Karen Trepton Lake Country Living

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of a new year, I always am filled with hope and excitement for what is to come...new opportunities, new friendships, new accomplishments.
I also look through the eyes of my buyers and sellers, and see the year before us through their eyes. Does it hold a first home purchase, the sale of the family home for a luxury condo, or the purchase of a new home to hold a growing family? Whatever the reason for buying or selling, it's filled with excitement and anticipation for the changes to come.

Some good news in the real estate department for 2012, is that prices and interest rates are not just great, they are compelling!

Here is a wonderful farmette in Jefferson County, Oconomowoc Schools that is waiting for a new owner. Check it out! What does the new year hold in store for you?

The Arts in Oconomowoc

2011-10-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Oconomowoc wraps 1st class performances in a 1st class venue...the Oconomowoc Arts Center. Currently, the center is launching the final phase of its "Take a Seat Campaign!" Help retire the financial commitment that allowed the fabulous upgrades that we all enjoy. For more information on how to purchase a seat, please visit www.opef.info.

Luxury Housing

2010-06-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Blog » Luxury Housing Market may be Rebounding

Oconomowoc High School Sailing Team

2010-04-30T14:04:00.000-07:00

More about our new HS Sailing Team!..Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Category » Home

OHS Has High School Sailing!

2010-04-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Check out this link to my Lake Area Blog regarding OHS Sailing! Very Cool!Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Blog » High School Sailing

Bike Sale at the State Fair Expo

2010-04-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Category » Home

Beauty and the Beast

2010-02-22T06:32:00.000-08:00

The students at Nature Hill will be performing Beauty and Beast at the Oconomowoc Performing Arts Center in March. For further information, please visit my Lake Country blog post, attached.
Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Category » Home

The Clock is Ticking! Time is running out....

2010-02-16T22:26:00.000-08:00

Click to link to this blog post. Time is running out on the homebuyers tax credit.
Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Category » Home

All Aboard!!!

2010-01-29T13:02:00.001-08:00

Oconomowoc would see a piece of the "grant pie", if the federal money slated for high speed passenger rail, becomes a reality. For information, please refer to the linked article. share

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Local Oconomowoc Citizen Makes a Difference

2010-01-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

If you've shopped in Oconomowoc, you more than likely have spotted the adorable "swittens", mittens made from recycled sweaters, that are sold in various local merchants. The sales are the brain child of local resident, Patti Swift, who organizes the sales and proceeds to benefit "The Friendship Bridge." This organization assists with the development of women owned small business in impoverished areas such as Vietnam and Guatemala. Learn more about this organization by linking to their website. Local women making a difference...I like it!

Lake Country Youth Ski Racing

2010-01-06T11:05:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin Junior Ski Racing is up and running in Lake Country. Last weekend, the kick off was at Ausblick Ski Resort. This coming Saturday, kids will be hitting the slopes at Sunburst. For more information please link to this article. Let it snow, let is snow, let it snow!

Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Category » Home

Cooney Hosts Youth Basketball Tournament

2010-01-06T10:58:00.000-08:00

The 7th and 8th Grade Cooney Basketball players will be hosting a tournament this Saturday, Jan. 9th, at the OHS Fieldhouse. Link to this for more info

Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Category » Home

Holiday Decorating

2009-12-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

If you haven't had time to "deck the halls with boughs of holly", don't fret. There's still time to add some easy touches to your interior or exterior decor, to put you and your household in the holiday spirit. You don't have to spend a lot of time or money, either.

My friend, and designer, Susan Smith, of Local Color in Oconomowoc, recently was interviewed with several area designers, asking them what they were seeing as trends for this season's holiday decorating. You can read the article here, in which Susan describes using some natural elements from your yard. It's as easy as cutting some twigs and berries and displaying in a favorite vase. This year, I cut some natural branches and put them in a pot with some lights and favorite bird ornaments. It makes a festive and dramatic element in my entry.

An easy idea is to use favorite interests to inspire themes. I collect French Horn ornaments. I play the instrument, and my Mom started giving me an ornament each year, as a child. She still does today, and I display them on my annual "music tree". I've added my kid's instruments, along with the many beautiful horns that I've collected, over the years. I also have an annual "Star Trek Tree"...it's a conversation piece!

I've done another tree in all green and white, and display some antique "tatted" snowflakes and ornaments that my Grandmother gave me. I always cherish seeing them. If you don't have a collection of ornaments, you can find a simple pattern, and cut some paper ornaments to adorn a mantel, or tree. The key is to have fun, not spend a ton of time, and enjoy the season!

