GCU News & Blog

Author: Peter Livingston

  • Why Stevens Point, WI Real Estate is a Smart Investment in 2025

    Ever thought about investing in the US Midwest? Me neither, but it may actually be a good place to buy investment properties. From lower median sale prices to a solid economy and consistent growth year over year, there’s a lot to consider. As I’m sure you know, real estate is a long-term investment strategy, meaning we aren’t looking for a super-fast cash cow. Instead, we’re looking for a stable, year-over-year investment that will cash flow and build decent equity.

    Stevens Point WI Market Overview

    To understand the market, the first place we need to look is where it sits right now. The Stevens Point, WI Real Estate Market has a median sale price of $234,950 with 20 homes sold and a median days on the market of 54, according to MK Real Estate, a local brokerage. This is lower than the Wisconsin median sale price of $316,200. While simply comparing median sale prices doesn’t say much for investments, what we care about is where prices are heading.

    The answer, much like the rest of the country, is upward. For Stevens Point, it’s at a rate of 13.5% year over year, which is double the Wisconsin average of 6.2% year over year. Plenty of factors contribute to this growth, from strong economic conditions to ample higher education options and much more.

    Strong Economic Fundamentals

    One of the largest factors making Stevens Point, WI a solid investment is its access to higher education. Stevens Point is home to two higher education institutions: the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) and Mid-State Technical College. This supports one of the most important factors for economic growth: median age. Stevens Point has a median age of 28.4 compared to Wisconsin’s median age of 40.1. That’s a stark difference and incredibly important for gauging if the economy will grow.

    Another major factor is the presence of two large corporations hiring directly from local colleges. Sentry Insurance, a Fortune 1000 company, has its main headquarters in Stevens Point. It even has a beautiful golf course, if I may add. The second company is Skyward, which, while smaller than Sentry, employs upwards of 1,000 people, primarily in Stevens Point. Keep in mind that Stevens Point’s population is only around 25,000.

    Population Growth and Demand for Housing

    Speaking of population, let’s look at demographics and population growth as these are key factors in choosing investment locations.

    Stevens Point Demographics:

    • Age: As mentioned earlier, the median age in Stevens Point is much lower than the rest of Wisconsin at 28.4. A lower median age means more working years within the population.
    • Education: Stevens Point has a slightly higher than average rate of higher education at 37.6% compared to the Wisconsin Average of 33.8%. Education is often a solid predictor of income later in life.
    • Income: The one downside in Stevens Point is income, which isn’t surprising given its lower median age and college-town status. The median income is $53,611 compared to the Wisconsin median of $74,631.
    • Employment: Despite lower-than-average income, most likely due to the college, Stevens Point boasts a higher-than-average employment rate at 67.6% compared to the state average of 63.4%.

    Attractive Neighborhoods and Community Amenities

    Stevens Point is divided into two main sections: the college area and the general population area. Let’s start by focusing on the college section. This is where you’ll find the younger population and, not surprisingly, the highest margins for real estate investment. On this side of town, there are numerous amenities provided by UWSP, such as Schmeeckle Nature Reserve, sports fields, a variety of restaurants, and a steady supply of entertainment from the college.

    The general population also boasts quite a few notable places. One being the Stevens Point Area Visitor Center where you can go to find out just about anything about the community. Stevens Point is right on the Wisconsin River with parks all around and if your thirsty check out the Stevens Point Brewery! MK Real Estate Actually says this about Stevens Point WI

    Life in Stevens Point means enjoying the beautiful Wisconsin River, local breweries, and great schools, which makes it a perfect place to raise a family or settle down. With lots of parks and recreational activities, you’ll never run outta things to do. So why not come take a look at the homes for sale in Stevens Point and see what all the fuss is about?

    Stevens Point boasts plenty to do and drink. Which makes it quite attractive to outsiders especially if they want a higher education.

    Investment Opportunities and Types

    In Stevens Point, you’ll want to look at college housing, as it offers the highest investment margins. This means focusing on single-family homes with large bedroom counts and multi-family units. An investment here may actually be more affordable than in other places, with the average home price around $235K. Let’s look at an example.

    For this we will look a house currently listed at 1540 Clark Street, Stevens Point, WI 54482. The home is listed for $289,900 and is estimated to have a monthly payment of $1,912 with insurance and property taxes say $2,300 per month.

    Clark Street is a 9-bedroom home, meaning we could rent it to 9 college students. Being within walking distance of UWSP, we could likely rent it for $450 per person, bringing in $4,050 in monthly revenue and $1,750 in cash flow. Keep in mind, though, that this is on paper, and real-life scenarios don’t always match up perfectly.

