December 29, 2008
The Elusive Boat Slip on Geneva Lake
With over 12 inches of snow covering Geneva Lake it’s hard to envision graceful sailboats and sleek powerboats gliding across its blue waters in summer, but it does happen! One of the most frequent requests from buyers is for “…a home close to the lake, with a boat slip…” – all for under $500,000. It’s important to remember that boat slips have a very real monetary value and thus, add value to a lake access home. How much value that is, depends upon several factors: the size of boat a slip will accommodate; whether or not it is a “deep water” slip; the attractiveness of the association pier system and location on the lake, etc. Currently, there is one home listed with a deeded boat slip on Geneva Lake for under $700,000. I advise buyers that several options should be explored when considering purchasing a lake home – and that having a boat slip can be achieved in more than one way.
While numerous lakefront associations have homes with deeded boatslips or/and buoys, many have waiting lists. The wait for a boat slip can range from several years to “not in this lifetime” – so it pays to be creative and think outside the box. If your budget is under $500,000 you will be hard pressed to find a home with a deeded boat slip; even at that price your choices are limited. You should certainly put yourself on the association waiting list as soon as possible after closing and while you’re waiting for your name to come up, avail yourself of one of the local in/out boat services such as Gage Marine in Williams Bay. Another option is to make friends with your new neighbors and let them know you are interested in renting a boat slip if they – or someone they know – have one available. Many residents don’t use their boat slips and are more than happy to rent them out on an annual basis. Municipal boat slips are another option worth exploring. Lake Geneva and Williams Bay are two municipalities that offer boat slips for rent – so if you purchase a home in one of those communities get on the municipal list as quickly as possible. Purchasing a dockominium at the Abbey Harbor in Fontana is yet another option, and while the price tag can exceed $100,000 depending upon the size of the slip – what you’ve saved by buying in this current buyers’ market can more than compensate for the price.
If your budget can accommodate a $2,000,0000+ purchase, the South Shore Club on the south shore of Geneva Lake may be the perfect answer for your lifestyle. Among the many amenities offered by this prestigious community is a private marina stocked with high performance power boats and watercraft. All residents of the SSC have access to these boats which can be reserved, fueled and stocked with food and beverages, with just a phone call. No matter how simple or extravagant your lake home, enjoying the beauty and excitement of boating on Geneva Lake is possible for everyone…it just may take a little creativity to make it happen. For more information on options for boat slips or area real estate, email me at jhartley@keeferealestate.com. See you at the dock!
Posted By: 
Janis Hartley
Tagged With:
lake geneva,
shouth shore club
and williams bay
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