Archive for tag Lake country
December 21, 2009 at 09:14 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
If you live in the Midwest, especially in Lake Country, it is inevitable that you are familiar with our area’s prime winter recreation activities; ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, and skating. But are you familiar with one of the oldest and most unique winter sports, ice boating? Ice boating is every sailor’s favorite winter activity! If the love of wind and water gets your adrenaline running in the summer, ice boating will put you over the top, in the winter!
I’m not exactly sure where ice boating originated, but I remember hearing as a kid, that it was brought to the U.S. by the Scandinavians. In the late 1800’s, ice boats were considered the fastest mode of transportation on the planet! Huge boats were constructed and manned on the Hudson River, where, when the conditions allowed, teams of men would race the trains that ran along the river banks reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph. Years ago, Milwaukee Public TV ran a special with actual movie footage of just such an event.
For ice boating to occur, the “winter sailor gods” have to align the heavens for the perfect conditions. One needs, a frozen lake, little or no snow, and of course, wind! Because of this, some winter seasons come and go with little or no sailing, making the experience that much more coveted. The consensus is that if the conditions are right, you need to drop everything, and hit the ice. “Tomorrow snow may dump, and you’ve lost your chance!” My family has been ice boating for years. My uncle owns 3 boats, and my husband and I have inherited 2 youth boats. We’ve had years of fun, sailing on Golden Lake. As a child, we followed the regatta circuit on our local lakes, especially on Pewaukee Lake and Lake Geneva. Each winter, stories about the “perfect ride” circulate around the fireplace at family gatherings.
The boats themselves have various classes, just like water sailboats, based on hull and sail type, and typically resemble a torpedo like body with cross braces that have “skates” or “blades”…one in the front, and one on each side of the boat. The skipper steers the front blade and adjusts the sail to maximize the speed. Safety equipment consists of a helmet with face gear, warm clothes and often times, inflatable life vests, in the event of open water. It’s not for the faint of heart. The speeds are incredible, and if you hike up too far, the result can be a crash on very hard ice!
Many of my friends on Lac Labelle, sail the “Nite”. It’s the “Ferrari” of ice boats…sleek and beautiful. Opti iceboating is also hugely popular. My friend’s daughter sailed her opti ice boat at the world competition in Europe 2 years ago. One of our local Pewaukee sailors, won the North American Opti Championship, last year. There is a Wisconsin association that is dedicated to this sport, The Four Lakes Ice Yacht Club. Fabulous photos and information are on their site. In addition, you can Google “ice boating” and a barrage of websites, photos, YouTube sites, etc. pop up with information on this awesome and unique sport. Click here to see a YouTube video of an ice boat in action.
Check it out…yet another awesome activity in Lake Country, Wisconsin! Ice Boating!!
Posted by:
Karen Trepton
Comments
·
Share With a Friend
December 02, 2009 at 06:19 PM · Posted under Karen Trepton
If you want an early dose of holiday cheer, check out downtown Oconomowoc, this Saturday, December 5th, for the annual Christmas Parade.
The parade runs from 3 - 4pm, and follows a route from Fowler Park, 
south to downtown, through the round-about westward on Wisconsin Avenue, and then south on Main Street to Roosevelt Park.
The best place to see the parade is downtown or from various local businesses and churches, such as the steps of Dr. Martin Luther Church, on Main Street. They always welcome parade watchers, and sometimes offer hot chocolate and snacks.
In addition to various local groups, you will see some of our very own Shorewest Lake Country Team, following a very special “float”, and of course, Santa!
For more Oconomowoc events visit this calendar link from the Chamber of Commerce.
HO HO HO!
Posted by:Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
October 28, 2009 at 10:46 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
Many of you may know that I blog about youth sailing in Southeastern Wisconsin. It’s a big part of my boys’ lives, and something my family is passionate about. I will have another article in the next few days, about the updates of our local Milwaukee Youth Sailing Team. However, in the interest of fairness to other sports “water”, I would like to highlight a local water ski team, that has been invited to China. Yesterday, several Wisconsin residents set out for a 13 day trip to China, to participate in the annual Sino-American Water Ski Show. It’s a fabulous opportunity for the water skiers selected. A local Lake Country native, Jenna Strobel, is one of the participants. Her younger brother plays soccer with my son, and it was exciting to see the enthusiasm and eagerness in her face at a recent game, as she described what will be the trip of a lifetime for her and the others. Several different teams are represented on the current USA team to China, including Badgerland (Waukesha, WI), Must-Skis (Beaver Dam, WI) and Tommy Bartlett’s (Wisconsin Dells, WI).
