Yesterday my hubby and I went for a nice brisk walk around Waukesha's Fox River.  We didn't acutally walk around it, ha ha.  It was the only athletic thing we did before sitting down and eating alot of "bad" food for the Super Bowl!  Hope you all had fun too! PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!  ALSO, CONTACT ME FOR INFORMATION ON MY REFERRAL PROGRAM TOO!   Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php       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 ... 02/02/2009

How many times have we heard that old saying "We get what we put in?." In the Industry of Real Estate there is a direct correlation in what we have contributed, gave in our effort, and the determination to weather a storm or enjoy the ride. We have learned through hard work and effort, and the mistakes that were lessons along the way, that everyday we were handed a bat and asked to "Hit one for the Gipper". Everyday we give the effort, work, and sincerity that the public has come to know us by. I have a lot of successful friends in Real Estate and there seems to be some general qualities that has made them a part of the community, a daily conviction of hard work, and being the best they can be. When I talk to many of my peers I notice they have a personality that is genuine, sincere, an... 02/01/2009

Smile, and hear what others are saying! It's a great time to buy a home. It's the end of January I am getting calls asking for our buyer package. It has information and tips that really can save time, energy, and money. The best thing is it is free and is put together for any buyer looking for a home now, or in the near future. recently we had the chance to revise the package with even more great infomation. If you are thinking of selling or buying real estate in Waukesha,Milwaukee, Ozaukee, or anywhere in Southeastern Wisconsin we would welcome the opportunity to roll up our sleeves and go to work. Together we can have a game plan that will keep you informed, happy, confident, and leave you knowing you made great move. If my friend and buddy Lars could talk he would tell you that you m... 01/31/2009

The other day I did a blog about it being Groundhog day on February 2nd. I was thinking at the time of writing that post that Spring was right around the corner,and it was a bout to be warmer weather. I really did not have to endure to coldness this year and was on my way to Utopia. As fate had it I would have to commit to doing what I had to do. Last year saw its share of challenges for all; the young, the old, the unfortunate, the struggling, the sick, and the list goes on. When I think of that ground hog I think that it brings promise to me again. My son and I laugh about the littlest things, and as a parent he actually will have a tendency to disagree with me often. That's okay with me; he has had to grow up pretty fast in the last half a year and more, had enough challenges for a y... 01/30/2009

It was a long year last year. We all made it through some amazing hurdles. The start of the new year saw it's change and promise of a great New Year to come. However, it is still blazing cold in Wisconsin, and I can't remember a day going by that it did not snow, or at least a little. It's with all my optimism and thoughts that I really anticipate Groundhog day this year. Come on Punxsutawney Phil , show your stuff. If all goes right it will be Spring before we know it, and buyers will be out in droves buying houses faster than they come on the market. Groundhog Day is February 2nd in the United States.  It is the day that the Groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow. If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and ret... 01/27/2009

If you have a party wanting to move to Wisconsin we would be honored to pay you a referral, and see them to a successful closing. WE will treat them with service that will make them feel like they are the only customer we have ever had, and we will leave no stone unturned to their pursuit of happiness. If you have a referral any where in Wisconsin call us, we will point you in the right direction. If you have a party that requires their home or building sold in Wisconsin we would make sure to accomplish our mutual goal, and get them on their way to you. Even if it is an Estate we would love to help. Of course, there is always a referral paid to our activerain brother and sisters. If you are a banker, mortgage broker, or a Realtor from  another State, or an indivual who needs a property ... 01/25/2009

Every season brings it's change of beauty, growth, elegance, and foliage. I was a farmer for some time and I remember distinctly when fall came around I worked on with getting all the rest of the crops out, lining up what needed work in the winter, fixing barn repairs, electric fencing had to make repaired and. When Winter hit, I would work on my tractor, resting some wire and insulator for my fencing, fix corrals, electrical work, and the list was extensive. Spring was just as hectic getting out in the fields and clearing them., and then planting either corn, soy, strawberries, vegetables and more. My Jersey steers would get an pneumonia shot from me, my sheep I made to that their lungs were ok, and if needed got rid of some toxicity then may have had a little bought with. One hundred ... 01/24/2009