    Expert Insights and Testimonials

    Stevens Point has plenty of Investors including a new apartment complex downtown Stevens Point at 1060 Centerpoint Dr, Stevens Point, WI 54481. There is definitely no shortage in Stevens Point including Michael Kurlayk from MK Real Estate who we mentioned earlier. Think about it why wouldn’t it be a great investment if people talk about it like this

    Life in Stevens Point means enjoying the beautiful Wisconsin River, local breweries, and great schools, which makes it a perfect place to raise a family or settle down. With lots of parks and recreational activities, you’ll never run outta things to do. So why not come take a look at the homes for sale in Stevens Point and see what all the fuss is about?

    Stevens Point, WI real estate offers a great investment opportunity, especially for those interested in college housing and a growing community. With a low median age, high employment rate, high education rate, and an abundance of activities, Stevens Point, WI could be an ideal spot for your next investment property.

  • Best Neighborhoods to Invest in Dallas Real Estate: Where Water Damage Restoration Services and Mosquito Exterminators Are Essential

    Are you looking to move to a great neighborhood in  Dallas? You could consider places like Deep Ellum, Wilshire Heights, and The Cedars, among others. Whichever one you pick, you want to be living in good conditions.

    That’s why you want to make sure that you find reputable water damage restoration services in your Dallas area. That and mosquito exterminators. Here’s why you need to know the best ones of both of these: 

    Water Damage Can Lead to Mold and Other Concerns

    There are a lot of things that you might notice on the outside of your new Dallas home. They include things like broken tiles, chipped paint, and other blemishes. Water damage, which can be from rain or a sewer line issue,  can be a bit more insidious, lurking behind the walls or in the attic.

    As a result, the structure can weaken and mold can form, which can be a health risk. That’s where water damage restoration experts can play a big part in getting your place back in the condition that you need it to be in for quality living. Contact them as soon as you think there’s a problem.

    Mosquitoes Are a Risky Pest

    The problem with water damage too is that there’s a lot of standing water, and that’s a set-up that mosquitoes love. They lay their eggs there and then set about biting you and your family. The itchy welts are bad enough, but there’s also the risk of disease. 

    That’s where the exterminators come in post-water damage restoration. They can spot where the mosquitoes are coming from and get rid of them for you. Afterward, you can use their expertise to learn how to keep the mosquitoes away. 

    Use the Best Methods to Find These Experts

    There are quite a few ways that you can locate the best experts for your situation for the best price. You can do things like asking friends and family who live in the area, seeing if any are doing work in your neighborhood, or you can even use the Internet to find them. Once you’ve done that, you can contact them. 

    Explain your situation—they may come for a free inspection. Make sure that they are licensed and insured for the work that they are going to do. Then see about the price and availability and make your decision. 

    Whether you have to leave your place while they do the work depends on the extent of the damage or the mosquito infestation. The experts will tell you this when they take a look. Then they’ll get to work on getting your place back into the condition that you want. 

    If you make sure that your place has no more water damage or any lingering mosquitoes after the professionals have left, that’s going to help increase the quality of life in your Dallas neighborhood. It’s important to be proactive, since if you wait, it could impact your health in a very negative way. By doing this, you’ll make yourself and your family very happy and healthy, which will make it worth it.

  • Selling Your Mobile Home Fast During Different Seasons

    Selling a mobile home has several other considerations, especially if one is aiming at selling it fast. Unlike stick-built houses, mobile homes tend to attract a very select group of potential buyers; timing plays an important role in this. The time of the year will affect buyer interest, financing options, and even the condition of the home. Knowing just how to tap into each season’s strengths will help mobile homeowners bring in serious buyers and close deals with more efficiency. The following are the ways to maximize the chances of selling your mobile home, at any given time or season.

    Spring: The Prime Season for Mobile Home Sales

    Generally, spring is one of the best times to sell any property, including mobile homes. As the weather warms up, buyers are pretty much out in the open looking for new houses to accommodate themselves. In the case of mobile homes, spring proves to be an especially great season because families and people seek new beginnings. Those buyers who have been waiting through the winter months often resume their home search, therefore making it very competitive for sellers.

    To have a successful spring sale, make sure in advance that the curb appeal is improved. Clean the outside, trim bushes that have grown too big, and add some new flowers to make the mobile home inviting. Spring is a great time to clean up clutter and deep clean; this will make your mobile home more desirable to potential buyers. If you want to sell fast, make sure any repairs are done in advance. Buyers are more likely to put in immediate offers on homes that are pretty move-in ready.

