February 26, 2009

The C.L.U.E. Report

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Did you ask to see the C.L.U.E. Report the last time you wrote an offer on a property? As a seller, do you know what your C.L.U.E. score says about you and your property? The C.L.U.E. Report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) provides data of claims, the insurance companies involved, the type of policy, the location of a loss (on or off property), whether the loss was related to a catastrophic event (tornado, fire, etc.), the amount paid and the cause of the loss. Unlike a credit report that is tied to an individual, a C.L.U.E. Report is tied to property. Buyers might consider asking for a recent copy of the seller’s C.L.U.E. Report before entering into a binding contract (make it a contingency in your offer to purchase). Sellers should consider requesting a copy of their report to review it for correctness and to determine what claims, if any, during the past five years, have been included in it. For sellers, a strong C.L.U.E. report is another way of showing buyers that their property has a clean bill of health – and it’s one more way of instilling buyer confidence in purchasing your home. For buyers, a less than sterling report can confirm suspicions about possible issues including water damage, fire, and mold. Keep in mind that only the owner of a property can order this report – so, don’t be C.L.U.E.-less – know the score. I’m always happy to discuss selling and buying real estate, so visit my website www.SellingLakeGeneva.com for information on listings 24/7 and Buyer/Seller Services.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



February 25, 2009

Music to Our Ears

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Greg Bunge, Director of Bands at Badger High School, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, announced Tuesday that the Badger High School Jazz Ensemble has won a coveted berth in the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition at Lincoln Center, New York, in May. For Bunge, who has tirelessly devoted hours of instruction, encouragement, support, education, and direction to scores of talented high school students throughout the past 14 years, this accomplishment has been a long time coming. The annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band Competition & Festival is an innovative jazz education event. Each year, high school musicians from across the nation submit a recording and 15 finalist bands are selected through a highly competitive screening process. Once in New York, the finalists work with world class musicians which have, in the past included trumpeter Terral Stafford, jazz educator Ronald Carter, and others. Following three days of workshops and clinics, the top three bands perform before Wynton Marsalis and a panel of renowned judges. Can’t make it to Manhattan in May? Then be sure to mark your calendar now for Sunday, May 17th when the Badger High School Jazz Bands will perform, free of charge, at the annual Jazz on the Boats on Geneva Lake. Want to learn more about our wonderful community? Visit my website, www.SellingLakeGeneva.com for information about local schools, real estate and so much more! Hope to see you at Jazz on the Boat!

Posted By: Janis Hartley



February 19, 2009

Cost vs. Value: Remodeling in a Challenging Market

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

I’m often asked what the best return on investments are for home remodeling. Given the choice between adding a mid-range garage, doing a major kitchen renovation (mid-range), or converting attic space into an additional bedroom, which is the better choice? Each year the National Association of Realtors publishes a Remodeling Cost vs Value study. The study offers insight into national and regional trends; so whether you live in Chicago, Illinois, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin or Seattle, Washington, there are certain generalities which hold true across the board. Remodeling your kitchen? In the Midwest, you can expect about a 66.5% return on your investment. Changing that unused attic space into a bedroom? Consider that you’ll realize about 64.3% before you make that change. Tired of clearing snow off your car in winter?

That investment has only a 55.9% return…maybe you should at least consider replacing that avocado dishwasher and remodeling the kitchen instead. What about that home office you’ve been dying to have? Well, at a return of less than 45%, perhaps your valuable dollars could be better spent. Keep in mind that the cost recouped for a given project depends upon a variety of factors, not the least of which is how soon you plan to resell your home. It’s also true that exterior replacements such as a new roof, windows, and siding have high return rates. Before you decide to remodel, consult with a reputable remodeler and contact me about recent sales in your neighborhood – from Wind Lake to Williams Bay, I’ll give it to you straight.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



February 18, 2009

Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

On a dreary day like today it’s rewarding to remember the pleasures of living in a place where each and every day there are surprising and serendipitous gifts from Mother Nature. I often drive past Geneva Lake at dawn and at sunset (yes, I am a workaholic!)and most times the lakescape simply takes my breath away. On Monday evening, this was the glorious gift: the sun setting westerly over Geneva Lake, looking towards Yerkes Observatory and Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

When you’re ready to take the plunge and explore owning property in the Walworth County area, visit my website, www.SellingLakeGeneva.com for updated information and all MLS listings area wide 24/7.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