Growing up living on Golden Lake, in Lake Country, my summers were filled with daily waterskiing. My brothers and I would run the boat from morning till dusk, skiing slalom, doubles, trick skis and barefooting. It was endless fun. I can only imagine how thrilling it will be for Jenna and the others selected, to participate in something they love, while being “Good Will Ambassadors” to our neighbors on the other side of the world.
To follow along on this adventure, you can read their blog by clicking here.
Posted by:Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
October 19, 2009 at 05:26 PM · Posted under Karen Trepton
A friend of mine sent me an email with a cartoon in it today, and it made me chuckle. It was a picture of two dinosaurs sitting on a rock looking at Noah’s arc. The arc was floating away from them and as they watched they said “oh no, was that today?” As a devout “extension” tax preparer, I can relate! In terms of house hunting, however, you don’t want to be the “dinosaur on the island”. There’s still time to collect the $8000 tax credit, and get into your first home. For specific information regarding the market in Lake Country, call or email me. I’d be happy to help you realize your goal of home ownership! Here’s a link to some frequently asked questions about the credit.
Posted by:Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
September 14, 2009 at 09:34 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
If you are wondering where summer was in July, it waited to arrive in Wisconsin until September! We have been experiencing some absolutely beautiful, summer-like days over the last two weeks! My 7th grade son reminded me that in fact, summer doesn’t officially end until September 23rd. So thank you “Mother Nature” for serving up summer until the last possible second!
Summer is my favorite season. I’m a lake gal, always have been, and always will be. While at one of my listings, on Golden Lake this weekend, it looked and felt like summer, not the middle of September. Conversely, in spite of the balmy temps, the changing colors on the trees, the fog on the lake in the morning, and the ducks flying in their precise V formations, all point to the inevitable end of summer.
In my home, fall always marks the beginning of the New Year. I think the calendar year should be September to August. September is when I organize our household for the new school year; we start putting away the lake gear to prepare for winter; there is a renewal of schedules and activities; real estate is always rocking and I attempt to start a semblance of a fitness program. My “new year resolutions” are considered in the fall, not in the middle of winter. I take stock of my personal and professional goals.
With regards to real estate, sellers often wonder if they should wait until spring to hit the market. I am here to say, “Don’t wait!” If you need to sell, now is the time. Our market is no longer a fall/spring market place. The days of putting on a property in the spring, and pulling it in the fall, are over. Signs of price stabilization and improvement in the market are starting to be noticed, however, the big market picture predicts that overall market appreciation will not start in Wisconsin until 2012. This means that the pricing games of a few years ago will not be effective now. Sellers need an aggressive, accurately staged marketing and pricing program to achieve a successful sale.
The good news, and there is ALWAYS good news, is that sales are starting to creep up, buyers are actively looking, and agents in our Lake Country office are busier than ever! As reported in the Biztimes…
Shorewest sales up for third straight month
Brookfield-based Shorewest Realtors says its booked sales are up for the third month in a row. Shorewest said its booked units are up 26.7 percent, volume is up 11.5 percent and listings are up 6 percent.
“We’re excited to see our business increase over last year,” said Shorewest vice president of sales Ted Dentice. “Our sales associates are working extra hard to put sales together and with the help of our mortgage company - Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation - close them.”
“Our offices are busy,” said Joseph A. Horning, president of Shorewest. “Plus, we’re seeing more people in our open houses. I think people are realizing that now is a great time to buy whether it’s their first home or they’re moving up in home value. Prices are good and mortgage rates are still low. Plus, the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer’s Credit is also still available through November 30. We’ve also just launched a new Job Loss Protection Program that gives buyers added confidence when purchasing a home.”
If you are considering a sale, call me. I’d love to show you how Shorewest and I can help you realize your new year’s resolution of a home sale, a reality.
Posted by:Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
August 13, 2009 at 04:28 PM · Posted under Sharon Tomlinson
I would love the opportunity to help you analyze the market! I will offer you a free comparative market analysis, as well as, a marketing plan for your home. My job is to get you the most money for your property in the shortest time possible.
Please call me today at 262.470.2000 to schedule your free comparative market analysis and marketing plan.
