2008 certainly was a year that came with great changes, sweeping examples of everything from searching our direction to realizing what we need to adjust, acclimate, and adhere to. It is my personal wish that everyone I know has a great and very Happy New Year. I know the New Year that comes will bring some of the biggest changes I will see in a long time and I am ready for the challenge. I hope your 2009 is a major success, and is your best year ever! Sincerely Tom Braatz  You Can Sign up For VIP BUYING at http://www.BUYINGVIP.com. Free 24/7 recorded message allows you to obtain A Free report, Buyer Package, and Real Estate Tool Kit 1-800-800-7140 If you need to purchase within the next 60 days go to Ext 101 If you do not need to purchase within the next 60 days go to Ext 102 For The "... 12/27/2008

This short video surfaced awhile ago on YouTube, but I think it is to the point (30 seconds) and bears repeating.  It is important to keep our mouths shut and let the client give feedback first on a home, since you never know how they will perceive it.  Everyone has their own intentions in the purchase of real estate.  Right? And, as always, if you need real estate assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me at kjohnston@remax.net.  I look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the purchase or sale of your next home! 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.fa... 12/27/2008

One common theme seems to be reappearing over and over again as I talk to, and interact with people, brokers, and consumers in the last week and a half, and more. What changes have taken place in the last two years and more have led everyone that should have, or needed to, look out of the box do so as to increase their local,national, and global appearance. Communication is one of the greatest tools that we will ever have access to, utilize wisely, and have the chance to perfect. Without communication everything else will always take a back seat as to what we can do, and what we could have. Thinking out of the box on a larger level requires us to think as what the consumer would always want, and look for, and the tools we possess, and having  a strong sense of determination and drive to... 12/26/2008

Do you Know What This Guy Knows? Find Out Now and Let him work for you!You too can REALLY benefit from what this guy knows, and benefit like never before! He personally will teach you how to buy right, save big! Fill out the Dream form finder on the BuyingVIP website and let us show you how to save $$$$$,we will take you through the whole process, and you'll smile all the way through it. Your own personal team of Buyer Agents looking out for YOU!! Now You Can Save Lots When You Purchase A Home! As Buyer Agents We help You Find The Homes That Meet Your Needs and Desires, Negotiate and Get You The Best Deal Possible, Research Properties,and We Will Help You Purchase The Home For The Lowest Possible Price. Start By Getting What You Are Looking For In A Home Sent To You Right At Your Finger... 12/17/2008

I had an extensive appointment that lasted five hours with it being gloomy when I walked in, and when I walked out I could not even see two feet in front of myself. It was snowing so hard and heavy that I had to hit my car key pad to get it to beep and lights to go on to see where my car was! Granted, snow is very pretty, but it can really be frightening as well. What normally would have been a ten minute ride turned into a hour plus with people all over the place. I have a vision and it does not involve snow, and even my dog sits looking out the window wondering what all this noise was about. Perhaps he has earned a DQ vanilla ice cream, or some chicken from a chain store. Mr. Moose, better well known as Lars the German Shepherd has the right idea. I walk out of the car and think it re... 12/16/2008

  As Real Estate professionals we constantly are taking a step back and trying to rethink the egg; no matter what you do you start out with an egg. The same is in business. I met a young man the other day that had every kind of new gear you could imagine; the poor young guy was beeping, spurting, and going off every second. I asked him who his mentor was, and how as he getting his training. Although his answer was admirable (the computer) I discovered one thing after talking to him, and listening to him answer a phone call. He was, and is afraid of the phone, or at least the way he kept on saying "UH, Uh, Uh". I wanted to grab this kid and shake some sense in to him, so I did. Granted, a lot of years have went into my phone techniques, and I as well as anyone else have had to refine mys... 12/14/2008

When I was younger I had a nasty habit of watching stocks and saying to myself "I need to buy some of that". I repeated this ritual until I finally go to the point of knowing if I did not do it soon I was just going to be another individual that bought too late. Is it really any different today? Rates are absolutely incredible; no need to sell these because they pretty much speak for themselves. The prices are unbelievably good, and it strikes me as hard pressed to think of a better time to be at the starting gate. The selection is great, and the timing is perfect. It is not risk but rather procrastination that can be the difference in really winning, or merely getting by. Successful people do what others just dream or want to do. It requires action and determination to really mold a "Y... 12/13/2008

