May 28, 2009

Remember Your Realtor

Posted to Janis Hartley

Do you remember the old song, “Love the One You’re With?” Those of us who consider real estate our passion, our career and our avocation, often shake our heads with disbelief when a buyer with whom we’ve been working, suddenly writes an offer with an agent with whom they have no existing prior relationship. Each time it happens, we shake our heads and wonder “why?”

Just last week, a buyer with whom I had worked for almost two years, purchased a $1.2 million dollar property…with another agent. The buyer had never met this agent before. He simply drove by a property, saw the “For Sale” sign and dialed the number. The agent showed him one house and wrote the offer. My guess is that in the excitement of the moment the buyer didn’t remember that my number was stored in his cell phone. The harsher reality is that he either didn’t consider me his agent and therefore felt no allegiance to me, or didn’t understand how real estate works. Many buyers don’t realize that real estate agents don’t get compensated until they sell a property. So, if you meet an agent you like and with whom you feel comfortable, make that person your real estate resource. In the end, you’ll avoid potential problems and develop a mutual loyalty that will benefit you in the long run. Some other suggestions?

  • Keep your agent’s business card handy and if you should meet or speak to another Realtor® tell them, “Janis is my agent – I’m working with her.”

  • If you see a property you just have to see, call your agent – not the agent on the sign. Remember: your agent has been working to find you the right property – give them the chance to work with you to purchase it.

  • Ask your agent about signing a Buyer Agency Agreement.

  • Love visiting open houses? Show your agent’s card to the agent host and tell them you are working with the agent. Remember: just because you do that doesn’t necessarily mean your relationship will be honored. Procuring cause could mean your agent wouldn’t receive a commission even if you wrote a successful offer.

Finally, remember all business relationships are built upon trust. If I invest time, energy, money and knowledge in searching for the perfect property for a buyer, I’m trusting that buyer to work with me in return. After all, real estate is my full-time career and I devote a great deal of time and money into building my business through marketing, education, advertising, and promotion.

Real estate is one area where, “if you can’t be with the one you love,” you shouldn’t necessarily follow the advice of the song’s lyrics and “love the one you’re with.”

Posted by:Janis Hartley



May 27, 2009

To Market, to Market – Fresh Produce Abounds at Geneva National Golf Club!

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Geneva National, Janis Hartley

Come mid-June, the fresh produce Farmer’s Market at Geneva National Golf Club will be displaying tantalizing, locally grown fruits and vegetables in the gazebo just inside the front entrance. Initially intended for the local residents, this small market did an outstanding job last season being the “go to” resource for both residents, guests, and people driving by.

My favorite tidbits were the phenomenal tomatoes, plums and peaches – sweet, juicy and hard to resist. Geneva National is one of my most important selling areas and, since I often spend time showing properties, the market was a natural choice. Be sure to make the Fresh Produce Stand at Geneva National one of your weekend stops this season; whether you enjoy Michigan blueberries, Wisconsin strawberries and tomatoes; or farm fresh onions and fingerling potatoes, you’ll love the selection and quality. Shop locally and support your eco-environment. While you’re in the area, call me (262)745-3630 to schedule a showing of Geneva National Golf Club.

Posted by:Janis Hartley



May 26, 2009

Disappointing List Price May Mean a Faster Sale

Posted to Delavan, Janis Hartley

Two weeks ago I met with a couple who are thinking about listing their Delavan home. We “clicked” quickly and as we discussed the market, they assured me they knew the market wasn’t as strong as it had been. I went to the listing appointment well prepared; I knew the average days on market for similarly priced properties, I knew what had sold in the previous 12 months, I knew their competition – what was and wasn’t priced to sell in the current market, I knew enough statistics to thrill an actuary. Their home has a lovely location and nice space; but it hasn’t been updated and one of the competing properties is an adorable, turn-key home with great lake rights that is priced extremely well. They asked if I had seen a neighboring property new on the market and, since I had not, I assured them I would not only visit that home but all of their direct competition before making a final price suggestion.

During my follow up appointment we had the “price discussion”. I knew they wouldn’t be happy with my suggestion – it was easily $50,000 less than their lowest price expectation. But here’s the problem: I’m a highly competent professional with experience throughout Walworth County and I know the market and I know it won’t support their price. I’d love to work with this charming and gracious couple, and I know I could sell their house, but as I told them yesterday, “I’d rather disappoint you now than let you down later.” It’s my job to make the tough calls. Ultimately, the market value of a property is what a ready, willing, and able buyer pays for it and the four properties in their neighborhood that haven’t sold tell me the ready, willing and able buyers are not paying the prices that are being asked. The lesson in this story? If you’re going to list your home, don’t sign with the agent who tells you what you want to hear; list with the one who delivers a clear, consistent and realistic message. In the end, you’ll be placing a “SOLD” sign in your yard while your neighbors continue to whine about the weak market. From Delavan Lake to Powers Lake and all the places in-between, I’m always willing to talk to sellers who are ready to dig in and get the job done! Give me a call.


