December 31, 2008

Sale-ing into the New Year

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley, Williams Bay, WI

I used to be one of those “morning after Christmas” shoppers who jumped out of bed at the crack of dawn and drove with other like-minded buyers into the malls and onto Michigan Avenue in Chicago. No more. Several years ago I discovered the joys of a more relaxed way of post-holiday shopping here in Walworth County. Where I used to grab a travel mug filled with home-brewed coffee, I now enjoy a quiet cup of java at our local café’s. Whether it’s my favorite Chai Misto at the Lake Geneva Starbucks, or a fabulous steamed African Chai Soy misto at Tickled Pink in Williams Bay, or even a hearty brew from Caribou Coffee across from Geneva Lake, I no longer embark on my shopping spree with coffee stains down the front of my new sweater! First, a relaxed cup of chai or coffee; next, a few brief “hello’s” to neighbors and friends; finally, shopping!

My first stop is always The Cornerstone Shoppe & Artopia at the corner of Broad and Main in downtown Lake Geneva. I love the vast assortment of holiday décor items, sweet smelling Wickwood candles, artisan jewelry (not on sale, but beautiful), and great hostess gifts. The staff is incredibly good-natured and always helpful and don’t seem to mind the fact that I tend to “shop the sales”. I give them great P.R. because I think it’s definitely the place for unique gifts in a setting that’s welcoming and friendly. Next, I saunter over to the Overland Sheepskin Co Inc to peruse their quality assortment of fur and suede. Whether it’s a new coat, cozy sheepskin slippers for my husband, or just some “window shopping” for my January birthday, Overland makes me feel like I’m in Vail – not a bad place to be after the holiday. McCullough’s, on the corner of Broad and Geneva Streets, is an old-fashioned pharmacy and a new-millennium gift shop. Its sale is small, but you can find a few treasures there – so don’t miss it. McCullough’s is also a terrific source for Lladro porcelain figurines and Waterford crystal. Getting ready for a big New Year’s splash? Don’t miss Germaine’s on Broad Street where Germaine and her crew will help you find just the right outfit to ring in 2009.

In Williams Bay, Details in the Bay, is a small, not-so-well-kept secret filled with home décor and accessories with a definite French flair. Proprietress Joey Coleson has done an amazing job of collecting all of the trinkets, presents, and accessories we women love and placing them in this intimate and cozy setting. Details is located at the four corners intersection of Walworth and Geneva Streets, across from the fire house, tucked under Clearwater Spa. You’ll love seeking out treasures in the nooks and crannies here. Looking for more ideas on where to shop? Check out our local papers or email me at http://www.SellingLakeGeneva.com and I’ll fill you in on more of my “Sale-ing into the New Year” finds!

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 29, 2008

The Elusive Boat Slip on Geneva Lake

Posted to Janis Hartley

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



December 13, 2008

New Ways to Shop for the Holidays in Lake Geneva

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Main Street in Lake Geneva forms the eastern border of the Maple Park district – home to some of the most beautiful Victorian homes in the area. While many visitors and residents spend their time enjoying the architecture, I am very excited about several new shops that opened recently. In addition to some of most popular long-time venues, such as Flemings (perfect for “made in Ireland” Irish knit sweaters), Nancy’s Petites (the source for great costume jewelry and women’s clothes), and China West Jewelers (definitely on my list for Santa!), newcomers include The Olive Oil Shop, Abbellimento, and Min’s. Love the flavor of truffle oil drizzled on your mashed potatoes? Try the Truffle Oil Olive Oil from The Olive Shop – it’s a great place to visit for outstanding oils that will make your salads, dips, and vegetables stand out on your holiday table. Abellimento reminds me of my long walks through the streets of Sienna…gorgeous Vietri pottery in colors reminiscent of a Tuscan sunset line the walls. Stop here for that special hostess or house-warming gift…and you’ll want to book your trip to Italy! While you’re dreaming about that trip, stop by Min’s, home to some of the prettiest and most unusual clothing, jewelry and gifts in town. Lake Geneva is dressed in its holiday finest this time of year and the pace is slower than Michigan Avenue or the malls. Shopkeepers take the time to chat and salesclerks remember to ask about the family. While you’re in town, stop by Café Calamari down the road in Williams Bay for a hot toddy and appetizers at the bar. Calamari, as the locals refer to it, also serves one of the largest chicken chopped salads I’ve ever seen – and boy, is it delicious! Way too much food for one person, it’s a good choice for sharing. Add a glass of wine and you have the perfect ending to a perfect day in my neck of the woods! If you want to talk real estate while you’re in town, give me a call at (262)745-3630 – I’m always delighted to help.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 12, 2008