Posted by:
Sharon Tomlinson
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
August 13, 2009 at 04:22 PM · Posted under Sharon Tomlinson
Are you looking for a Real Estate Company to sell your home in the Lake Country Area? If so, you might want to take a good look at this graph. Shorewest Realtors continues to be the leader in the Lake Country Area! So please, do yourself a favor and call Sharon Tomlinson of Shorewest Realtors at 262-470-2000. TODAY IS THE DAY TO WORK WITH THE BEST! SHOREWEST REALTORS…THE ONLY CHOICE!!!
Posted by:Sharon Tomlinson
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
July 10, 2009 at 02:10 PM · Posted under Fair Housing, Karen Trepton
When pricing your home, it is critical to understand how various factors and trends in the market, may affect your price. At Shorewest, we monitor those trends, and convey the information to our sellers through the use of market absorption graphs, months of inventory reports, rate of sales reports, home value worksheets, and many other tools. By using these items, you can price your home on the cutting edge of the market, increasing your likelihood of receiving an offer, for the highest price, in a timely manner. One tool that is helpful in determining price in conjunction with the items listed above, is a report that tracks sales by price. Attached, is a recent report of sales by price, in the Lake Country area. To learn about the significance of this graph, call me 414.975.9659 or visit my website. I’d be happy to explain how this graph not only maps sales, but also can assist you in pinpointing a sales price
Posted by:Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
July 06, 2009 at 09:34 AM · Posted under Sharon Tomlinson
Now is the best time for you to acquire that new home! Homes prices are low, interest rates are low and we have a lot of inventory for you to choose from.
Did you ever stop to wonder why people purchase the American Dream? Well, some of the reasons you might hear is because you want one, your income allows you to afford one and it seems like the right time in your life. However, the biggest reason for you to own your own home is because it will be yours. The rent money you pay to someone else every month will no longer exist and one of the greatest benefits is the fact that your home will reflect your own personality.
Now, you are probably thinking you can’t afford one at this time, but we have several wonderful programs that will help make that happen. FHA has a program that allows you to put as low as 3.5 percent down. In addition, if you haven’t saved a lot of money, or if you are a single parent, you may qualify for a special grant thru the federal government. Lastly, if you are a First-Time Home Buyer (which means, anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years), the federal government has provided an $8,000.00 Tax Credit for you. This tax credit is only available thru November 30, 2009, which means you must have closed on your new home on/or before November 30, 2009, and you won’t have to pay back any of this money. To qualify your income level must be $75,000 or less, if you are single and $150,000 or less for couples.
If you want to own a piece of the American Dream, now is the time to begin your search. Please give me a call today to start you on your way to owning a new home.
Posted by:Sharon Tomlinson
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
June 19, 2009 at 03:54 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Karen Trepton
In spite of a questionable start, summer has arrived in Wisconsin, and with it, comes the youth sailing season. A “boat load” of regattas are available for kids to attend. Last weekend, young teens showed up on North Lake, for the annual QUINT regatta. Sailors from North Lake, Lac LaBelle, Pewaukee, Nagawicka and Okauchee sailed a very challenging regatta due to very little, and ever shifting breezes. 20+ boats were on the line, and the event ended with the top three skippers, tying for points and using a tie breaker for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Home lake skipper, Blake Kenney and crew, won the tie breaker and the 1st place overall finish.
Thursday, we found our young opti sailors on Okauchee Lake for the LOP’N Regatta.( LaBelle, Okauchee, Pewaukee and Nagawicka) The morning was inviting with steady breezes from 5-10mph. The 20 boats were sailed in one course, with designations for junior or senior status, by age. One of the younger skippers, Henry Chapman, son of a local boat dealer, showed up the “big boys” with a stunning win on the first race. The second race was won by home lake skipper, Tommy Groskopf. After lunch, a fast approaching wind shift and weather front, brought in the winds of 15-20mph, sending all of the junior skippers except for Henry, in to shore. The remaining senior skippers, raced two more exciting races, with back to back photo finishes. Ethan Heinze of Nagawicka and Trevor Trepton of LaBelle, duked it out at the finish, with 
Trepton nudging into the first place spot. The last, and fourth race of the day, was in heavy wind, also. Kids were hiking out of their boats, and using their skills to maneuver a course in heavy air. Trepton and Pewaukee skipper David Winquist, were neck in neck on the last downwind, and finished the race in a very exciting upwind tacking duel. Trepton inched ahead at the finish, to win the race, and the overall first place title in the senior fleet. Henry Chapman secured the overall first place finish in the junior fleet.
