Mike Pfammatter and Janis Hartley, A.B.R of Keefe Real Estate have successfully completed the REALTOR e-PRO® course to become of a select few real estate professionals to earn the prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS®.

The REALTOR e-PRO® certification course is an educational program unlike any other professional certification or designation course available, comprehensive and interactive. It is specifically designed to provide real estate professionals with the technology tools needed to assist consumers in the purchase or sale of a home.

With more than 80% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the experience and expertise to meet the demands of today’s buyer and seller.

“The real estate industry has continued to go through fundamental changes during these past several years,” said Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate. “A majority of consumers are taking the time to conduct their own research prior to contacting an agent. In turn, real estate professionals must be knowledgeable of how technology can assist them in serving the needs of the buying and selling public.”

Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin’s leading real estate company since 1943 and is among the area’s largest independently owned real estate companies. For more information, or to contact, Janis or Mike visit www.KeefeRealEstate or call 800-690-2292.

Keefe Real Estate is delighted to welcome Linda Koenig and Wendy Lasko to its team of real estate professionals. Linda, a real estate veteran of 34 years, has not only been a leader in Twin Lakes real estate sales, she has also acted as Broker and owner of her own office. A past President of the Lakes Area Realtors Association and recipient of the Realtor of the Year Award, Linda is very involved in the industry. With a husband, four children, two grandchildren and a successful career Linda is happily busy, but makes time for her hobbies of golf, travel and hiking. Linda’s daughter Wendy, an experienced real estate agent in her own right, has been in the business for 19 years. Outside of her career Wendy is involved with the Silver Lake Rescue Squad as well as ABATE of Wisconsin, an organization focusing on Motorcycle rights and safety. The mother/daughter duo have specialized in the Twin Lakes, Powers Lake, Wheatland, Randall and surrounding areas. With a focus on customer care and detailed efficiency, Linda and Wendy’s clients have enjoyed their strong focus on communication, both as a team and with their clients. “We pride ourselves on the fact that either of us can answer any question at anytime. We don’t have a 50/50 partnership, more like a 100/100 one. Communication with our clients is just as important, therefore we offer a marketing system that keeps the sellers and buyers informed on every step of the transaction up to the closing”.

For more information on Keefe Real Estate or to contact Linda and Wendy, call 800-690-2292 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

Two new members of the Keefe Real Estate team, Dan and Allison Oleston, share more than 23 years of real estate experience between them. They also share a home, a family and a love for the community. With 4 children and 2 grandkids, Dan and Allison are a natural team. They enjoy many aspects of the real estate business, including giving back to the community; contributing year round to the local food pantry, purchasing Christmas gifts for foster children, helping out wherever the need seems to present itself. Previously owners of Century 21-Skandia of Delavan and top producers for Shorewest, the Olestons are excited to join Keefe. “We feel that the affiliation will allow us to offer the best in customer service and market presence for our customers and clients”, explains Dan. Steve Beers, President of Keefe, said, “The Olestons have a wonderful balance of professionalism and warmth appreciated by their clients and colleagues alike. There is no doubt that they will be successful at Keefe and we feel lucky to have them on our team.”

Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin’s leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area’s largest independently owned real estate companies. With over 110 agents, Keefe has offices in downtown Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva Business Park, Burlington, Delavan, Elkhorn, Abbey Springs in Fontana, The Abbey Resort and Spa and at Geneva National. For more information on Keefe Real Estate, call 800-690-2292 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

As more and more consumers begin their search for real estate-related information on the Internet, it is critical that real estate professionals are well educated in the use of technology to the benefit of the consumer and the agent and/or broker.

Realizing the importance of technology training, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) now offers its members the e-PRO certification course -- the only technology certification program offered by NAR. The program is designed to prepare real estate professionals to make the most of Internet technology and to identify, evaluate, and implement new Internet business models. The elite group of course graduates represents only one percent of all REALTORS in the country including Martha Cucco of Keefe Real Estate.

“The real estate industry has undergone a fundamental change over the past five years,” Martha said. “Today, more than 80% of all buyers and sellers begin their search online. As an e-PRO certified agent, I have knowledge and tools needed to provide my clients with the information they need and the customer service they demand. It’s both hi-tech and hi-touch.”

Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin’s leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area’s largest independently owned real estate companies. With over 115 agents, Keefe has offices in downtown Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva Business Park, Burlington, Delavan, Elkhorn, Abbey Resort & Spa, Abbey Springs in Fontana, and at Geneva National. To contact Martha, email her at martha@keeferealestate.com, call 262-248-4492 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

Three Keefe Real Estate Realtors have been awarded the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation by the Seniors Real Estate Specialist Council of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). Joshua Voigt, Elkhorn Office, Jan Giovannetti and Mary Petersen, both in the Lake Geneva office.

Joshua, Jan, and Mary join more than 16,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRES® designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers aged 55 and older.

SRES Council, founded in 2007, is the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 16,000 active members of the organization world-wide. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin’s leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area’s largest independently owned real estate companies. With over 115 agents, Keefe has offices in downtown Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva Business Park, Burlington, Delavan, Elkhorn, Abbey Resort & Spa, Abbey Springs in Fontana, and at Geneva National. For more information on Keefe Real Estate or to contact any these Realtors, please call 800-690-2292 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

At its annual awards luncheon held at Hawk’s View Golf Club in Lake Geneva, Keefe Real Estate recognized top associates for sales over $10 Million. Steve Beers, president of Keefe Real Estate presented the awards to the following individuals: Mick Balestrieri, Jerry Kroupa, Bob Webster, Tom Martin, Linda Tonge, Tricia Forbeck, Nancy Lehman and Lael Vandenburgh. Beers noted, “In a challenging economy like last year’s, achieving sales over $10 million is exceptional and your efforts to get to that high number are worthy of much esteem”. All of these real estate professionals are top members of Keefe’s Million Dollar Club.

Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin’s leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area’s largest independently owned real estate companies. For more information on Keefe Real Estate or to contact any of these agents call 800.690.2292 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

Photo front row from left: Nancy Lehman, Linda Tonge, Tricia Forbeck, Lael Vandenburgh, Tom Martin
Photo back row from left: Bob Webster, Mick Balestrieri, Jerry Kroupa

At Keefe Real Estate’s Annual Awards Luncheon earlier this year Jerry Kroupa was presented the award for “Sales Associate of the Year for Dollar Volume and Units Sold” for his performance in Keefe’s Elkhorn office. In 2008 Kroupa handled over 29 unit sales totaling 20.8 million dollars. Jerry has been a member of the Keefe team since 2002 and a consistent member in the “Million Dollar Club” since then.

Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate, proudly presented the award. “Jerry is surely a specialist in the Elkhorn market”, Beers explained. “He understands his clientele, appreciates what the community has to offer-as only a resident would, and most importantly his love of the business is expressed in each and every transaction.”

For more information on Keefe Real Estate or to contact Jerry, please call 262.743.1770 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

At Keefe Real Estate’s Annual Awards Luncheon earlier this year Nancy Lehman and Lael Vandenburgh received the company’s esteemed “Sales Team of the Year Award” for 2008. They handled over $11 million in sales, which made them the leading sales team in Walworth County. Nancy and Lael, a team for over 13 years, have remained consistent members of Keefe’s Million Dollar Club and have won the award for Top Team 12 times. The award was presented by Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate. “Teams are not very common in real estate as finding the right teammate can be a challenge. However, if the ideal match is made, the arrangement highlights each person’s strengths while eradicating the weaknesses. Nancy and Lael continue to flawlessly illustrate the effectiveness that a team can offer”, said Beers.

Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin’s leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area’s largest independently owned real estate companies. For more information on Keefe Real Estate or to contact Nancy or Lael, call 262.248.4492 or visit www.keeferealestate.com

At Keefe Real Estate’s Annual Awards Luncheon earlier this year Sharon Smolensky was presented the award for “Sales Associate of the Year for Dollar Volume and Units Sold” for her performance in Keefe’s Burlington office. In 2008 Smolensky handled 30 unit sales totaling 8.3 million dollars. Sharon has been a consistent member in the “Million Dollar Club”.

Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate, presented the award. “Sharon has got such an irresistible appreciation for the Burlington community”, Beers explained. “She works hard to keep a hand on the pulse of the Burlington market and those clients who work with her certainly benefit from it.”

For more information on Keefe Real Estate or to contact Sharon, please call 262.763.5454 or visit www.keeferealestate.com

At Keefe Real Estate’s Annual Awards Luncheon earlier this year Mary Kilkenny and Karen Pearce were presented with top awards for their performance at the Delavan office in 2008. Kilkenny was awarded “Associate of the Year for Sales Volume” as well as her continued membership in the “Million Dollar Club.” She reached over 8.4 million dollars in sales in 2008. Karen Pearce was awarded “Sales Associate of the Year for Units Sold” in addition to her membership in the “Million Dollar Club”. Pearce handled 35 transactions, totaling around 5.8 million dollars in sales over 2008.

Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate, proudly presented the awards. “We are extremely fortunate to have such talented professionals on our team”, Beers explained. “These ladies exude a relaxed confidence that only comes with experience and a love of the business. They are great assets to our company as well as our community.”

For more information on Keefe Real Estate or to contact Mary or Karen, please call 262.728.8757 or visit www.keeferealestate.com

- Earlier this year Keefe Real Estate honored its 2008 top sales associates in each office. In Lake Geneva, Mick Balestrieri was honored “Sales Associate of the Year for Sales Volume” as well as his continued membership in the “Million Dollar Club”. Balestrieri had 21.9 million dollars in sales in 2008. Patti Kirchhoff was awarded “Sales Associate of the Year for Units Sold” in addition to her continued membership in the “Million Dollar Club”. Kirchhoff represented 69 units sold in 2008. Both agents have been at Keefe for 15 years.

Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate, presented the awards. “In an office comprised of 62 agents Patti and Mick have proven themselves over and over as specialists in the industry”, Beers explained. “They continually set new standards with regard to effort, time and attention to detail; thereby acting as role models to their colleagues and newer agents. We couldn’t feel more fortunate to have them on our team.” Lakes Area Realtors Association also recognized Kirchhoff and Balestrieri as Top Agents for Units and Sales in 2008.

Keefe Real Estate has been meeting the needs of Southeastern Wisconsin for over 60 years. Keefe has 115 agents providing expertise in 8 local offices including downtown Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva Business Park, Burlington, Delavan, Elkhorn, Abbey Resort & Spa, Abbey Springs in Fontana and at Geneva National. For more information, or to contact Mick or Patti, please call (262) 248-4492 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

Photo from left: Mike Keefe, Patti Kirchhoff, Mick Balestrieri, Steve Beers

Three top Lake Geneva real estate agents have teamed up with Walworth County’s #1 Real Estate Company. Mark Larkin, Laura Rodriguez and Debbie Cobian have longstanding reputations as first-rate professionals. Previously representing Coldwell Banker-Primus, they are excited to be a part of the Keefe team of real estate experts. “I feel this is going to be a great fit for me”, explained Larkin. He added, “I enjoy the real estate business because of the people. For many of them buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions in their lives. They need an agent who understands the process, the current market and can clearly lay out all of the options. I’ve always worked to give my clients the very highest level of service, and now I feel like I’ll have the support to do my job even better”. Keefe Real Estate is delighted to welcome Larkin, Rodriguez and Cobian on board as they offer the very proven record of success and quality service that Keefe has become known for. Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate, shared his perspective, “It’s wonderful to welcome such leaders in the field to our team. With over 24 years in real estate between them, they’ve got the experience and know-how to make this transition a very positive one. The fact that we share similar fundamental principles and objectives will ensure a long-lasting, successful relationship.”
Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin’s leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area’s largest independently owned real estate companies. With over 110 agents, Keefe has offices in downtown Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva Business Park, Burlington, Delavan, Elkhorn, The Abbey Resort & Spa, Abbey Springs in Fontana, and at Geneva National. Keefe Real Estate also represents developers of conservation subdivisions, resort suite hotels, condominiums, office/retail/warehouse buildings and amenity communities throughout southern Wisconsin. Keefe’s Rental Division rents privately owned homes, condominiums, and cottages, many with lakefront or lake access, for short stays or long term. For more information on Keefe Real Estate or to reach Debbie, Laura or Mark, call 800-690-2292 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