The yearly Waukesha Janboree is in full swing now.   Come on out for the fun in the snow!  January 24 and 25th.  Many events are scheduled: Live Talent Show Dog Pull Cross Country Ski Race Chili Challenge Talent Show Fireworks Freezin' for Hunger Geocaching Treasure Hunt Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides Ice Fishing Clinic Ice Sculpting Contest Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Lowell Parks Winter Wonderland 1st Annual Snowball - Fund Raising Event Pancake Breakfast Radio Disney Street Jam Juggler - Truly Remarkable Loon Retzer Nature Park Activities    See the Janboree for full details     For help with selling a home. Call me for help before Foreclosure. For help with buying a home. Your neighborhood expert is here to help. E-mail me. You can find great local Milwaukee Wisconsin area real estate i... 01/24/2009

Because I believe in The Power of Prayer...I am Asking You AR.... This is the posts that Sally Hanson just wrote uponing learning her little brother has had a severe heart attack and is waiting open heart surgury. John Repa is a fun, bright, and all around good guy to hand out with I enjoy his company immmensly. If you could, and I know it would help her visit her site at Sally & David Hanson's Real Estate Blog Sally and David Are dear friends of mine and are suffering, and in pain, and I know they would welcome a call, an email, oe an contact of thanks to mention we are all thinking of them. 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 report,Buyer Package,and Real Estate Tool Kit 1-800-800-7140 If you ... 01/24/2009

It goes with out saying that I have pretty much became a blogger that has a burning desire to get some ideas out there. I like the fact that something can be free, or very, very affordable. To Formulate:Seeing a true direction in obtaining your maximum return, with little or no investment. You get a blog on activerain, you polish it, your writing and mission come more prevalent. How do I maximize my exposure with my blog? Are there other avenues that can be traveled that can bring me traffic and business? Where do I find sources to use? Do I have to write down a game plan showing what I am doing, when I am doing it, and keep track of what works? This can be a long paragraph but the point is you have to take a step back and think like a consumer. What would grab me, and keep my interest?... 01/23/2009

Quick Glance Population: 66,762 Population Growth: 2.6% Residents per square mile Population Density: 3,078 Median Age: 36 years Median Income: $55,591 100 = national average, 110 = 10% more expensive Cost of Living Index: 95   Weather Today: Clear 29°F / -3°F January Avg Temp: 11°F July Avg Temp: 83°F Sunny Days: 189 Precipitation Days: 114 Rainfall (inches): 33 Snowfall (inches): 40   Waukesha Demographics Waukesha Jobs and Politics Unemployment Rate: 5.3% Recent Job Growth: -1.6% Future Job Growth: 18.1% Democrat: 31.9% Republican: 67.2% Independent (others): 0.7% Waukesha Housing Statistics Median Home Age: 29 years Median Home Value: $226,422 Renter v. Owner Market Value 1yr 5yr 10yr   See more graphs & data at Zillow.com   Waukesha Education Statistics Expenditures per pupil ($) ... 01/23/2009

   It's so cold in Waukesha, WI.... --Richard Simmons is wearing pants! --Starbucks is serving coffee on a stick! --Hitchhikers are holding up pictures of thumbs!       PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!  ALSO, CONTACT ME FOR INFORMATION ON MY REFERRAL PROGRAM TOO!   Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php     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.wo... 01/14/2009

    Millions of shelter animals are euthanized because they never found their forever home. Too many of these animals are dying because many more people are buying from breeders because they think they would find their 'perfect pet' there instead of in shelters. These shelter animals may have had a bad past, but they have so much love to give, if only given the chance!   Shelters have volunteers that take their dogs out for walks, socialize the cats, interact with the small animals, but it isn't enough. They need a loving home.  Please give them the life they deserve.  Help me help them!  Visit your local animal shelter and take home your new best friend!  Here in Waukesha, WI, the Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) is a wonderful facility.  I volunteer there weekly, socializing cats.... 01/05/2009

