Tom's Blog

Fort Atkinson Wisconsin condos could be sold as a whole duplex.Broker Owned

2008-10-08T23:19:25Z

Beautiful new Construction scheduled for completion August 31st,early September. Great Opportunity to own that first piece of Real Estate. Adjacent unit is also for sale. See MLS number 1027937. Could buy both units and use as a duplex for $299,987. Conods would be approximately half of the two family price. Fort Atkinson is a beautiful City that has maintained it's charm and all it's integrity. Call Tom Braatz 262-377-1459 or Glenn Shong 262-490-2787 for questions and answers. Appointments can be set bt listing office. These will be absolutely beautiful and magnificent. Each will also have their own range, refrigerator, disposal, dishwasher, Microwave. 1300 sq. ft. each. Actually taken as two listings, and also a duplex listing.

Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I give you my word that I will work with every once of energy I may have to find you that special Lake Residence, home, business, or whatever your needs would be. give me a call at 262-377-1459, email me at tom@tombraatz.com and let's roll up our sleeves, get a game plan, and make your dreams come true!

tom@tombraatz.com tombraatz@remax.net www.activerain.com/tommybraatz www.LinkedIn.com www.ecademy.com www.tombraatz.com www.buyingvip.com 262-377-1459 www.naymz.com www.zoominfo.com www.facebook.com www.plaxo.com www.trulia.com commercial real estate powered by www.xceligent.com www.perfectnetworker.com www.realtownblog.com www.loopnet.com www.konnects.com www.twitter.com www.congoo.com www.connectture.com www.myhomevaluesource.com www.glennshong.com glenn@glennshong.com and more.

We want to be your Realtor, and we look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

Let Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong work harder than rented mules for you and get you to a successful closing. We look forward to seeing you at closing and shaking your hand!

www.tombraatz.com www.glennshong.com www.buyingvip.com tom@tombraatz.com www.localism.com

www.activerain.com/tommybraatz www.remax.net262-377-1349 Tom 262-490-2787 Glenn

Sincerely

Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I give you my word that I will work with every once of energy I may have to find you that special Lake Residence, home, business, or whatever your needs would be. give me a call at 262-377-1459, email me at tom@tombraatz.com and let's roll up our sleeves, get a game plan, and make your dreams come true!

tom@tombraatz.com tombraatz@remax.net www.activerain.com/tommybraatz www.LinkedIn.com www.ecademy.com www.tombraatz.com www.buyingvip.com 262-377-1459 www.naymz.com www.zoominfo.com www.facebook.com www.plaxo.com www.trulia.com commercial real estate powered by www.xceligent.com www.perfectnetworker.com www.realtownblog.com www.loopnet.com www.konnects.com www.twitter.com www.congoo.com www.connectture.com www.myhomevaluesource.com www.glennshong.com glenn@glennshong.com www.zing.com www.stumblupon.com www.spock.com.www.crib.com. and more.

We want to be your Realtor, and we look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

Widmers Cheese Cellers; A Family Tradition of Ecellence since 1922 Theresa, Wisconsin

2008-10-08T20:13:23Z

The Story of Widmer's Brick Cheese

Meet the Master Cheese Maker - Joe Widmer, Widmer's Cheese Cellars

Entering Widmer's Cheese Cellars in the tiny town of Theresa, Wis., is like stepping back in time. Adorned with the flags of Swiss cantons on the outside, the plant inside affords visitors a close-up look at the making of some of the Dairy State's best, most classic cheese varieties. Just a step down from a small retail area sits the "make room," its traditional open vats being carefully tended, curds being stirred or hand-scooped into forms, or the famous Widmer bricks being gently placed atop the forms to press the whey out of the signature Brick cheese.

The plant itself, purchased by the Swiss immigrant John O. Widmer in 1922, has been home-literally-to three generations of Widmer cheesemakers. "It's a classic Wisconsin cheese plant," says current owner Joe Widmer, who, like his father before him, grew up in the rooms above the plant and who raised his children here, as well. "Very little has changed in the 80-plus years that my family has been making cheese here," he says.

