This morning while waiting for my coffee cup to fill up in the break room, I was browsing the newspaper.  Sometimes I feel like the news gets old, and I don’t have any energy to read it all.  But not today, today I saw something I was drawn to.  The two cute kids that are pictured above the article grabbed my attention and for once in what seems like forever, it was good news.  The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel did a story on two first grade boys who gave another classmate Christmas presents.  They were not asked to do this; they didn’t even tell their teacher they were doing this.  They heard he had not received anything for Christmas, and they were determined to change that.  Go here to read the whole article The news can get old, it can be depressing, but let’s all take a lesson from th... 01/09/2013

  With Christmas coming up next week the shopping scramble begins now!  We all have some people on our lists that we are not sure what to get.  These people may include babysitters, neighbors, postal workers, etc.  Someone that you want to express gratitude towards during this holiday season, but also someone you might not have a lot budgeted for.  What’s a weary, stressed shopper left to do?  Make a gift!  Now some of you might be rolling your eyes because you are not “crafty.”  For this easy project you don’t have to be crafty or creative!   Supplies that you need… 1.       Ceramic Mug- any color, white, black, red, etc…it just needs to be plain. 2.       Ceramic Pen/Paint- you can buy these at a craft store, depending on how many colors or what you want to put on the mug, you may onl... 12/17/2012

  The holiday season is in full force now with 2 weeks left to Christmas.  People are busy decorating, buying presents, wrapping presents, and making some homemade goodies.  But did you know that the holiday season boasts a rise in residential fires?  According to the US Fire Administration (USFA),  “From December 24th through the 26th, fire deaths, injuries, and dollar loss increase an average of 50%, 61%, and 43%, respectively.  As Christmas trees, which are in one-third of all households, dry out, the risk of fires increases.  The use of candles contributes to the increase in the incidence of holi­day fires.  Cooking fires increase on Christmas Eve and Day, but children playing and arson fires decrease.” Here are some ways to keep your family and home safe this holiday season… 1.    ... 12/10/2012

  There’s something about the cold days, long nights, and darkness of winter that makes people feel less motivated.  This is a bad thing for people who want to sell their home during the winter months.  Another tricky issue can be to decorate or not to decorate during the holiday season.  How do you attract buyers, yet not limit the space of your home with the Christmas tree and snowmen littering your floor space?   Well I am a firm believer that you don’t have to stop living life while you are trying to sell your home, but I do believe in making your home attractive to all types of buyers. Here are a few simple tips on how to still feel festive and decorative during the holiday season with that for sale sign in your front yard… 1.Make the buyer want to get out of their warm car!  There... 12/03/2012

    Spring cleaning usually gets most of the attention but we are challenging you to do some fall cleaning, too.  Once summer ends it seems like the last couple months of the year just fly by and somehow you have found yourself in February eating some chocolate hearts and breaking your first resolution that you set back in January.  We want to share with you some quick, easy, and inexpensive ways to get your home in order before the holidays. 1.       Wash your windows…this means take the screens out, and scrub everything!  This is a time consuming process, but a much needed one.  You could leave the screens off for the winter to save some wear and tear.  Also, you might want to invest in the window wrap that clings to the inside of your windows.  This will help keep some cold drafts ou... 09/17/2012

   St Martin's Fair ( County Highway MM is St. Martin's Road from Forest Home Avenue to Church Street) is the first Monday of every month from spring thru fall....Labor Day weekend is the largest display of something for everyone from household items, produce, gifts, dried flowers, furniture, plants, sporting equipment...really something for everyone.Sunday, Sept. 2, the fair opens at 8 a.m. and runs through 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 3, the fair is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.       This year promises to be more entertaining than ever with lots of music and guest appearances by the Klements Sausage Characters....if you have not met them....indicative of the ethnic melting pot you find in the greater Milwaukee area, come and meet Hot Dog, Chorizo, Italian, Bratwurst and Polish Sausage characters fam... 09/01/2012

This morning as I opened our team's email I came across a message from our Broker/Owner, Jeff.  His email has stayed with me hours after initially reading it.  I just feel like it's too good not to share with you all.   "ENCOURAGEMENT CORNER...   One Minute to Understanding You will not need a pen and paper... just read... if you can'tanswer them, just keep going. 1. Name the four wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last three Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last two winners of the Miss America contest. 4. Name six people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. 5. Name the last seven Academy Award winners for Best Actor and Actress. How did you do? The point of this is none of us remembers the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They're the best in... 08/20/2012

