Tom Braatz,Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent,Waukesha Cty WI Real Estate

We are Waukesha County Real Estate and Lake Country Real Estate

After breaking into Real Estate I had my doubts that it would be a good fit for me. Waukesha County Real Estate and Lake Country Real Estate is something that has become my passion and what I truly have found out to be my calling. It didn't take long to figure out that I could be totally immersed in something that I welcomed everyday. They say if you love what you do for work then it really isn't work at all. Waukesha County Real Estate is a hard Industry to really be out in the for front in; I have learned that I did that by means of one happy client at a time, and best of all they become my friend. Lars has met his share of wonderful people along the way and I know he would second that as well. When you are looking at finding a Waukesha County Real Estate agent I would be honored to be of assistance to you.

Early on it became quite clear I needed to be out with the people. It was one of the best decisions I would ever make.We are committed to nothing but excellence and customer satisfaction. Whether it is selling a home in Waukesha County or buying a home in Waukesha County , purchasing a Waukesha County business, or selling or buying Commercial Real Estate in Waukesha County we have all the knowledge and experience to accomplish the goals that we set out to accomplish. I stand my ground to what is important. The need and want to put this first and never forget the strength I derive from those around me means everything to me. The need to keep my word and make sure my clients know my determination never takes a day off; this is my commitment.It's all about stepping up to the plate and putting others first. It always will be.

I started out wanting to work in the chemical field, but deep down I knew it would not last because something was fueling inside of me letting me know that I should long for more. It would prove easy one day that I was a people person and to be helping them in one of the best ways I knew how; selling Waukesha County Real Estate. In all of life we search for what our common goal is and what we can do to better our common man. I believe I have found mine, and I believe it is the Real Estate market in Waukesha County. Don't just take my word for it; ask the many I have helped as one of the full time real estate agents in Waukesha County for 24 years now.

Waukesha County,Wisconsin makes for a peaceful and wonderful life. The seasons make everything fall into perspective. People are friendly, they take the time to talk to one another and get to know them better. Life is short, and I have learned that every moment should be enjoyed. Often it is not unusual to see my trusted therapy dog Lars driving around with me. I actually think my customers and clients favor him some days. Lars is just a normal dog now, but he still draws the attention. My son Spencer gives him a run for his money. I get up in the morning loving what I do for a living, and at night I feel the same way. With every advancement that has come with technology I believe a warm smile, good handshake, and hard work and effort is right up there with getting the job done. I believe still that a person is only as good as their word, and when they give their word it is as solid as gold, and you do not deviate from it. If you are looking for the best in help please give our team a call. Whether you are relocating to Waukesha County, buying one of the homes for sale in Waukesha,buying one of the homes for sale in Pewaukee,Delafield, or Hartland, Wisconsin, or one of the homes for sale in New Berlin, Brookfield, Mukwonago, or Oconomowoc,Wisconsin I have the resources at my finger tips to help you accomplish your goals in a highly effective, productive, and enjoyable manner.

Thank You

Tom Braatz

http://podcasts.odiogo.com/toms-southeastern-wisconsin-blog/podcasts-xml.php

For a link to my outside blog see:http://www.waukeshacountylife.com

For a list and link to all schools in Waukesha county: Waukesha County Wisconsin Schools

Lakes in Waukesha County: Waukesha County Wisconsin Lakes, Waukesha County WI Lakes

Waukesha County real estate agent:When you need a Waukesha County Real Estate agent, Waukesha County ...

Waukesha County Life: www.waukeshacountylife.com

Please visit our post which the topic was Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#1 of 6) is finding the right Waukesha County real estate agent to list your home.

The next part of our series "Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#2 of 6)" the topic is be selecting the right real estate agent in Waukesha County to help you buy a home.

In this installment of our series Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#3 of 6) we will talk about what to look for in selecting a Waukesha County commercial/Investment broker whether you are buying or selling Waukesha County commercial real estate.

In this installment of Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#4 of 6) we will talk about Waukesha County real estate agents specializing in different areas of the real estate Industry.

In this installment of Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#5-6) we will talk about the need to find a Waukesha County Real Estate agent that is very well connected; a support system and company, an active Internet presence, and the use of technology in in their business.