For Widmer, growing up in a cheesemaking family instilled in him great pride in producing top-quality cheese and a reverence for doing things "the old-fashioned way." "From the time I was 6 years old, I remember helping out in the plant," he says. "I'd come down in the morning and do my job was before

Above is the cheese factory,bad view, and the counter clerk always with a smile and a peice of cheese.

Side sot of cheese factory, and the cheese maker. Some go to the store for cheese; I go to the factory

Above is the new city hall,isn't she a beaute? Sololom Jenuea's summer home (founder of Milwaukee)

A well kept older town,Theresa knows evryone in the town I took a picture of towntown during rush hour

going to school. At the end of the day, I always took pride in the fine products my father had made, and in his commitment to always be the best he could be. That's what keeps me going and makes me believe that sticking to tradition--not taking any short cuts--is the way to go. The way I see it, it's like comparing Grandma's donuts to Dunkin' Donuts. I'll take Grandma's every time."

Widmer left the family business after high school to pursue rock-and-roll dreams, but eventually came back to cheesemaking.

Today, Widmer's cheese is widely hailed for its authenticity, handcrafted quality and consistency. The company makes a wide range of cheeses, but is best know for its traditional stirred-curd Wisconsin Colby, award-winning aged Cheddar and, of course, classic Wisconsin Aged Brick.

"Brick, particularly the surface-ripened, foil-wrapped version, has always been our calling card," Widmer says. "It's a Wisconsin cheese original and is one of the finest cheeses we make. Because it's a washed-rind cheese that's aged longer, it develops robust flavors. We're seeing demand for it increasing as consumers seek out more distinctive artisanal cheeses."

Following in his father and grandfather's footsteps, Widmer says he'll continue to maintain and grow his family's cheesemaking traditions. And, like his father, he strives to never stop learning. He's one of a handful of cheesemakers in Wisconsin to have earned the title of Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, having completed a rigorous three-year advanced training program for veteran cheesemakers. Widmer has completed the course not once, but twice, earning Master certification in Brick, Cheddar and Colby varieties.

Main Website

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at

my website, wmailing or calling me and also get a one of a kind Seller or Buyer package from me. This can save you thousand s of dollars. Just pick up the phone, or email me if you are ready, contemplating, or wishing to buy or sell a home or property. What are you waiting for? It's free and can save you a bundle of money!!

Magnificent treat with all updates, bells, whistle.inclusions, Appliances,$329987

2008-10-07T22:05:17Z

Year round vacation excape - 3- yeara new home on 6 acres. Fish the trout stream, enjoy the board walk through nature, Re/ax in the water and the pool. Just minutes north of Wisconsin Delle. Home ahas been used as a short term rental property. Let someone else make the payments. This lends to a business, a great getaway. a compound,huting, fishing, walking, possible business retreat, retirement home, and more. It is just beautuil. Three full bedrooms, three full bedrooms,large fireplace, Central Air.

194 to #79 exit Lyden Statiom,left on HH,Right on US 12, Right on Counrty Road z to 24th Ave.- Bear Right turn. left on 57th St. School District Mauston

Sincerly Tom BRaatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max leaders. 3400 transactions closed.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

We want to be your Realtor, and we look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

Escape the Hestic City Life and own your own piece ot the Country. Great Places for horses!Sullivan,WI

2008-10-07T21:23:09Z

Escape the hectic city life and own your own piece of the country. Great place for horses or a vegeatable farm on the plus twelve acrs of tranquality. Mini Farm foue bderoom one and a One half bath homewith many updates includingincluding windows,kitchen,furnace,well,roof,and porches to name a few. Many outbuildings for your hobbies, strorage or a shop. Make your appontment today? $324,900

More preconceived notions:Better know as Paradigms. Real Estate has it's share of preconceived notions.

2008-10-07T17:49:06Z

It never seizes to amaze me about some of the assumptions that people can make. Real Estate is a great example. Some would say "I can't do that", I don't want to attempt that", that is something I would not be good at", The list is endless.