  Listing Type                                           Number         Median PricePrice               Changefrom Nov Homes for Sale 229 $219,900 0.0% New Homes 3 $288,390 +5.3% Foreclosures 116 $160,000 0.0%     Mortgage Type                           Today                     Last Week              Change  15 Year Fixed 5.048% 5.219%  -0.171%   30 Year Fixed 5.174% 5.361%  -0.187%   1 Year ARM 3.634% 3.628%  0.006%   3/1 Year ARM 4.090% 4.094%  -0.004%   5/1 Year ARM 4.404% 4.409%  -0.005%     Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php 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 w... 01/03/2009

With a New year, and having figured out exactly how you will take your deductions from last year, you take your depreciation, and make any other adjustments corporate entity or sole proprietorship you may want to think about your strategies for maintaining, increasing your portfolio, or Starkering into another investment possibly using the IRS code 1031 to your advantage. It is time to call  Tom Braatz. If you are starting a new business location, relocating your business or plant, or up scaling to accommodate growth call Tom Braatz. If you want multi families, whether two units or five hundred units Tom Braatz has access to them. If you want superb service with a Broker that knows how to put SBA to work for you, including helping you with your business statement projection, mission sta... 01/02/2009

The last month seemed to have one response from buyers when I talked to them. In fact, I received a lot of the same comments from potential sellers as well. "We want to wait until after the Holidays Tom and then we will be ready to go." Well, the Holidays are over, and I am so ready to go. I am so ready to go that I revised my Buyer and Seller packages, tool kits, and reports. The first step would be to get a package which outlined lots of material, important information, and information that will absolutely make you smile with the thought of being in the driver seat. The next step would be to call me or email me so we can make an appointment to get your property on the market, or to have you sign a buyers agency. As always, my 800 24/7 system has the reports that you need that will rea... 01/02/2009

If I have one more person tell me that I can't do something, I shouldn't do something, or the sky is falling, again, I am going to choke. Every direction I look there is someone pointing out that perhaps I not even start. One more Cynic to the pile. To me it is inevitable that if you put your mind to something you will accomplish it; this applies whether you think negatively or positively about the goal. It is this year I hope that everyone has the ability to really tweak their goals, their abilities to be their best, and to achieve what they never thought possible. I for one have some very amazing goals, and they are right up there with focusing like crazy to get them done. I see the next year actually being my year to achieve what I only dreamed about; game plans, direction, training,... 01/01/2009

There are times I wish I had a crystal ball on my desk to see what is going to take place in the future. I do realize that no matter what there are many variables that will enter into play. I could only hope that things will continue to move forward in a positive manner and soon what was an obstacle in 2008 will be just a memory. 2009 will bring it's challenges, it's hurdles, and it's joy and sorrow, and I look forward to attacking and accepting every challenge along the way. That's what makes us Realtors; we work at it daily. I also think if I had a crystal ball on my desk I would be more attached to it than a computer. Right now my computer has become nothing less than this electronic barnacle which I constantly go back to comment, blog, or update. However, this is one barnacle I am f... 12/31/2008

  And, as always, if you need real estate assistance in SE Wisconsin, please don't hesitate to contact me at kjohnston@remax.net.  Please make sure to visit http://www.kristinjohnston.com and find everything from online markets, Buyer and Seller information,  community updates, calculators, my blog and more. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the purchase or sale of your next home!   Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-html.php   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.my... 12/30/2008

  Every year, I eagerly wait for the wonderful holiday season to arrive.  I start listening to the 24 hour Christmas music stations and all of my CDs starting November 1st!  YUP!! November 1st!  My husband is so sick of the music by Dec 1st, much less by Christmas.  Oops! Thanksgiving and Christmas are spent in Sheboygan, WI, where both of our families still reside, and where we each grew up.  It is such a happy time, although stressful too.  (YOU KNOW HOW THAT IS)! BUT, NOW THAT'S OVER!  I always joke that "come Christmas Day night, I will have the decorations down!"  I actually waited until yesterday (12/29) this year...good right?  The only reason I waited was that my parents came down to see my tree/decorations/etc.  And, I must say, the cats have been devils around the tree this ye... 12/30/2008