Caramelized by Dunn-Edwards

 

Classic beige turns warm and earthy with Caramelized, the Dunn-Edwards 2025 color of the year. Caramelized is a shade of terra-cotta brown that puts a modern, sun-soaked twist on nostalgic neutrals. The soft color is versatile enough to fit any design style, from retro to contemporary.

“In the current fast-paced, high-tech age, we find ourselves drawn to more saturated and timeless colors to create personal spaces that feel welcoming, stylish, and grounded,” says Lauren Hoferkamp, lead color expert at Dunn-Edwards, in a press release. “When considering the draw to a mindset of ‘old is new,’ Caramelized emerged from our 2025 Color and Design Trends as a clear representation of this new year."

Consider pairing Caramelized with off-white or cream colors to make a room feel light and airy or with darker colors like navy or charcoal for a moody, modern feel. Caramelized also pairs beautifully with light wood accents, like natural wood trim or furniture.

Purple Basil by Glidden

 

Glidden by PPG introduced a stunning jewel tone—Purple Basil—for its 2025 color of the year. The hue is a rich, approachable, and welcoming shade of violet that can be easily used in any style of home, whether traditional or modern. Purple Basil merges design styles and signals a shift in what homeowners are looking for in their spaces—more color and fewer neutrals.

Asked to describe Purple Basil in three words, Ashley McCollum, PPG color expert for Glidden, calls it bold, opulent, and homey. She says the color is equally cozy and warm as it is opulent and rich, making it a perfect paint for those who want to dive into color but still want a sense of security. While shades of purple might have seemed difficult to incorporate in the past, Purple Basil makes the color feel more accessible.

Purple Basil can be used on both interior and exterior walls and features. McCollum predicts that homeowners will use the purple hue on both front doors and shutters, as well as on porch ceilings. Inside, she suggests the shade be used in offices and bathrooms, as well as on kitchen cabinets. Color-drench an entire space for an eye-catching statement or create contrast with patterned wallpaper. Be sure to get a sample first—depending on the paint’s finish or texture of the surface it’s applied to, the paint can morph into various shades, some leaning more blue and others more red.

2025 12 NY Resolutions for your home - MARCH: Spring Cleaning and Decluttering

 

MARCH 2025:
Spring Cleaning and Decluttering

Over the years, you’ve accumulated a surplus of personal belongings: home decor, spare linens, and duplicate kitchenware.

While collecting things can make a house a home, too much stuff can decrease your productivity and negatively impact your overall well-being.

Seize on the spring cleaning spirit and declutter your living space following these top tips:

DECLUTTER ONE ROOM AT A TIME

- Designate a “maybes” box and set a reminder to go through it in a month to make the final cuts.

- Check the expiration date on products and perishable goods and throw out expired items.

- Review your wardrobe seasonally and donate or toss any unwanted garments.

Believe it or not, a decluttered, organized home can help you progress towards your other New Year’s resolutions, such as saving money and living a healthier lifestyle.

For instance, a deep clean creates a healthier environment by removing dust and other irritants from the air that cause allergies. Decluttering also helps you save money as you rediscover forgotten items and avoid buying duplicates.

Decluttering your home is a game-changer if you’re planning to sell soon. A clean, organized space makes your home more appealing to buyers. Plus, it can generate an additional $11,706 in proceeds.

GMAR - February 2025

 

February 2025 - Report Highlights

• Sales Down 3.9% in February

• Listings Up 0.4%, for the 3rd Straight Month

• Average Sale Price Up 15.5% 

What you need to know about 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Milwaukee

The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival has hosted more than 140,000 people in Milwaukee the past two years. Now the motorcycle company is gearing up for the third annual festival, with help from Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr.

The country superstars and legends will headline two days of Veterans Park concerts, joining a list of past Homecoming headliners. The concerts will again be the centerpiece of the four-day Homecoming Festival.