A Paradigm is a perceived notion. We are all full of preconceived notion:, "That person is a better broker", "I can never get the Seller to that offer", 'I wish I had the talent that person had" "I am happy just making my simple money, and I doubt I could be a Broker that can produce like others"

THE SECRET IS ATTITUDE, BELIEF IN YOURSELF, AND ESTABLISHING SYSTEMS THAT ARE AUTOMATIC AND GET YOUR PHONE TO RING. THIS IS A TOPIC A LONE THAT GETS PEOPLE IN TROUBLE.

The secret is to leave the thoughts and suggestions that others give you a special place where you can come back later and edit them. A lot will work and some will not. The important thing is to remember that we have to set our selves apart from others.

A basic approach, yet ideal, would be a simple one that starts the honesty and start of how to get your foot in the door. No BS lines, no smoking guns,it is plain truth and honesty will get you a face to face appointment. What else could you need. Basics are important, but from there we have to remember to get back to the basic core values of work, business, and life everyday.Dare to be different, and let the wall come down.The talent that is within you is restricted by how you manage your thoughts, and your difference of guiding your destiny and what life holds for you, or perhaps you create self defeating prophecies and it is time to stop them. It is not a game of cards with the best hand, but rather just having the game learned and practiced.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at

We may wear tailored and and patented suits,but we still work harder that rented mules

2008-10-07T17:22:41Z

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 seen changes lately, but I have seen this before. Just when you think it has been slow for too long, and you have worked four times as hard to make a living, it all of a sudden takes off like wild fire.

It really is a demand on duty for the future, and those that are prepared in every angle have the most to offer their customers and clients.

We have been able to step back lately and find many ways to improve the quality of my service, and the distinct details that set me apart from some other brokers.

Some of the best Mentors we could have are fellow activerain bloggers;We have learned from some of the best and we thank you.

Looking for two Brokers that will work their tails off for you? Looking for two Brokers that are outstanding in their field? Look no farther. Our names are Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong, and we want to apply for the job. We are committed to working with passion, hard work, and tenacity that is uncompromising and unparalleled. You have our word on it!

Sincerely

Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

We want to be your Realtor, and we look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

Call me or email me for your free Sellers or Byers package; it could Save you THOUSANDS!

262-377-1459 tom@tombraatz.com www.buyingvip.com www.nyhomevaluesource.com

What if every Realtor really had a Master Plan, and actually FOLLOWED IT To The Tee, and REVIEWED IT!

2008-10-07T16:14:41Z

Let's face it... when we were making millions of dollars we were nuts with it, buying toys, enjoying life to the hilt, and one day, and yes, I believe we knew that day was coming, things went into a different direction. Call it recession, call it an adjustment, call it what you will, but either way we are all feeling it. I personally am working 6-8 times as hard to make a decent living. After taxes, bills, and other expenses, it has for once made me slow down and realize it had nothing to do with the money, it has everything, and I mean everything to do with the attitude.

The market sucks, The market has got to get better, the market should come back but I don't know when, It used to be better, but now things have slipped.It is what it is. Switch gears an go another direction and attack your new direction like a banshee

You think so, sometimes we just have to take a step back out of the box and look at the big picture. "God give me one more really great market and I promise not to screw it up". The geniuses out there selling you how to gimmicks. You have it in you, you always did, it is called drive, conviction, self esteem, belief, desire for knowledge, and doing what the others don't. We are all salesman, we just have to convince ourselves that we are better, smarter, swifter, more talented, and we can get the job.

There is nothing I hate more than when I hear a Broker say that they are competing with a broker and that they are nervous about going up against them. Hogwash. Kick their butt. Believe in yourself, get a game plan, and follow it.

Truth:

Few Brokers write down their yearly, monthly, daily goals.

Few Brokers create self defeating attitudes when they start to have a bad day; leave it at the door!

For God's sake, lead by example, and have your best day ever. At least you could say the dirt you got on yourself was from hard, smart work.

Send me your game plan and I will tell you if it will work.

You better get used to doing things you don't like like cold calling, mailers, follow ups, calling back, and more. IT better be written down, realistic, and attainable.

REMEMBER: TOO HIGH OF GOALS CAN SUGGEST FAILURE, LACK OF GOALS GUARANTEES IT!

