So you wanna get started investing in Milwaukee and you’re checking things out, eh?
Good for you. Always do your homework and you won’t get schooled.
Here’s some great tools that we’ve found and we use from time to time and great real estate investing resources in Milwaukee for investors here locally to tap into for quick research on your investment deals.
The best thing is most of these sites below are completely free!
Here’s a few sites you should get to know:
1. Zillow
Zillow is the biggest, baddest real estate website on the block, and its reach is just as formidable in the Milwaukee market. They’re not just building data—they’re building wealth for those who know how to use it. The CEO of Zillow, Spencer Rascoff, has often touted their “living database of all homes” as a game-changer, and for good reason. But let’s be real—the Zestimate tool, while handy, is notorious for being off in certain markets, including right here in Milwaukee.
That’s why it’s crucial to not just rely on what the computer spits out. Dive deep into Zillow’s data, especially the historical sales in Milwaukee’s diverse neighborhoods—from Bay View’s bustling market to the quieter streets of Riverwest. I’ve spent countless hours analyzing these details, and one thing I’ve learned is this: understanding the psychology behind pricing in Milwaukee is key. Why did that duplex in Brewers Hill sell at that price? What motivated the seller? These aren’t just numbers—they’re stories, and every sale adds a piece to the larger puzzle of Milwaukee’s market dynamics. Zillow is an awesome tool for investors to get to know their markets.
And here’s a pro tip: don’t just look at the sale prices—pay attention to how long properties stay on the market and any price changes. This will give you an edge in predicting market trends and making informed investment decisions. Zillow is a powerful tool, but like any tool, its value depends on how you use it.
2. Craiglist
Craigslist is an awesome site. There’s huge deals there, if you spend the time on the site. People write terrible ads for great properties. Happens every hour of every day across WI. Sometimes the best properties only get one terrible ad. So you’ve got to scour.
3. LoopNet
LoopNet is the granddaddy of commercial real estate investing, and if you’re serious about making waves in Milwaukee, this is the site you need to have bookmarked. This platform is where the big deals go down—if you’ve got a massive building that needs to catch the eye of institutional investors, LoopNet is your stage. But don’t get too comfortable, because the competition here is fierce. Great deals do pop up, but snagging them is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle—you’ve got to be quick, savvy, and well-connected.
If you’re a Grade-A investor working with one of Milwaukee’s top brokers, you stand a chance to win those bids. I remember when I first spotted a historic warehouse in the Third Ward listed on LoopNet. It was a gem, but I knew I wasn’t the only one with my eyes on it. By working closely with my broker, who had deep ties in the Milwaukee commercial real estate scene, I was able to navigate the bidding process and secure the property. That deal taught me that LoopNet isn’t just a marketplace—it’s a battlefield, and only those who truly understand the local market dynamics and have the right team can come out on top.
Beyond the deals, LoopNet is an education in itself. Spend some time exploring the listings, and you’ll start to see patterns—what types of properties are moving, where the money is flowing, and how major players are positioning themselves in Milwaukee. From the new developments in Downtown to the more industrial offerings in the city, LoopNet will show you how the big money is moving, and if you’re paying attention, you’ll learn how to move with it.
4. Auction.com
Just like its name suggests, Auction.com is a big clearinghouse of auctions, — foreclosures, REOs, short sales, distressed properties, land, new construction — you name it, they probably sell it.
Definitely check out the auction calendar, and make a trip to visit some Milwaukee auctions. You never know who you might meet at an auction – maybe your future business partner?
5. Realtor.com
The largest place to search the MLS (multiple listing service), Realtor.com is sometimes confusing and often doesn’t seem consistent with what data it displays.
But it’s got some neat search alerts and other tools that help you get alerted when a broker in your neighborhood has added a listing. If you’re serious about investing, you probably want to form a good relationship with an excellent Realtor, rather than just the website.
6. Walkscore
Most investors overlook Walkscore.com – a big mistake.
Walkscore tells you a ton about any given address. It tells you how a potential renter or buyer will evaluate it – what’s nearby and how long it takes to access.
It’s also a fantastic tool to target areas that are underpriced for their amenities. If an area has a really high walkscore and low prices, chances are good that prices will rise in the next few years. There’s big exceptions – but walkability is a really key factor in Milwaukee investment.
Those tools will help you to understand the Milwaukee area market, if you take the time to use them. Do your homework, and understand the market before you start dumping your hard-earned money into a property.
You can always give us a call (920) 851-9727 – we love to partner up with investors, and we’ve got great terms.
If you’re looking to access to local Milwaukee investment properties, great!