Here's everything we know that you need to know. Come back to this story as the festival approaches for more updates. READ MORE

 

Rumors by Behr

 

Following the trend of deep, earthy hues, BEHR’s pick for color of the year is Rumors, a rich red shade with brown undertones. Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative services at BEHR, told us this color choice was inspired by the need for warmer neutrals that can also make a moody, bold statement. “Now we’re kind of transitioning into some of these warmer neutrals—ivories and creams and tans and taupes—we’re seeing those warmer neutrals starting to come to the forefront,” Woelfel says. “People are really starting to look for ways to bring those bolder colors, those edgier colors, into their home.”

Another reason to love this color choice is that it can adapt easily to any design style. “Rumors is undoubtedly a color that inspires creativity while being versatile enough to transform a space through large and small projects,” Andy Lopez, senior vice president and head of marketing for BEHR, said in a press release.

Use Rumors to add drama in the form of a bold accent wall, or lean into the shade’s sophisticated side by using it in a formal dining room, study, or living space.

Cinnamon Slate by Benjamin Moore

 

Benjamin Moore opted for a slightly moody, nature-inspired hue for their color of the year. Cinnamon Slate is a balanced mix of rich plum and smooth chocolate brown that the brand calls "adaptable, yet distinct." Cinnamon Slate was chosen because it is captivating on its own, but isn't so bold that it takes over a room. The paint color is part of the brand's 10-color palette, which features five warm and five cool shades that can be used in any combination for a subtle and relaxed pop of color.

“Cinnamon Slate is an inviting hue that offers enduing style and modern sensibility," Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore, said in a press release. "Its depth and richness bring an air of approachability and sense of comfort throughout the home, making it a new favorite for years to come."

Mapped Blue by Dutch Boy Paints

 

Dutch Boy Paints’ Mapped Blue is the brand’s pick for color of the year. The medium blue-gray hue has subtle yellow undertones and a slight hint of gray, helping it pair well with both warm and cool color palettes. The announcement is part of the brand’s Color Trends Forecast for 2025, which includes three curated color palettes that showcase the versatility of Mapped Blue.

“Our 2025 One-Coat Color Trend Forecast, with Mapped Blue at its core as Color of the Year, reflects the evolving needs of today’s homeowners,” Michelle Bangs, senior brand manager, said in a press release. “Through these three thoughtfully curated palettes, we hope to empower DIYers to create spaces that are both personally meaningful and enduring.”

Use the medium blue in both classic and contemporary interiors. It’s subtle enough to use on walls, while providing enough of a pop to be used as a space’s accent color as well.

2025 COTY - Mocha Mousse by Pantone

 

Pantone's 2025 pick for Color of the Year is Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a medium-shade brown that's both modern and sophisticated. Shades of brown are the design world's hottest neutrals at the moment, so this rich shade comes as no surprise.

"Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a press release.

Resembling the creamy combination of whipped chocolate and coffee, Mocha Mousse can be used as an indulgent shade in a luxurious formal setting, or as a timeless classic in a traditional living space.

2025 Color Capsule of the Year by Sherwin-Williams

Color Capsule of the Year by Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Year isn't actually one color—it's nine! In celebration of their 15th anniversary of announcing colors of the year, the brand traded their traditional single color pick for a stunning nine-color palette instead. Their 2025 Color of the Year Capsule includes nine of Sherwin-Williams' best-selling colors in complementary shades, so you can mix and match in any way you like. The capsule includes earthy browns, gray-blues, gold, green, mauve, white, and beige, and is made up of both trendy pops of color and timeless neutrals. READ MORE

 

Happy Valentine's Day from Team Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

 

Happy Valentine's Day from Team Hoffmann and our charity partner, Children's Miracle Network.

Click here for more info...

2025 Colors of the Year so far...

2025 Colors of the Year so far...

Saturated jewel tones, berry shades and moody neutrals are among the most popular colors this year.

The 2025 colors of the year are already starting to roll in, and we can't get enough of the rich, saturated shades. From a gorgeous jewel-tone blue to a deep, chocolate brown, these colors have been hand-picked by paint experts with the latest design trends in mind.   So far, the 2025 colors of the year are all about creating a cozy, relaxing atmosphere without sacrificing bold saturation. Whether you're looking to update your walls or refresh a tired piece of furniture, allow these gorgeous hues to inspire your next home renovation project.

