Welcome back to the Milwaukee Walk Series!

This week we're taking another look at Walker's Point, one of Milwaukee's oldest neighborhoods and one of the original settlements that helped form the city in 1846.

With its historic brick buildings, former industrial warehouses, restaurants, shops, and local businesses, Walker's Point is a great example of how Milwaukee continues to evolve while preserving its history.

Follow along each week as we explore Milwaukee together!

If you're thinking about buying or selling in the Milwaukee area, I'd love to help!

schubelrealty.com

10/28/2026

🏡 **Real Estate Knowledge Wednesday: What Is an Appraisal Gap?**

Imagine finding a home you love, getting your offer accepted, and then finding out the home appraised for less than you agreed to pay.

That's where an appraisal gap comes into play!

An appraisal gap is the difference between a home's agreed-upon purchase price and its appraised value when the appraisal comes in lower.

Here's what buyers should know!

✅ **Let's look at an example.** You agree to purchase a home for $350,000, but the appraisal comes back at $340,000. That creates a $10,000 appraisal gap.

✅ **Your lender may not finance the full purchase price.** Lenders generally base their loan calculations on the lower of the purchase price or appraised value. A lower appraisal could mean bringing additional money to closing.

✅ **An appraisal gap clause can strengthen an offer.** In a competitive market, buyers sometimes agree to cover a certain amount of an appraisal shortfall. This can make an offer more attractive to sellers, but it also creates additional financial risk.

✅ **You may still have options.** Depending on your offer's contingencies and the lender's requirements, you might be able to renegotiate the purchase price, challenge the appraisal, or exercise applicable contractual protections.

**The takeaway?** Offering above asking price is one thing, but understanding what happens if the home doesn't appraise at your purchase price is just as important!

A strong offer isn't just about winning the house. It's about making sure you're financially prepared to close.

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Wisconsin real estate? Let's connect!

🌐 **SchubelRealty.com**

🏡 **Derek Schubel | First Weber Realtors**

Send a message to learn more

10/26/2026

🍂 **Milwaukee Walk Series | Episode 33: Grant Park & Seven Bridges Trail**

This week's Milwaukee Walk takes us to Grant Park in South Milwaukee, home to the beautiful Seven Bridges Trail! 🌳

From wooded ravines and winding trails to scenic bridges and Lake Michigan shoreline views, this park is a great reminder of just how much nature we have right here in the Milwaukee area.

And with the fall colors on display, it's an especially beautiful time to explore! 🍁

Have you ever walked the Seven Bridges Trail?

🏡 Thinking about buying or selling in the Milwaukee area? I'd love to help!

🌐 schubelrealty.com

10/21/2026

🏡 **Real Estate Knowledge Wednesday: What Does “As-Is” Actually Mean When Buying a Home?**

You've probably seen a home listed as being sold "as-is." But what does that actually mean for a buyer?

An as-is sale generally means the seller intends to sell the property in its current condition without making repairs before closing.

But there are a few things buyers should understand!

✅ **You can still have a home inspection.** Buying as-is doesn't automatically mean giving up your right to inspect the property. That depends on the contingencies included in your offer.

✅ **Sellers still have disclosure obligations.** In Wisconsin, an as-is sale doesn't automatically eliminate applicable property condition disclosure requirements or an agent's obligation to disclose known material adverse facts.

✅ **You should budget for potential repairs.** The seller may not be willing to address problems discovered during an inspection, so understanding the property's condition and possible repair costs is especially important.

✅ **As-is doesn't necessarily mean a bad home.** Some sellers simply don't want to manage repairs before moving. The property could still be a great opportunity at the right price!

**The takeaway?** As-is doesn't automatically mean no inspections, no disclosures, or no negotiation. It means understanding the property's condition and the specific terms of your offer is especially important.

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Wisconsin real estate? Let's connect!

🌐 **SchubelRealty.com**

🏡 **Derek Schubel | First Weber Realtors**

Send a message to learn more

10/19/2026

🌆 **Milwaukee Walk Series: Wisconsin Avenue | Episode 32**

Welcome back to my Milwaukee Walk Series! This week we're exploring Wisconsin Avenue, one of Milwaukee's most recognizable downtown streets!

