September 25, 2009

Foxwood at Geneva National: Exceptional Quality at Outstanding Prices

Posted to Geneva National, Janis Hartley

Geneva National Golf Club has long been a second-home destination for Chicagoans looking for that perfect “home away from home” community. Located just 5 miles west of downtown Lake Geneva, Geneva National offers several new neighborhoods featuring a maintenance-free lifestyle – leaving you plenty of free time to enjoy golf (on three signature courses); swimming and tennis, dining and of course, boating.


Foxwood, offers exceptional quality at outstanding prices in one of five floor plans, including 3 ranch designs and 2 two-story single family homes. There are four beautiful models currently on the market, ranging from 2,200-5,000 sq. ft. These homes are priced to sell at less than $170/per square foot, and all offer:

  • Main floor master suites
  • Screened porches and composition decks
  • Custom hardwood floors and paint palettes
  • Pella Pro-Line windows
  • Hanstone natural quartz counters
  • Renew Air Systems (now required for new homes in Minnesota)
  • GE Pro-Line Stainless Steel appliances
  • Most have finished walkout lower levels and all have beautiful views.

I invite you to schedule a private showing of Foxwood – all glorious 65 acres – so you can discover why I consider it “exceptional quality at outstanding prices.” For more information, visit my website and click on Geneva National or give me a call, October is the perfect month to visit!

Posted by:Janis Hartley



September 24, 2009

Fair Market Value? Assessed Value? What's "Fair" About it?

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Last week I presented an offer on a lovely lakefront home. The buyers had considered multiple properties and selected this particular house because of its location, condition, and value. The offer was very low – so low that the sellers, who are serious sellers in a tough market, not only refused to counter the offer, they refused to consider any future offers from these buyers. This experience illustrates the dichotomy between buyers, who have been repeatedly told the “market is bad” and sellers who are looking for clean, realistic offers from qualified buyers.

While sales throughout southeastern Wisconsin have certainly weakened, lakefront and lake access properties are considered highly desirable. Short sales, foreclosures, and “compromised” sales are rare in the lakefront market and if you’re one of those buyers looking to buy at the right price and at the right time, chances are…the time is now. Someone once said, “The only time you’ll know you’ve missed an opportunity is when you’re looking at it in your rearview mirror.”

I think that’s going to be true about buying high end properties at value prices. If you’re a serious buyer looking to purchase a lakefront home while prices are low, your opportunity is in front of you. Your best guide to “market value”?

  • An informed, knowledgeable agent
  • An experienced realtor; one who can discuss the similarities and differences between the property you are considering and recently sold properties.
  • Work with an agent you trust
  • Learn everything you can about the specific lakefront market you’re considering – visit my website, www.SellingLakeGeneva.com. When you “Click Here to View Lake Properties” you’ll be able to access almost all the lakes in Racine, Walworth, Kenosha, and Jefferson Counties!
  • Know your buying power
  • Make an offer that can become a win-win for all concerned.

Posted by:Janis Hartley



September 11, 2009

The Difference Between Buying Real Estate in Walworth County and Buying Real Estate in Chicago

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Geneva National, Janis Hartley

The difference between buying real estate in Chicago and buying real estate in Walworth County in the current market is marked. When I read the Sunday edition of Chicago Tribune Real Estate Section each week I’m stunned to see numerous real estate auctions advertised. Why just last week, I passed up the opportunity to bid on a lakefront condo overlooking Lake Michigan and just minutes from Watertower Place for a mere pittance.

I thought to myself, if only buyers would realize that Walworth County isn’t awash in high end foreclosed properties with prestigious addresses. Currently, the only high end foreclosure I’m aware of is a gorgeous, beautifully crafted, new construction home in Geneva National Golf Club listed with our company for $1,295,000. A winner in the Lakeland Builders 2008 Parade of Homes, this 4+ bedroom home with spectacular golf course and lake vistas has been reduced from $2,200,000. The quality and design that have gone into this residence are outstanding – and some lucky buyer will eventually negotiate a sale on this treasure; but at over $1,000,000 it doesn’t compare to some of the deals and steals I’ve seen in Chicagoland.

The difference between buying foreclosures and short sales in Chicago and buying them in Lake Geneva, Fontana, or any of the high profile addresses in Walworth County? Buying in this market will get you a great value at a great price, but if you’re looking to steal the deal of the century you may have to look elsewhere. Walworth County has not experienced the severe price deflation seen in other areas, so when you buy here, you’re buying in an area that has historically appreciated at a steadier pace. Lakefront properties, for example, do not experience severe depreciation; thus, while you may be able to purchase a lakefront home for less than you might expect, you will pay more than you had hoped. For more information about Geneva National Golf Club or any of our outstanding lake properties visit my website: www.SellingLakeGeneva.com - and happy hunting, this is still a great time to buy!

Posted by:Janis Hartley



September 08, 2009

Who’s Buying Now?

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

No matter where I go in Walworth County, I’m often asked, “How’s the real estate business?” During the past two weeks, I’ve been involved in 4 offers. So, who are these buyers and what are they looking for in real estate?

I’ve worked with one couple whose offer was recently accepted, for two years. They are very savvy buyers and are familiar with the real estate process. They have been looking for a secondary home in the lake area and wanted one that offered good space, was in good condition, was located in an amenity community, and offered very good value. They knew what they could afford, had spoken to their lender and felt extremely comfortable regarding their borrowing power. These buyers were properly positioned for making an offer and we are confident the transaction will move forward efficiently and smoothly.

This is an excellent market for investors, and I’ve been working with one investor from Illinois who is looking for a high-end property in an amenity-community that offers tremendous value. Knowledgeable and experienced investors look at “risk” vs “return”. While lakefront properties tend to be more stable, they may not offer the low price/high value investors seek. Communities where inventory is high, amenities are attractive, and prices have come down, may be the most promising to these buyers.

It seems that I’ve been working with secondary home buyers almost exclusively this year – and I’ve wondered why this is the case. Promises of “real deals” and “rock bottom prices” may entice some, but my recent experience indicates that there are buyers who have stayed on the sidelines for several years, hedging their bets and hoping the market might shift in their favor. It did. These buyers want value, with a capital V. They aren’t looking to steal a property, but they want to invest wisely. Planning to use their second home for several years or more, they are primarily concerned with buying smart. Many of these buyers pay cash or finance less than 70% of the cost of their home. They are financially sound and have confidence in their buying power.

Not one of my buyers this year was willing to negotiate from a premium price. They all knew the market they were entering and purchased wisely. The message to sellers is clear: if you are willing to create real value – buyers are willing to pay attention. Whether it’s the charming association of Cedar Point Park in Williams Bay or a Delavan lakefront estate, every buyer wants to feel they have purchased wisely. The message to sellers remains clear: price is king…but value and price must work hand in hand.

Posted by:Janis Hartley