Youth sailing is just one of the many activities that makes Lake Country Wisconsin, a great place to be in the summer.
Posted by:Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
June 12, 2009 at 11:45 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
It’s official. School’s out for summer! For many of you, this happened a few weeks back, but in many public schools across Southeastern Wisconsin, this week marked the end of the 2008-2009 school year.
For residents of Oconomowoc Area School District, this year was especially eventful. We saw the completion and opening of two new, state of the art, intermediate schools; Nature Hill Intermediate and Silver Lake Intermediate. These beautiful facilities serve grades 5-8. The grouping of these ages is a new trend among communities, and slightly modifies the traditional middle school system of 6th - 8th grades. Students are grouped by floor and grade, with most of their classrooms revolving around a POD format.
As a parent of 3 boys, all of whom attend schools in the Oconomowoc system, I was thrilled to see my youngest and my middle son, thrive at Nature Hill. I’ve always been an advocate for Oconomowoc Schools, but the technology and resources available to the teachers in these classrooms was incredible! Teachers were able to incorporate lessons into a DVD format for projection on their permanent, in classroom, media screen, which was linked to their desktops. These “smart screens” also allowed for viewing a wide array of multi-media. The teachers were also treated to teacher resource/conference rooms for their respective bases, allowing for greater teacher interaction and planning, within the school day.
The elective course facilities include, but are not limited to individual Band, Orchestra and Choir Rooms, an Art Studio complete with a neighboring Graphic Design Studio, a multi-purpose stage and presentation area, a flexible gymnasium complete with rock climbing wall, and the list goes on.
A favorite of the Nature Hill facility, that cannot go unmentioned, is Nature Hill itself. Nature Hill boasts some of the most beautiful walking trails, complete with several examples of various eco-systems and a charming creek. Students are treated to a “rocking” sledding hill in the winter, and stimulating biology and science lessons on the Hill, throughout the year.
In addition to these new schools, Oconomowoc welcomed the absolutely stunning, Oconomowoc Arts Center, which is attached to the High School. If you haven’t been there yet, please come! This facility is going to be a hallmark of the Performing Arts in Oconomowoc, for years to come. OHS has a proud tradition in the arts, and this center only enhances the wonderful talent that is home to the Oconomowoc community.
Last, but not least, I would be remiss if I did not mention the International Baccalaureate program, offered in addition to, Advanced Placement classes. Students can now earn an IB Diploma, from a school within a school, so to speak. IB diplomas are recognized throughout the world, as a standard for academic excellence. OASD is one of a handful of school districts offering this program. My eldest son will be participating in the IB program, and we are eager to see him test his mettle with this rigorous academic curriculum. You can read more about all of these topics by going to http://www.oasd.k12.wi.us.
So, for now, we turn our attention to the matters at hand; swimming, biking, sailing, tennis playing, baseball, picnics, outdoor festivals and concerts, and all things summer! If your summer plans include house hunting in the Lake Country area, give Oconomowoc a nod. Call me. I’d love to show you some of what makes it a great place to live!
Posted by:Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
May 18, 2009 at 09:36 AM · Posted under Sharon Tomlinson
I lived in Wales for eighteen years and I can honestly say, it is one of the best places to live. What I liked most about Wales were the people in the community. They all just seemed to care so much about each other. Whenever I would walk my two dogs, I was always greeted by everyone I met. In addition, I found neighbors taking care of neighbors. My wonderful neighbor plowed out my driveway all winter long, without ever being asked and if I needed my grass cut, he was the first one over to help me out. Now, that’s what I call a great place to live.
If you ever have the opportunity to drive through this community I would urge you to drive down Main Street. There you will find a Bread and Breakfast, a few specialty shops, post office, bike trail and two parks and if you looked up and around you will observe the Wales Flag. To learn about the national flag of Wales, click here.
In addition, Wales is known for a famous Ice Cream Shop called Le Duc’s. It is said to have some of the best ice cream in the United States.
Currently we have 23 properties for sale ranging from $207,000 to $2,650,000. Listed below is one of my listings located in Wales, Wisconsin.