From historic architecture and hotels to restaurants, entertainment, and the energy of downtown, Wisconsin Avenue offers a little bit of everything. It's one of those places where you can really appreciate how much Milwaukee has to offer just by taking a walk!

Follow along each week as we explore Milwaukee, one walk at a time!

🏡 Thinking about buying, selling, or moving in the Milwaukee area? I'd love to help!

🌐 schubelrealty.com

10/18/2026

🏡 TWO OPEN HOUSES TODAY! 🏡

Happy Sunday! ☀️ I'll be hosting two open houses today in Wauwatosa and Franklin. Whether you're looking for a spacious ranch or a low-maintenance condo, I'd love to show you around!

📍 WAUWATOSA | 9:00–11:00 AM
🏠 1231 N 121st St
💰 $445,000
🛏️ 3 Bedrooms | 🛁 1.5 Bathrooms
📐 1,596 Sq Ft
✨ Updated mid-century ranch with plenty of charm!

📍 FRANKLIN | 1:00–3:00 PM
🏠 10340 W Whitnall Edge Dr, Unit 103
💰 $186,900
🛏️ 2 Bedrooms | 🛁 2 Bathrooms
📐 940 Sq Ft
✨ Comfortable, low-maintenance condo living!

Stop by, explore these beautiful properties, and let's talk about your real estate goals!

📲 Can't make it today? Contact me to schedule a private showing.

Derek Schubel | First Weber Realtors
📞 (414) 360-3609

10/16/2026

🏡 TWO OPEN HOUSES THIS SUNDAY! 🏡

Looking for your next home? I'll be hosting two open houses this Sunday, October 18, and I'd love to see you there!

📍 WAUWATOSA | 9:00–11:00 AM

🏠 1231 N. 121st St, Wauwatosa

💰 $445,000

🛏️ 3 Bedrooms | 🛁 1.5 Bathrooms | 1,596 Sq Ft

Come explore this beautifully updated mid-century ranch featuring vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, a stone fireplace, and an updated kitchen!

📍 FRANKLIN | 1:00–3:00 PM

🏠 10340 W. Whitnall Edge Dr, Unit 103, Franklin

💰 $186,900

🛏️ 2 Bedrooms | 🛁 2 Bathrooms | 940 Sq Ft

Discover convenient, low-maintenance living in this first-floor condo featuring updated finishes, stainless-steel appliances, and a fantastic location near Whitnall Park!

✨ Whether you're actively house hunting, just starting your search, or simply curious, stop by and say hello!

Can't make either open house? I'd be happy to help arrange a private showing or talk through your home-buying goals.

📲 Derek Schubel | First Weber Realtors

📞 (414) 360-3609

🏡 Helping you find the right place to call home!

Wauwatosa listing courtesy of Real Estate Done Right Team, First Weber Realtors. Franklin listing courtesy of Rebecca Fischer, First Weber Realtors.

10/14/2026

🏡 Real Estate Knowledge Wednesday: What Is a Financing Contingency?

When you make an offer on a home, you may be relying on a mortgage to complete the purchase. That’s where a financing contingency comes in.

In simple terms, it makes the offer contingent on the buyer being able to obtain the financing outlined in the contract.

✅ It gives the buyer time to secure their loan.
A pre-approval is a great starting point, but the lender still needs to complete underwriting before the loan is finalized.

✅ The property matters too.
The lender isn’t only reviewing the buyer’s finances — they’re also making sure the property meets the requirements for the loan.

✅ There are deadlines involved.
A financing contingency typically includes specific dates and requirements that need to be followed during the transaction.

✅ It can provide important protection.
If financing ultimately can’t be obtained, the contingency may provide a way for the buyer to address or exit the transaction depending on the terms of the offer.

A financing contingency is one of several tools that can help protect a buyer, but the details matter. Understanding those terms before you write the offer is important.

Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Wisconsin real estate? Let’s connect.

🌐 SchubelRealty.com
🏡 Derek Schubel | First Weber Realtors