December 19, 2008

The Square Foot Equation=Value

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Geneva National

I am a The Today Show morning person and while tuning in this week Barbara Corcoran ‘real estate guru’ was one of Matt’s interviews. At times, I have had a hard time with Barbara because she paints with a very broad brush and the Midwest gets caught in the sweep of her all inclusive statements. Real estate is local! But while chatting about the market and that ‘it is the absolute time to buy’ (YIPPEE) part of her recommendation was to determine the price per square foot. Price per square foot is a good factor when comparing properties and it becomes even more important when determining if you are deciding to purchase now or build. With that in mind let’s take a at two properties on the market in Geneva National and their square foot cost.

In my last blog I mentioned four home sites that ranged from $130,000 to $270,000. The average list price of those four is $202,000. 1851 Prestwick, Lake Geneva, WI is currently on the market for $550,000 and it is located on a beautiful wooded site that slopes down to the Palmer 7. Hosta's and trees are a natural barrier to the golf course and allow for birds, deer and shaded privacy. This walk-out ranch has over 3600 square feet of living space. If you subtract the previously determined $202,000 for the land the house has a value of $348,000 with a square foot cost of $96.67 a square foot. $96.00 dollars... that is not only an amazing value but for that price you can easily afford to rip out the carpeting and put in wood flooring. One more note - the land next door sold for $180,000 and it is a smaller parcel. Using that figure for the land, 1851 Prestwick still comes out to $102.77 a square foot. This home has been updated and you just can’t find a more beautiful piece of land with the Prestwick address.

One more example is 121 Palmer, Lake Geneva, WI, listed for $549,000. This is new construction with finished in-place wood floors, Jenn-Aire stainless steel appliances, Andersen windows, Schlage and Kohler fixtures, tray ceilings, two first floor suites, fully finished walk-out lower level with third bedroom suite, kitchen and family room. All set and waiting for you! Square foot cost? $152 per square foot without the land cost!!! Add in the land cost and we are down under $100. You cannot build this type of home for that price. One year paid association dues and other incentives are available on this home and it includes all of the features mentioned plus more. Another great value and the last one available. We can’t build this one again and all features are standards within this home and others by The Choyce Group.

Posted By: Margaret Canfield



December 19, 2008

Do you have the building itch?

Posted to Geneva National

Right now in Geneva National single family home sites are listed for sale from the price point of $80,000 on up to $500,000. The view, the size and location all add into the equation but I have two home sites for sale that are over an acre, for $259,000 and located at

1450 Geneva Club Circle

...And a second located at 1470 Geneva Club Drive for $279,000. I also have two home sites for sale at

1430 and 1460 Prestwick

that are priced at $130,000 and $140,000 respectively. If you can’t find a home that fits your style then here are four sites ready for your dream construction project. You can bring your own builder or work with a custom home builder familiar with Geneva National guidelines. All plans have to go before the Geneva National Architectural Review committee and one builder you will want to talk with is Greg Choyce, The Choyce Group. The Choyce Group is one of the original Preferred Builders of Geneva National. Touch base with one of us to start your custom home construction planning.

Posted By: Margaret Canfield



December 10, 2008

You do have a Choyce!

Posted to Geneva National

With the first real snow storm of the season underway there are several homes on the market that can make these winter days quite enjoyable. The above showcased media room is situated in a finished lower level with a pool table, entertainment kitchen, entertaining space and a fourth bedroom and bath. Upstairs are two more levels of family living in a single family, maintenance free home. This new condominium home is a design by Greg Choyce of the Choyce Group and is ‘move in ready’. 1737 Links Road is just the beginning of another classic Choyce development at Geneva National and this easy living home is located on the Palmer Course with expansive southern exposure. Two addition bedrooms on the second floor along with a loft, main level living room, dining room, study, screened in porch onto a brick paver patio and an elegant first floor master suite with his and hers walk-in closets. Add finished in place American walnut floors, granite, Jenn-Aire stainless appliances, tray ceilings, French doors, and Andersen 400 series windows to make sure all the warmth stays within your home. An extra large 2 car garage with storage completes this picture. Room for everyone and everything! And, while you are stretched out watching the movie, someone else is shoveling your walk, plowing the driveway or cutting the grass.

So, while we all wait for this you can make a call to Gage Marine in Williams Bay and inquire about their ‘in and out service’. The boat, the golf course and club, the media room, a new construction 4500 square foot condominium and you are ahead of the game with being the first one in. Why not plan to have it all in 2009? We’ll throw in the popcorn!

Posted By: Margaret Canfield



December 08, 2008

The Hunt Club - One of my Favorite Restaurants in the Lake Geneva Area

Posted to Geneva National

The Hunt Club is one of my favorite restaurants in the Lake Geneva area and this coming Thursday, December 11 is their next wine dinner. The Chef is going for a “corker” of a theme with ‘Christmas Down Under’. No shrimp on the barbie, but there will be seared Kangaroo loin and Crocodile Ravioli to expand your food groups…hmmm. 6:30 p.m. and you can call 262-245-7201 for reservations with Brent, the GM. It’s $55 a person plus tax and tip. I have been to two wine dinners and fully enjoyed them. Lots of wine, great food and new friends. And you know, this time of year truly showcases the Hunt Club. Maybe it is the warmth of the fireplace and the smell of the crisp greens but the cozy dining area overlooks the Player course and then opens to sweeping views of Lake Como. Just an added touch of ambience past the lighted Christmas tree. Right now snow is falling, adding to the lit winter scene and welcoming warmth of the front door step. And, then there is Jack and Jen. Stop in on Wednesdays and Fridays to find Jack behind the bar and Jen servicing tables. More warmth from good people. If you haven’t been here this may become your new habit. The Hunt Club won Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence for the second year.

