January 30, 2009

The COVE – A Condotel in Lake Geneva

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Marcy Hammett

“Condotel”: A condotel is a hybrid of a condominium & a hotel suite. The units are individually owned & sold, yet operated as a commercial hotel, with in-house management, reservation desks, daily maid service & common amenities. If the owner chooses to rent their suite (many require participation in a rental program) a rental agent will receive a percentage of the income.

Located across from Geneva Lake in Downtown Lake Geneva, THE COVE has it all. Offering 4 seasons of enjoyment with indoor & outdoor pools & hot tubs, tennis courts, game room, exercise facilities & direct, indoor access to Houlihan’s Restaurant. The all-suite accommodations are fully furnished down to kitchen utensils and wireless internet. Walk to the Lake whether it’s to swim or snowmobile. There’s always something fun for the family, October Fest, Snow Sculpting (coming soon), Art Fairs and more.

For more details visit: The Cove of Lake Geneva

Take a Virtual Tour of an Anchor Suite or Belle Suite

If you would like to view a Belle Suite for sale, give me a call at 262-949-6910 or send an email to Mhammett@KeefeRealEstate.com.

Posted By: Marcy Hammett



January 14, 2009

Buy vs. Rent

Posted to Marcy Hammett

Today, more than ever, it’s TIME TO BUY rather than Rent.
5 reasons why:
  1. Save Money - Often a Renter pays more per year on rent than a Homeowner pays in mortgage payments, due to the tax benefits of homeownership. If you can make the higher monthly (mortgage) payments “up-front”, at the end of the year your savings can be significant. Why? First or all, rent is not tax deductible, but the interest portion of your mortgage payment is & during the early years of your mortgage most of your payment is interest! Plus, you can deduct your annual property taxes & a portion of the closings costs when you initially purchase (all of these deductions require itemizing on Schedule A, rather than taking the Standard Deduction*).


  2. Appreciation of your Investment – Homes WILL APPRECIATE again, in some areas they never stopped.


  3. Independence & Pride of Ownership – You are in control; YOU decide how to improve your property & YOU benefit from your efforts, not the landlord.


  4. Money is Cheap – Interest rates are low & mortgage money is available, no matter what the media says. There are low down payment programs & I can recommend lenders that will find the one that’s best for you.


  5. Prices are Down – There are great values to be had. Take advantage of this opportunity now, it won’t last forever (search for your new home at www.marcyhammett.com.)
The following article offers a detailed comparison of “Renting vs. Buying”. It’s great information; long but worth the Happy Ending. If you tend to scan articles, rather than reading them word for word, please don’t miss the Inflation section, this is where it really gets good! Click here to read the article.

*Remember, I’m not an accountant or an attorney; please consult a professional for tax & personal financial decisions.

Posted By: Marcy Hammett