Please look for my complete package designed for Brokers that want to, and need to make at least a hundred thousand a year, have a life, and be HAPPY. IT will be so fair priced that others will be mad for me giving away every trade secret from follow up campaigns, blog concepts, tagging, scripts, mailers, packages, guarantees, and tons more. IT will be available on hardback, include step by step, and include all the Cd's. I am not going to charge $1,550, $1200, $1100, 0r even $900 dollars. The response generated marketing, the techniques to get you in the door, and more will all be there. MY price will be far less, and everything you need to succeed, and I mean everything! It limited to the first 200,000 purchasers. Laugh if you want. Go up against me and lets see who gets the listing.Your going to be walking away, and I will take the check to the bank with the others. Get what I have an enjoy your money, quit worrying about what others, in fact who cares. IF you get into what your doing people will take notice and ask what came over you. I have the edge,talent,no how, conviction, toughness, and vision to help you achieve you goals. I also offer inexpensive coaching once a week that keeps you on track, your numbers go right up their, and we put the daily structure of enjoyment back into your life. Roll up your sleeves with me and let's get our game plan going so you can be peaceful,happy,productive, and really have people stand up and take notice. The best thing is you always had it in you;you just need help getting it out in the fore front on a daily level,weekly level, monthly level, and more. Perhaps changing your life for such a fast moving positive direction may frighten you. I say GOOD! Git over it, and start being you

SEE YOU AT CLOSING!!!

SINCERELY,

TOM BRAATZ

LOOK FOR SEMINARS COMING TO YOUR TOWN SOON THAT WILL BE AFFORDABLE AND YOU WILL WALK
AWAY MAKING MONEY. REMEMBER, I SELL REAL ESTATE, I AM VERY GOOD AT IT AND I AM GOING TO TEACH YOU WHAT I KNOW!!!

262-377-1459 www.buyingvip.com www.tombraatz.com www.activerain.com/tommybraatz

Oh one more thing, thanks my sunshine for my inspiration, truly, some things are unexplainable.

Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

We want to be your Realtor, and we look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

Just like new Four family; amazingly maintained, and I would like to Starker $188,900

2008-10-06T21:58:10Z

This four family built in 1994 is almost new, and it certainly looks new. Completely sided and almost maintenance free exterior including soffit and fascia. Each unit has central air, and includes a refrigerator, oven/range,Dishwasher, disposal, and more. Also included is the coin operated washer and dryer.

Located in the picture perfect Village of Francis Creek, which is about ten minutes from Manitowoc this gem of a property abuts the Village Park, sits on a extra large double lot, and is so immaculate it is incredible.

All this for only $188,900. Priced to sell. Property next door at 426 Norwood is also for sale with listing agents.

Call Tom Braatz or Glenn Shong for details, showings, numbers, CFAT, or an APOD,showings, and other questions and information.

Looking for two Brokers that know investment properties inside and out? Are you looking to start your portfolio or add to it.

Tom brat'ssold more multi family properties than any other MLS Broker in the State of Wisconsin. In addition to selling homes, businesses,Commercial buildings, land, and more he sold 41 multi families.

It is at this time that Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong invite you to give them a call.

They would love to educate you on starting your investment portfolio. They will explain entities, Cash flow after taxes, Annual Property operating data sheets, Alternative cash flow, calculating you basis, depreciation, appreciation, Starker exchanges in reference to IRS section code 1031, and more.

Call today for your Real Estate tool kit, appointment, and complete Buyer package.

www.tombraatz.com www.buyingvip.com www.glennshong.com www.activerain.com/tommybraatz tom@tombraatz.com glenn@glennshong.com

Directly reach Tom at 262-377-1459 or Glenn at 262-490-2787

Sincerely

Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

We want to be your Realtor, and we look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

Sincerely

Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

We want to be your Realtor, and we look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

Over the years we have met some remarkable people that are now friends

2008-10-06T21:04:22Z

Over the years we have had the chance to work with some pretty remarkable people and have enjoyed their company. We were fortunate enough to have found for them, or have sold them a property.The wonderful thing about this Industry is the people that work in it. I have met some of the most giving and compassionate individuals in many different Real Estate companies. It never ceases to amaze me how giving and how talented they are. I am fortunate that I have went on to become good friends with them, or have them as Mentors. Realtors are, in my eyes, people that like to be around people. When I talk to other Brokers and Salespeople about their careers and business you can see the spark in their eyes, and the smile is ever present. I have met some very decent individuals in my line of business, and I am proud to be associated with them.