Pencils, paper, markers, crayons, rulers…this list might look familiar to you if you are getting ready to send your child back to school, or to school for the first time.  But really, how important are schools when you are looking to buy a home?  Most first time home buyers either do not have children, do not plan to have children in this particular home, or their children are younger and school may seem far off to them.  No matter how many kids you have or don’t have what school district you live in is still a very important factor when searching for a home.    Did you know if a school has low test scores your home value could decrease?  Or if the crime rate is moderately high near you, the proficiency tests at schools will be lower.  So whether or not you have kids, schools play a hug... 08/13/2012

     Casa Di Georgio....For a taste of Italy....a little American....fine dining at a reasonable price.....you will be doing your taste buds a huge favor with a visit to this Franklin Wisconsin favorite restaurant. The atmosphere is "casually sophisticated"....ambiance that compliments the flavorful menu....with a wealth of choices to satisfy your palate including pasta and pizza but of course....and unique signature veal and pork, chicken favorites....parmesan and picatta..and seafood as well. No restaurant in the greater Milwaukee area would survive without a fish fry and this is no exception with a variety of fish...haddock and perch served baked and breaded....mmmm. Pictured here are some of the deeelicious dishes we had on a recent visit.    steak ala Siscily crab cakes            ... 07/09/2012

The heat wave has broken…for now!  But we are just at the beginning of July and there is a lot more of summer to come.  If you are fortunate enough to have central air, count your lucky stars.  If you are not or if you are looking for some ways to cut down on your monthly electric bill, then keep reading.  Today we are going to give you a few tips on keeping your home cool in the hot summer months. Tips to stay cool… -At the beginning of each summer clean you A/C unit.  You can have this professionally done, or try and do it yourself.  Make sure you clean the filter on the unit monthly, and sweep away debris and dirt from around unit.  Go here to learn more about cleaning your A/C unit…http://www.diynetwork.com/electrical/air-conditioner-maintenance/index.html -Know which way the sun co... 07/09/2012

The 4th of July is right around the corner and I am sure many of you are having parties, or going to a party.  There are so many fun activities that surround this holiday, parades, sparklers, cookouts, fireworks, smores, etc.  You really cannot go wrong on this day! So why not impress your guests or hosts with this easy to make cake for the 4th! Here is the recipe: Cake: 3/4 cup sour cream 4 eggs 1 1/4 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour 3 teaspoons baking powder pinch salt zest of 1 lemon 3/4 cup canola oil Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9 x 13” glass baking dish and set aside.   In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, eggs, and sugar. Stir in the flour and baking powder, salt, and zest, mixing just until combined. Add th... 06/29/2012

Whether you are buying or selling a home at some point you will be dealing with a home inspector.  Just like with any profession there are good home inspectors and then there are not so good home inspectors.  Typically your real estate agent you are working with has some references for you to choose from.  But just in case they don’t, or you want to know more about home inspection here are some of our suggestions to finding a great home inspector. -First and foremost your inspector needs a license.  Here in Wisconsin it is required you have a license to be a home inspector.  Home inspectors must pass a national exam along with state tests about statues and rules.  American Society of Home Inspectors is also another great reference.  This is an association that home inspectors can join t... 06/20/2012

Today we are back with our last 3 tips on selling your home, #3- Staging This tip can be tricky since most sellers are still living in their property, but this is also a very important tip.  Just like with de-cluttering, buyers need to see the potential of the space in each room.  If you have a ton of furniture in one living room, the buyers may think the space is small and be turned off by it.  We know you love your over sized chair, but do you love it more than a good offer on your home?  There are professional stagers that can help; it all depends on how much money you want to invest.  Our suggestion would be to have a friend who seems skilled in this area come over and give you some tips.  #2- Lawn and Driveway Care When you pull up to an unfamiliar place the first thing you notice ... 06/18/2012

Today we are back with some more tips for selling your home. #7- Front Doors This is the biggest first impression to a buyer, besides the yard and driveway.  Does your door need a fresh coat of paint?  Could your screen door benefit from a new screen installed?  Other tips for sprucing this area up is to get a new welcome mat, maybe put some nice potted plants out if room allows.  Clean all the cobwebs off the corners of the door, and sweep up any leaves or debris off the porch or surrounding area.  #6- Lighting The way your home is lit can set the mood for the buyers.  If it’s sunny out while the buyers will be coming through, throw back the curtains and let the natural light come in.  If the buyers will be seeing your home at night make sure your porch light works, and all the other b... 06/15/2012