    Summer: Capturing a Broader Audience with Outdoor Appeal

    Summer is a very active season for sales of mobile homes. Longer days, and usually great weather, make it easy for buyers to tour homes and really envision themselves in their new space. Families with children often want to get settled in prior to the start of the school year, adding an element of urgency to summer purchases. Mobile home parks may see more visitors during this time, which could give your listing more exposure if you are located in a community setting.

    When it comes to selling your mobile home in summer, focus on outdoor spaces. If your home has a deck or patio, stage it with outdoor furniture so buyers can picture themselves using that nice weather outside. Also, make sure the lawn is well-maintained or the garden litter-free because most buyers in this season would overly appreciate the property’s exterior. It is also a good time to emphasize energy-efficient upgrades, like air conditioning or insulation, since this may be one of the selling points with potential buyers who enjoy comfort on very hot days this summer.

    Fall: Appealing to the Last-Minute Buyers

    Although the pace often slows down by fall in home buying, that does not mean there is no opportunity. The fall entices a more other class of buyer contrary to the expectation, who is forced to find a home before the end of the year. In this attempt, you would be having prospects to sell your mobile home in quick time. Many of the fall buyers look for bargains, so consider highlighting any recent upgrades to justify your asking price.

    With your mobile home, highlight its comfort and coziness with minor seasonal decor adjustments. A few fall decorations, such as a wreath on the door or pumpkins by the steps, bring in warmth and character many fall buyers find appealing. Plus, this can be a great time to tackle those maintenance projects-such as making sure the heating system is in good working order-that will be a real selling point as cooler temperatures arrive. Just a little seasonal styling can make your mobile home pop, and be certain to attract serious buyers.

    Winter: Navigating a Slower Market with Strategic Marketing

    Winter is traditionally the slowest season of the year in real estate, and mobile homes are no different. On the other hand, if you know just what to do, it is possible to attract serious buyers-such as people who must move because of a job change or because they need immediate relocation. At this time of year, targeted and streamlined marketing becomes paramount in finding these dedicated winter buyers. The best avenues within which this could be done are through allying oneself with Tar Heel Mobile Home Buyers. This is a team that is quite conversant with the more specific local market waters and accelerates completely to sell even at the dead of winter.

    Choosing the Right Selling Strategy for Each Season

    Each season brings different challenges and advantages, and by linking that to the time of year, it may go a long way in distinguishing how fast your mobile home will sell. Emphasizing outdoor appeal and readiness of the home for moving in will make it very attractive in spring and summer to families and first-time buyers. Going into fall and winter of the year, appeal to the urgency of lastminute or motivated buyers. Make it cozy, then, and really push practical features-insulation, heating efficiency.

    Working with a real estate agent who specializes in mobile homes or a direct buyer familiar with your market can also streamline the selling process. Agents and buyers with experience in mobile home transactions understand the nuances of these sales and can offer valuable advice on pricing, timing, and marketing strategies that match seasonal buyer behaviors.

    Preparing for a Quick Sale Year-Round

    And the way to make it market-ready the whole year round is simply maintenance, maintenance, and more maintenance. Fix minor things before they become major repairs. Keep your mobile home clean and uncluttered. This will also update the listing photos seasonally. It’s a simple way to make the listing look fresh, even when you don’t actually sell it until sometime later in the year. And be prepared to negotiate; motivated buyers are often looking for a good deal.

    Selling a mobile home quickly requires much understanding of, and adaptation to, seasonal market trends. Whether it is the competitive spring market, the family-focused summer, the motivated fall buyers, or the persistent winter searchers, each season offers unique opportunities for a quick sale. Each of these inches one toward finding the right buyer at the opportune time by playing up the strengths of the particular season in which the sale is being made.

  • 4 Expert Strategies For Investing In Luxury Condos

    Luxury condominium investment in 2024 will be a great avenue for investors who seek high returns and portfolio diversification. It can be observed that the luxury real estate market is resilient in growth, while current notable trends shape investment strategies.

    For instance, inventory and sales of luxury homes have dramatically improved in the first four months of 2024; single-family luxury homes have increased 104.4% in sales since January, while attached luxury homes are seeing an increase in sales of 86.5% in the same period.

    Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash

    The luxury condo market in Miami has shown stability, with sales for newly built luxury condos improving by 14.1% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2024. 