Helping new found friends with their Real Estate needs has taken many different roads, and may have started with a newly married couple bursting with pride in the thought of purchasing their own home. Time went by and they moved up to have a larger home with more room to grow. Eventually, the cycle moved on and it meant yet another move with more dreams, and I was fortunate to help them again. It may have been selling that single family home when the children grew up only to find them another property.

It may have been a Commercial building, or perhaps a business. For each dream, goal, and aspiration,we stood ready and able to help them reach their destination.

We have also helped an amazing amount of customers and clients selling and finding them investment properties; small and not so small.

Either way, it has been fun and we enjoy every minute, and look forward to tomorrow. Please feel free to log on to http://www.tombraatz.com/ , www.buyingvip.com, or www.myhomevaluesource.com www.glennshong.com, or www.sellingvip.com. Perhaps it is too early to see the future, butwe have to believe with all the friends and clients that have put their faith in us another whole cycle could take place with selling the Granchildren something.We always promise, and strive to put your needs foremost, and will always work to acheive excellence.

23 years and approximately 3400 properties later we have made alot of friends

One thing is for sure, we would love to be your Brokers. Whether you are buying or selling, Residential or Commercial, you can not do better. We have accomphlised some the the best residential Real Estate, and some phenominal Commercial Real Estate. Call Tom Braatz at 262-377-1459, or Glenn Shong at 262-490-2787. email us at tom@tombraatz.com. glenn@glennshong.com. ON the web at www.tombraatz.com www.buyingvip.com. www.glennshong.com, Our blogis er www.activerain.com/tommybraatz or www.activerain.com/glennshong. Get your Real Estate tool kit. We close homes, and help buyers find the home they want.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz and Glenn Shong

Re/Max

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

We want to be your Realtor, and we look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

2939 N. County Road Z, Sullivan, Wisconsin. Great for horses! $324,987

2008-10-06T19:10:45Z

Escape the hectic life and own your own piece of the country. Great place for horses or a vegetable farm on the twelve plus acres of tranquility. Mini farm home with many updates incuding windows,kitchen,furnace,well,roof, and porches to name a few. Many outbuildings for your hobbies,storage or a shop. Make your appointment today. Home has four bedrooms, and one and one half baths, and a four car garage.

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at

http://tombraatz.fidelityassets.com and your next move should be to get your one of a kind Seller or Buyer package from me. Just pick up the phone, or email me if you are ready, contemplating, or wishing to buy or sell a home or property. What are you waiting for? It's free and can save you a bundle of money!!

9204 Green Valley Rd. Ixonia,WI. Rural home with lots of bells and whistles

2008-10-06T09:05:45Z

This beautiful three bedroom, two bath home set in a 1.13 acre rural setting awaits the party that wants updates, privacy, and lots of country air. Exposed split ranch with great country views. Qaulity throughout including oak 6 panel doors and casement windows. Open concept great room complete with fireplace and entertainment area. Raised 24 x 20 deck is a real plus. Basement plumbed for extra bath. Only $269,897

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at

Attractive Southside ranch is ready for your Purchase. 511 E.Van Beck,Milwaukee,WI

2008-10-05T11:45:59Z

With lots of updates throughout including a new roof this attractive rach awaits it's new buyer. Finished lower level for entertainment, bright cheery kitchen with newer cabinets,linoleum,countertops, and more.

The yard is wonderful with a large apple tree in the back yard next to the garden place. The home is surrounded with flowers all around it. Living room, all three bedrroms and hallway have hardwood floors.

The bath is completely remodeled as well.

All this for only $169,900. Why not stop by today, and take a look.

All you need to do is call Tom at 262-377-1459 and let's look at this affordable home in a great area.