Happy decorating, Merry Christmas and Season's Greeting to you and your families!

Passion for fashion makes fundraiser success - MenomoneeFallsNOW

2009-11-19T10:55:00.000-08:00

Passion for fashion makes fundraiser success - MenomoneeFallsNOW

Ships Ahoy - Oconomowoc Focus

2009-11-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

Check out the recent article about our new Oconomowoc High School Sailing Team.
Ships Ahoy - Oconomowoc Focus

News about Oconomowoc High Speed Rail

2009-11-06T10:57:00.000-08:00

This link just came across my desk regarding the push for high speed rail, with a stop in Oconomowoc.

Feingold and Kohl join Wisconsin's bid for high-speed rail - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

Update to Tax Credit Info previously posted

2009-11-06T10:07:00.001-08:00

This alert with a change, just came in. Please read.
Homebuyer Tax Credit Clarification
The RealEstateEconomyWatch.com article the GMAR sent out this morning, titled "How the New Homebuyers Tax Credit Works" by Steve Cook, contained an error that has caused some confusion among members.

The article incorrectly states that, "Existing homeowners who are also in the process of buying a home should consider delaying closing until December 1 or later to qualify for the credit."

According to NARs FAQ we sent out last night both tax credits will be effective as soon as President Obama signs the bill. And, according to ABC News, the President did sign the bill this morning. See more at ABC News

Posted are NARs fliers on the Tax Credit:

Home Buyers Tax Credit

2009-11-06T08:57:00.000-08:00

The Greater Milwaukee Board of Realtors just released this informational piece about the tax credit. I have reproduced here, for you to read. Please call with any questions.

More on the Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes
How the New Homebuyers Tax Credit Works
from RealEstateEconomyWatch.com
by Steve Cook

The extension and expansion of the homebuyers tax credit that passed Congress November 5 allows more first-time buyers to qualify and creates an entirely new credit for existing homeowners who buy a new home.

The effective date is Tuesday, December 1 for the enhanced first-time buyer credit and for the new credit. It is not retroactive. However, first-time buyers who have been rushing the meet the November 30 deadline for the existing program need not worry. They can qualify under the new one. Existing homeowners who are also in the process of buying a home should consider delaying closing until December 1 or later to qualify for the credit.

Both credits expire next spring. Buyers must have a contract on a home before May 1, 2010 and they have until June 30, 2010 to close in order to qualify.

Key Provisions

Amounts:
- The first-buyer credit remains 10 percent of the cost of the home or $8ooo, whichever is less.
- The credit for existing homeowners is 10 percent of the value of the new home or $6500, whichever is less.

Definitions:
- A first-time homebuyer cannot have owned a home during the past three years.
- Existing homeowners must have owned and lived in their current home five out of the preceding eight years.
- Only principal residences qualify. No second homes or investment properties.

Income limits:
- The measure raises the income limits for those claiming the credit to $125,000 a year for individuals and $225,000 for couples, up from $75,000 and $150,000 in the previous first-time buyer credit. After that, the value of the credit phases out.
- The cost of the new home cannot exceed $800,000.

Cost:
- Expanding the home buyers’ credit will cost about $11 billion. The total cost of extending the first-time buyer credit and adding the existing owners’ credit is $16.7 billion.

How to Apply::
- Use IRS form 5405, which you file with an amended tax return.

Lakers Ski Swap Saturday

2009-11-05T08:04:00.000-08:00

Lakers will be holding it's annual ski swap in the OHS cafeteria, Sat. Nov. 7th. Drop off of sale equipment will be from 7:30-9:30am. Sale starts at 9:30 and runs till 1pm. Cash or checks preferred. Come over for some great deals!

Homebuyer Tax Credit

2009-10-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest, as reported by the National Association of Realtors regarding the homebuyer tax credit:

As often happens, the Senate has gotten tangled in its own procedures, delaying a vote on the first-time homebuyer tax credit extension.

The shape of a final tax credit package has remained in flux since our first notification on Tuesday. As the media has reported this morning, however, there is an agreement on the details of an expanded and extended credit, but NO VOTE has yet occurred.

We cannot predict at this time when a vote will occur, but continue to press that it be as soon as possible.