As I drive around there seems to be a pattern I am noting, and readily enjoying as I visit families and individuals that want to sell or Buy. Sure economic times make us take a step back and really examine things on a closer level,. At the same time I see people getting out their decorations and really getting into the Holiday more. To me this brings a smile because it really is not about the presents and all the associated "must does" we are used to. It is refreshing to see people taking a step back and enjoying the little things in life more; their children's smile, knowing they are healthy, and seeing others smile at each other with a genuine caring attitude that somehow comes with making the little things count more in life. Perhaps it is very true that out of some bad comes some go... 12/13/2008

A few days ago I was working with some buyers and I was commenting on how darn cold it was, and the enormous amount of snow we have already received. It was close to zero degrees this morning and i had a chance to reflect and laugh at what a child had said to me in absolute wisdom. After talking about how cold it was, and reminiscing about warm weather the child looked at me and said "Tom, at least there are no mosquitoes!" I looked at that brilliant kid with a grin and knew exactly what he had meant. It may be cold, and there may be snow, but at least there are no mosquitoes! The day will come when they will be just a  memory for me. That child hit it right on the head. Sincerely Tom Braatz Do you need a specific property? Call me, or email me; I will find it. Let's roll up our sleeves... 12/12/2008

On December 7th, 1941, the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor was one of the greatest deciding factors  in history. The attack was extremely well executed, and the result would be devastating. It was done so  the United States Navy's battleship force was not as much as a possible threat to the Japanese Empire's southward expansion. Hence, the United States was brought into the Second World War as a full combatant. A year and a half earlier, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had transferred the United States Fleet to Pearl Harbor as a presumed deterrent to Japanese agression. The Japanese badly needed oil and other raw materials. Their Commercial access to these was very slim.  In July 1941 the Western powers effectively stopped trade with Japan. From then on, because of the great need for oil... 12/07/2008

Sitting in my office on a Sunday afternoon is not really the place that I want to be. However, I know that I must always keep up with the needs of all the people I work with. I always have the great reward of knowing that after I finish my markets and all the paperwork I get to cold call and prospect. As some get into the Holiday season I find myself often reflecting on my accomplishments, goals that I hit, and things I need to work on in the next coming year. No matter where I may be it is a constant reminder of how fragile life can be and how things can turn on a dime. I have so many friends that are going through some tough times, and yet there seems to be a better connection with them of what is really important in life. My son is, and will always be my number one priority. He works... 12/07/2008

                                                              Every year as a part of our life plan, new year's resolutions, goals, etc. we decide on which charities we will contribute to and this year, more than ever, many organizations that depend upon the support of the community to function are behind in contributions.     An organization that we have chosen for the past six years, is the Waukesha Womens Center. This center operates with the help of funding from generous people like you....for battered and abused women to seek refuge with their children from abusive spouses and get back on their feet again. This shelter is in immediate need of the following items:                                       Deodorant Food - Our pantry is VERY low Large size diapers (4, 5 & up, including ... 12/04/2008

You too can REALLY benefit from what this guy knows, and benefit like never before! He personally will teach you how to buy right, save big $$$,take you through the whole process, and you'll smile all the way through it. Your own personal team of Buyer Agents looking out for YOU!! Now You Can Save Lots When You Purchase A Home! As Buyer Agents We help You Find The Homes That Meet Your Needs and Desires, Negotiate and Get You The Best Deal Possible, Research Properties,and We Will Help You Purchase The Home For The Lowest Possible Price. Start By Getting What You Are Looking For In A Home Sent To You Right At Your Fingertips! You Can Sign up For VIP BUYING at http://www.BUYINGVIP.com. Start by filling out the DREAM HOME FORM AND WAKE UP TO SUPER DEALS IN HOT NEW LISTINGS. Free 24/7recor... 12/02/2008

I was feeling a little overwhelmed with the work I had to accomplish today. As usual it does not take me long when I am doing my computer work to open other windows including music and more to get me moving right along. Lately as I drive through Southeastern Wisconsin I meet a lot of people that are having difficult times. I truly do believe the right time, and I am pressed to think of a better time, to buy a home if you are needing, wanting, or desire to do so is right now. I have come to realize that in life it really has nothing about thinking what you don't have; those are dreams, goals, and aspirations. For many, that is our driving force, and thoughts of success. It can be about what we have as well. Good health, happy children, and peace and prosperity. My driving force and prosp... 11/30/2008