Posted By: Margaret Canfield



December 08, 2008

Geneva National? Geneva National!

Posted to Geneva National

You know it dawned on me that I was writing about Geneva National but many people just don’t know the neighborhood. I do. I live here. Geneva National is situated between downtown Lake Geneva and Williams Bay with the entrance off of Hwy 50. Originally it was the estate of the Crane Plumbing family and the Hunt Club Restaurant was originally their hunt club. I can only imagine what it was like to own this amount of acreage (1800) in the Lake Geneva area during the last century and I certainly don’t recollect knowing of this estate as a child. Pretty amazing. There are high points on this property where you can stand and overlook Lake Geneva and Lake Como. Currently, this is a residential community built around 3 premiere golf courses and golf is not what everyone does. In fact, only about a third of the folks play golf but everyone enjoys the beauty it provides. Just a note, the Geneva National Golf Club is run separately from the community and so it is an amenity you can choose to use or not. This is a neighborhood so the age mix includes school buses, professionals, retired folks that live here 6, 8, 10 months of the year and then we have what I call my ‘permanent part-timer’s’! This group includes everyone that is here on the weekends! It is so easy to bop up here and spend a few days and all animals are welcome. Geneva National has paw prints everywhere. How can you live here? There are so many options and so many price points! There’s new construction, resale, condos, single family homes and land. It just depends on what you want to have. Check out my website at www.margaretcanfield.com for Geneva National listings. Write me with any questions on this community or others.

Posted By: Margaret Canfield



December 08, 2008

Geneva National Golf Club…Not for Golfers Only!

Posted to Geneva National

Nestled in the rolling terrain at the foot of the Kettle Moraine country, Geneva National Golf Club offers home owners a natural balance between tranquility and excitement. Covering over 1,600 acres of land and offering wide expanses of natural woodlands, oak savannahs, prairies, meadows, and protected wetlands, Geneva National curves around 54 holes of some of the best golf in the Midwest. With signature holes designed by golf icons Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, and Lee Trevino, these courses are enjoyed by members and guests alike. While one course is reserved, on a rotating basis, for members, the public can access the two remaining courses. Golf carts are required, but believe me, you’ll get plenty of exercise walking to and from your ball since the fairways are challenging for all player levels.

Many players have “come home to Geneva National” after falling in love with the scenery and forming lasting friendships on the course. With so many types of residences to choose from, it’s no wonder Geneva National is a perfect fit for people from many different walks of life. You might like a convenient Fairway condo with views of the Trevino course (priced from the mid $100,00’s), or a cozy Cottage within walking distance of the Swim & Racquet Club (priced from the high $100,00’s), or perhaps a three-story, sun-drenched townhouse in Lakeview Point with views of Lake Como and the Player course (like my listing at 1189 Terrace Court) is more to your liking. Looking to eventually retire in the Geneva Lakes area or need more room for family and friends? Then consider a single family maintenance-free home like those offered in Foxwood (priced from the mid $500,000’s). Is it time to build your dream home? There are many options available here as well. Whether you choose to build a custom home with one of our highly regarded local builders or purchase an existing residence, you’ll be pleased with the selection, quality, and settings available at Geneva National Golf Club.

Remember: you don’t have to love golf to love Geneva National! Social members enjoy a wide array of activities throughout the year from wine tastings and dinners to the annual Fourth of July Celebration, New Year’s Party and other annual events. The Swim & Racquet Club is open to all homeowners during the summer season and offers three pools, including an “over 18 only” lap pool – perfect when you need a little peace and quiet. Four tennis courts, a volley ball court and Tubby’s, a retro grill that will make you nostalgic for the good old days are all there for you to enjoy.

If you’ve never visited Geneva National Golf Club, give me a call at (262)745-3630 or email me at Janis@SellingLakeGeneva.com. I’d love to give you a tour of the Clubhouse and the beautiful grounds of Geneva National! If you’re a returning visitor, let me know what you’d like to see – there’s so much to share! Remember, you can always preview what’s for sale in Geneva National and throughout the Southeastern Wisconsin area 24/7 by visiting www.SellingLakeGeneva.com.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 01, 2008

Winter in the Lake Geneva Area

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Geneva National

Your treadmill has moved outdoors! Just because it is winter in the Lake Geneva area doesn’t mean my athletic activities go by the wayside. No need to hit the incline arrows when I am jogging or walking in and around Geneva National. The five mile loop around the community has a variety of hills (45 degree inclines can really do the trick) along with valleys that can make any morning work-out fantastic. You can also add to your heart rate activity by taking off on the inactive golf cart paths and winding your way around through the crystal winter landscaping that is a natural part of the area. High peaks give you full views of Geneva Lake and Lake Como. Lush evergreens, Christmas décor, woodsy smells and early morning fireplaces are part of the oxygen intake. Deer meet you at many places and the wild turkeys just add to the day. Grab your shoes, grab the dog, add your IPod and come to visit. The hills or the views will take your breath away. See you on the streets.

Posted By: Margaret Canfield