Kati Damato - Hometowne Realty Real Estate Agent

09/22/2026

🍂 IT’S OFFICIALLY FALL! 🍂

I am so ready for the cooler weather, changing leaves, cozy sweatshirts and pretending the leaves in my yard are “festive” instead of something that eventually needs to be raked.

There’s just something about fall in Wisconsin that makes home feel a little extra cozy.

What your favorite part of fall?
🎃 Visiting the Pumpkin Patches & Carving Them
🍎 Apple Picking & Making a Tasty Treat
🏈 Watching all the Football Games
🍁 Taking a Drive to See the Fall Colors
👻 Decorating for Halloween & Dressing up for Trick or Treat
🔥 Building a Warm Fire (either in the fireplace indoors or the fire pit in the yard)

I’m ready for ALL of it that includes spending time with my family! But I for sure need to bring home some fresh picked apples and pumpkins after taking a relaxing scenic drive.

09/18/2026

Behind every set of keys is a whole team of people helping buyers make informed decisions about homeownership. And sometimes that relationship continues long after closing day! 🔑

In honor of 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝, my next Lender Spotlight is Chris Sladek, Mortgage Loan Officer with Landmark Credit Union⁠!

I’ve gotten to know Chris through several local events over the years, including the GMAR Youth Foundation tournament. We also both call Franklin home, so I love that our paths cross professionally and within our local community supporting our kids at Franklin High School. Chris is an experienced mortgage professional and someone I’m happy to connect buyers and homeowners with when they have questions about their financing options.

And those questions don’t always come from someone looking to buy a home!

Lately, I’ve had several past clients reach out because they’ve built equity in their homes and are wondering how they might use it for their next goal such as home improvements, adding an outbuilding, purchasing vacant land, or another large expense. A Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) may be an option worth exploring, depending on the homeowner and their situation. Landmark offers both, and also offers lot loans for land purchases.

One of the things I love about this business is being able to connect my clients with resources before, during AND long after they buy their home. ❤️

And speaking of education, Chris is hosting a FREE 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙧 right here in Franklin next Tuesday! 🍻

📅 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟮
⏰ 𝟰:𝟯𝟬–𝟲:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺.
📍 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝘂𝗯 & 𝗘𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆 | 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗹𝗶𝗻

They’ll be talking about the homebuying process, exploring different financing options and answering questions in a casual setting. Scan the QR code or click on the link the comments to register.

Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, making your next move, or wondering what options you may have with the equity you’ve already built, Chris is a great resource to have in your corner! 🏡

09/17/2026

☔ RAINY WEEKEND PLANS?

I was going to post about the fun that could be had at our local apple orchards, but Mother Nature decided rain should be in the forecast. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay home! Here are 6 indoor things to do around the Milwaukee area this weekend 👇

🎨 MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Spend a few hours exploring the galleries — plus, families can check out Drop-In Art Making on Saturday!

🌴 THE DOMES
Stay dry while exploring somewhere a little more tropical! The fall floral show, Treasure of the MUMmies, opens this weekend.

⛳ LUXE GOLF BAYS | FRANKLIN
Hit a few balls without worrying about the weather. Bonus: food + drinks make this an easy family outing or date night.

🎳 ROOT RIVER CENTER | FRANKLIN
Keep it close to home with a few games of bowling — a classic rainy day choice.

🛍️ MILWAUKEE FALL MAKERS MARKET
Shop local makers, artists and small businesses at American Family Field this Friday & Saturday.

⛳ BIG PUTTS | GREENFIELD
Indoor mini golf = no umbrellas required! A fun option for families, date night or a group of friends.

🏠 COZY DAY AT HOME
Read a good book with your favorite warm beverage, have a movie marathon, bake some fall treats, cook a comforting soup or enjoy some football on the couch!

What will your weekend plan include???

09/15/2026

Behind every set of keys is a whole team of people working behind the scenes to help our buyers get HOME. 🔑

In honor of 𝙉𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙝, I’m continuing to give some extra love to the incredible lenders who answer the calls, crunch the numbers, solve the problems, educate our buyers, and help keep everything moving toward the closing table. ❤️

Next up in my 𝙇𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 is Cindy McGill Church, Mortgage Loan Officer with Tri City National Bank!

I first met Cindy through events with Housing Resources, Inc., a local nonprofit that helps first time homebuyers qualify to purchase through educational classes, personalized counseling, and grant assistance. I quickly learned that Cindy genuinely cares about the people she works with.

I later had the privilege of working alongside Cindy when one of my clients needed a little more than a traditional mortgage. Cindy helped them navigate a renovation loan that allowed them to purchase their home AND tackle important foundation and roof repairs right away. Finding the right financing solution made such a difference for that buyer, and Cindy was there to educate and guide them through the process every step of the way. 🛠️🏠

With more than 20 years in the mortgage industry, Cindy brings a wealth of expertise to her clients. But what stands out to me most is her willingness to listen, educate, find solutions, and go the extra mile.

And I’m clearly not the only one who feels that way! Her clients consistently describe her as compassionate, responsive, knowledgeable, and someone who makes what can be an overwhelming process feel much easier.

Cindy, thank you for being such a wonderful resource for our community and for taking such great care of the clients you work with. I appreciate you!

Have mortgage questions? Or wondering whether there might be a financing option for a home that needs some work? Cindy is a great person to have in your corner!

09/08/2026

𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙃𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙮! 🔑

Curious if it could be right for you? Send me a message and I’ll get a private showing set up!