The Extended and Expanded Tax Credit agreement includes the following provisions:

Amount: $8,000
Who: First-time homebuyers -- same definition as current law

Amount: $6500
Who: Repeat purchasers. Must have used previous home as a principal residence for 5 of the 8 previous years.

Income Limits: $125,000 for single filers/$225,000 for joint filers. Same for both first-time and repeat/move-up buyers

Limitation on cost
purchased home: $800,000

Time Frame: December 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010 plus 60 Day extension if binding contract is in place by April 30, 2010

Anti-fraud measures have been added.

NAR will be monitoring the progress and any potential changes to the bill. NAR will send out a notice when a vote has occurred.

Call with any questions, and spread the word.

Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Blog » Lake Country Waterski Team Goes to China!

2009-10-28T20:00:00.000-07:00

Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Blog » Lake Country Waterski Team Goes to China!

For Housing, Question is Now How Strong a Recovery - Real Estate * US * News * Story - CNBC.com

2009-10-19T11:44:00.001-07:00

Good article on housing recovery. For specific information regarding Oconomowoc, contact me at Ktrepton@shorewest.com
For Housing, Question is Now How Strong a Recovery - Real Estate * US * News * Story - CNBC.com

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4 BR for Sale in Hartford. $244,900!!!

2009-09-23T12:50:00.001-07:00

Shorewest Realtors - Property Details

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Groceries for Less

2009-09-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

I admit it....I miss the downtown Oconomowoc Sentry. I can't tell you how many times a week I would run in there for something! As someone who enjoys cooking, I must admit, I HATE grocery shopping, or at least UNLOADING the groceries. Also, in my busy schedule, I am an "in and out of the store as fast as I can do it", grocery shopper. Sentry was convenient to my home, and carried just about everything I needed.

When Aldi's opened up, I was sceptical. I thought, why would they put a discount grocery store near Pabst Farms? Do we really NEED another grocery store, etc, etc, etc. I also was under the impression that the majority of the food there was canned and the portions for chips, etc. was small. Wrong on both counts. After much urging by a couple of friends, I decided to give it a try.

Wow! The prices on the essentials: eggs, milk, cheese, chicken breasts, etc., were a fraction of what I had been paying at the name brand grocers. Also, items that I usually reserved for purchase at Sam's Club, were also attractively priced and right in my back yard.

My friends know that I've been tooting the "Aldi Horn" all summer, so it should come as no surprise to them that I'm blogging about it. I couldn't help but post this, after my last shopping trip there.

With 3 growing boys, it's hard to keep the pantry filled, so this week, I was stocking up. I bought, several gallons of milk, dozens of eggs, several bags of cheese, burgers, chicken, turkey and specialty meat, chips and salsa, cereal...regular and granola, toaster pastries, bread, apples, oranges, candy, yogurt, paper products, olive oil, lip balm and ice cream treats. My cart was overloaded top and bottom. It filled 13+ large, eco bags. A woman in the parking lot stopped me to ask how much it was. I was as excited to tell her, as she was to find out...a whopping $168.76! I purchased 85 items, averaging $1.99 per item. This would easily have cost over $250 at the other local stores.

Mind you, there are some items that they don't carry, but for the day to day essentials, they have it all...FOR LESS. Aldi's carries organic products, fresh produce from the Midwest, and a mix of high quality and name brand products. Their center aisle features special buys. I recently purchased a new high end steam iron for $15, and collapsible laundry sorting bins for $5. I bought the exact bags at Target a couple of years ago for almost $30 a piece!

If you haven't given Aldi's a try, stop in. They take debit cards or cash for payment. Bring your own bags (they have some available for purchase) and a quarter to use the cart (returned when you bring the cart back). These little quirks more than make up for the cost savings you will enjoy.

Aldi...My new favorite store!

Good News!

2009-09-12T06:10:00.000-07:00

Each Friday, my broker gives us a little "weekend quote" and if pertinent, some market information. As we remember 9/11, I thought it was appropriate to share his weekly quote with all of you. Heroes are among us and good news is out there. Enjoy Dan's comments, and in his familiar words..."Make it a great weekend!!"

"Heroes may not be braver than the average person, they're just braver five minutes longer than the average person."
-Ronald Reagan-

Biztimes: Wisconsin unemployment claims fall again. Consumer Confidence Jumps
Wisconsin's unemployment picture continued to brighten last week with another fall in unemployment insurance claims. Claims for unemployment insurance fell by 1,147 to a total of 15,803 for the week ending September 5th. Consumer confidence jumped to a reading of 70.2 in September, the highest since June, from 65.7 in August. This was above the economists expectation of 67.3.

