May 19, 2009

Hook, Line and Sinker

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

In a previous blog I mentioned that the piers were in – a sure sign of approaching summer. I also noted that I’m not the most observant person, so this past week, on a cool, dreary, and rainy day, the sight of fishing boats on the lake caught me off guard. Now, it stands to reason if the piers are in, the boats will be, too. But somehow this spring, with lower than normal temperatures and greater than average rainfall makes me feel like summer will never arrive. Besides, my idea of fishing involves sunshine, a good book, a cool one, and the gentle rocking of the boat caused by my husband casting till his arm falls off.

But for those of you who actually believe fishing is rewarding and humans can predict where and when the fish will bite, you may want to check out the local guide services. There are several located in the lakes area.

If you simply want to be out on the lake to take in the scenery, check out the Gage Marine boat tours. In future blogs, I’ll pass along some background on some of the larger properties.

For more information, click on these links:

Gage Marine
Lake Geneva Fishing Guide Services
Pier
Geneva Lake Bait & Tackle Inc.

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



May 12, 2009

A Tour Through the Tulips

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janet Giovannetti

This weekend I had the pleasure of touring one of the loveliest lakefront homes on Geneva Lake, which at this time of year is surrounded by thousands of blooming tulips. The tour was held by the Committee for the Beautification of Lake Geneva; the estate is owned by Richard Driehaus, a well-known Chicago businessman and philanthropist.

I first became aware of this estate in the early 2000s when I was Executive Director of the Geneva Lake Conservacy, and the owners were exploring ways to preserve the historic value of the estate and to prevent it from being sold to developers who might subdivide and sell the land. The Conservancy was celebrating the sale of the property to Mr. Driehaus, who agreed to place a conservation easement on the property, and I had the great good fortune to plan the showcase event.

According to the book Lake Geneva Newport of the West, authored by Ann Wolfmeyer and Mary Burns Gage, this particular lakefront estate, was originally built in 1906 for Norman Wait Harris (Harris Trust and Savings, Chicago), who was a direct descendant of Charlemagne. His mother was a cousin of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It features 20’ ceilings, grand entry hall, and a double staircase leading to the second floor, as well as a library, living room, dining room, porches and porticos. The gardens and grounds were designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the nation’s first landscape architecture firm.

The estate was sold in 1920 to Walden W. Shaw, president of Shaw Livery, one of the earliest Chicago cab companies. His daughter married Daniel Peterkin, Jr. (Morton Salt) and the property remained in the Peterkin family until the sale to Mr. Driehaus.

Today, the home exudes its original stateliness and grace, having been restored, refurbished and redecorated to emphasize the detailed architecture and workmanship. The grounds boast stunning gardens, pools and “beauty spots” just as the Olmsteds planned.

All in all, there was no finer way to spend a spring afternoon.

This and the many other lakefront homes can be seen “lakeside” from a Gage Marine tour boat . Look for my future blogs in which I will discuss some of these lakefront gems.

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti



May 11, 2009

Now is the time...

Posted to Fair Housing, Janet Giovannetti

In catching up on my professional reading, I came across two articles discussing the dilemma facing potential real estate buyers.

Both the Chicago Tribune and the Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine made the same case for purchasing:
  • Great selection
  • Prices have declined
  • Market may be at the bottom
  • Government inducement to purchase
  • Low interest rates
But the Tribune also presented the case for not purchasing:
  • Prices may fall further
  • You need to stay in the home for a few years if you take advantage of the first time buyer credit
  • Renting isn’t a crime
  • Financing qualifications have become more complicated and stringent
What’s a buyer to do?

Examine your motivation for purchasing: Growing family? Downsizing? Job transfer? Investment opportunity? Retiring to your dream home?

Know your target market: All real estate is local, and in a second home market such as the Geneva Lake area, the variety and choices are vast.

Know your financing options: Do you have a relationship with a lender? Do you understand the loan process? Do you have a home to sell? Are you taking advantage of the first time home buyer incentive? Do you qualify for an FHA loan? A rural development loan? Are you a cash buyer?

By now you may have come to the conclusion that you need help in sorting out the possibilities. That’s why savvy buyers work with a local Realtor® they know and trust. Your Realtor® can save you time and money and help you achieve your goals. Call me.

Posted by:Janet Giovannetti