It's another icy day in Wisconsin, and it is cold. There is this amazing tranquility and peacefulness that comes with the temperature being lower than normal. A paradox is perhaps the word I am looking for. Steam off of rivers, shimmering ice, and high sculptures glowing snow everywhere. I left a home today of someone I had known for years in this business, in fact going back to 1986. As I left the home I started to reflect on times when I first met this couple. Younger at the time, they were married, from there had children, and now had grandchildren. It dawned on me that I truly had the opportunity to have had a career that the people I was fortunate to have the chance to work with became dear friends over the years. I have seen all avenues of life in the time I have had the joy of be... 01/05/2009

Imagine never being able to take your child to a playground because their physical limitations meant they couldn't play on any of the equipment.  In 2009 Oconomowoc will add another feather to its cap with a universally accessible playground, called Imagination Station, to be built in June.  Slated for Roosevelt Park, this community built playground, with total accessibility for children of all abilities, a central endeavor of the playground, will make it the first of its kind in Waukesha County.  A joint project between the Oconomowoc Junior Women's Club and The Oconomowoc Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, the design was left up to children and is awesome.  There are a number of opportunities to get involved from helping with the actual building to attending The Imagination... 01/05/2009

  If you are like me you wake on on News Year day and enjoy the peacefulness and are motivated to get things in order for the next year upon you. Well, at least the next day because on News Years day there is so much to enjoy and relax to. In Wisconsin there is a long running tradition that some may think is a little extreme. Although I like extreme things, dangerous sports and hobbies, I just can't get my self to jump in a Lake with a swimming suit and get out and enjoy it. I now know my there is alcohol involved. Can this be synonymous with Mylo  Cardiac Fibrillation? Not if you ask these folks. They long for it, enjoy it, and make it a ritual that certainly puts them in the picture.   We look forward to seeing you at Closing! Tom Braatz  You Can Sign up For VIP BUYING at http://www.B... 01/04/2009

In the past I have always had a great deal of interest in buyers that would attend seminars. For example, in 2007 we had a multi family seminar and educated the buyers in just about every aspect they would need to know, and we also brought in many experts they would be part of the equation. As a result of that one seminar we were able to help forty one buyers purchase multi families. Some were able to purchase a couple at a time. It is my pleasure to make mention that if you are a Realtor and wishing to refer someone to us we would be honored to help them in multi units, commercial avenues, or business. Of course, we always welcome your single family referrals as well. In the upcoming months we will be conducting another seminar for buyers wishing to start or increase their portfolio. C... 01/02/2009

The final numbers aren't in yet and when they are I will be able to do a more in depth analysis but for those of you who are wondering how real estate fared in Oconomowoc this year, here are a few preliminary statistics:                                                       2008                                              2007 Single Family Homes Sold      231 Homes     $71 million         311 Homes    $108 Million                                         Average Sales Price                $308,336                                     $346,891 Sold Price Range                      $70,000 - $1,150,000              $123,000 - $3,480,000 A word of caution, this does not mean that the average home fell in value by over 10%.  While the prices of many homes are less than they were last year, ... 12/30/2008

lately I have heard many of people creating self defeating prophecies. It is so sad to see that people tend to doubt their inner abilities. They listen to the media, they listen to others that pull them down, and in turn they pull themselves down to extraordinary low levels that can often take time to get the right attitude back. Yes, these can be hard times. If you have the right attitude and even if it means equating a dollar for what we used to equate One hundred for then so be it. It does not mean that people have to beat the life out of themselves to think less of what they do everyday. Amazing opportunities are ahead of us. Great adventures, great markets, and the American dream has never went away but has been distorted if for awhile by economic growth, and lack of growth. When y... 12/13/2008

The Holiday season in many Cities can come alive with lights, food, and spirit. One can go through just about any town, city, or village in Southeastern Wisconsin and see this for themselves. You know there are many great stores and shops to enjoy. One such store is the may Garden Center in Oconomowoc. One can feel comfortable in knowing these fine people are going to take very good care of you. Just about anything in Garden, decorations, pet food, seasonal shopping and more can be enjoyed at the May Garden Center.  Come on out and visit some very friendly people that welcome you with a smile!  May Garden Center Inc            www.maygardencenter.com132 E Wisconsin AveOconomowoc, WI 53066(262) 567-6664 Do you need a specific property? Call me, or email me; I will find it. Let's roll up ... 12/02/2008

