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irst-time homebuyers may finally get some relief in 2025, as the Milwaukee-area housing market shows signs of improvement. In January, local home sales rose 7.1% year-over-year and listings increased by 10.9%, according to data from the Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors. This uptick in listings suggests homeowners are adjusting to higher mortgage rates by putting their homes on the market, even if it means accepting a higher rate for their next property. For buyers, this is welcome news as they face fewer options due to the housing shortage. However, the supply of new housing remains insufficient to meet demand, with only 2,151 permits issued in the four-county metro area through the end of 2024. The market's recent gains are a positive sign, but it's too early to tell if this trend will continue, as listings have come from an all-time low.