 

2024 was another slow year for housing sales in the Milwaukee Area.

 

But some Milwaukee-area communities enjoyed surges...

Last year was another slow year for the Milwaukee housing market, as high mortgage rates and low inventory continued to dampen sales.

Overall Milwaukee-area home sale numbers hardly budged in 2024, following a historically slow 2023, according to an analysis by the Greater Milwaukee Area Association of Realtors.

Average home prices in the Milwaukee metro hit $443,605 in the fourth quarter of the year — up 6.2% since the year prior — reflecting pent-up buyer demand.

Still, some communities saw a surge in sales, demand and prices, according to GMAR's analysis of sales records. Here's a look at some of those "hottest communities" around the Milwaukee metro area... READ MORE

2025 12 NY Resolutions for your home - FEBRUARY: Replace/Upgrade Windows

 

February 2025:
Replace/Upgrade Windows

A warm home is a happy home. Make a new year’s resolution to replace drafty windows. While upgrading your windows in frigid February might seem counter-intuitive, it’s easier to book this project and secure a good deal in the industry’s off-season. Energy-efficient windows are better insulated and can save you up to 12% annually on your energy bills.

Plus, new windows increase your home’s value and marketability when it’s time to sell. This added value, combined with off-season installation savings, makes replacing your home’s windows one of the smartest investments you’ll make all year.

For optimal insulation, determine your home’s climate zone on EnergyStar.gov and purchase windows with a matching Energy Star label.

GMAR January 2025

 

January 2025 - Report Highlights

• Sales Up 7.1% in January, Good Start to 2025

• Listings Up 10.9% 

• Average Sale Price Up 14% 

Wisconsin homeowners can claim a tax credit from the lottery.

 

Here's how to make sure you're not missing out

The Wisconsin Lottery saw record high overall ticket sales of $981.7 million in 2023, its most recent financial report shows. About a third of that — or $319.7 million — went to property tax relief.

Since lottery tickets first went on sale in Wisconsin in 1988, the state constitution has required that all net proceeds go towards reducing property tax bills.

But that relief isn't automatically applied. Since 1999, property owners have been required to apply for the lottery and gaming credit in order to receive it.

Many homeowners are already receiving the credit on their bill because a previous owner applied in the past. But if you're a property owner who has never seen the lottery credit applied to your bill, you may still need to sign up.

Here's who qualifies for the credit and how to apply. READ MORE

The average home in Milwaukee sells for about $228,000. How that compares with suburbs.

The average home in Milwaukee sells for about $228,000. How that compares with suburbs.

It's been nearly five years since the pandemic supercharged the Milwaukee-area home market.

Now, in 2025, homes that were once affordable for the typical Milwaukee worker are selling for top dollar, as homebuyers compete for a limited supply of homes.

What does an "average" home look like anymore in the Milwaukee area? We searched in seven different communities across the region. Here's a look... READ MORE

2025 NY Resolutions for Your Home - TIP #4

 

Tips for Home Buyers

4. Work with a TEAM HOFFMANN 

Buying a home can feel overwhelming. Remember, we're here to guide you every step of the way...

Give us a call 414 - 897 - 0098.

Prepare for the New Year

Tips for Home Sellers

4. Partner with TEAM HOFFMANN

We have the market knowledge and connections to attract serious buyers.

No matter where your real estate journey takes you in 2025, preparation is key. With these tips and the right support, you’ll be ready to make your next move with ease. Here’s to a successful new year!

2025 NY Resolutions for Your Home - TIP #3

 

Tips for Home Buyers

3. Get Organized

Before starting your home search, gather essential documents. By doing so, you’ll ensure a smoother process when you find your dream home. Be sure to have:

   - Bank and income statements

   - Credit information

   - Tax returns

   - Personal identification 

Tips for Home Sellers

3. Make Updates and Finish Projects

Small upgrades can make a big impact on your home’s appeal. For example:

   - Declutter and organize

   - Freshen up with paint or minor repairs

   - Complete any lingering renovation projects

Well-maintained homes often sell faster and at better prices.