    These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the luxury condo market in 2024, presenting investors with opportunities to capitalize on favorable market conditions.

    Critical Considerations For Investing In Luxury Condos

    Investing in luxury condos offers both potential high returns and a strong diversification asset in a well-rounded portfolio. However, to secure a profitable investment, investors need a clear understanding of the critical factors influencing this market. 

    From location advantages to amenities and financial commitments, each component plays a significant role in determining the potential of luxury condo investments. 

    By focusing on these aspects, investors can strategically position themselves to optimize returns and make well-informed decisions in the dynamic luxury real estate market.

    Location Matters: Choosing Prime Spots for Luxury Condo Investments

    The value, appreciation potential, and rental income of luxury condominiums are significantly defined by their location. Long-term investment in cities with more stable economic growth, tourism appeal, and demand for luxury tends to perform a little better.

    Popular destinations include Miami, New York City, and Los Angeles due to their demanding markets and limited supply of premium properties. In site selection, an investor must take into consideration accessibility to neighbourhood facilities, ease of locational access to amenities and other attractive areas, the feel for local property taxation, zoning restrictions, and developmental trends.

    Communities offering relatively advantageous tax environments and plans for high-class development or infrastructural improvement yield a higher return to the investor compared to communities without such amenities. Additionally, the investor is supposed to research local tenant-landlord laws if their intention is to rent the property.

    In that way, by very careful consideration of the neighborhood and city, luxury condos can maximize potential earnings and resale value over time.

    Amenities: What Luxury Condo Buyers Expect

    Luxury condos are increasingly attracting high-end buyers due to their unique amenities, including a fitness centre, rooftop pool, concierge services, and smart home technology. Amenities add to lifestyle and convenience, therefore becoming a favored choice of both buyers and renters in the luxury sector. Other wellness features related to spas, yoga studios, and meditation rooms are in demand as people are including wellness-oriented lifestyles in their daily lives. Among other high-demanded amenities are private outdoor spaces, hi-tech security systems, and private parking, more so in the urban setting.

    Eco-friendly amenities, such as energy-efficient appliances, green rooftops, and sustainable building materials, resonate with environmentally conscious buyers. These features not only increase a property’s marketability but also align with the preferences of modern, luxury-focused clients seeking both comfort and responsible living.

    Condominium Fees and Financial Implications: Planning for Long-Term Costs

    Condominium fees are a major factor that can really take a dent out of the return on investment in a luxury condo. Basic costs include maintenance of shared spaces, amenities, security, and utilities. The amount will depend on the property quality and quantity of amenities.

    The luxury condos with rooftop pools, 24 concierges, and exercise rooms will have much higher monthly costs. Investors thus need to tally these costs against the final expenditure in cash flow terms and profitability. It is important to also research the condo association’s financial health and its reserve fund, as a well-managed fund will be able to pay for repairs and maintenance without assessing special assessments against the residents. The possible assessments would involve added fees from the residents for major repairs or enhancements not covered by the budget. The various condominium fees should be evaluated in terms of tax consequences and in relation to local market conditions.

    By carefully examining the condominium fees, investors will not face any hidden expenses and can assure that the property will remain a feasible and profitable investment in years to come.

    Maintenance Responsibilities: What Luxury Condo Owners Need to Know

    There are some basic maintenances that all investors in luxury condos need to be aware of if they want to sustain the value of their property in the long run. Homeowners are supposed to keep up the units by maintaining things like fixtures, appliances, windows, and doors.

    While ownership of condos reduces maintenance in general, most high-end materials and fixtures may require specialized upkeep or repairs quite frequently. Understanding these needs will better enable owners to make appropriate decisions and potentially avoid an acceleration of deterioration in the premium finishes. Generally, condo associations have a list of maintenance responsibilities in the ownership agreement that outline where repairs are the responsibility of the owner and where they are the responsibility of the association.

    Investors must also review the policies governing changes or renovations because many of them will need board approval. Understanding these roles helps the property stay in good condition, thereby increasing its attractiveness to a would-be buyer or tenant.

    Photo by allPhoto Bangkok on Unsplash

    Wrapping Up

    In 2024, the luxury condo market continues to adapt to shifts in buyer expectations and broader economic conditions, with innovative developments emerging globally. Investors would benefit from keeping an eye on upcoming luxury projects in growth cities, as these locations can offer early entry points and favorable investment terms. 

    Staying informed on real estate technology trends—like AI-driven property analysis—can also provide a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving market.