Posted by:Janis Hartley



May 22, 2009

The Internet Real Estate Buyer: Saves Time, Energy, and Possibly Money

Posted to Delavan, Janis Hartley

Today I closed today on an outstanding Delavan Lake lakefront home, listed at $2.8 million that was perfect for my buyers. I knew it would be perfect for them after talking to them for less than 30 minutes. The first time we met (which was less than 2 months ago) we looked at 8 properties: four on Lake Delavan and 4 on Lake Geneva – and I knew that at least 2 of those properties were on their “A” list by the end of the day. What made me so sure?

The internet is an incredible tool for buying real estate; the abundance of information buyers can glean from websites such as mine, www.realtor.com, www.relohomesearch.com and others is exceptional. Prior to our meeting, my buyers spent several months learning about the market and reviewing listings on both Delavan and Geneva Lakes. By the time we met, they had done their homework. They were informed, excited, qualified, and ready to make a decision if the right property was available at the right price. They were able to clearly communicate their priorities and their definition of what constituted the “right property” for them. I was therefore able to be extremely focused and selective in determining which properties deserved their attention and a visit. The bottom line? They’ll be enjoying their new home just in time for Memorial Day!


Posted by:Janis Hartley



May 19, 2009

Walworth County Market Update

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

According to recent statistics calculated by the Metro Multiple Listing Service for Walworth County, the lyrics to the song “The Times They Are A-Changing” seems fitting. For Sellers, the recent update serves as a strong reminder that selling in the current market is a whole lot different than it was several years ago. For Buyers, it is confirmation that this is the time to buy. The update covers April 2009 and year-to-date statistics and the most interesting numbers concern Days on Market, List-to-Original Sale Price Ratio, and Closed Sales. Comparing April 2008 with April 2009, the average days on market for single family residences increased 19.8% (from 130 to 155 days). In April 2008, single family homes sold, on average, for 92.5% of their original list price; that number fell 4.8% in April 2009. Comparing year-to-date sales for the same period, from January 2009-April 2009, the average sale price versus original list price was 4.2% lower in ’09 than in ’08, falling from 91% original list/sell price to 87.1%.

Prices continue to fall; however, lakefront and lake rights properties on Geneva Lake, Delavan and Lauderdale Lakes, have been far less affected than have prices in the lower and mid-ranges. So, for buyers looking for prime properties the message is: expect to buy smart but not cheap. You’ll need to do your homework and know the comparable properties that have sold during the previous twelve months. Knowledge is power and in the present market – it’s essential.

Posted by:Janis Hartley



May 15, 2009

Farm Fresh Direct to You! Buying Local in Lake Geneva

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

‘Tis the season for fresh vegetable, fruit, homemade jams and wonderful plants and flowers, and the best place to find them when you’re in Lake Geneva is at historic Horticultural Hall. Every Thursday morning, beginning between 8:30-9:00am, the local farmer’s market opens at this downtown venue, just 3 blocks north of Geneva Lake. While the number of vendors is small, the selection is wonderful. Last summer I enjoyed brilliant yellow and purple baby beets, sweet sugar snap peas, gorgeous gladiolas, and the smoothest honey I’ve had in a long time. In addition to fresh produce, you can select homemade crafts and jewelry, meet the locals as they sip fresh coffee and move from table to table, and gather enough goodies for several picnics. Remember, shop early and bring your own shopping bag – eat green and live green! Horticultural Hall is located at 330 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, WI.

Posted by:Janis Hartley



May 01, 2009

Dancing with the Stars - Lake Geneva Style!

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


If you’ve ever wished you could go back to the golden days of ballroom dancing…here’s your opportunity. The Geneva Lake Women’s Association will present Dancing with the Stars –Lake Geneva Style, on Friday, May 15th at the Riviera Ballroom on the lakefront in downtown Lake Geneva.

The event pairs local “celebrity” dancers with professional teachers; each couple presents a single performance which is evaluated by a panel of judges as well as by the audience. This year, local celebrities include Lake Geneva orthodontist Bob Youngquist, local artist and realtor, Julie Sarton, Lake Geneva Hospital veterinarian Dr. Mona, Bill Binn, President of Wyntree Construction, and Rich Vartanian from AT & T. Following the competition, the beautiful ballroom floor is opened to guests for several hours of open dancing. Proceeds benefit community organizations such as Twin Oaks Shelter, Safety Town, the local food pantries, Inspiration Ministries, and Aurora Hospice. For more information visit, www.glwa.net.

Posted by:Janis Hartley