In this installment of Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#6 of 6) we will talk so much about what you want in Waukesha County Real Estate agents but more importantly what you don't want in a Waukesha County Real Estate agent.

Res/Com/Inv/Bus in Lake Country and Waukesha County Real Estate

Waukesha County Real Estate is exciting, as well is life in Waukesha County Wisconsin. I have built my staff around the same core beliefs and values that I have. We strive to achieve nothing less than having all our customers happy, and satisfied with our service. Service, as well as trust should always succeed far past any closing.If there is a problem we will stand next to our clients until the problem is corrected, or fixed to the buyers satisfaction. WE strive on service, with results that cannot be matched, or should not be compromised. We provide a level of service that would be expected to be achieved, and deliver nothing less than that. We would like to think that one would count on our staff never to miss a beat, and when the transaction is accomplished it is not the end of a Waukesha County Real Estate or Lake Country Real Estate venture but rather the start of a productive and caring business and personal friendship based on trust that was earned, and will never be taken for granted. When you work with Tom Braatz and his team we roll up our sleeves and get a game plan, work to achieve steller results, and when we are done we can rest on the fact that we have earned our way into your trust, and we never forgot that who had us working for them. We are proud of our technological advantage we have in Commercial, Business, Investment Real Estate. Our work is detailed and complete.

Because we have such a highly trained group of Brokers, and salespeople, we have our valued levels and degrees of expertise. For years we have acquired many satisfied clients, customers, and friends. We have extensive practice in all Residential aspects, including relocation and Buyer representation, Commercial buildings of all nature, and investment properties ranging from duplexes to large multifamily dwellings. We work with accountants and lawyers, and keep up on all the applications of delayed and simultaneous exchanges. These exchanges known as Starker exchanges are in reference to the IRS section code 1031. I have personally been involved in quite a great number of exchanges. We sell businesses,existing businesses with the real property, we help individuals and parties put their ideas together in business as well, buildings of all kinds and usage, Multifamily properties, PUD properties, and more. Technological superiority,partnering of responsibilities so you do not have to worry about such, and we take tremendous pride in our salesmanship and winning attitude which comes as a result of putting others first. We also do what we are good at in the realm of helping them secure their financing.We promise to always put you and your needs ahead of all others. You have our pledge and word on that!!

Thank You

Tom

www.waukeshacountylife.com www.tombraatz.com

If you are a Waukesha County buyer looking to get an advantage by being able to search the MLS on see what everything the MLS has on the market in Waukesha County, and all surrounding counties you will want to visit http://www.buyingvip.com

For a list and link to all schools in Waukesha county: Waukesha County Wisconsin Schools

For a brief history of Waukesha County from Wikipedia see:Waukesha County, Wisconsin

For a link to Waukesha County technical college:Waukesha County Technical College

For the Waukesha County historical society:Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum

For Waukesha County tourism: Waukesha County Tourism

For the University Wisconsin Waukesha:University of Wisconsin Waukesha

For the Waukesha county Federated library system: Waukesha County Federated Library System

For the Humane Animal Welfare society to adopt: Humane Animal Welfare Society of Waukesha County

For the Waukesha County Pary system: Park System - Waukesha County

To help with the Waukesha county Food Pantry: End Hunger. Start Here. Food Pantry of Waukesha County

To get started volunteeering in Waukesha County: Welcome To The Volunteer Center of Waukesha

Waukesha Metro service: City of Waukesha

To get going scuba diving: Waukesha County Divers Association

Waukesha County tourism: Waukesha County tourism

Habitat for Humanity in Waukesha County: Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County

Art Alliance in Waukesha county: Arts Alliance of Waukesha County: Color Your Life with the Arts

Waukesha County DMV: Waukesha County DMV service centers

Lakes in Waukesha County: Waukesha County Wisconsin Lakes, Waukesha County WI Lakes

Waukesha County Parks: Waukesha County Parks Home

Waukesha County real estate agent:When you need a Waukesha County Real Estate agent, Waukesha County ...

