December 27, 2010

Moving Down, Moving Out, Moving On: How to Sell Your House and Gain the Winner’s Edge

Posted to Geneva Lake Area

Do you own a lakefront home that echoes because the children and grandchildren are too busy to visit?  Is your estate is simply too big for your current needs?  It may be time to move down, move out and move on. For Lake Geneva, 2010 has been a year of outstanding deals for lakefront buyers and you can capitalize on this market but only if you accept three facts:

  • Your current property is worth less.  As long as you purchased the property prior to 2004 and have substantial equity, you can move on.  Remember:  your property needs to be priced below the market to sell.  If it is, it will sell because there are serious buyers looking to move on Geneva Lake.
  • Keep the reason you are selling front and center.  You are downsizing and remaining a lakefront property owner so as to simplify your life and enjoy it more.  This is a good thing.  You’ll sell for less, you’ll buy for less – it’s all in the balance.
  • Disengage emotionally – and move on.  Once you decide to sell, interview agents and list your property with the realtor with whom you feel most confident as a partner.  Then begin looking for your new lake home.
  • Move out.  Let the future owner “see” themselves and their family in this beautiful lakefront home by moving out your personal photos, collectibles, and memorabilia.

If capital gains are of issue (and they undoubtedly will be) consult legal and financial counsel to properly position yourself.  Wisely investing the proceeds of the sale will protect your past and your future.

Cherish the wonderful memories you’ve built, anticipate a new, streamlined lifestyle, and move forward with excitement and enthusiasm.  After all, that boat you purchased at the end of the season is going to look great on your new pier on Lake Geneva!  For more information on current listings visit:  www.GenevaLakeRealty.com.

Posted by:  Janis Hartley



December 15, 2010

A Golf Course Vacation Covered in Wintery White Wisconsin!

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Geneva National, Rentals

Why would you want rent a vacation property in a golf resort community… in the dead of a Wisconsin winter? Here are a few reasons why it could prove to be a great stay!

1.)   Geneva National Resort Community in Lake Geneva now offers cross country ski equipment rentals along with a few snow shoe rentals in the winter months. Simply check them out at the Resort Pro Shop and be on your way to the fresh snow of the golf course. That’s right, I said golf course. Since these vast open areas are just covered in fresh powdery snow, what a better way to make use of the untouched land. 

2.) Geneva National is also located just outside of downtown Lake Geneva. Downtown is where you can find great shopping, dining, ice fishing, snow sculptures and much more. Be sure to visit the Lake Geneva Chamber website for a full list of area events and attractions this winter at www.lakegenevawi.com.

3.) Just on the other side of town is the Grand Geneva Resort which offers downhill skiing and snowboarding equipped with a ski lift. Spend a day on the mountain top and a relaxing afternoon in the Geneva National Community on the golf courses and nature trails. Fun for the whole family!

4.) Not a snow bunny? Abbey Springs Resort Community in Fontana offers the amenities of a newly renovated club house which includes an indoor pool, arcade, restaurants, and fitness center.

5.) Planning a great girl’s only getaway weekend? The Abbey Springs Community is a short drive from The Abbey Hotel and Avani Spa. Book your treatments along with lunch for a day at the spa and return to your vacation rental back at Abbey Springs for a relaxing evening. A fully stocked kitchen is waiting for you along with all the other comforts of home. Ask about our Personal Chef services! 

6.) For more information about area rentals visit us online at www.KeefeRentals.com.

So when planning your winter stays in the Geneva Lakes areas, don’t forget about the great opportunities that lie within the area golf resort communities. We can’t wait to see you there!

Posted by:  Sharon Clark



December 08, 2010

At the "Fore" of Foreclosures in Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Posted to Geneva Lake Area

It’s everyone’s dream to buy a fabulous house, preferably a second home, in a resort market for pennies on the dollar. Sounds impossible? Maybe…but there are several amazing properties currently available in the Walworth County/Lake Geneva area that are definitely worth a look or two. Take the beautiful, 3 bedroom/2.5 bath all brick ranch home I closed on with a wonderful family in late September. It had a perfect split bedroom floor plan, almost an acre of land in a golf neighborhood, and all the amenities this family had on their wish list. Asking price? Just over $155,000. Oh, did I mention that it had a 3 car garage and had been in the Lakeland Builders Parade of Homes just a few years ago?

How does a newer 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in a beautiful 2 story, elevator accessible building with underground, heated parking sound? Granite counters? Check! Tile baths? Check! Den and sunroom? Check! This lovely foreclosure has been reduced from $284,900 to $249,900 – a great price and walking distance to Geneva Lake and the downtown Lake Geneva restaurants and shops. The last time this condo sold, it sold for $429,000 – this is an opportunity to own for almost $200,000 less.

There are numerous opportunities in the foreclosure market in this resort area. From charming cottages, to golf condos, to single family homes looking for someone new to love them. For more information go to www.GenevaLakeRealty.com.

Posted by:  Janis Hartley