Shorewest, Realtors: To participate in Nationwide Open House Weekend

Contact:

Wendy Norem

Marketing Director

Shorewest, Realtors®

(262) 827-4111, ext. 232

wnorem@shorewest.com

Shorewest to Host Over 500 Open Houses This Weekend to Bring Buyers and Sellers Together

Brookfield, WI. Demand for real estate is much stronger, and the spring housing market of 2013 is projected to be one of the best in years. This weekend, real estate agents from coast- to-coast will host thousands of open houses as part of the REALTOR® Nationwide Open House Weekend. On April 20 and 21, Shorewest sales associates will hold over 500 open houses all weekend long, bringing buyers and sellers together.

“This nationwide event offers buyers the chance to visit some of the many homes in their local area while learning more about homeownership,” said Joseph A. Horning, president of Shorewest, REALTORS® “Open houses are also an opportunity for agents to connect with consumers in their communities about the housing issues that matter most to them.”

Shorewest sales associates will be available at open houses to answer consumer questions about the home buying process and local market conditions.

According to the Home Price Expectation Survey, the latest data from a nationwide panel of economists, real estate experts and market strategists project 2013 home values to be up an average of 4.6% year end. With reports like this and the rental market becoming both more expensive and more competitive, buying a home still remains more affordable than renting in all 100 large metropolitan areas, according to Trulia’s Chief Economist Jed Kolko.

“Homeownership matters to individuals, families, communities and our nation’s economy,” said Horning. “The housing market plays a vital role in both the long- and short-term health of this country. Homeownership is not just an investment in your future; it’s an investment in the future of generations to come.”

Homeownership is still part of the American Dream, according to the latest survey by JPMorgan Chase. Owning a home is at the heart of most Americans’ ideas for the future, and people are saving as much as possible to achieve this dream. Most people believe that homeownership is a good financial investment, and compared to six months ago, nearly two times as many potential first-time homebuyers are optimistic about being able to put money down on a home over the next six months.

“Realtors® believe that anyone who is able and willing to assume the responsibilities of owning a home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream,” said Horning. “Realtors® know what matters most to buyers and sellers in this area and have the expertise and knowledge to help you achieve the dream of homeownership.”

To view all of our open houses this weekend, use our Open House Property Search Tool <http://www.shorewest.com/vp/SearchServlet?ListingSearch=TRUE&SITE=SHOREW&ScreenID=SEARCH_LISTING_POPEN&SEARCH_NAME=SEARCH_LISTING_POPENHOME> on shorewest.com .

Through 65 years and three generations of leadership, Shorewest, REALTORS® has served the housing needs of Wisconsin. From the vision of one man to the power of 1,400, Shorewest has grown to include 23 sales offices and a family of in-house relocation, mortgage, title and insurance services. In 2012, Shorewest was named one of southeastern Wisconsin’s Top Workplaces and 35th in the nation.

Shorewest, Realtors® is Wisconsin’s largest home seller, a position it’s held since 1951. Shorewest currently controls more than 27% of the metro-Milwaukee real estate market, according to Metro Milwaukee MLS.

With innovative services such as its mobile website and apps for iPhone, iPads and iPod Touches and Androids, its 24-hour Shorewest TV channel (available on over-the-air channel 58.4, Time Warner Cable digital channel 984, as well as Charter digital channel 966 and OnDemand™ channels 1 and 999 in Rock County only), Home Services coordinators, user-friendly bilingual hotline and comprehensive internet site, Shorewest leads in using technology to ensure customer satisfaction. Shorewest, Realtors® also specializes in marketing fine homes. As a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™, it is a part of Luxury Portfolio, which features the most comprehensive view of luxury-tier properties on the Internet.