Everyday in the Waukesha County real estate market I have the sheer luxury of visiting lots of wonderful people; from old friends, to fellow brokers and Waukesha County real estate agents, to all the delighted visitors that this magnificent county attracts. There is so much to see and do in Waukesha County that many that come for a visit have the opportunity to call home one day. The are the lakes, the shopping, the charming towns, the history, and more. Many are excited when they hear about the strong business environment Waukesha County,Wisconsin has to offer, and the quality of life? Well, that is something that does not take long for anyone to appreciate. Great, and I mean great schools, great Industry, and outstanding government makes this a county that is growing at an amazing ra... 07/14/2009

Earlier when I was a kid there was a marvel of life about fireworks, barbecues, sparklers, and celebrating Independence day in Waukesha County and the 4th of July in the United States. The Waukesha County Real Estate market sees it's share of wonderful and grateful smiles that day. I see them all year with the people that show there love for this day. The cost of freedom and democracy, and the price that was and is paid for it means the same as it did then. People with deep faith did what they knew they had to do, and they knew it came with sacrifices and it did. Before I sold my summer home in Door County on Washington Island this was a holiday that was made to sit out in my boat and watch the fireworks from the Island. I can't help but think that my ex wife (never did like that term) ... 06/28/2009

In the Waukesha County real estate market, and whether you are buying a home in Waukesha County, selling a home in Waukesha County, looking at Waukesha County Lake homes, or any Waukesha County real estate avenue, you now realize that the market has been taking off. For awhile there you saw the great reductions in Waukesha County home prices, you saw amazing rates in Waukesha County real estate, and you saw the amazing selection in Waukesha County real estate. Guess what? The market may be taking off, but all three of these variables still apply. In fact, it' s a great time to look and buy a Waukesha County home.The market changes in the Waukesha County real estate sector have not changed our approach or attitude one bit. In fact, we are still proud of the fact that we still work harder... 06/12/2009

 In the Waukesha County real estate market things are heating up. In Waukesha County the temperature can get pretty toasty at times in summer. When it's in the 90's or close to 100, and 90 percent humidity the thoughts of all the wonderful lakes and ponds offer a great way to spend a day, entertain family and friends, and cool off. May 30th of this year the public beaches are opening up. Here are just a few that are wonderful places. In the City of Waukesha, and on the south side sits a beautiful park known as Minooka park. In this beautiful park is a wonderful 4 acre pond and beach area. In the outstanding Mukwonago Park sits a 16 acre spring fed lake, and adjacent to the lake is a swimming pond with a large sand beach. This is perfect for all picnickers and park users. Then there is t... 06/02/2009

 Every once in awhile I have people relocating , moving, buying a home in Waukesha County, or in general ask me "Hey Tom Braatz, where and what is the Lake Country?" I usually reply as a Realtor would "That's a good question and I am glad you brought it up." There are a lot of wonderful Waukesha County Lake property in this region.  Often when the friendly faces of buyers ask where the abundance of lakes are in the Waukesha County Real Estate market one will answer with "The Lake Country". Due to its multitude of lakes, the northwestern corner of Waukesha County is referred to as Lake Country by its local residents. It includes Pewaukee, Delafield, Hartland, Merton, Nashotah, Chenequa, Okauchee Lake, Oconomowoc, Summit, and Lac La Belle.   Wishing you a productive day, and see you at cl... 05/20/2009

 Senor Tomas Restaurante Visit this great restaurant!     This restaurant has been family owned since 1992 and has expanded through the years.   They have excellent Mexican food along with 4 different rooms to fit you, your family or your mood.   They have a gallery room for just a special evening out with a quiet ambience so that you can enjoy a meal without small children or loud noises.  This room features art from all different artists including the owner himself!    There are rooms for dining with children and other rooms of interest as well.   Senor Tomas features:  Full Bar Coffee Bar Wi-Fi Casino Games Gallery & Lounge Beautiful Patio Carry-Outs Catering When you walk in you are greeted right away with a warm smile to make you feel welcome.  The staff are quick on their feet to... 04/27/2009

Check out my April newsletter.  It talks about what starts to happen in the real estate market and how to begin in buying or selling homes. April It also has a feature Senor Tomas Restaurante in Hartland. Enjoy the beginning of spring!    04/27/2009

 My newsletter for March talks about investing in property.  It talks about the options that you have if you decide on purchasing a Two Family or multi-family homes.  I have also attached a link under the Information Section about the First Time HomeBuyer Tax Credit.  It has good information on questions that you may have on what it's about and get a better understanding.  I have featured a Two Family home for the Deal of The Month to go along with my article. I hope you enjoy the newsletter! March  Kim 03/14/2009

If you are reading this and you are thinking of buying a home please make sure to call me. If you are a first time buyer you may be amazed to find out that help is out there in a form that this lender has not seen in a long time. If you buy a home, and you are a first time buyer that qualifies, you can have a $8,000 tax credit that does not have to be paid back. You do have to close by December 1st, 2009, but we have a package that is going to sweeten the pie even more. You buy a home from us, and close on that home and we will make sure to negotiate a home warranty into your closing as well. This applies to any home purchased in March or April, and we as your buyers agents. You do have to mention that you saw this on our blog, and we will even give you another great closing present. By... 03/09/2009

