Real Estate is an Industry where everyday you have to take a step back and look at the big picture. In the blink of an eye you can lose that important lead. We work in an Industry that involves rigorous time management and technology changes each day. The concept of being personalized and creating your own niche is paramount, and really, why would we not just be ourselves. We have been very fortunate to have some of the best customers and clients on Earth. Never under estimate the friendship that can develop with having such customers and clients, let alone being grateful for their loyalty. We have always prided myself on being personal, but at the same time we will make that commitment to work harder than a rented mule, but always working smarter just as well. Granted, our market has ... 08/20/2008

I have a thirteen year old son named Spencer. I do not know what happened awhile ago whether it is testosterone or just attitude, but there are times when I find my son acting bad or out of character for no reason at all. He is such a charming young man and is my greatest achievement, but lately he questions authority way too much, and debates everything I ask him. I was reminiscing about when I was a kid and the neighbor girls and I would walk three miles or so to go to elementary school. The patience one acquires is one of the superior assets that makes us better Realtors. No matter what, in the end we do it all for the love of our children. Funny, it only seems like yesterday that I could never put him down. Now he is a big kid at 5'9" " and 165 pounds. I wish I could shrink him for ... 08/18/2008

  Walking down Main Street or Armour Street, you are greeted by many famous names. You get a feeling that people really liked it here. Wrigley had a mansion, the owner of Montgomery Ward had a 23 room, 20 bath mansion on the Lake. It is just the time to come and let Glenn Shong show you what a beautiful city is really is.   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 of History, and loaded with charm, Oconomowoc is truly a magnificent city to visit, and to work and live in.     The pioneering 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 Pott... 08/05/2008

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. One unit is open so it can be shown easily. 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 w 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 Braatz62-377-1459 or Glenn Shong at 262-490-2787. ON the web find us at www.tombraatz.com www.buyingvip.com Glenn@GlennShong.com www.remax.net www.localism.com  and our blog at www.active... 08/02/2008

Walking down Main Street or Armour Street, you are greeted by many famous names. You get a feeling that people really liked it here. Wrigley had a mansion, the owner of Montgomery Ward had a 23 room, 20 bath mansion on the Lake. It is just the time to come and let Tom Braatz show you what a beautiful city is really is. One can take a drive trough the City of Oconomowoc, located in Western WaukeshaCounty and be amazed how beautiful homes sit on Pristine Lakes, and the Lakes surround this beautiful city. Full of History, and loaded with charm, Oconomowoc is truly a magnificent city to visit, and to work and live in.     The pioneering 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 Pottawato... 08/01/2008

I do a lot of cold calling and it just seems to me that I am seeing a parting of styles. After all, there is always plenty of business for all who work hard. I really like it when I get feedback from a consumer saying that another Broker was saying very nice things about me, and really acted in a classy position. ON the other hand it some times becomes a battle where some Brokers cannot get a long and must go to the extremes of putting someone down, or saying something false that is really not going to get them anywhere. IN fact, it can backfire on them. I love people, I totally enjoy what I do, and I will put others first, but I just cannot help but noticing some people acting in desperation when it is incredibly visible. It reminds me of a simple song I used to listen to about a battl... 08/01/2008

YouTube - The Byrds Every so often I listen to this Byrd song about the man that is infatuated with getting his mare. Sometimes we have to take a big step back and realize that what we desire is something that we really don't want. You can waste counted hours of business, hours, money, time, effort, and more by not focusing on the thing you want to stay a way from. Think about it, enjoy the video. Perhaps you will look at things differently. Sincerely, enjoy the song! on youtube Tom Braatz RE/MAX Realty Center www.activerain.com www.buyingvip.com   07/14/2008

Attitude. IT is not something that can be used, it is something that is not taken for granted, it is something that is not just a little thing in Real Estate, LISTEN: ATTITUDE IS ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IN THIS BUSINESS. I MEAN EVERYTHING! I meet brokers that say they are trying this, and trying that, and they're going to see a new guy talk because he seems to be well versed. Yeah, bullcrap. IF you have a great attitude, don't leave it at the door when you walk into your office. You drink your coffee, you start your game plan, you tell then negative people to stay the hell away from you, and the ones that say that you can't do something, Or you should not try, tell them to go try to solve their RUB-EX cube. IT should take no more than five minutes but it will keep them busy for years. You... 07/06/2008