Waukesha County Life: www.waukeshacountylife.com

Waukesha County Airport: Waukesha County Airport

Waukesha County Government Waukesha County

Waukesha County United Way United Way in Waukesha County

Western Waukesha County dog club Western Waukesha County Dog Training Club

Waukesha and Pewaukee tourism Waukesha & Pewaukee Convention & Visitors Bureau

4-H Waukesha County UW-Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Related ...

Environmental action Waukesha County Environmental Action League

St. Vincent de Paul St. Vincent de Paul Waukesha County - Home

Waukesha County jobs Waukesha County jobs ~ find all jobs in Waukesha County, WI with ...

Oconomowoc links

The City of Oconomowoc home page

Waukesha County is an amazing area to live and work in. The schools, the people, the activities, and life in all of Waukesha County is simply outstanding. The quality of each City, Village, and town in Waukesha County is unsurpassed, and each municipality has it's own unique charm. Waukesha New Berlin Brookfield Pewaukee Mukwonago Hartland Delafield Genesee Depot,Elm Grove,Okauchee,Chenequa,Eagle,Muskego,North Lake,Dousman,Menomonee Falls,Lannon,North Prairie,Big Bend,Vernon,Palmyra, and more fine communities in Waukesha County are all waiting for you to visit them and call one of them home.

Thr first start would to use the chart to get a good look at whatever you may need; whether it; lodging, buying a home home, selling an old home, what goes on around each municipality and the list to quite concise. Don't worry. just me a call and we will walk through it together until you find exactly wheat you are looking for. There;s a lot to it, but in a short time.

Select A Community
Links to Municipality's Website

City of Brookfield
City of Delafield
City of Muskego
City of New Berlin
City of Oconomowoc
City of Pewaukee
City of Waukesha
Town of Brookfield
Town of Delafield
Town of Eagle
Town of Genesee
Town of Lisbon
Town of Merton
Town of Mukwonago
Town of Oconomowoc
Town of Ottawa
Town of Summit
Town of Vernon
Town of Waukesha
Village of Big Bend
Village of Butler
Village of Chenequa
Village of Dousman
Village of Eagle
Village of Elm Grove
Village of Hartland
Village of Lac La Belle
Village of Lannon
Village of Menomonee Falls
Village of Merton
Village of Mukwonago
Village of Nashotah
Village of North Prairie
Village of Oconomowoc Lake
Village of Pewaukee
Village of Sussex
Village of Wales

Waukesha County has a quality of life that is unparalleled. It's proximately to Milwaukee County and other outlying counties makes it a pleasant commute for work. Waukesha County is unique in the fact that it has many lakes and parks that offer a good time for anyone to enjoy. The history that exists in Waukesha County is truly amazing.

The City of Waukesha was originally occupied by the Pottawatomie Indians until settled by early Americans. The City was always well renowned for the quality of water it had. Many believe the water had many medicinal remedies. Spring City as Waukeshawas originally known as had many spa and natural springs. The Springs were abundant. Many such as Bethesda,Roxo, Horeb, Arcadian, White rock, and more are legendary. Many are gone now but there are still remnants of old spring houses.

The City of Waukesha was the original home of the White rock bottling company. The company has since moved but in the early days the water in Waukesha was bottled by the White rock bottling company and sent all over the globe. An interesting bit of trivia ia that the modern day version and concept of Santa Claus was to be a product of the Coca Cola comoany. In fact it was the original thought of the White rock bottling company and was later adopted by the Coca Cola company.

The City of Waukesha is also the birth place and early childhood home of Les Paul. Les Paul changed the whole concept of music by inventing the electric guitar. With out Les Paul's invention music would not have turned out some of the greats as ity has today. The Les Paul museum in Milwaukee houses many original artifacts that were conceived by Les Paul. This was a true genius and is still actively playing today in his club in New York. He currently resides in New Jersey. Many of his works can be known as Gibson Les Paul customs, but his work is a direct reflection in all electric guitars. He is also credited with many original sound recording devices as well.

Waukesha and the county seat of Waukesha County, Wisconsin is in the Upper Midwest regeion of the United States. As of the 2000 cencus, Waukesha had a total polpulation of 64,826, and was the largest community in the county. The city is located adjacent to the Town of Waukesha . Milwaukee County is due east of Waukesha County.