Make it a great weekend!

Dan Ludwig
Sales Director / Lake Country office
Assistant Vice President
Shorewest Realtors

Home Purchase Protection Plan

2009-08-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Southeastern Wisconsin Lake Living » Category » Home

Brennan's Opens This Week

2009-08-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

The new specialty food store, Brennan's, opens this Thursday, in Pabst Farms, where the old Summit School used to be. Check it out!

Festival of the Arts Boat Parade and Fireworks

2009-08-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

The annual boat parade and firworks, that was cancelled due to rain last weekend, has been rescheduled for this Saturday, August 15 at dusk. Don't miss out on this fun event, and the others, happening all week, during Festival of the Arts, in Oconomowoc.

Gratitude for the Lutheran teens who visited New Orleans - The Kindness of Strangers - News & Views - Commentary - Gambit - New Orleans

2009-08-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a wonderful article relating the trip that my son, Connor, just took. Read and enjoy! Gratitude for the Lutheran teens who visited New Orleans - The Kindness of Strangers - News & Views - Commentary - Gambit - New Orleans

Sailing on Lac LaBelle

2009-07-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Approximately 60 opti sailors have descended on Lac LaBelle today, to sail in the annual "No Tears" optimist regatta. Light breezes are prevailing, but spirits are high and kids are having a blast. Competitors have come from around SE Wisconsin to compete against junior level opti sailors. To find out more about opti sailing on Lac LaBelle, visit our website.

Pro Health Nurse on Line Calls it Quits

2009-07-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

The Biz Journal reports on Oconomowoc's Pro Health service.
Sorry to see the nurse on line service leave. As a mother, I have used it many times over the years. I'm assured that local health care is still on the cutting edge, and that new improved services will continue to come our way.

Morning on Lac LaBelle

2009-07-11T04:16:00.001-07:00

You can't beat early mornings on a lake, with a stick! Check out this beautiful view that I am having with my morning cup o' joe...

4th of July in Oconomowoc

2009-06-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing says summer like the 4th of July. Oconomowoc has the rare privilege of offering such a beautiful lakeside backdrop for a myriad of fireworks displays.

Here are a few of the events coming up, this holiday week. Check out the Oconomowoc Chamber link on this page for a more complete listing of events.

OCONOMOWOC
Friday, July 3
4:00 p.m.: Parade (downtown; starts at Fowler Park)
Dusk: Fireworks - Fowler Park

OCONOMOWOC LAKE
Saturday, July 4
Dusk: Fireworks - Beach Rd.

LAC LA BELLE
Saturday, July 4
Dusk: Fireworks - Olin Camp
Sunday, June 28
10:00 a.m.: Parade - Through Village

Oconomowoc American Legion Band Concert: Patriotic musical selections followed by a reception and refreshments. 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, Oconomowoc City Beach Bandshell. (262) 567-5192.

Okauchee: (tentative, depending on funding) 9 p.m. Saturday, July 4, on the island in front of the Golden Mast, Okauchee Lake. Preceded by a Venetian Night lighted boat parade. (262) 567-3495.

Interview With Ben Bernanke

2009-06-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Greater Milwaukee Association of Realtors has forwarded a very interesting interview with Ben Bernanke. To read it, click on this link.

Band-O-Rama!

2009-06-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Just in case you missed the big event last week, here it is, in "perfect pitch"!

Oconomowoc Imagination Station

2009-06-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Check out Roosevelt Park's newest addition, being constructed this week. They are still in need of food donations to feed the many worker volunteers who have shown up to construct this fabulous, universally accessible playground. If you'd like to help out, click on the link. Way to go, Oconomowoc!

Pabst Farms Oconomowoc

2009-05-28T13:19:00.001-07:00

Developers put Wisconsin shopping-center plans on hold - Related Stories - ICSC SmartBrief

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A Memorial Day Tradition!