Are you thinking about selling your home, or are you being relocated and you need to sell your home?  Even if you are happy in your home, some of these suggestions are useful to spruce up your current living conditions. This week we will be giving you our top 10 tips on preparing to sell your home, starting with… #10 Take Advantage of the Season According to Cindi Pearce; “The peak selling time for residential homes is spring and summer. It helps that your property looks better at this time of year than it does in the dead of winter when everything is dead and the weather is dreary. Put your home on the market in the spring or summer if possible. Home sales are very slow in December and January. However, if you must sell your home in the autumn, for example, take advantage of this time ... 06/11/2012

  St.  Martin's Fair in Franklin, WI is just one of the enjoyable parts of living in Wisconsin in the summer are the many outdoor activities that Wisconsinites wait for all winter and spring and plunge into as the weather allows for more fun in the sun.  St. Martin's Fair in Franklin, WI is one of those events we enjoy attending ....the never ending variety of exhibitors makes it a field trip that offers something for everyone.  You may even choose to sell some of the things from a business you own...a hobby or craft you have...a garden you grow....something you cook, bake, make....If you want St. Martin's Fair to be your test market...check out the rules for exhibitors.    There is such a variety of exhibitors at the Fair....you can find everything from fresh produce to clothing, sock... 06/01/2012

Since today is June 1st and Father’s Day is right around the corner, I thought we would reach out to the men in our lives and talk about cleaning out the garage.  We are getting pretty organized on the inside of our homes, now it’s time to step outside. When someone is looking to purchase a house usually on their wish list is some sort of garage or outside building.  Lets be honest, it’s nice to park your car in the garage in the frigid cold winters and in the sweltering hot summers.  Especially if this move is not your first, you have probably accumulated a lot of stuff and you need a place to store some of it.  A garage can be a wonderful asset to your home or it can be your worst nightmare when clutter and trash get out of control.  Hopefully by following these simple steps you will ... 06/01/2012

Studies have shown that you spend one third of your life sleeping.  I am sure if you are a new parent that statistic sounds outrageous because you feel lucky to get three hours.  A bedroom should be a place you seek you comfort, rest, relaxation, rejuvenation, and just all out that “awww” feeling.  Most bedrooms in America are cluttered, cramped, uninviting, and plain gross.  If I just described your room, have no fear, we have some easy steps for you to get started on to make your bedroom a retreat space instead of a hoarders fantasy. Step 1: Determine How You Are Going To Use The Space Our bedrooms have become a multi functioning room.  They are no longer your grandparent’s room with separate beds and tiny closets.  Rooms now have big, oversized beds, clothes falling out of drawers an... 05/30/2012

With low home prices and ultra-low interest rates, the housing market is offering perhaps thebest deals of this generation.Since the housing boom of 2006, home prices have fallen about 31 percent. Also, mortgage rateshave been hovering at record lows for the past few weeks (4 percent range or even lower on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages).It’s hard to see the possibility of losing on a home purchase right now with these mortgage rates.Prices may go lower, but not by much.Here is a good scenario that shows that waiting to buy is probably not a good idea. Buying a$300,000 home with a 4 percent mortgage rate and a 20 percent down payment would meana $1,145 monthly payment. The Mortgage Bankers Association recently predicted that homeprices may fall another 3.5 percent by mid-2012 but mortgage... 10/27/2011

Trick or Treat Hours and SafetyHere are just a sampling of neighboring communities and their Trick or Treat Hours:Franklin – Sunday Oct 30th 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.Oak Creek – Sunday Oct 30th 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.West Allis – Sunday Oct 30th 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.Greenfield – Sunday Oct 30th 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.Greendale – Sunday Oct 30th 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.Here are a few safety tips can protect children who plan to go trick-or-treating this Halloween.Treats: Warn children not to eat any treats before an adult has carefully examined them for evidence oftampering.Costume Designs: Purchase or make costumes that are light and bright enough to be clearly visible tomotorists.•For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes with reflective tape thatwill glow in the beam of a car's headlight... 10/26/2011