Years ago this City was resort City. People would come from miles around just to put their feet in the Fox river, have a mud bath at the Moor Downs mud baths, and the City was renowned for it's natural springs. It was deemed "Spring City" Resorts were plentiful. There is a large bible college that used to house a famous resort on the corner of Arcadian and Hartwell. One really would have a hard time imagining the beauty that was Frame park. A beautiful park on the Fox river that had outstanding floral gardens, trelleses, ponds with fish, and views that were nothing short of amazing. The city of Waukesha had numurous parks that had Spring houses in them. Perhaps this is what made the Fox Head brewery or Roxo soda company have such great products.Springs were abundant in Waukesha and as ... 11/16/2008

  Reporting on sales and activity for Waukesha Wisconsin for the month ending September 30, 2008.  September sales in Waukesha show as 63 closings.  In 2007 data shows 57 sales for the same time period.  Year to date there have been 498 sales, in 2007 there were 600 for the same period. There are currently 456 active listings in Waukesha.  That is a little over 7 months supply on the market.  This indicates that we are still in a buyers market.   When inventory is at 5 months or less, it is considered a "sellers" market. Sales are up this month from 2007 - that is a good sign.  Inventory is down, this too is a very good sign for the real estate market. NATIONWIDE: Building permits across the country are down to just under a million, historically this is an INDICATOR that we have reached... 10/18/2008

Years ago this City was resort City. People would come from miles around just to put their feet in the Fox river, have a mud bath at the Moor Downs mud baths, and the City was renowned for it's natural springs. It was deemed "Spring City" Resorts were plentiful. There is a large bible college that used to house a famous resort on the corner of Arcadian and Hartwell. One really would have a hard time imagining the beauty that was Frame park. A beautiful park on the Fox river that had outstanding floral gardens, trelleses, ponds with fish, and views that were nothing short of amazing. The city of Waukesha had numurous parks that had Spring houses in them. Perhaps this is what made the Fox Head brewery or Roxo soda company have such great products.Springs were abundant in Waukesha and as ... 10/12/2008

  Take a look at this home in the Waukesha, WI area-pretty nice! The Wisconsin Trend Home looks great saving the planet, too! Just a few of its green and sustainable features: Recycled roof tiles and masonry components. It captures 43,000 gallons of water a year that can be used for irrigation and aquifer replenishment, has structually insulated panels and uses thermal massing to help with heating and cooling, bamboo flooring, organic pigments, high-effciency fixtures, and that is just the beginning-  go here to have a look inside the home and at where the money is going in the community... Steve Obeoman 262-325-8687 Obeo for YOU:800-729-6236 steven.stearns@obeo.com           08/13/2008

                                      2320 Brookstone Lane ... A Sparkling Family Home in Brookstone                                                       Willows Sub-Division Our sellers tell us that their children had their own park in the backyard of this "like new" home...all new laminant flooring and carpet throughout the house...the whole interior has been freshly painted....the landcaping has been lovingly maintained and the backyard has a gym set and plenty of room for children and pets to play. The first floor family room with gas fireplace has patio  doors that open on to the deck...and overlook the huge backyard and pine tree "fence.             The formal living room extends from the front to the back of the home and the far end can be used as a dining room. The upgraded oak... 08/08/2008

Waukesha County, Wisconsin. A lot of beautiful History: The City of Waukesha (edit/delete) Years ago this City was resort City. People would come from miles around just to put their feet in the Fox river, have a mud bath at the Moor Downs mud baths, and the City was renowned for it's natural springs. It was deemed "Spring City" Resorts were plentiful. There is a large bible college that used to house a famous resort on the corner of Arcadian and Hartwell. One really would have a hard time imagining the beauty that was Frame park. A beautiful park on the Fox river that had outstanding floral gardens, trelleses, ponds with fish, and views that were nothing short of amazing. The city of Waukesha had numurous parks that had Spring houses in them. Perhaps this is what made the Fox Head brew... 08/03/2008