In 2006, Money magazine ranked Waukesha 36th on the list of the "100 Best Places To Live",in the United States. In 2007 America's Promise ramked Waukesha one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People" in the UNited Statets.

By 1846 the area incorporated as the villiage of Prairieville. On FEbruary 8,1847, the villiage changed it's name to Waukesha and in1896, incorporated as a city. Over the years, many believed, incorrectly, that the origin of the name of the city was an Algonquin word meaning "fox" or "little foxes," thought it is actually an Anglicization of the Ojibwe proper name Waagoshag

or the Potawatomi name Wau-tsha. Wau-tsha(sometimes written as Wauk-tsha or Wauke-tsha) was the leader of the local tribe at the time of the first European settlement of the area. This is confirmed by accounts of Increase Lapham, an early settler and historian of the region. According to Lapham, the word for "fox" was pishtaka. Cutler also told visitors about Wau-tsha, who was described as "tall and athletic, proud in his bearing, dignified and friendly."

Waukesha was once known for it's extremely clean and good-tasting spring water and was called a " spa town." This earned the city the nicknames, "Spring City," and "Saratoga of the West."

According to author Kristine Adams Wendt, in 1868 "colonel Richard Dunbar, a sufferer of daibetes, changed upon the medicinal properties of what he jater named the Bethesda Spring while viewing a parcel recently purchased by his sister. Testimonials found a in Dunbar brochure of 1873 proclaimed the miraculous benefits of Bethesda Mineral Water for persons suffering from all manner of urinary tract and bladder problems,diabetes,Bright's disease,torpid livere,indigestion,chronic diarrhea,dropsy and "female weaknesses"among others. Wendt reports that by 1872, "area newspapers carriend amounts of a cummunity ill equiped to handle it's new popularity among the suffering multitudes. The semi-weekly Wisconsin(MIlwaukee) of July 31,1872, reported that fully 500 visitors are quartered in hotels and scattered in private rooms here, seeking benefit from the marvelous waters.......

Among those visitors was Abraham Lincoln's widow, Mary Todd Lincoln. She visited Waukesha in the summere of 1872, still mourning the death of her son Tad the previuos year. The former first lady stayed at the Hubbard boarding house and according to contemporay accounts, "was all in black, with full skirt to the dress which was very long... Poor Mrs. Lincoln carries a heavy heart, and she is much of the times in tears.

The "healing waters" were so vavlued that a secret pipeline was dug between the city of Chicao so that they could be enjoyed by visitors to the 1893 Columbian Exposition. This is absolutelu ridiculous statement. Waukesha is 90 miles NNW of Chicago and building a secret pipeline without many booster pumps is simply immpossible!IT Apperas an attempt was made to build a secret pipeline out of the city limits to steal spring water by a chicaagoan, but aroused citizens drove off the workers as soon as they got off the train.

Richard W. Sears, founder of Sears and Roebuck, may have been attarcted to Waukesha by the waters. In failing health,Sears retired from business in 1908, according to The New York Times,"spent his time on his great farm near Waukesha." In 1914, Sears died in Waukesha of Bright's disease leaving an estate estimated at $20 milliom.

Over the years, the natural springs have been spoiled by pollution and a number gone dry.

PROJECT NIKE and THE COLD WAR

Many may not know it but during the times of the cold war the City of Waukesha played a major role in the defense of the United States. During the Cold WarWaukesha County hosted three NIke Missile batteries,locate in the city of Waukesha and nearby Muskego and Lannnon. In the Citof Waukesha the US Army and later the Wisconsin national Guard operated the command andcontrol center from 1956 to 1970 at what is now Hillcrest Park on Davidson Road. The missile pits existed near the corner of Cleveland avenue ans HWY 164-first holding Ajax missiles with conventional warheads

and later the nuclear equipped Hercules warhead The HUrcules provided a similar nucleur capability as that of the atobic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in World War II. The MIdwest Chapter of the Cold War Muuem has promoted the preservation of the Hillcrett Park site as a local Cold War musuem, honoring Cold War veterans, honoring Cold War veterans and commemorating America's longest and costliest conflict

Geography and Climate

Waukesha is located near the center of Waukesha County in Southeastern Wisconsin,18 miles west of Milwaukee.. Waukesha is alos located 59 miles east of Madison. The City shares borders with the City of Brookfield,Towm of Brookfield,Geness,New Berlin,City of Pewaukee,Village of Pewaukee,Town of Pewaukee,Town Of DElafd ield, amd Town of Pewaukee.