2025 NY Resolutions for Home Buyers & Sellers - TIP #2

 

Tips for Home Buyers

2. Monitor Your Credit

Credit scores can be tricky, but they’re critical for securing favorable mortgage rates. Therefore, aim for a score of 720 or higher to access the best deals. 

Here’s how to get there:

   - Pay your bills on time

   - Keep credit card balances low

   - Reduce your lines of credit to three or fewer

   - Check your credit report regularly for accuracy

Tips for Home Sellers

2. Set a Time Frame

If you have a target move date, establish your timeline early. For instance, account for:

   - Time to list and sell your home

   - The closing process

   - Your personal transition to a new property

We can help you back into an ideal timeline.

2025 NY Resolutions for Home Buyers & Sellers - TIP #1

 

Tips for Home Buyers

1.  Save Strategically to Purchase your Dream Home

While home prices may stabilize, interest rates remain high, and cash buyers are still active.

It might take time for significant changes to occur, so focus on building your savings. 

For example:

   - Bank your tax refund

   - Use coupons and take advantage of sales

   - Consider working an extra shift to boost savings

Tips for Home Sellers

1.  Research and Plan Ahead to Sell your Home

The market remains dynamic, with potential for high sale prices but unpredictable inventory. Consequently, it’s essential to do your homework:

   - Review local real estate reports

   - Understand current market conditions

   - Set realistic expectations regarding

      - Pricing

      - Timing

2025 New Year’s Resolutions for Home Buyers and Sellers

 As 2024 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect and plan for the year ahead. If your New Year’s resolution includes a new chapter in your real estate journey, we’re here to help! Whether you’re buying or selling a home in 2025, these tips will help you navigate the process with confidence.

Looking Back at 2024 - The past year brought high median home prices, high interest rates, and low inventory levels. As we head into 2025, many are wondering if now is the right time to make a move.

2025 12 NY Resolutions for your home - JANUARY: Add/Design a Home Gym

 

JANUARY 2025:
Add/Design a Home Gym

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to get fit in 2025, improve the odds of following through by creating a home gym. Start by decluttering that catch-all room, and then set up the space with these essential features:

1. Get a mirror with safety backing to keep an eye on your form and your progress.

2. Invest in some shock-absorbent rubber flooring.

3. Install an industrial fan to stay cool during high-intensity workouts.

4. Set up a smart TV for digital subscriptions and free YouTube workouts.

5. Purchase gym equipment specific to your fitness needs.

According to HomeAdvisor, building a home gym costs around $5,700 to $33,300, excluding the equipment. But don’t let the sticker shock fool you: A home gym practically pays for itself. Working out from home can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars a year, considering the average fitness membership costs up to $840 annually.

12 New Year’s Resolutions for a Happier, Healthier and More Valuable Home in 2025... One Month at a Time!

The beginning of 2025 brings a fresh opportunity to create a living environment that not only looks good but feels good, fostering a lifestyle that’s both happier and healthier. If you’re still refining your New Year’s resolutions, home improvements might just be the perfect addition to your list.

Our homes are more than just physical structures. They’re the backdrop to our daily lives, influencing our moods, productivity, and overall well-being. So this 2025, why not make resolutions that go beyond the usual fitness and career goals and consider upgrading and enhancing the space you call home? 

We’ve gathered recent remodeling data and spoke with top-selling real estate agents to curate a list of the best home improvement projects to tackle in the new year.

GMAR December 2024

December 2024 - Report Highlights

• Sales Through End of Year Up, But Lackluster Overall 

• Market Needs Thousands of New Units Despite Increased Listings 

• Metro Prices Up 6.2%, Averaging $443,605 

Happy New Year from Team Hoffmann - RE/MAX LAKESIDE

 

Happy New Year 2025