June 09, 2009

One Great Way to De-Rail a Real Estate Sale

Posted to Fair Housing, Janis Hartley

Don’t counter. That’s right. Don’t counter. That’s a great way to stop a real estate offer in its tracks. Whether you’re buying one of Fontana’s spectacular lakefront estates; a get-away condo in Geneva National Golf Club; or a lovely cottage with lake rights in Twin Lakes WI – the rules remain consistent. If you want to sell, consider each and every offer to purchase as impersonally and as impartially as possible. I always tell my buyers and sellers that an Offer to Purchase is a “conversation starter” – it’s one party ringing the door bell to see if anyone is home. Try to consider each and every offer as objectively as possible. Ask your Realtor® for the most current sales in your area, look closely at the list to sell ratios, consider the per-square-foot pricing, and then honestly ask yourself how your property stacks up against the competition before you decide how to counter. When you have a qualified buyer who wants to purchase your property you have more than over 1,000 sellers in Walworth County have – so be sure not to lose the opportunity to negotiate. Remember: the most successful negotiation results when both parties feel it’s been a win-win; the goal is to get from “I want” to “We agree.” If you want more information about buying or selling real estate, visit my newly redesigned website.

Posted by:Janis Hartley



June 09, 2009

Geneva National Golf Club -Only a "Drive" Away from Lake Geneva WI

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Geneva National, Janis Hartley

In a market that’s chock full of possibilities for qualified buyers, one neighborhood that’s sure to please is Geneva National Golf Club, located 5 short miles west of downtown Lake Geneva. I encourage you to join us Sunday, June 14th from 11am-4 pm, for a community-wide, agent escorted open house.

Open houses will range from one bedroom/one bath Fairway condos, across from the Swim and Racquet Club, to sophisticated single family homes, to sublime, maintenance free single family homes. Among the latter, is Foxwood, the premier neighborhood in Geneva National, offering 5 floor plans, all with main floor master suites, expansive decks, screened porches, and open concept designs. Come to Foxwood and see:

  • The Trailside on Hickory Hill – Foxwood’s 2008 Parade of Homes model home. A truly beautiful home overlooking a pond. Features include a Wolf-Subzero kitchen, expansive deck, hand-finished hickory floors, and three levels of finished living space.


  • The Stonebridge on Badger Hollow – A contemporary ranch villa featuring dual master suites, tranquil conservancy views through to the golf course, and a finished, walk-out lower level. Hammered nickel sinks, clean design lines, and natural maple floors give this home a flawless elegance.

  • The Cottage on Hickory Hill – More modest in size, this open concept ranch offers 2200 square feet of quality finished living space. Beautiful views of natural woodlands means privacy and quiet.

Recent price reductions of up to $100,000 make Foxwood the perfect choice for smart buyers looking for a second home in a true neighborhood setting. Close to the Geneva National Swim & Racquet Club and built around 65 acres of woodlands, ponds, and golf frontage, Foxwood is an exceptional neighborhood for discerning buyers. Visit us Sunday! For more information, go to my website .

Posted by:Janis Hartley



June 02, 2009

Lake Geneva WI - What do you need to know?

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Lake Geneva WI has been the “go to” spot for well over a century and, while those of us who live, work and play here, think it’s easy to make sense of Lake Geneva and Walworth County, it occurred to me today: that may not be true. So, in the spirit of helpfulness, let me ask you, “What do you want to know?”

  • Chamber of Commerce – did you know there are several chambers around the lake?

  • Do you want to the current lakefront sales this year on Whitewater Lake?

  • What does “buyer’s agent” mean and is it important to have a buyer’s agent?

  • How can I find out about foreclosures in Lake Geneva or Walworth County?

  • What’s a spring-fed lake close to the Illinois-Wisconsin border that’s affordable and has great fishing?

Whatever information you need, I’m happy to share my knowledge and experience. I’m only a click away.

Posted by:Janis Hartley