2009-05-28T07:10:00.000-07:00

If you live in or near Oconomowoc, chances are you have seen a local parade with Oconomowoc's very own, Legion Band, featuring the smiling face of former "Oconomowoc Citizen of the Year", "Kenny" Rhodee. Ken's family participation in the band goes back 3 generations, and his presence is as much a part of the picture, as the band itself.
This past weekend my family was delighted to see Ken participate for his 60th, yes 60th! parade. Recent health issues could not keep him away, as his friend arranged for a wheelchair, and pushed Ken with a snare drum on his lap, alongside his fellow bandmates!
As a former Legion Band member, and a general lover of all things nostalgic, it was a treat to see Ken smile and wave to me and my family, as he passed our spot on the four corners. As we honored our men and women who have, and still are protecting our precious freedoms, it was great to know that a bit of "Americana" seems to stay the same from year to year! "You go, Kenny! We hope to see you out there next year, for your 61st parade!" http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/46140332.html

Waukesha Area Symphonic Band

2009-04-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Check out my Shorewest Realtors Blog, including activities in the Lake Country area. There's always something interesting to see. This week the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band is featured.

Oconomowoc Gallery Night

2009-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Only better than a Friday night fish fry, is Oconomowoc's Friday Gallery night! Or better yet, a fish fry in Oconomowoc AND shopping at Gallery Night. This Friday, May 1st, Oconomowoc will open it's freshly paved downtown streets to shoppers and locals looking for fun, "retail therapy" and entertainment. Local artisans and musicians offer specialty purchases and entertainment, while patrons stroll the downtown shops and restaurants. See the Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce for a listing of all upcoming dates throughout the summer. See you in downtown Oconomowoc!

"Walkabout" Oconomowoc

2009-04-24T06:20:00.000-07:00

Hi, there...

The mercury is rising, and so is the number of walkers around Oconomowoc's
"Secret Path". As the days lengthen, so does the steady stream of walkers, joggers, strollers and general "lollygagers" around the beautiful shores of Fowler Lake, in downtown Oconomowoc. The lake shore stroll clocks in at around 2 miles, making it a perfect excuse to take a quick bit of excersise during a hectic day. My favorite spot is on the isthmus, between Fowler and Lac LaBelle lakes. The view is beautiful! When you are done with your stroll, you can chuck all the calories you just burned by stopping for some authentic Italian Gelato, at Golosi's. (Raspberry is my favorite!) So...the next time you want a quick stroll with some great scenery, and maybe a tasty treat, visit downtown Oconomowoc!

Karen Trepton

Follow me on Twitter @lakecntryliving

Quad Graphics preserves land along the Oconomowoc River

2009-04-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

It's always great to see a local business do something admirable for it's community. Nice article...

http://www.biztimes.com/daily/2009/4/22/quad-graphics-to-preserve-325-acres-in-town-of-erin

Oconomowoc Run for Jennifer Bukosky

2009-04-24T05:56:00.000-07:00

A 5 K run is being held in Oconomowoc, on Saturday morning in memory of Jennifer Bukosky and her daughter, who were killed. The proceeds will benefit drug abuse program education at the Oconomowoc High School.

I was friends with Jennifer, and still find her death so needless and sad. She and Courtney will always be missed, and never forgotten.

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/43413067.html

Oconomowoc Customer Service

2009-04-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

Oconomowoc, Lake Country, WI:

I L.O.V.E. to find businesses that cater to the customer! Imagine that! Today, I was out on appointments, and I remembered that I wanted to get my watch fixed. The clasp has been broken for a while, so I stopped in at The Jewelry Mechanic, in Oconomowoc, on Hwy P, to have them take a look at it. Without even blinking an eye, the jeweler asked for my watch, and proceeded to fix it on the spot...and get this, for free!

Now, I'm not writing this to have a run on free services to the Jewelry Mechanic, however, it is amazing and refreshing to find business owners that really understand the meaning of customer service. When I asked the owners how business was doing, they said that they have been very busy, and are dreaming of a few vacation days. I'm not surprised. When you have a good thing going, people find out about it.

So...today's favorite Oconomowoc business is, The Jewelry Mechanic.

Maiden Voyage!

2009-04-20T14:46:00.000-07:00

Well, as my first official blog, I'd like to kick off my "News you can Use!" with an article about a beautiful lakecountry mansion. As an avid admirer of gracious, historical lake homes, I've often imagined what it would be like to have lived in this home, during the height of the glory years, at the turn of the last century. I can imagine gala events, lazy days on the lakeshore, and endless special memories being made within its handcrafted walls. I'm sure that the new owners, will have many such years to cherish, as they embark on their own fabulous adventure on the shores of beautiful Pine Lake.

It's wonderful to see that somethings are worth saving.
Enjoy the article.http://tiny.cc/PIneLakeMansion