According to the United States Cencus Bureau the city has a total area 21.7 square miles (56.2km) About 21.6 square miles(55.9km) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2km) of it (o.32%

MONTHLY NORMAL RECORC HIGH AND LOW TEMPERATURES

Relocating to Wisconsin and Waukesha County ...

When you need a Waukesha County Real Estate agent, Waukesha County ...

Please visit our post which the topic was Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#1 of 6) is finding the right Waukesha County real estate agent to list your home.

The next part of our series "Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#2 of 6)" the topic is be selecting the right real estate agent in Waukesha County to help you buy a home.

In this installment of our series Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#3 of 6) we will talk about what to look for in selecting a Waukesha County commercial/Investment broker whether you are buying or selling Waukesha County commercial real estate.

In this installment of Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#4 of 6) we will talk about Waukesha County real estate agents specializing in different areas of the real estate Industry.

In this installment of Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#5-6) we will talk about the need to find a Waukesha County Real Estate agent that is very well connected; a support system and company, an active Internet presence, and the use of technology in in their business.

In this installment of Tom Braatz, How do I find the right real estate agent in Waukesha County? Series (#6 of 6) we will talk so much about what you want in Waukesha County Real Estate agents but more importantly what you don't want in a Waukesha County Real Estate agent.

Oconomowoc Restaurants,Real estate,shopping...

The Inn at Pine Terrace; Bed and Breakfast

Oconomowoc school district

Map of Oconomowoc Wisconsin

Oconomowoc Wisconsin Utilities

Waukesha County Fair The Waukesha County Fair 2010

What our clients and customers are saying at www.buying.com

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 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 and on the left margin there are numerous testimonials we have received under "what clients are saying. www.waukeshacountylife.com,www.waukeshacountyreaestate.com www.tommybraatz.wordpress.com "Perhaps it is too early to see the future,but I 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 someone.We always promise, and strive to put your needs foremost, and will always work to acheive excellence.

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.

What our clients are saying...
Tom has done an exceptional job in selling my large multi family. building.Once I told him I wanted to sell, he asked me what price I wanted.I gave him a price, and he assured me that the property was worth $50,000 more than that.He insisted he could sell it in a short time frame.Within one month we had an offer for the price he recommended, and we closed shortly thereafter.I was impressed with his knowledge in the value of real estate., and in his ability to sell properties.He is a very honest person, and with a great personality. Denise Wahlberg
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Tom Braatz helped me purchase my first large multi-family property several years ago and has been working with me to build my portfolio since.He's hardworking and energetic and great to work with. Tom Wayne
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I would like to recommend Tom Braatz to anyone who is looking for a real estate broker to buy or sell their property.Tom went above and beyond what most brokers would do.Our purchase was extremely complicated with city government, brokers, and many attorneys involved.Tom literally spent hundreds of hours making sure everything would go smoothly.If you are in the market to buy or sell a property, whether it is easy or difficult, Tom Braatz is your man. Thanks Tom for all your time and effort. Dr. Bryan Gerondale
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Tom helped me out at a very stressful time in my life.He listed my house and sold it himself in a short period of time.He is a very aggressive and professional Realtor.I guarantee he will get your home sold!! Tammy Norman
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When we got there we were greeted very warmly by Tom Braatz.Tom Braatz is a very loving and caring person that fights hard and works hard on getting his customers a good home fit, as well as putting them in a safe and good neighborhood.In a week to two weeks he found us the dream home that we always wanted, and he always included our children with everything, as well as going to the length of watching them as we looked around.If anything, Tom Braatz is the person to go to when you are interested in buying or selling a home.He really gets into his work and he is always keeping his clients and customers up to date with everything.He is the best! Mark and Sue
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Be it known Mr. Thomas Braatz has been my personal broker now for a few years now and I have to say I am very impressed with his professionalism in his field of commercial and residential, and apartment complexes which I have bought through him.He constantly stays on top of things and always looks out for my best interest in whatever deal we are involved in.His recommendations are very thoroughly researched, and I have total confidence in any of the recommendations he brings forward for my review.Mr. Braatz is a very honest and knowledgeable in his field.He works hard to always get you the best possible deal that you are involved in.I would recommend his services to anyone, especially those investing in commercial buildings.Actually, Tom is very knowledgeable in all fields of real estate, and that is why he is my broker of first choice to handle my real estate dealings. Tom Reblin
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I have worked with Tom Braatz on a number of commercial, investment and residential properties and have found Tom to be extremely hardworking and thorough.His experience and knowledge in real estate is dependable, and he has satisfied customer referrals I have sent his way. Dale Johnson Accountant
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Tom Braatz, I want to thank you for handling the sale of the second home I purchased with your help.
... Patrick Garvey
Tom has worked extremely hard to sell our building and help us find something that will work for our needs. Don and Rich
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I trust and respect Tom and would recommend him if you need to either sell or purchase property.Attorney Jim Snodgrass
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Tom secured a tough S.B.A. loan for my business, thus enabling me to expand my growing small business.He worked super hard and walked me through every step of the real estate transaction.Tom offered his vast knowledge about real estate, and I felt very comfortable working with him.Hats off to Tom !!!!!!!!! Originails Melanie Zarth