📲 (414)801-4444

🏡 New Listing in South Milwaukee! 🏡

Looking for a home you can make your own? This one has space, potential, and a location you’ll love!

Tucked away on a quiet dead-end street near the Oak Creek Parkway, this home sits on a partially fenced double lot and offers plenty of possibilities for its next owner.

Inside is a large upstairs flex space that could be a home office, playroom, hobby space or whatever fits your needs! And with a new roof already taken care of, you can focus on making the home your own.

📍 809 Manitoba Ave
🏷️ Offered at $244,900
📏 1,468 sq ft
🛏️ 3 Bedrooms (+1 without a closet)
🛁 1.5 Bathrooms
🚙 2 Car Detached Garage
🌳 0.17 Acre Yard
🎯 Partially Finished Basement

If you’ve been searching for a home where you can build some sweat equity, this one is worth a look: https://www.flexmls.com/link.html?1zd08l22f1s3%2C19%2C1%2C54534

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! ❤️🤍💙

Whether you’re grilling out, hanging by the pool, catching a game, or doing absolutely nothing (highly recommend), I hope it includes a little less work, a little more relaxing, and plenty of time with your favorite people.

09/04/2026

Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend?

Summer may be winding down, but Southeast Wisconsin isn’t done having fun just yet! ☀️ Here are a few local events happening around the area this weekend:

🎡 Oak Creek LionsFest - Labor Day Weekend | Sept. 4–7
🌶️ Oak Creek Farmers Market Salsa Showdown | Sept. 5
🌻 Final Sunflower Festival at Thompson Farm | Sept. 5–7
🏍️ The RIDE Home at Harley-Davidson Museum & Milwaukee area dealerships | Sept. 4–6
🏁 Midwest Truck Throwdown at Great Lakes Dragaway | Sept. 6
🛍️ St. Martins Fair | Sept. 6–7
🥕 Greenfield Farmers Market + Makers Market | Sept. 6
🎶 St. Francis Days | Sept. 4–6

From farmers markets and festivals to motorcycles, drag racing and one last walk through the sunflowers, there’s a little something for everyone!

📌 Save this post for the weekend or share it with someone who still needs Labor Day plans!

What do your weekend plans include?

09/02/2026

Behind every set of keys is a whole team of people working behind the scenes to help our buyers get HOME. 🏡

Since September is 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵, I want to give some extra love to the incredible lenders who answer the calls, crunch the numbers, solve the problems, educate our buyers, and keep everyone calm along the way.

First up is Julie Waldron NMLS # 265905 with American Financial Network!

Julie was one of the very first lenders I worked with when I started my real estate career and she is still someone I regularly trust and refer my buyers to.

With more than 25 years in the mortgage industry, Julie brings a TON of knowledge to the table, but what I appreciate most is how much she genuinely cares about doing what’s best for each buyer. She is responsive (even nights and weekends!), stays on top of every detail, and works hard to make the financing side of the transaction as smooth and efficient as possible.

She even takes the time to attend our office meetings and keep our agents up to date on mortgage changes so we can better serve our clients. That kind of partnership means a lot!

And clearly her hard work doesn’t go unnoticed! Julie was also named a 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗔𝗙𝗡 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿! 🎉👏

Julie, thank you for being such an important part of our team and for taking such great care of the buyers I send your way. I appreciate you! 💗

Have mortgage questions or wondering what financing options might be available to you? Julie is a great person to have in your corner!

09/01/2026

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿. 🎄 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲. 🎃

It’s September 1st and, as you can clearly see behind me…. 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘. 𝗧𝗛𝗘. 𝗣𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗦.

And before anyone comes for me… I need to make a confession.

I don’t even like pumpkin spice 🫣
And I don’t drink coffee ☕️

There. I said it.

Give me all the apple cinnamon, a good cup of tea, cozy sweatshirts, fall candles, and pumpkins on every available surface, though, and NOW we’re talking. 🫖🍎

I will officially be accepting NO opinions about whether it’s “too early” for the fall decor.

Of course, September also means back to school… and somehow these kids had the audacity to grow up AGAIN over the summer. 🥹

New grade. New teachers. New routines. Football season. And another reminder that the summers that feel long while we’re in them somehow go by way too fast. 🚌📚✏️

So here’s to fresh starts, cooler days ahead, cheering from the sidelines and soaking up this season of life.

Now tell me — what’s your favorite fall flavor or scent?
🎃 Pumpkin spice
🍎 Apple cinnamon
🍁 Something else entirely

08/27/2026

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

Around here, Bella & Bodhi take their roles in real estate very seriously. 🐕🐕

Their areas of expertise include:

🏡 Backyard sniff tests
🐿️ Squirrel activity assessments
🌳 Fence-line security checks
⭐ And determining whether a house has adequate space for zoomies

All jokes aside, I know when you’re moving that you’re not just thinking about how you will adjust to a new home. Our dogs are family too, and moving is a big change for them. A home isn’t just about bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage. It’s about finding a place where everyone can feel at home, including the four legged family members. So whether your wish list includes a fenced-in backyard, room for the dogs to run, a great walking neighborhood, or just the perfect sunny spot for an afternoon nap, I’d love to help you find it. 🔑🏠

P.S. And if you need the backyard scoped out before making an offer, my Barketing Team is always ready to come explore. Their consultation fee is negotiable, but they strongly prefer payment in treats. 😉