February 13, 2009

The Geese are Heading North

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

I was very excited to hear the geese honking as they headed northwest over Lake Geneva early this morning. Those of us who live in Lake Geneva are accustomed to seeing stalwart flocks standing on the frozen lake in February and March, but seeing them overhead today gave me great hope that we may actually see Spring this year. Speaking of Spring, if you’re one of those people who like to plan ahead, there are two events worth putting on your calendar. The first is Geneva Idol 2009, which will be held on Friday, March 20th, 2009 at the Geneva Theater in downtown Lake Geneva. The doors open at 7pm and the competition starts at 7:30. For more information go to www.glwa.net. Come enjoy local singers compete for cash prizes and a recording opportunity. Dancing with the Stars – Lake Geneva Style will take place at the Riviera in downtown Lake Geneva on Friday, May 15, 2009. Both events are fundraisers for the Geneva Lake Women’s Association which, this year, donated more than $22,000 to organizations in need throughout Walworth County.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



February 12, 2009

2009 Stimulus Package - Finally!

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

The Economic Stimulus Bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, H.R.1) has been reconciled by the House and the Senate and the final result does not appear to have the “punch” the real estate industry was hoping to see. While details have not been finalized, the Homebuyer Tax Credit looks like it will be a $7500 tax credit that will be available for qualified purchase of a principal residence by a first time homebuyer between 1/1/2009 and 9/1/2009. The credit does not require repayment. FHA, Fannie and Freddie – While specifics have not been released, initial reports indicate that the 2008 limits have been reinstated for 2009 except in those communities where the 2009 limits are higher. Additional increases in individual communities may also be available at the discretion of the HUD Secretary. With an ever increasing inventory of property listings in Walworth County, buyers can expect a favorable buying climate while sellers should seriously consider their expectations – financial and otherwise – before placing their property on the market. At Keefe Real Estate, showings are up, buyers on the whole seem to be serious and qualified, and we are definitely getting offers. If you’re looking for property in the Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Delavan, Elkhorn and Delavan communities, it’s easy to see all listings 24/7 at www.SellingLakeGeneva.com.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



February 07, 2009

Geneva National offers excellent value for buyers

Posted to Geneva National, Janis Hartley

Geneva National Golf Club, located just 4 miles west of downtown Lake Geneva and 2 miles north of Williams Bay, currently offers excellent values for buyers.  There are several foreclosures and shorts sales available, including a two-story, 2 bedroom/2/5 bath townhouse with course views for under $150,000.One single family home recently sold for under $250,000 – an unbelievable price!  If you aren’t up to the work and repairs that a foreclosed property often demands there are still excellent values to be had.  While you often get more bang for your buck with a resale property - regardless of the location - Foxwood at Geneva National offers outstanding quality and value in a new neighborhood.  Currently, builder Mike Lampe is offering several buyer incentives on existing Foxwood homes.  In addition to 12 months of paid monthly assessments and a Social Membership to Geneva National Golf Club (worth over $10,000 total value), the Deerpath model is offered furnished at $730,000.  With just under 4,000 square feet of finished living space, high end finishes and amenities such as a deep, clawfoot soaking tub and custom shower in the master suite, custom cabinetry, walnut floors, and a finished, walkout lower level with entertainment kitchen, and surround sound, buyers are paying less than $175.00 per square foot – truly a “buyers’ market” value. For more information on Foxwood at Geneva National or Geneva National properties for sale, visit my website or call me at (262)348-3234.

Posted By: Janis Hartley



February 02, 2009

14th Annual Winterfest and United States National Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Posted to Area Attractions & Events, Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Geneva Lake isn’t simply a warm weather destination. For the past 14 years, both locals and visitors have turned out en masse the first weekend in February to experience Winterfest and the United States National Snow Sculpting Competition. This year, Winterfest will be celebrated February 4th-8th and I stopped by the lakefront early this morning for a sneak preview. I found grown men engaged in what can only be described as a giant “sand castle” preparation, complete with huge snow forms, a dump truck (every boy loves a dump truck!) and a very tall ladder. Preparing the snow blocks for the competition takes time, effort, and SNOW! Tall, flexible, cylindrical forms are placed in a large circle around the Riviera at the lakefront and the dump truck loads and packs snow into the 9’forms.

Once the form is removed there is a solid, packed snow block just waiting for the snow sculptors to work their magic. If you happen to be in town mid-week, stop by the lakefront in downtown Lake Geneva and sneak a peak at the artist’s progress. Sculpting teams will begin working Wednesday, February 4th at 10am and continue until Saturday, February 7th at 11am when the People’s Choice Voting begins. Don’t miss the activities at the Riviera Ballroom Saturday from 10am-4pm and be sure to visit some of the local restaurants and shops for a real taste of Lake Geneva.

For a complete schedule of events go to www.LakeGenevaWI.com – and if you’re interested in making the Geneva Lake area your home away from home, visit www.SellingLakeGeneva.com for all the information on local real estate, schools, and lake information. Hope to see you at the lake!

Posted By: Janis Hartley