At the annual Keefe Real Estate Awards Luncheon the company wrapped up 2008 reflecting on a tough sales climate and proudly honoring those who succeeded in spite of it. “This market has been a lesson to us all,” Steve Beers, President of Keefe, explained. “We’ve had to think outside of the box, hone our skills and make certain that we have the expertise, high level of service and steadfast relationships with our clients to stand out in our field. There is no room for complacency in this market. I feel we’ve worked hard and succeeded.” Steve joined Rob Keefe and Mike Keefe in honoring over 60 agents who sold $1,000,000 or more in real estate (i.e. the Million Dollar Club).

Keefe Real Estate recognized special award winners for their outstanding efforts during the final quarter of 2008. As the real estate market remains challenging, it seems even more noteworthy when agents achieve Top Listing or Top Sales status. These professionals have maintained their focus and dedication, honed their skills and improved communications with both clients and colleagues in order to provide a greater level of service. When the going got tough, they got going.

Top Listing Agents were Sharon Smolensky, Patti Kirchhoff, Stacey Schultz, Mary Kilkenny, Amy Anzalone, Ryan Simons and Andy Szymanskyj. Winners for Sales Volume were Martha Cucco, Mick Balestrieri, Ruta Syverson, Mary Kilkenny and Ryan Simons. Top agents for Number of Transactions (i.e. Sides) were Patti Kirchhoff, Ruta Syverson, Karen Pearce, Mary Kilkenny and Mick Balestrieri. The Top Teams were Nancy Lehman/Lael Vandenburgh and Mike Burke/Matt Burke.

Keefe Real Estate is delighted to welcome five new agents to its team of real estate professionals. New additions to the Elkhorn and Delavan offices include Rick Geaslen, Sandy Thies and Shelly Cronin. In Lake Geneva Michalene Melges and Joe Bidwill have joined the ranks. “At Keefe Real Estate, we pride ourselves in offering the best care and service in the industry. We work hard to ensure that any representatives to join our team have the same goal and understanding,” explains Steve Beers, President of Keefe. “We feel confident that our new team members have what it takes to offer solid expertise along with the high level of service we expect.”

Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin's leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area's largest independently owned real estate companies. With over 100 agents, Keefe has offices in downtown Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva Business Park, Burlington, Delavan, Elkhorn, Abbey Resort & Spa, Abbey Springs in Fontana, and at Geneva National. Keefe’s Rental Division rents privately owned homes, condominiums, and cottages, many with lakefront or lake access, for short stays or long term. For more information on Keefe Real Estate in Lake Geneva, call 262.248.4492 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

Photos from the top: Michalene Melges, Rick Geaslen, Sandy Thies. No photo: Joe Bidwill & Shelly Cronin

Keefe Real Estate is eager to recognize special award winners for their outstanding efforts during the third quarter of 2008. The top five listing agents were Margaret Canfield, Mary Kilkenny, Sharon Smolensky, Patti Kirchhoff and Anna Gagliardo. The top five agents for sales volume were Jerry Kroupa, Tom Martin, Mick Balestrieri, Beaa Sheehan and Linda Tonge. Top five agents for number of transactions were Patti Kirchhoff, Jerry Kroupa, Karen Pearce, Sharon Smolensky and Ryan Simons. The top sales team was Matt and Mike Burke.

“Real estate as a service industry is dependent on having excellent agents who prove their expertise day in and day out. As the consistent leader in the area, Keefe’s top agents truly set the standards for excellence and reliability”, says Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate. “We are incredibly proud of our team of representatives and feel very fortunate to work with such able and experienced professionals”.

The Mother-Daughter real estate team of Tammy Haase and Jackie Bettack held an art contest earlier this summer. Children aged five to ten years were invited to submit original artwork which captured their impressions of summer. A small gift was given with every entry delivered to the Keefe Real Estate office and many prizes were awarded - but the Grand Prize, brand new bikes for one boy and one girl, proved more challenging to judge. After some deliberation the ladies declared a tie. It turns out that the creativity of two five-year-old boys, Mason Muller and Cody McCarron and one seven year old girl, Adeline McCarron won the hearts of the judges. Therefore Tammy and Jackie gifted three brand new bikes to the children making the summer of ’08 quite a memorable one.