A lot has changed in a short time. I think it is fair to say that so much has changed in the last three years or so that it would be hard to find a time that pressed out so much in a short amount of time. Foreclosures, families failing, economies devastated, bailouts. The list is long and it seems to have a river effect to it. My thoughts are with all the families that have lost their jobs, the children behind those faces and the smiles they display. My grandmother used to remind me of people coming off the railroad track in the depression and asking for a meal. She said it was the right thing to do as in feeding them because she would have hoped someone would have done the same for her if the table was turned. Now I see signs of emerging markets, buyers buying because they not only hav... 11/23/2008

I had a chance to drive through the Village of Hartland today. It was just as interesting I was reminiscing with my attorney friend Larry Maloney of Dealfield Law Offices. Larry and I totally agree that out mutual friend Larry was one of the greatest saleman on Earth. Larry has since pasted on, but will ever be remembered in the hearts of many. I came to know LW when I was working for a company called Merrill Lynch in the eighties. LW was one of the most personable persons you could ever meet. He made time for everyone, and at the same time was amazingly productive. I think it was LW that also said something one time to me that indeed sat in my mind, and still does, as to determination. I always found it amazing when I was younger how well LW manged his time. Just when I thought I was ... 11/21/2008

  "Explore your interests in life and do them with passion. Never let someone tell you that it cannot be done. Rather, dare to be different, two steps forward, allows a step backwards once in a while.Networking allows us to satisfy our curiosity" "Life is a journey that has to be relished. Life really is all attitude. Dont create a self defeating prophecy and tell your self you can't do something. Rather control your destiny and be passionate about very evrything that excites you, or you partake in" "We all need to lead by example. Life is an amazing journey. One should always strive to take two steps forward at all times. In the event we take a step backwards once in a while we still are ahead. Focusing and pursueing interests makes us what man is" "Life is a mission of always taking t... 11/20/2008

  Located a matter of minutes from the charming, and friendly Village of Dousman, yet maintaining a very pleasant and quiet setting, this three bedroom, two and a half bath ranch awaits it's new lucky owners. Take a look, and stay for ever. The amenities and updates in this residence have been well thought out.   Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this country subdivision. Original ownerdeveloper quality built home. Triple glazed windows, crown moldings, oak trim andoak flush doors. Use large second bedroom as an office. Lower level with full sizedwindows awaits your expansion ideas. Roof replaced in 2007, newer furnace and wellpump. With the under ground sprinkler you will have a lush green yard in the heat ofthe summer. Space in the four car garage attached for your wood working shop ... 11/20/2008

 Western Waukesha County is the location for Oconomowoc Wisconsin. If you were thinking of relocating this would be one place you would not want to miss. Beautiful Lakes, magnificent parks, wonderful shops, amazing restaurants and cafes. It would be hard to run out od things to do, and the activities could not run out.Full and History, and loaded with charm, Oconomowoc is truly a magnificent City to visit, and to work and live in.   Coo-No-Mo-Wauk (where the waters meet, or river of lakes) in time would become Oconomowoc. As the town grew and word of its beauty and natural wealth spread, tradesmen began to arrive. One such early settler was a young man named John S. Rockwell. He built his griss mill, owned the first store and hotel, and enoted sites to all the churches. He started the f... 11/20/2008

  Many updates in this beautiful ranch home such as a new furnace, roof, windows, laminate floors. Fenced yard backs up to subdivision common area. Very private yard, patio with hot tub. All appliances included. Great family room with fireplace just 2.5 miles south of I-94. $219,000. Call for appointment and make an offer today! The Village of Dousman is surrounded by scenic nature, rolling hills, meadows, and kettle moraines. Watch the sand hill cranes in the fields, walk, hike, or bike the Glacial Drumlin nature trail. There is a new adventure waiting for you when you purchase this fine home.       There really isn't anything that a Buyer or a Seller could not find at www.glennshong.com or www.tombraatz.com In fact, call or email us to set up a listing appointment or an appointment to... 11/13/2008

It seems that when things really slow down in Commercial Real Estate, and in Western Waukesha County Residential Real Estate, it does not take long to really put a dent in things. I was so used to full schedules from seven in the morning and winding up into the evenings. The time is fast approaching and I see the corrections taking place for this to happen once again. Things have changed; we work harder than ever to make things happen. The good things that we have a great attitude, and no matter what happens we always look forward to the future, and what ever it may bring, where ever we are. Our attitude breeds success, and no matter how you define that, we strive forward, and to always better ourselves. I forget the author but the saying remarking the word "Conviction" holds very true ... 11/10/2008

