In a relatively short amount of time we have seen radically different ways of thinking, and major change in certain thought patterns in the Waukesha County real estate market. Radical changes in personal beliefs, the ways homes are bought and sold, and the organization skills used to start and end the home buying, as well as the home selling process. These paradigm shifts displayed instill a whole new set of norms of what buyers, sellers, and real estate agents alike may have been used to, or perceived to be the former way of Real Estate. For years there was a fast cycle of bull-bear markets that changed relatively quickly. When this cycle began to take a lot longer other variables made adjustments in a like timely fashion. The real estate market and the correction we see taking place i... 09/19/2009

I must confess that when I walk by my home and am carrying boxes out I noticed a little tree growing out of the gutter. It dawned on me that I missed that area last year. Or at least I tell myself that to sound good. Proper maintenance of a home can start with keeping your gutters clean and free of debris. This can prevent ice damming in very cold and snowing areas, allow proper drainage away from the house, and can prevent small trees from growing in your gutters. I did make a note to clean those when I get back. Sure hope it does not escape me in the next couple days. Either way; I have a link explaining how to do it properly. I do like the option of hiring someone myself. The Waukesha County Real Estate market is about to have lots of leaves falling and now is the time to start think... 09/17/2009

Often in real estate finding a Waukesha county real estate agent can be difficult. Whether it is a Waukesha County commercial real estate agent or a Waukesha County residential real estate agent there are many. No different in the electrical contracting business. When I need or am looking for  great Waukesha County electricians I know I do not have to look any further than Dave Faretta of Monterey Electric. Dave Faretta, Cody Faretta, and the rest of the team at Monterey electric do an amazing job on small, large, and very large projects. That's why they are the Business pick of the week by Tom Braatz. The work you do is amazing, on time, affordable, and all our clients are absolutely happy as can be with the high quality service you provide. For all your electrical needs in all of Ocon... 09/16/2009

 If you are a first time home buyer you need to really get going if you want to buy a home and take advantage of the first time home buyer tax credit. If you are a seasoned buyer the deals are there for you as well. If you are interested in selling your home or even knowing what is my Waukesha County home worth please visit the on-line value below. If you have a look at the MLS search below and find what you are looking for, and still have a home to sell, the first step would be to get an idea of what type of funds you may have after the sale of your existing home. It's a busy time whether you are buying a home in Waukesha County or if you are selling a home in Waukesha County. The Waukesha County real estate market has so many nice homes to choose from. Driving through the City of Wau... 09/10/2009

South on Hwy 67 by Eagle, Wisconsin sits a magnificent place to visit, explore, and enjoy. It is called Old World Wisconsin. With a short drive you can step back into time and see how many immigrants made there way to Wisconsin, lived their life, and to see how life was lived in Wisconsin's historical times at Old World Wisconsin  Old World Wisconsin is a vivid re-creation of the working farmsteads and settlements established by European immigrants in America's heartland. You can walk down streets of yesterday and watch how life was. See farms with magnificent animals and primitive means of farming and the perseverance and work of a society with vision. See first hand the food preparations, kitchens, the one room school sessions, wonderful gardens and more. This is a great time for an i... 09/08/2009

This weekend is Labor Day weekend. It's baseball games, football games, back yard barbecues, family gatherings and the essence of celebrating the people of the United States that work and labor everyday. It is a weekend of rest for many, and Labor Day weekend has been celebrated for many years. Per  Wikipedia, Labor Day is defined as a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September. The holiday originated in Canada out of labor disputes ("Nine-Hour Movement") first in Hamilton, then in Toronto, Canada in the 1870s. In 1882, American labor leader Peter J. McGuire witnessed one of these labor festivals in Toronto. Inspired from Canadian events in Toronto, he returned the USA, to New York and organized the first American "labor day" on September 5 of the same year.... 09/04/2009

You say it is like living on vacation all year round when you are living on the lake in one of the homes located on one of the Waukesha County lakes in Lake Country in Waukesha County Yes, and even more so. They are wonderful, enjoyable, and living in one of the Waukesha County Lake homes is like being on vacation all year round.   The following is the activity that took place in the last 60 days per MLS data and is for Waukesha County. Currently there are 1407 active listings for There were 25 Sold Waukesha County real estate Waterfront properties There were 5 pending Waukesha County real estate properties located on Water There were 0 expired Waukesha County Lake properties There were 0 withdrawn Waukesha County real estate Lake properties It's a beautiful day in Waukesha County and I... 08/30/2009