End of Year “Sales” Make Sense for Summer-Savvy Buyers/Sellers

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Thinking about moving some of your investment funds in to a second home or condo in 2009 or beating out other sellers in this highly competitive market? While buying real estate, especially lake rights/access and lakefront properties, can be an especially savvy move for the long-term investor selling in a market such as the current one can be productive for sellers as well. Geneva Lake, which serves the communities of Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Geneva, Linn, Fontana, and parts of Walworth, continues to be a wise investment, with higher end properties showing modest gains even in the current market – good news for sellers and buyers, alike.

I am often asked, “Is winter a good time to buy/sell real estate” and my answer is usually an unqualified “yes”. Smart buyers know that serious sellers remain active during the winter season in pursuit of the ready, willing and able buyer. While inventory historically decreases during late fall/early winter, sellers who remain on the market are generally determined and motivated to sell and there are fewer competing properties. The lack of competing offers often offsets the disappointment of fewer choices for buyers, especially when the “right” home just happens to be available, while the decrease in competition works for sellers, too.

There are currently a number of excellent values available throughout the Geneva Lake area for both primary and secondary-home buyers. In Geneva National Golf Club, for example, several foreclosures as well as creative buyer incentives for new and existing homes, are tempting. Take for example, my listing at 1881 Prestwick Drive – a beautiful brick and cedar home that combines a traditional floor plan with open concept kitchen/dining/great room. At $599,000 the seller is including a Geneva National Club Social Membership, lawn mowing and snow-plowing for 12 months, and additional buyer incentives. Priced well below replacement cost, this home represents an excellent value. Some of the builders in Geneva National are also offering buyer incentives. While all of the Preferred Builders offer a Social Membership, some are also including paid monthly homeowner’s dues for a year or more. At Foxwood, one model is now available furnished, while the 2008 Parade Home has a furniture package available at a deeply discounted price. In addition to the Social Membership, the Villas at Eagleton Ponds are offering buyer’s a choice of either one year paid homeowner’s dues or $10,000 towards a finished lower level.

There are also several very good values available outside of Geneva National. Thinking about upsizing to a home with room for everyone? Check out my listing at 3227 W. Dummer Drive, just on the edge of Lake Geneva, listed at $225,000. If you are not currently working with an agent, email me at Janis@SellingLakeGeneva.com and ask me to place you on a automatic home delivery program so you can receive new listings as they come on the market. This is an excellent way to stay abreast of the market and to know when good deals hit. Of course, my website, www.SellingLakeGeneva.com is an excellent real estate resource, 24/7 – visit often to view all MLS listings in Walworth County. If you are seriously considering selling property, give me a call at (262)745-3630 and ask me about a free market analysis.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 08, 2008

Geneva National Golf Club…Not for Golfers Only!

Posted to Geneva National, Janis Hartley

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 05, 2008

‘Snow Where to Go? Visit Lake Geneva!

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Janis Hartley

Gas prices have tumbled, making holiday driving more affordable and there’s still nothing like Christmas in the Country to make spirits merry and bright. A visit to Lake Geneva during the holiday season is just the remedy for the holiday shopping madness. Lake Geneva is less than a two hour drive from downtown Chicago and there’s plenty of holiday magic in the air! For starters, take a short jaunt up the winding drive to the Grand Geneva Resort. The resort’s annual “Christmas in the Country” festival of lights sparkles and glistens from dusk each and every evening through the New Year. While you are there, be sure to stop in the lobby of the Grand Geneva to see the holiday décor and warm up in front of the blazing fire. Downtown Lake Geneva, just a few minutes west of the Grand Geneva Resort, is festooned with lights and decorations. Meander through the quaint shops that line Main Street and you are certain to find just the right gift for that someone special on your list. Whether it’s a beautiful Irish sweater from Fleming’s, a yummy gourmet food and wine basket from Global Gourmet, stunning jewelry from China West, or a charming holiday gift from The Cornerstone Shoppe, you’ll be delighted with the selection and quality available locally.