Sellers have priced this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Colonial to sell. Plenty of room to roam! Living room is perfect for entertaining, large eat-in kitchen overlooks backyard & has a wood-burning stove. Office/den completes the main level. Upstairs you will find 4 generous sized bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms. Lower level completes this home with 2 more additional rooms. All of this, plus 1 acre lot, fenced in yard & award winning Kettle Moraine schools! For more information on this home or any others in Wales, please call Sharon at 262-470-2000 or e-mail sharon@shorewest.com. Wales is one of the best places to live in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Posted by:Sharon Tomlinson
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
May 14, 2009 at 10:27 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
As a Realtor®, for Shorewest in the Lake Country area, transferees often ask me about the “Lake Country Lifestyle”. “What are the schools like? How is the shopping? Where can we find interesting and unique things to do relative to the arts and entertainment?” Of course, all of Southeastern Wisconsin enjoys the beautiful attributes of Greater Milwaukee. In addition to the shops and restaurants in Milwaukee County, Waukesha County offers many wonderful and diverse places to eat, recreate, and shop.
One of my newfound favorites is a fair trade shop, called “Trails to Bridges”, in Hartland. Starting as a home-based business, the owner eventually went to a small retail space, and ultimately, the storefront shop she just opened. She, and her husband, personally visit and become familiar with the people behind the items she sells. I was first introduced to their unique items via a visit the owner made to my local church, in Oconomowoc. She effectively turned our fellowship area into a “smorgasbord” of wonderful and exotic hand-made articles from around the world.
A member of the Fair Trade Federation, “Trails to Bridges” assists in lifting families from some of the world’s poorest locations, out of a lifestyle of poverty, by supplying a fair and equitable business system in which to market their wares. The Realtor® in me finds this especially honorable. In spite of challenging economic times, Wisconsin residents enjoy a very high standard of living, as compared to the world at large. I have the unique pleasure of sharing this wonderful and prosperous lifestyle of Lake Country with my clients and customers. It’s nice to know that by patronizing a local merchant, we can all do a small part in passing along some economic success to those whose challenges far outweigh our own.
So, next time you may be out looking for something unique and special, check out “Trails to Bridges” on E Capitol, in downtown Hartland.
Posted by:Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
May 14, 2009 at 08:26 AM · Posted under Cathy Butschke
Imagine:
It is 80 degrees. Puffy white clouds are floating in the endless blue sky. A constant, gentle breeze is folding the corners of your “beach towel”, though you are not at the beach - there is no sand in your face, on your feet, or in your mouth. Feel the warmth of the sun on your back, the firm surface beneath you. The lake is lapping rhythmically under the pier. In the distance, you hear the gentle purr of engines on the water, boaters out enjoying the day. You are a peace.
Summer is coming! We can’t wait to escape the indoors, drawn by all kinds of fun on the lake. Appreciation and the enjoyment of the water nurture all of us here, through childhood, our teen years, and into adulthood. How blessed we are to be here in the summer, in this beautiful part of Wisconsin called Lake Country! Oh “happy days!” as my mother likes to say.
Posted By:
Cathy Butschke
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
May 01, 2009 at 02:59 PM · Posted under Karen Trepton
Minnesota may be the “Land of Lakes”, but in Wisconsin, we like to claim that we are the heart of the Midwest’s Lake Country. From the stunning cityscape along the Milwaukee Lakefront, to the beautiful spring fed lakes, and chain of lakes throughout Southeastern and Northern Wisconsin, Wisconsin boasts some of the best water frontage in the country!
Water recreation comes in many forms, but a passion near and dear to Southeast Wisconsin, is SAILING! The
Inland Lakes Yachting Association dates back over 150 years. Big boat sailing
has an equal and passionate following on Lake Michigan.
A recent addition to the club, is the newly formed,
Milwaukee Youth Sailing Team, a group of high school teens, committed to competitive sailing. Milwaukee Yacht Club is host to the group, consisting of several area high schools. MYST, as the team is referred to, trains as a collective, and then competes in smaller groups by high school. They sail 420’s and Lasers.Oconomowoc High School, Marquette High School and Trinity Academy all have official high school teams. Other students compete as mixed teams, from various high schools in the area.
MISSA, the Midwestern Interscholastic Sailing Association, is our region’s governing body of ISSA, the national group. Our Midwest kids are some of the best sailors in the country, and are competitive on a regional, as well as national basis. Many have sailed nationally and internationally since they were young kids, in the opti.
On May 9th and 10th, MYC will play host to the region’s area schools. Kids will be here from Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota. Follow the action on
Sailgroove, or on any of the websites linked to these organizations.
Posted by:
Karen Trepton
Comments Off
·
Share With a Friend
