May 28, 2009

Lake Beulah is ready for summer!

Posted to Julie Sarton

If Lake Geneva (Wisconsin) is too busy for your boating pleasure or your vacation home site, keep driving 20 minutes north to Lake Beulah, on the northern edge of the charming little village of East Troy. As I was looking at a gorgeous lakefront home on wooded acreage there for a prospective listing, I was reminded what a jewel this lake is! A haven for boating and fishing, this spring-fed lake covers 834 crystal clear acres and has a maximum depth of 58 feet. Big enough for boating, but small enough for serenity and relaxation, its shoreline is dotted with several youth camps, relieving density and emphasizing its natural beauty. The Lake Beulah Yacht Club is very active with wonderful sailing programs, and most summer days the lake is picturesque with sails heeled in the wind. When you’re ready for dinner, a short drive will seat you in some of near-by Lake Geneva’s gourmet restaurants.

Lakefront vacation homes span a wide variety of styles and price points, from a 2-bedroom 1-bath on 170 feet of frontage for $399,000 to a 6-bedroom 6-bath on 207 feet of frontage for $2,995,000. Some are fixer-uppers and charming older cottages, while some are new construction with all the bells and whistles. Lake access homes are more affordable, and although they don’t have frontage, offer private lake access and boat facilities through private associations and parks. Live the lake life….I can help!

Posted by:Julie Sarton



May 20, 2009

Vacation Homes...luxury or investment?

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Julie Sarton

As bad as the market has been the last several years, I’ve been pleasantly surprised and heartened by how many buyers have still been pursuing vacation homes in our area. Our second home market has always been strong since we’re a resort area, nonetheless we all feared that in a tight economy the ‘luxury’ of a vacation home would be one of the first things to go. Although there has been some decline in the number of vacation home sales, that market remains viable and strong in our area…..and the reasons are sound and logical.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) conducted a 2009 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, which concluded that 1) now is the time to buy a second vacation home, 2) that this market is fundamentally healthy, and 3) that the long-term demand for these homes is favorable. How can this be? First, as we all know, home prices are down drastically. A few years ago before prices escalated rapidly, buyers who missed buying low were sorry later; in 2012 or more, buyers may see 2009 as another missed opportunity. The NAR survey revealed that the average vacation home price is down at least 23% from the median price in 2007. Couple that with rock- bottom , record low interest rates, and the affordability index sky rockets. Second, even though ‘flipping’ homes is dead, more and more buyers are once again seeing real estate as a sound long term investment; it’s a no-brainer that by buying at the bottom of the market your investment will appreciate over time. Third, the survey revealed that there is an increase in buyers who are renting their second homes for an additional income stream and are more realistic in their rental expectations. The internet not only gives owners a good venue to post their rentals, but can offer lots of information and guides to managing rental properties. And last, the Baby Boomers, along with two even larger population groups right behind them, will keep the demand up for the next 10 years at least.

Luxury or investment? How about both; enjoy a serene, relaxing get-away, and rent it out when you’re not using it. I did this with a home in Door County, Wisconsin, for 14 years and my rentals paid for all the expenses of taxes, R&M, utilities, etc. Even if you don’t rent your vacation home, buying low right now and watching it appreciate still qualifies as a good investment, and the luxury is undeniable. We have an ample inventory of gorgeous vacation homes with access to beautiful lakes and year-round recreational activities. I can help.

Posted by:Julie Sarton



May 20, 2009

Lake Geneva's shoreline path will knock your socks off...

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Julie Sarton

Lake Geneva’s shoreline path will knock your socks off…in more ways than one!

Geneva Lake is framed by 21 miles of some of the most spectacular shoreline in the US, graced with some of the most elegant, multi-million dollar estates to be seen anywhere. The sumptuous smorgasbord of styles runs from modern architectural wonders, to Frank Lloyd Wright –inspired statements, to charming Queen Anne and Victorian treasures, to elaborate Lake Geneva cottage-style homes, to historical estates dating to the late nineteenth century. And the most amazing thing of all is…..you can walk through their backyards for a bird’s eye view! The popular 21-mile Geneva Lake shore path was created by early settlers, who saw to it that 20 feet of shoreline inward is deemed public domain, and it circles the entire lake alongside the water.

Each homeowner maintains his section of the path. While some sections are elaborate and have flagstone or brick walkways enhanced with lovely landscaping, other sections are left in a grassy ‘au natural’ state. Some areas are level with the water, while others are more precipitously sloped and aerobically challenging to maneuver. Most of the estates are meticulously landscaped, and provide a wide array of lush flora and fauna bursting with seasonal color.

Seasoned hikers complete the walk in one long summer day, while more leisurely strollers are advised to do sections at a time, stopping at well-known watering holes along the way for refreshment. Good hiking shoes, soft socks, and plenty of water are a good start, with a little tenacity and adventuresome spirit mixed in. There are several published guides available in local shops that narrate the history of the estates on prescribed walks, ranging from 1.5 to 6.3 miles. The shore path is just one more reason to come to beautiful Lake Geneva. For more information, visit our Chamber of Commerce site

Posted by:Julie Sarton