This Great Coffee Place Check out this great coffee place.  It's located in Hartland and has all kinds of delicious coffees, teas, smoothies, sandwiches and salads that are made fresh everyday from scratch.  Your order is made at the time you place it.    They have fresh coffee beans shipped weekly to keep the coffee fresh.    Not only do they do that, they also sell orginal artwork from local artists and sell coffee beans by the pound!    They also do: Catering for sandwiches and salads.  Make orders to go. Rent out their shop after hours for private events. This Great Coffee Place is a family owned business and has been around for two years now and you get a warm welcome every time you stop in.      They are located at: 365 Cottonwood Avenue Hartland, WI 53029 262-367-2211   So stop ... 03/06/2009

Recently I was talking to a buyer and they were amazed that the government would allow a first time buyer a $8,000 tax credit that did not have to be paid back if they bought a home and closed by December 1st, 2009. This couple was absolutely charming and I reminded them that somethings can seem like they are too much too believe but I assured them, this was for real to qualified first time home buyers. I wish you could have seen the smile on their face. I just love that feeling when someone gets consumed with utter joy and glows with happiness. First-Time Homebuyers Credit Information American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Rebuilding America   See You At Closing!  Tom Braatz        You Can Sign up For VIP BUYING at http://www.BUYINGVIP.com. 24/7 recorded message to obtain Free ... 03/03/2009

My daughter is doing a fundraiser at school for the Arrowhead High School Special Olympics & CD Program.  The money goes towards items needed for the department and also use the money for taking the kids to public places and learn how to do everyday life experiences so that they are prepared for when they get out of school.  The food is excellent!  The lobster comes all the way from Maine and the steaks are the famous Bartallota's.  Hamburger & Hot Dog platters are also available.  We also have a silent auction that the public is welcome to participate in while eating. We served approximately 750 people last year and we hope to beat that record this year!  So come on in and join in the fun and help this year become even better than last year! 12TH ANNUAL LOBSTER BOIL! Friday April 24th,... 02/25/2009

I would tend to think that I know Waukesha County pretty well; sure I know Milwaukee County, Ozaukee County, and many more well after all these years, but Waukesha County has been my presence for quite along time now. Waukesha County literally has everything you could dream about and need in a home or property. There is an abundance of Lakes within minutes of each other and the selection of Lake homes is superb. Magnificent farms dot the country side, and the villages, cities, and towns have a flair and charm all of their own. One thing is for sure; I can't remember anytime in my career that the best branding and being noticed was because of my dog Lars; he has me take a back seat to him and I don't mind that. We drive through small towns and people look up and see him hanging out the w... 02/19/2009

 Hartridge Subdivision 2008 Real Estate Market Review  2008 Single Family Home Activity  25 New Listings                                   Average List Price        $241,224 18 Homes Sold                                    Average Sales Price      $228,889  6 Currently Active Listings                    Average List Price        $275,450 Months of Inventory Currently Available in Hartridge     4.0   2008 Two Family Home Activity  7 New Listings                                     Average List Price        $265,484  1 Home Sold                                                     Sales Price      $239,500  3 Currently Active Listings                    Average List Price        $254,900 Months of Inventory Currently Available in Hartridge     36.14   2008 Condominium Activity 9 New Listin... 02/07/2009

It is hard enough keeping up with Holidays these days. Every time I turn around there is another event and great occasion. When I was younger I can remember being in grade school and the teacher making a point out of making and giving each other Valentines Day cards. I remember that I could always count on receiving that little token of gesture. Today, I have become more refined and I really don't know if that is a good thing yet. It was the basic little things in life that really made me happy. I could count on them, I looked forward to them, and it really meant an awful lot to me. Make no mistake about it; I am very, very grateful for what I have at the moment, but life one day just got up and took off at an alarming speed. We control everything to a degree with time management, but t... 01/31/2009

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 s... 11/19/2008

  One cannot help but to be amazed at the friendly people you encounter walking down the main street in Hartland; Capitol Drive, or Cottonwood, or North. Friendly merchants offer you complete hospitality in their restaurants, card shops, specialty shops and more. I personally would hang out with my grand parents that lived just north of Hartland in a little town called Chenequa/North lake area. We always would come a couple minutes south to Hartland to watch parades, visit relatives, or eat at the wonderful Swiss restaurant, or the CobbleStone restaurant on the river. Hartland has retained it's charm for all these years, and I would be honored to answer any questions one may have about relocating, buying, or selling in the entire area.   The History of Hartland is very interesting as we... 10/19/2008

One cannot help but to be amazed at the friendly people you encounter walking down the main street in Hartland; Capitol Drive, or Cottonwood, or North. Friendly merchants offer you complete hospitality in their restaurants, card shops, specialty shops and more. I personally would hang out with my grand parents that lived just north of Hartland in a little town called Chenequa/North lake area. We always would come a couple minutes south to Hartland to watch parades, visit relatives, or eat at the wonderful Swiss restaurant, or the CobbleStone restaurant on the river. Hartland has retained it's charm for all these years, and I would be honored to answer any questions one may have about relocating, buying, or selling in the entire area.   The History of Hartland is very interesting as well... 05/20/2008