The #1 Reason Your Western Wisconsin Home Isn’t Selling: Buyers Can’t Afford the Payment (Here’s What to Do About It)

Hi, it’s Erica Lawton – Realtor®, farmagal for Western Wisconsin real estate.

Right now sellers keep telling me, “But Erica, the house down the road sold for MORE than my asking price last year!”

You’re 100% right… but that was then, and this is now.

Here’s the reality in November 2025:

• Interest rates are still elevated compared to 2020-2022
• Buyers are obsessed with monthly payment, not the pretty list price
• Inventory is up → more choices = more power back to buyers

That perfect young family who wants your 4-bedroom in Chippewa County? They’re pre-approved, but when the payment jumps over $2,800 a month, they keep scrolling.

What I’m doing for my sellers right now:

1. Pricing to the payment (not to your neighbor’s sale from 18 months ago)
2. Offering 2-1 buydown credits or seller-paid rate buydowns when it makes sense
3. Highlighting low-tax towns and rural areas where the payment actually works

Bottom line: The sellers winning today are the ones who price for today’s buyer, not yesterday’s headline.

If you’re on the fence about selling your home or acreage, let’s run the numbers together – no pressure, just facts. I’ll show you exactly what today’s buyer can actually afford in your neighborhood.

Shoot me a message – coffee’s on me (even if it’s just virtual)!

Erica Lawton Western Wisconsin Real Estate | Homes + Hobby Farms + Land 715-495-0456