In this installment of  Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#5-6) we will talk about the need to find a Waukesha County Real Estate agent that is very well connected; a support system and company, an active Internet presence, and the use of technology in in their business. I would be pretty fair and correct in saying that you could get any Waukesha County real estate agent to tell you they can get the job done, but there are many factors that can help you make a better and more informed decision about selecting the agent that can get the property listed, find you the right property, and get you to a successful closing with everything all addressed and followed in a correct manner. I have plenty of friends that own their own company and they ... 08/23/2009

    PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!  HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website     HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website   HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website   Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php Se Habla Espanol!       kjohnston@remax.net , kjjj1234@gmail.com , 414-254-6647 www.activerain.com/kristinjohnston www.LinkedIn.com    www.kristinjohnston.com  www.ecademy.com    www.realtor.com , www.naymz.com www.zoominfo.com www.facebook.com www.plaxo.com www.trulia.com www.myspace.com   www.postlets.com , www.perfectnetworker.com   www.loopnet.com www.konnects.com www.twitter.com www.wordpress.com www.congoo.com  www.xing.com corporate websi... 08/23/2009

 Where I once saw multi millionaires I see older couples just trying to survive. I see younger couples trying to survive. My grandmother used to say "When poverty comes in the door, love can go out the window." I'm hoping she was very wrong in reference to these days. Money can breed arguments. The lessons that were learned from an economy have been very hard for some, unbearable for others, and devastating to many. Where I once saw the epitome of health I can see frailness and illness take it's toll on people. Life is short, very short. It is not a dress rehearsal and everyday is a gift and it's time that we will never get back. Where I once saw happiness and satisfaction I can see sadness, worry, fear, and people just grasping on for a brief prayer of reprieve from the suffering they ... 08/18/2009

Sunday, August 23rd is the date for the Love for Life Benefit at Roosevelt Park in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.  There is no charge to attend, many parts of the event are free with donations being accepted and all proceeds from this event will benefit the Beccee Smith- Kujawa family.  Beccee is the mom of two young girls fighting stage three lung cancer.  This event will include performances by the Eddie Butts, Rhythm Kings and  Love Monkeys Bands.  It will also include a beer and wine tent, food from great local vendors, silent auctions, drawings and more! Kids’ activities will include magicians, children’s Idol contest, arts and crafts, face painting, and bounce houses.  No matter what your interests, everyone is bound to have a great time.   Beccee is a professional singer, a non-smoker a... 08/17/2009

The City of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin is truly a beautiful city; it literally has everything that makes a great city enjoyable; a clean and wonderful atmosphere, a wide range of restaurants and shops that require many visits back to thoroughly enjoy them, and amazing people; lots of amazing people. One thing that is very unique to Oconomowoc  is the fact that it is has picturesque and beautiful lakes within your eye site and seconds a way. Lac La Belle is a Lake that is charming by all definitions. Fowler Lake is smaller but equally charming and the City Park known as Fowler Park is a gem. They have movies in the park some nights in Fowler park. Thursday all the activity was moved to downtown Oconomowoc where the streets where closed to celebrate the 70 year anniversary of the movie The Wiz... 08/15/2009

Now that I got your attention there is a certain logic to getting on a Waukesha County Lake and I am proud that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources does such a great job of maintaining the public boat accesses. many of these are free; my son and I went fishing and boating on Golden Lake in Waukesha County. The access/boat launch  was free and the parking was right across thestreet; complete with a bathroom. The one in this post is on Silver Lake in the town of Summit (Oconomowoc). The Silver Lake boat access is free, has a parking lot across the street, and is very nice. The Waukesha County Real Estate market has many boat accesses in the County. Some of them have a fee, but there are the ones that are free. So if you wanted to get on any of the  lakes in Waukesha County and m... 08/12/2009

It's a beautiful day in Waukesha County and I would be glad to, and if you need more information don't hesitate to email me at tom@tombraatz.com or call me at 262-377-1459. Waukesha County real estate is very alive this week, and it has been for awhile. The Waukesha County Lakes are thriving with activity, lots of fun, and they have all the makings of enjoyment and contentment on each and everyone of them. The Waukesha County Lake Homesare simply beautiful. When you are looking for  Waukesha County Real estate agents I am one  that knows Waukesha County lake properties well please feel free to give me a call. I welcome the opportunity to talk you about the many beautiful Waukesha County lake property Currently there are 352 active listings for Waukesha County Lake Property with Water fr... 08/10/2009