Walking around the Lake in Oconomowoc one notices that owners of the homes are getting out the cones that cover the rose bushes, and the ever present burlap that will cover plants to keep them strong during winter. I saw people tiring aluminum foil, or cheese cloth as well around the base of the tree. This is done so deers dont pull at the bark and eat it. Smart deer; the bark of certain trees such as Willow trees and others trees and bushes benefit from acedicylic acid, otherwise known as asilyn. In short, this is aspirin. The deer may be smarter with natural medicines supplied by mother nature than we may be. Further walking people are covering up their bark and mulch patches down by the water with large tarps. I would imagine this protects the water from taking the bark away from hea... 11/07/2008

I was tooling around on the Internet last night and I was amazed how some can be prone to bad luck. I think this is another case of having respect not only for the luck of the early bird, but also the early worm's bad luck. I did change one word from the 2008 Darwin award below. You can substitute the original word back in at the end. This guy truly had a crappy day and without further spewing on my part... THE SUPREME WINNER OF THE DARWIN AWARD IS....   It seems a Zookeeper named Friedrich Riesfeldt (Paderborn, Germany) had already fed his constipated elephant 22 doses of animal laxative and in addition to that more than a bushel of berries, figs and prunes before the plugged-up animal finally obtained relief. The local police department said the  ill-fated Friedrich, 46, was attemptin... 11/03/2008

How many times have you heard some snake oil salesman say "Why you can't do better!" or "You better hurry or it won't be my fault. You will lose!" Give me a break. I would like to look at these sales people and tell them to get off the moon, or take a xxxxxxx xxxx. It drives me nuts when people put on this bozo suit and go out to baffle the community. I think that is why Real Estate has gotten such a bad rap in times. There are some magnificent Brokers out there that I hold in the highest regards. Everyday I can listen and learn from them, and their thoughts. There are some major people that want nothing to do more than make sure others feel bad, and they can't they get what they want. So rather than be happy, they tell others the sky is falling more everyday. Who wants to run around th... 10/24/2008

 Many updates in this beautiful ranch home such as a new furnace, roof, windows, laminate floors. Fenced yard backs up to subdivision common area. Very private yard, patio with hot tub. All appliances included. Great family room with fireplace just 2.5 miles south of I-94.  Call for appointment and make an offer today! The Village of Dousman is surrounded by scenic nature, rolling hills, meadows, and kettle moraines. Watch the sand hill cranes in the fields, walk, hike, or bike the Glacial Drumlin nature trail. There is a new adventure waiting for you when you purchase this fine home.       There really isn't anything that a Buyer or a Seller could not find at www.glennshong.com In fact, call or email us to set up a listing appointment or an appointment to become a VIP buyer ( Sign up a... 10/23/2008

What could be better than having a two family and having $850 come from the other unit to help with the payment? This two family built in the seventies really is close to all conveniences. Parking for six cars, each unit has basement, mechanicals are in great shape. Side by Side Investment. The rent for the other unit is $850 per month. Excellent investment or owner occupied. side by side ranch. Newer roofs and furnaces, separate basements. Finished. Well maintained, low maintenance investment with  two desirable units. underground sprinkler. Appliances included. When you need a team of Brokers that will not only list your home, but see you to a closing you need to call Tom Braatz 262-377-1459 or Glenn Shong at 262-490-2787.   I make it easy for you to buy or sell, and obtain the correc... 10/17/2008

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin: A City that is in the Heart of the Lake Country (edit/delete) One can take a drive trough the City of Oconomowoc, located in Western Waukesha County and be amazed how beautiful homes sit on Pristine Lakes, and the Lakes surround this beautiful City. Full and History, and loaded with charm, Oconomowoc is truly a magnificent City to visit, and to work and live in.   The poineering and developing of Oconomowoc began in 1837 when the first white man, Charles Sheldon, came to this area to build his log cabin. He found that the Potowatomi Indians had already laid the foundation of what they called Coo-No-Mo-Wauk (where the waters meet, or river of lakes) which in time would become Oconomowoc. As the town grew and word of its beauty and natural wealth spread, tradesmen b... 10/12/2008