Wisconsin farming is a beautiful sight. There really is a need for the crops to completely seed or the price of food will be out of control.  The fields are turning to Fall, my Son chalks it up! (edit/delete) It is time to get back to what farmer Braatz does best; that is selling real Estate. The Jersey Steers, and the Hampshire lambs tend to take to my son Spencer more. The good thing about my lesson in farming is it really brought me back to Earth. The private six acre lake is out of view. There are also beautiful summer kitchens, and fields of wild flowers. I look at this picture and really don't mind wearing a suit now. I do laugh still when I think about wearing my barn shoes with my blue jeans, and forgetting to change them before walking in my office. Tom Braatz   06/29/2008

One thing is for sure, and it is to be celebrated this Sunday. I have met a lot of nice people on activerain, the World, my State, and everywhere else. The one thing I think is important and vital is for all of us to take a step back and remember Fathers Day. No matter where you are in life, or how old you are, it only takes a moment  to close our eyes and reflect on our father, our father fiqure. Perhaps your dad is a softy, or a man that has a bark worst  than his bite, or he is just the king in your life that can never be dethroned; he is your Dad. For those of us that have had parents go to rest we always have the reassurance of knowing that someday we have to say good bye to old friends so one day we can say hello again. What a wonderful day that will be. I do wish everyone a wonde... 06/12/2008

This stunning four  bedroom, two and a half bath two story has a three car garage, large lot, and best of all has the quality that William Ryan homes has always delivered. Why not make an appointment today to have a private showing with Glenn Shong. If you are a buyer or seller and are thinking of making a Real Estate move why not get your valuable and free a real Estate tool kit from Glenn.   Are you looking for a broker that knows new construction inside out? Then you need to call Glenn Shong Cell: 262-490-2787 There really isn't anything that a Buyer or a Seller could not find at www.glennshong.com In fact, call or email me to set up a listing appoitment or an appointment to become a VIP buyer this month of June or July and you will recieve a free Real Estate tool kit which has every... 06/12/2008

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 began to arrive. One such early settler was a young man named John S. Rockwell. He bui... 05/18/2008

Hello, My name is Joshua Huth, and I am a real estate agent at RE/MAX Realty Center in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. I was told that Activerain is a great networking tool by Tom Braatz. What I have discovered is that not only is it a great networking tool, but also a great way to express my real estate opinions, and learn from my fellow peers and fellow activerain members. I look forward to being involved with such a wonderful Realtor friendly website. Sincerely, Joshua Huth RE/MAX Realty Center 414-828-1096     262-567-2455    joshuahuth@remax.net  www.activerain.com/joshuahuth 05/16/2008

Property SearchMy ListingsFeatured PropertiesYour Home's Value!Receive Email Updates!Amber's Blog Amber Castonguay, Servicing Jefferson and Surrounding Counties Real Estate Services Research Communities! Area Info Contact Me Short Sale Information Links Sell Your Home With Me! Seller Services Buyer Services Connections About Me 5 Things You Should Expect From Your Agent Dodge County Foreclosures Member Services · Login About Oconomowoc, Wisconsin Real Estate Newport of the West View Community Knowledge Bank | View Oconomowoc Area MLS Properties Welcome to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin! Oconomowoc is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, just west of Milwaukee. The name, Oconomowoc (oe-KAHN'-ah-mah-WOK), was derived from "Coo-no-mo-wauk," the native Potawatomie term for distinguishing a waterfal... 02/16/2008

To area residents, the name of the city just trips off your tongue...much like its Indian meaning..meeting of streams or waters.,from the Potawatomi Indians. Pronounced: Oh  Con Oh Mow Walk the rolling hills and lakes were originally settled by wealthy people from Milwaukee, Chicago and St. Louis and you can see of the original mansions dotting the shores of Fowler Lake. Some have been updated and some replaced by newer homes.  The downtown reminds you of yesteryear with quaint shops beckoning tourists for a weekend of shopping and relaxation. In 2000, the population was 12,282 with a median family income of $62,950.If you are interested in making your home in the "Lake Country" area and would like to see the listings available, please click here. If you have any questions, feel free to... 06/27/2007