Few know that the impact the dairy business in Wisconsin has on the state's economy is more than twice that of the citrus industry's impact on Florida's economy and nearly nine times the economic impact as Idaho's potato industry?Dairying in Wisconsin is not just another industry among many, but the industry that's made Wisconsin famous. It is the one industry that defines us in the eyes of our fellow Americans and in the minds of people from around the world. Wisconsin has been aninternational leader in dairy and cheese technology for more than 150 years.  Dairy farming and cheesemaking date back more than 160 years, before Wisconsin was even granted statehood in 1848. In fact, Wisconsin's first cheesemakers were farm wives who, in the 1830s, began making cheese in their kitchens as a ... 08/07/2009

I have the luxury of having a friend in Greg Cavaiani (Response Realtors). Greg Cavaiani is one of the most solid men and committed individuals you could ever want to meet, and he and the rest of the Oconomowoc Police Department could really use your help for a great cause. The sense of community that Greg brings to the table is outstanding. Not only is he a superb Waukesha County real estate agent, and owns a very successful real estate company, he is also a dedicated Oconomowoc Police Officer. I believe he does it to always bring the best to the community and protect what he cherishes most; the people of this community. He makes that commitment. He maybe a part time officer with the community, but his law enforcement roots run long as a prior full time career as a SGT. Well, now some ... 08/04/2009

There is an old saying that "Seeing is believing". In my career of 23 years I have seen a lot of Waukesha County real estate agents come and go, and I have many that are my dear friends. some I have known for years, and some for just a few years. The one thing I do know is I need to always give thanks where thanks is due. I first came to Re/Max in 1989 and with an exception of a brief stint with another company, and owning two of my own companies for awhile, I have learned that I need to do what I do best; sell Waukesha County real estate until one day I make a geographical move. It does make me feel pretty good every time I turn on a TV and see another Re/Max commercial. The real thanks goes to the glue, the energy, the pulse that keeps this Re/Max office in Waukesha County humming; th... 07/27/2009

  As some of you may know, before starting my own company, or getting into real estate as a profession for that matter, I was a police officer for many years, ending my full time career as a SGT.  It is still in my blood and I continue to work at the City of Oconomowoc Police Department on a part-time basis.  It is truly a great department, in a terrific city, with some of the finest officers, detectives and command staff in the state.      To illustrate my point, the fine men and women of the Oconomowoc Police Department have donated their own time to help assist Breast Cancer Awareness and the Oconomowoc Free Clinic by sponsoring the: 2009 Oconomowoc Police Officer's Association Charity Golf Outing Officers are asking for donations and spending personal time organizing this great even... 07/27/2009

The amazing thing about the Lake Country in Waukesha County is that no matter what activity to enjoy; whether it is enjoying all the wonderful lakes that are in Waukesha County and the Lake Country, or the Waukesha County Park system, all the great festivals that are going on, or just walking down the streets of Oconomowoc,Delafield,Pewaukee,Hartland, and more you are just moments from some of the best dining available. Delis, bakeries, elegant and casual cuisine, and all types of magnificent foods are just waiting for you to enjoy.The Lake Country is known for its large number of lakes, and in the northwestern corner of Waukesha County it is often referred to as "Lake Country" by local residents. This includes Pewaukee, Delafield, Hartland, Merton, Nashotah, Chenequa, Okauchee Lake, Oc... 07/25/2009

The weather in the Waukesha County real estate cannot be beat and the Waukesha County Lakes are alive with activity, lots of fun, and they have all the makings of enjoyment and contentment on each and everyone of them. The Waukesha County Lake Homes are simply beautiful. When you are looking for  Waukesha County Real estate agents I am one  that knows Waukesha County lake properties well please feel free to give me a call. I welcome the opportunity to talk you about the many beautiful Waukesha County lake property; whether you need some questions answered, would like us to put you on our Waukesha County Dream Home Finder list, or would just like an on-line Waukesha County lake Homes Market Analysis evaluation. I hope the following information is helpful. Note: The following MLS properti... 07/23/2009