Century 21 Affiliated
Barry Shaw - CENTURY 21 Affiliated

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Barry goes above and beyond for each client whether buying or selling, regardless of the price point. WI and MN Licensed.
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A lot of people feel like they’ll never be able to buy a house due to current housing prices, interest rates, the economy, and competition for the houses available on the market.

The interesting thing is, that first sentence can pretty much apply to any year you read this…

It doesn’t really matter what decade or year it is, it almost always feels like buying a home will be forever out of reach for many potential first-time buyers.

But to be specific, it’s currently 2024, and the latest available data shows that 32% of all buyers were first-time homebuyers in 2023, which was arguably one of the most difficult markets to buy a home. And the year before that — also a historically difficult year to buy a home — 26% of buyers were first-timers. So, between a quarter and one-third of buyers show that it’s certainly possible!

This isn’t to say that it’s easy (or even possible) for everyone who wants to buy their first home. The chances are, you’ll feel stretched financially, and worried about whether the amount you pay will be too high, and you might not be able to get as nice or big of a house as you’d like.

But, here are 5 surprising feelings you’ll likely have in 20 years if you take the leap of faith and buy a house now:

1) Glad
You’ll be glad you got into the market when you did, because, regardless of how high you think real estate values are now, in 20 years the house you buy now is most likely going to be worth a lot more than it is today.

2) Wishful
It’s hard enough to afford one house at any given time in history based upon your current salary and savings. But, in the future, when you look back at how low prices used to seem, you’ll wish you actually bought more than one house when prices were lower.

3) Nostalgic
Even though your first house probably won’t be the dream house you envision, there’s a good chance it won’t even be the same house you live in 20 years from now. Many people live in their first home for some time, and as they pay down their mortgage and accrue some equity due to rising home values, they upgrade to a nicer home. But, even if that first house wasn’t the greatest, you’ll look back on it with fond memories.

4) Relieved
When you see how much more people are paying in rent than you are for your mortgage, you’ll be relieved that you have a consistent monthly mortgage payment that you locked in years before, and aren’t at the mercy of rental price increases.

5) Successful
Buying a home isn’t always easy, and there may be times that you struggle as a homeowner, especially in the early years when your budget is tight, but, yes… even 20 years from now. But no matter what it takes, you’ll get through those tough times. So, in a couple of decades, take a moment and take pride in how much you’ve accomplished, and the fact that you succeeded!


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What my clients are saying  

Barry is the best in the business! He exceeds expectations and truly cares about the people he is working with! Thanks Barry, we look forward to working with you again.

 

~ Kelli Joy

"Great experience would use Barry again. All worked out well. Excellent experience."

 

~ Collette

First time home buyer, and he was great to work with! I will definitely be using Barry in the future! Best guy in the business!

 

~ Jon K.

"Pleasure to work with. Answered all of our questions and always responded promptly. Made his schedule flexible to fit ours. Overall great experience."

 

~ Brad

"Barry helped my husband and I buy our first house. A lot of people advised me when I started talking about the home buying process that it was very stressful and time consuming. Yes, it felt a little stressful but I have to say buying our first house was a smooth transaction. Barry was excellent with communication. I prefer using my email since I don't always have my cell phone on me. Barry was very quick at replying to all my emails and was always very polite. Barry was also very professional when setting up showings for us, showing the house and at closing. When we received a counter offer on the house from the owner I wasn't sure how to go about it. Barry walked me through all possible options. The options he gave with his opinions felt trustworthy (he wasn't just trying to make the sell). I also really liked that Barry was laid back. He has a calm and friendly demeanor, made him a pleasure to work with!"

 

~ Katarina

I chose to work with Barry because he was recommended by a good friend. Barry was amazing. The process went smoothly because he constantly kept us up to date on EVERYTHING. I have already recommended Barry to a few people.

 

~ Liz

I was purchasing this home from out of state and Barry carefully chose a beautiful home for me and my price range.He carefully listened and answered all questions and was always available.I would highly recommend him!This was the perfect place to come home to.

 

~ Mike

This realtor is more on selling your home and investing his time and money into it. He works with you and is very respectable of your home. I have not found another realtor that cares about you selling your home instead of how much money they make. He is the best by far!! I have also heard from others how nice this person is and how helpful he is; who goes out of his way to please!

 

~ KT N

Barry was wonderful to work with, especially as I was a first-time home buyer and being completely novice with the home buying process. From working with me on affordable homes and proffering advice, and knowing when it was right to delegate concerns as appropriate, Barry definitely knew my needs and interests in a home. His approach is no-nonsense. Definitely not pushy. On the contrary -- On the day I saw the home of my dreams, there were still a couple homes on the list to check out and he had asked me if I was sure I didnt want to see them. I'd said no, but it was fantastic he encouraged me to try one or two other homes. But even my mum has an old adage - when the right house is found, one knows straightaway that is the one. And he was very helpful for a post-sale issue too. Am most grateful! And he's right - living in Wisconsin is fantastic. Barry is highly recommended - again, much thanks!

 

~ David

If you are looking for a new home Barry Shaw is your guy. He is excellent! He found us the home of our dreams and helped us with all of our questions through closing. Thank you Barry!!

 

~ Robb

Barry understands all the emotions you go through when buying/selling your home. He responded to emails quickly. He set up home showings quickly for my husband and I to view. His negotiation skills are excellent. I highly recommend Barry to sell your house or find the house you always wanted! He found the perfect house for my family.

 

~ Jennifer

It was very enjoyable to have Barry show us houses in Prescott,WI. and surrounding areas. He was responsive in showing us the homes we were interested in, with no pressure. He was very helpful.

 

~ MC

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