Do you need a specific property? Call me, or email me; I will find it.

Let's roll up our sleeves, get a game plan, and make your dreams come true! It is time to buy that home.

Call now and you can have a complete Buyers or Sellers package and Work Kit for free!

SELLERS!
In Waukesha County real estate if you're planning to sell your home in the next few months, this FREE service is designed to help establish your home's current market value. Simply choose and fill out the requested information. I will use comparable sold listings to help you calculate the realistic price your home will sell for.

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

BUYERS!
Automatically receive personalized MLS listings by e-mail; SIGN UP TO BE A VIP BUYER by completing the dream home finder tab on the left. I will search the local MLS and find the homes that match your criteria and notify you immediately with the latest listing information!! Simply choose and fill in the requested information. Or, search for yourself at [Search For Homes].Specialization


I specialize in representing my clients in the purchases and sales of single-family residences and income property within the cities of all Waukesha County Real estate,Jefferson County real estate, Washington County real estate,Dodge County real estate,and the entire South Eastern area of WI.. I keep current of all transactions in these areas, and I'm also very knowledgeable with the local schools, activities, and more.

Personal
I'm a Wisconsin native having been born and raised in the local area. My youth was filled with extra-curricular activities and organization centered around school and athletics. I graduated from University of Wisconsin. Current hobbies of mine include spending time with my son,reading, writing, blogging, traveling, participating in sports and volunteering with various youth programs and organizations. I also have my best friend Lars which is a Search and Rescue dog, as well as a therapy dog.
RE/MAX Realty Center,Waukesha County, WI.

Use a Buyer's Agent

It's important that you choose an experienced agent who is there for you. Your agent should be actively finding you potential homes, keeping you informed of the entire process, negotiating furiously on your behalf, and answering all of your questions with competence and speed.

First, find an agent who represents you and not the seller. This is beneficial during the negotiation process. If you are working with a buyer's agent, he or she is required not to tell the seller of your top choice. In addition, he or she is also focused on getting you the lowest asking price.

Also, when you use a buyer's agent, you will see more properties. Not only are they plugged into their Multiple Listing Service, but also they are actively finding homes that are listed as FSBO, or homes that sellers are thinking about listing.

Buyer Tips

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Getting a Legitimate Lender and Getting Pre-Approved

It used to be that buyers could go house shopping and when they have found their dream home, then they go to get pre-approved. However, in today's market, that has proven to be one of the least effective methods in landing the dream home.

Most lenders can pre-qualify you for a mortgage over the phone. Based on general questions about your income, debt, assets, and credit history, lenders can estimate how much mortgage you qualify for. However, being pre-qualified and pre-approved are different things. Pre-approval means that you have applied for a mortgage; you have filled out the mortgage application, received your credit report, and verified your employment, assets, etc. When you are pre-approved, you know exactly what the maximum loan amount will be.