Howard to Whitnall. South to Van Beck and East to address.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz & Glenn Shong

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at

John McCain sings Barbara Streisand; Political humor at it's best

2008-10-04T10:28:40Z

Recently, I had a chance to come across this video. Whether you are a Democrat or Republican you can't help but be amused by this. In a time when everything is painted with pale antidotes I still find it refreshing when someone can make fun of themselves in a humorous connotation. It is easier and better to laugh with people rather than at them.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at

West Allis home is ready for your immediate purchase! 1925 S. 93rd. West Allis,WI

2008-10-04T09:00:29Z

Priced below comparable sold homes for a quick sale. avery Large lot and big two car garage sets this one apart from other ones in the area. Seller says there are hardwood floors under the carpet. Make your offer today! $144,900

Some appliances included. Call Tom Braatz at 262-377-1459 or Glenn Shong at 262-490-2787 so they can present the offer.

Two Brokers work with passion, and are happy when you are happy. Feel free to find the home you are looking for on our websites, and we would love to show them to you. You can always get a free market from us as well.

Tom Braatz

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at

A large ranch awaits your purchase on Badger Ct. in Dousman, Wisconsin.

2008-10-04T08:42:20Z

Many updates in this beautiful ranch home such as a new furnace, roof, windows, laminate floors. Fenced yard backs up to subdivision common area. Very private yard, patio with hot tub. All appliances included. Great family room with fireplace just 2.5 miles south of I-94. $220"S Call for appointment and make an offer today! The Village of Dousman is surrounded by scenic nature, rolling hills, meadows, and kettle moraines. Watch the sand hill cranes in the fields, walk, hike, or bike the Glacial Drumlin nature trail. There is a new adventure waiting for you when you purchase this fine home.

There really isn't anything that a Buyer or a Seller could not find at www.glennshong.com or www.tombraatz.com In fact, call or email us to set up a listing appointment or an appointment to become a VIP buyer ( Sign up at www.buyingvip.com) this month of June or July and you will receive a free Real Estate tool kit which has everything you need, want, and should have to beat out everyone and win. This is free, but you have to act now.

Further, any closing through November 30th, of this year, as you as our buyer will receive a free Home warranty at my cost. Want more?

Sincerely
Tom Braatz

RE/MAX Realty Center
Looking for two Real Estate brokers that are passionate about their work, would love
to be of service to you and will be happy when you are happy, and will not stop
until you have achieved total satisfaction? Pick up the phone and call Glenn Shong
at 262-490-2787 or email me at glenn@glennshong.com. Visit our web sites at
www.glennshong.com or www.TomBraatz.com and www.BuyingVIP.com. Search the MLS, get
your online market evaluation or become a VIP buyer by simply going to our web
sites. Check out Tom's Blog at www.activerain.com/tommybraatz. Contact Tom Braatz at
262-377-1459 or email him at tom@tombraatz.com.

We want to be your Realtors for life, and look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

Lapham Peak. An unusual trace of the ice age, and a great Park

2008-10-03T11:03:47Z

Lapham Peak is partly due to glaciers that came through and is a magnificent place to break apart from everything for any reason, and for lots of things to do. Explore the trails in any season.

The Park Hours: The park is open from 7 am to 9 pm spring through fall and 7 am to 10 pm in winter. It may seem unusual to have longer winter hours but there are 2.5 miles of cross-country trails here that are lighted for evening skiing.

What it costs: The cost is $7 for Wisconsinites for a daily pass,$25 for a yearly state park sticker. If you are not from Wisconsin you will pay $10 for a daily pass and $35 for a yearly pass. Trail fees apply for those who plan to horseback ride, bike, or cross-country ski.

Directions: From Interstate 94, exit on Hwy C at the Delafield exit. Head south, away from the city of Delafield, about one mile until you reach the park entrance on your left.

Lapham Peak State Park is divided by Highway C. On the (west) far side of the road from the parking and office are trails for horseback riders and bikers. The Ice Age Trail also crosses through both sections of the park.