Several pre- and post-holiday events should be red-lined in your datebook: Lake Geneva’a Annual Great Electric Christmas Parade features floats, bands, horses, and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. It happens tomorrow, December 6th on Main Street in downtown Lake Geneva. The Festival of Lights runs this weekend as well, featuring holiday open houses in downtown shops, carriage rides, and a tree lighting ceremony in front of the Riviera Ballroom. Father Christmas has promised to stop by and Santa’s live reindeer will be flying in for a visit as well. Holidays keeping you too busy to visit before the New Year? Mark your calendar now for the Annual Winterfest which takes place the first weekend in February. Fantastical ice sculptures dot the lakefront – the work of a talented ice artists from all over the world – and the entire town turns out for this not-to-be-missed winter event. If you’re ready to make the move to Lake Geneva and its environs, call me at (262)745-3630 – or visit my website to access all Walworth county property listings 24/7. Some of the area’s happiest residents started out as visitors…now they get to vacation where they live!

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 05, 2008

Looking for Lakefront Property? Buy Now!

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Looking for lakefront property along the shores of Lake Geneva? Now would be a good time to buy. The volatility and variables of the stock market which have adversely affected so many investors seem to miss the stable lakefront market which has historically seen consistent annual appreciation. Prices have seen more modest increases during the past two years, and the winter of 2008/2009 may offer some excellent values for the savvy investor. Those buyers who have waited for the “bottom to hit” may be surprised to discover the “bottom” is a relative term when speaking about lakefront properties.

With an average price of $2,515,183 and $2,794,077 in 2007/2008 respectively, Lake Geneva represents the most expensive – and most prestigious – frontage in Walworth County. So why buy now? If you were to look at a graph showing lakefront per front foot sales prices for Geneva Lake for 2002-2007, you would see that prices rose from $20,000 per front foot in 2002, to just under $25,000 in 2003, dropping slightly in 2004 to just about $23,000, then spiking to $36,000 in 2005. An abrupt dropt in prices came in 2006 (just as the market began to cool) with an average front foot price just under $25,000 (almost on par with 2003 prices), then in 2007 prices rose to just under $26,000 per front foot. Lakefront sales for Lake Geneva, through December 1, 2008, indicate an interesting trend: for the thirteen lakefront properties sold thus far this year, the average front foot price is $35,799 – almost $10,000 more per front foot than the previous year. While two of the sold properties were in associations and did not actually “own” the frontage, pricing for these properties was consistent with true lakefront sales.

So why buy now? If history is to be repeated smart buyers will realize steady appreciation in the coming years on their lakefront purchases. Investing in a lakefront property historically ensures insulation from the effects of a volatile and unpredictable market. In addition, real estate has consistently proven to be a more stable investment than stocks – and you actually can enjoy your investment as it appreciates! For more information on purchasing lakefront property in Lake Geneva, Fontana, Linn, Williams Bay, or Geneva contact Janis Hartley, Keefe Real Estate, at (262)745-3630 or by email at Janis@SellingLakeGeneva.com. You can preview listings online by visiting my website, www.SellingLakeGeneva.com.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



December 01, 2008

Café Capers around Lake Geneva

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

When I want to get the real estate news in an area my first step is the local coffee shop – you know, the one where the regulars come by for coffee and stay for the conversation. In the Geneva Lake area, one such café is Tickled Pink in downtown Williams Bay. While proprietors Steve and Tonilyn Sperry serve up a mean latte’ it’s the regular customers who will make your visit special. Want to know about the Lake Geneva Sailing School? What about biking the White River Trail? Are you an extreme athlete looking for run an ultra marathon – or is the Lake Geneva Marathon more your cup of tea? Stop by and spend time sipping and listen to the local buzz. While you’re there, ask the other customers about walking the lake path – the one that winds completely around Geneva Lake and takes you through the front yards of some of the most beautiful lakefront estates in the area. Lakefront real estate starts at just under $2 million – and despite the current market, it seems to be inflation proof. Whether you’re looking for a little cottage by the lake, a new home in the Williams Bay area, or a weekend condo, the people who call Tickled Pink their favorite place for coffee or lunch will be happy to share their stories about living in Walworth County.

Posted By: Janis Hartley