A pre-qualified letter is not verified and in essence, does not count for much if you are competing with other buyers who are pre-approved. When you are pre-approved, you and the seller know exactly how much house you can afford. It gives you credibility as an interested buyer and lets the seller know immediately that you will qualify for a loan to buy their property.

In addition to being pre-approved, it's important to be pre-approved with a legitimate lender. Legitimate lenders include: banks, mortgage bankers, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage brokers, and online lenders.

Some lenders to avoid: those who lose a form or misplace a file, those who gather information from you in an unorganized manner, those who are not informed about interest rates, points or costs, and those who cannot provide you with the right information.

Build a Plan of Action and Get Ready

Buying a home will probably rank as one of the biggest personal investments one can make. Being organized and in control will contribute significantly to getting the best home deal possible with the least amount of stress. It's important to anticipate the steps required to successfully achieve your housing goal and to build a plan of action that gets you there.

Before you can build a plan of action, take the time to lay the groundwork for your decision-making process.

First, ask yourself how much can you afford to pay for a home. If you're not sure on the price range, find a lender and get preapproved. Preapproval will let you know how much you can afford so that you can look for homes in your price range. Getting pre-approved helps you to alleviate some of the anxieties that come with home buying. You know exactly what you qualify for and at what rate, you know how large your monthly mortgage payments will be, and you know how much you will have for a down payment. Once you are pre-approved, you avoid the frustration of finding homes that you think are perfect, but are not in your price range.

Second, ask yourself where you want to live and what is the best location for you and/or your family. Things to consider:

*convenience for all family members
*proximity to work, school
*crime rate of neighborhood
*local transportation
*types of homes in neighborhood, for example condos, town homes, co-ops, newly constructed homes etc.

Buyer Tips

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Hot, Normal, and Cold Markets

Hot Market -

This is an extremely competitive market, one that is advantageous to the seller. Sometimes, homes will sell as soon as they are listed or even before homes are listed. Typically, during a hot market, multiple offers will be made on each home and more often than not, homes will sell for more than their asking price. It is even more crucial to be prepared and to be ready as a buyer when the market is hot. It can be easy to get caught up in the bid for a home, but if you are prepared (pre-approved, solid in price range, realistic about your needs), it is easier to remain focused on your housing needs and price range.

Normal Market -

In a normal market, there is fairly a large number of homes available and an average number of buyers. This market does not necessarily favor the buyer or the seller. A seller may not have as many offers on their home, but he or she may not be desperate to sell either. Again, it is the buyer's responsibility to be prepared. During a normal market, the chances to negotiate are higher than in a hot market. As a buyer, you can expect to make offers at lower than the asking price and negotiate a price at least somewhat less than what the sellers are asking.

Cold Market -

In a cold market, houses may be listed for more than a year and the prices of houses listed may drop considerably. This market is advantageous to the buyer. As a buyer, you have the time to make an offer that works to your best interest. It is not uncommon to low-ball and to find that sellers are accommodating to meet your needs. Keep in mind that even though this market is a great time for buyers, you do not want to lose your dream home by being unrealistic. Your goal is to get your dream home at the best possible price.

Buyer Tips

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Importance of Inspection

As a buyer, you are entitled to know exactly what you are getting. Don't take for granted what you see and what the seller or the listing agent tells you. A professional home inspection is something you MUST do, whether you are buying an existing home or a new one. An inspection is an opportunity to have an expert look closely at the property you are considering purchasing and getting both an oral and written opinion as to its condition.

Beforehand, make sure the report will be done by a professional organization, such as a local trade organization or a national trade organization such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspection). Not only should you never skip an inspection, but also you should go along with the inspector during inspection. This gives you a chance to ask questions about the property and get answers that are not biased. In addition, the oral comments are typically more revealing and detailed than what you will find on the written report. Once the inspection is complete, review the inspection report carefully.

You have to demand an inspection when you present your offer. It must be written in as a contingency; if you do not approve the inspection report, then you don't buy. Most real estate contracts automatically provide an inspection contingency.

Tom Braatz

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