There are three parking areas: one near the office, one halfway down the road, and one at the end of the road. The first parking area leads to the Meadow Trail (green). All trails are marked by color rather than their name. Look for the color of your trail at intersections. Portions of trails also have extra, entertaining names, such as Big Slide and Magic Carpet Ride.

At the second parking area you will find the Accessible Trail, a paved loop trail popular with users of strollers and wheelchairs. Also at the second parking lot are trailheads for the Moraine Ridge Trail (black) and the Kame Terrace Trail (purple).

If you continue to the end of the road to the last parking lot you will find yourself at the base of the observation tower. The tower is located on the highest point in Waukesha County and provides views of downtown, Holy Hill, surrounding lakes and far off into the countryside. The elevation at Lapham Peak is 1233 feet. At this parking area you will also find a section of the Ice Age Trail (yellow) and the trailhead for the Kettle View Trail (blue).

Hikers may go in any direction on the trails but for cross-country skiing the trails are marked as one-way routes. The map also provides indications as to how hilly the route is, with +10 as the steepest upslope and -10 as the steepest downslope (assuming you are traveling them in the direction on the cross-country ski signs). Trails with a 0 are meadows. The steeper sections are generally the treed areas of the park. There is a campsite off the Ice Age Trail in the middle of the park.

Lapham Peak History: Lapham Peak is named for Increase A. Lapham, an important scientist and naturalist in Wisconsin who lived from 1811 to 1875. He came to Wisconsin in 1836 as an engineer and eventually settled in the Oconomowoc area. Lapham had many roles in his lifetime, including State Geologist, founder and president of the State Historical Society, and surveyor of Indian mounds, but he is probably best known as the Father of the United States Weather Bureau.

A Wisconsin State Marker at Lapham Peak reads in part:

"In 1870, on top of Lapham Peak, then known as Government Hill, the United States Army Signal Corps established one of its original National Weather Service signal stations. Weather data was received here from Pikes Peak, Colorado, and relayed to the United States Weather Bureau headquarters in Chicago. Lapham Peak . . . is named for Wisconsin's premier 19th-century naturalist, archeologist and scholar. From this peak, Lapham recorded many weather observations for his pioneering work in meteorology, which included publishing isothermal maps of Wisconsin . . . Lapham wrote the proposal for a national weather service, which was approved by Congress on February 9, 1870. On November 8th, working as the assistant to the Chief Signal Corps Officer, Lapham recorded the first published national weather forecast...."

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at

All great turkish coffee with my friend Dara; announcing Wyndham Homes

2008-10-02T16:14:33Z

Today I was able to go visit my friend Dara Atlija. Dara is absolutely a charming woman. Class to the max, a super heart, a great builder, and a super Realtor,Broker, and land developer. She has this wonderful smile 24/7 and she sets the standards for where excellent morals and ethics should be. I enjoy her. Dara is joining activerain soon, and together Dara and I are starting to work together so Glenn and I and our staff can sell alot of properties for this charming woman. We will also sell the homes that people have to sell before they buy into there total new construction package. Her new website is up and running tomorrow at www.Wydhamhomes.com We worked on it this morning and just a simple adjustment is all it will take. Meanwhile please feel free to email me if you want at tom@tombraatz.com or call Dara direct if you are ready to build anywhere in Milwaukee,Waukesha,Racine,or Ozaukee at 414-397-8992.

Dara is the nicest woman you could ever meet, and Glenn would have to second that. She did make mention that every time people go to her home they must eat Serbian food. I thought about it and I thought 8,12,5 and so on. All kidding aside. This power house of a Realtor is one extremely talented individual and I look forward to working with her on her projects. Any one that wishes to move to Wisconsin and wishes to have a brand new home just call me.

I attached a picture of one of her new construction ranches with granite counters, ceramic through out, fireplaces, knock down, cherry and birch wood everywhere. This home is very nice at only S325,000

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

Looking for a Realtor that will work with passion and sheer determination to make sure you are absolutely happy with a home purchase, or a sale? I am the person, and my name is Tom Braatz.

I want to be your Realtor, and I look forward to seeing you at your closing!!

If you are moving to South Eastern Wisconsin you need a real estate tool kit. get your tool kit at