Pictured are 2 of the winners, the McCarron children.

Keefe Real Estate is delighted to announce the addition of ten agents to their ranks. Rachel Hicks, Melissa Clark, James Felland and Rick Geaslen have joined the Elkhorn office. Ryan Simons joined the Delavan office. Marla Hinners is a solid addition to the Burlington team and Janet Giovannetti, Tish Lux, Barbara Schultz and Chris Lampe have all joined the Lake Geneva office. These additions exemplify a revitalized energy in the area of real estate in Southeastern Wisconsin.

"Throughout this challenging economic environment that we now face, as a country, it is a relief to be a part of a business that not only stands strong but continues to grow. We see proof daily that the real estate market continues to charge on. People are simply weighing their options more carefully, but transactions are still taking place", says Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate. "We remain a leader in the industry by employing sharp and diligent agents who can confidently guide our clients through such a process. We are so pleased to have these skilled agents as a part of our team."

Keefe has been Southeastern Wisconsin's leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area’s largest independently owned real estate companies. Keefe Real Estate has offices in downtown Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva Business Park, Burlington, Elkhorn, Delavan, Abbey Springs, Geneva National and The Abbey Resort and Spa. For more information, call 800-690-2292 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.

Sharon Smolensky of Keefe Real Estate, Inc. has been recognized by her industry peers for her dedicated client service, honesty, integrity and outstanding market knowledge.

Thousands of home owners, buyers and sellers visit Most Referred’s websites every day to search homes for sale across North America, find the value of their home or property and to connect with a trusted real estate professional.

"Sharon is a tremendous example of a Most Referred real estate professional. Sharon has consistently demonstrated the hallmarks of a trusted REALTOR- integrity, market knowledge and superior customer service," says James Secord, President of Most Referred.

"We are proud to present this award to Sharon Smolensky for being recognized as one of the Top 3 'Most Referred Real Estate Agents' in Burlington, WI and welcome her to our network," he added.

About Most Referred Real Estate Agents
Most Referred Real Estate Agents Inc. is a network of over 5,000 REALTORS in 2,600 cities in the United States and Canada. As the result of a national survey first commissioned in the spring of 1997, over 75,000 REALTORS nominated peers whom they would recommend to their friends, family and valued clients, it they were no longer selling real estate. Most Referred is a registered trademark of Most Referred Real Estate Agents Inc.. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Sharon Smolensky
Keefe Real Estate
Phone: 262-763-5454
Email: ssmolensky@keeferealestate.com

Keefe Real Estate is proud to recognize special award winners for their efforts during the first and second quarter of 2008. Top Listing Agents for the first quarter were Beaa Sheehan, Patti Kirchhoff, Bob Webster, Deb Schroeder, Ruta Syverson and Tom Martin. Second quarter top listers were Rodney Whetlow, Mary Kilkenny, Rob Edwards, Jerry Kroupa, Patti Kirchhoff and Luann Smith.

"The real estate business is all about having the right people representing you and we feel very lucky to have the best," says Steve Beers, president of Keefe Real Estate. "Activity in the market has shown some signs of improvement but continues to bump along at 2003 transaction levels. To offer superior service, our agents not only research past sales, to determine value, but look at competition within price ranges. As some segments of the market have 2+ years of inventory available, appropriate pricing and condition of the home are mandatory; our agents are well equipped to assist in this analysis".

Keefe Real Estate has been Southeastern Wisconsin's leading real estate company for over 60 years and is among the area's largest independently owned real estate companies. With over 120 agents, Keefe has offices in downtown Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva Business Park, Burlington, Delavan, Elkhorn, The Abbey Resort & Spa, Abbey Springs and Geneva National. Keefe Real Estate also represents developers of conservation subdivisions, resort suite hotels, condominiums, office/retail/warehouse buildings and amenity communities throughout southern Wisconsin. For more information on Keefe Real Estate, call 262-248-4492 or visit www.keeferealestate.com.