Chaucer Woods of Bristol, is a picturesque winter wonderland. The conservation areas are blanketed with snow, making for a great setting for winter activities. This unique community offers every home-site, fabulous views of wetlands, wildlife, prairies, woods and ponds. Chaucer Woods has bike & nature trails, and a community park making it a perfect place to live. Bring your home plans today, to select a home-site in this growing community.

Please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for more information

Sales of lakefront properties on the Lauderdale Lake chain fell dramatically in 2009 while pricing held relatively steady. Only 7 properties on the lake changed hands in 2009, compared with 17 in 2008, and 21 in 2007. The total sales volume of $4.4M represents a decline of nearly 2/3 from 2007 levels. The prices of those properties which did sell were little changed from 2008. The average price per lakefront foot, a common measure of relative lakefront property pricing, was $9,166. This is actually a slight increase from the 2008 level of $8,582 per foot and continues a multi-year upward trend in this number. With an average sale price of $630,790 and median price of $605,000 Lauderdale remains one of the most affordable lakes in the Geneva Lakes area.

Photo credit Jen Bronenkant

Now only 7 lots remaining at unbelievable prices in Arbor Crest at Sugar Creek. Two acre parcels from $38,900 and four acre parcels from $76,900. Outbuildings are allowed and some lots offer future division. Located just minutes from Lauderdale Lakes north of Elkhorn.

All builders are welcome or allow us to introduce you to Preservation Homes, "The Green Builder". GeoThermal heat options allow fixed energy costs and 2010 tax incentives make green options affordable. Building green not only preserves the environment, but also saves you money for years to come. For more information, please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292.

Keefe Rentals is expanding their lakefront offerings beyond Lake Geneva to include Lake Beulah, Lauderdale Lakes, Whitewater Lakes, Powers Lake, Twin Lakes and Delavan Lake. The lakefront amenities that are ever so popular can be found on each of these lakes as the peaceful waterfronts offer spectacular natural settings with an array of water sports. Let our Rental Specialists accommodate your vacation needs to locate the lake that suits your hobbies, whether water-skiing, fishing, or para-sailing. No need to wait for summer if the fresh snow is calling you to the Geneva Lakes area. Come out and enjoy the accommodations and take advantage of the great winter festivities. The snow base is inviting for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snow mobiling, and sledding to name a few.

To view the virtual tours, pricing, and details, visit www.KeefeRentals.com or call our specialist today for a customized search at 866.818.8637.

In 2009 Keefe Real Estate agents accounted for 69% of all MLS property sales volume on Delavan Lake, up from 55% in 2008. Six of nine properties sold on the lake through the MLS were listed by Keefe agents, and 7 of 9 buyers were represented by Keefe agents.

Sales of lakefront properties on Delavan Lake increased by nearly 20% in 2009, bucking the trend of declining high-end home sales nationwide. During 2009 there were 10 sales of Delavan lakefronts for a total value of $10.97M, compared to 10 sales in 2008 for $9.2M. The average sale price climbed 20% to $1.1M and the median price climbed 8% to $857,500. More positive news is reflected in an 8% increase in the average sale price per foot of lakefront. This figure, a common measure of relative value derived by dividing the total sale price by the length of lakefrontage, grew from $10,244 in 2008 to $11,114 in 2009. Interestingly, larger properties sold this year than last, with the average length of lakefrontage growing from 96 to 136 feet. Clearly, Delavan Lake has had a great year and has a growing appeal. Lakefront pricing and market dynamics are complicated and pricing needs to be evaluated in the context of the larger market. The advice of a seasoned real estate agent is invaluable. Check back here for updates as the year progresses.

The Woods of Troy has two lots remaining! A five acre parcel and an eight acre parcel offer privacy and surrounded by nature. The C2 Zoning allows for animals and outbuildings. Both available lots are heavily wooded. Lot 1 is a five acre parcel with some bluffs and great elevations. Lot 4 is an eight acre parcel (accessed from Little Prairie Road) which offers some level areas for your agricultural needs in addition to several clearings to choose for a private home setting. Let's take a hike through these nature filled locations to find your home site.

All builders welcome. Special incentives available if you build with Preservation Homes, "The Green Builder". Invest today, build at your convenience. Please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for more info.

Click on this link for winter updates from the Preferred Builders of Geneva National.

The Geneva National Golf Club offers 54 holes of championship golf on three signature courses designed by golf legends Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, and Gary Player. Open 7-days a week; visit the Keefe Real Estate sales office at the entrance of Geneva National. For additional information on furnished models or to schedule your appointment, please call 262.245.2380 or visit www.GenevaNational.com.

Don't miss the highlight of the Lake Geneva Winter Season! Snow sculpting has the beauty of art, the excitement of sport, a one-of-a kind event! Music, magic, rides, refreshments and the magnificent snow sculptures!

Winterfest and United States Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition, 14th Annual
2/3 - 2/7
Phone: (800) 345-1020 or (262) 248-4416
Riviera Park, Lake Geneva

www.lakegenevawi.com or www.usnationals.org

Photo courtesy of Jen Bronenkant

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market, Congress has passed new legislation expanded the “first-time” home buyer tax credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home before April 30, 2010 (accepted contract by that date). The great news is that the tax credit is truly a “credit” and does not have to be repaid. However, you must retain the home for 3 years after the purchase date. All homes, including townhomes and condominiums will qualify providing it is going to be the primary residence.

There are some provisions that do apply, such as: income limits of the home buyer(s), the cost of the home is limited to $800,000, and the home being sold was the principal residence for 5 of the previous 8 years. To learn more about this program and how it may fit into your purchasing desires, please contact Keefe Real Estate today.

In other words, do you owe more than your house is worth today? Are you behind in your loan payments or thinking that could happen soon? If any of these apply to you and you feel your ability to maintain your home is in jeopardy, don’t stick your head in the sand and ignore the problem thinking it will somehow resolve itself. There are a number of options out there to consider that may allow you get out from under these issues without greater financial loss and perhaps even allow you to retain your home. Feel free to call one of our real estate agents to see what programs are available to you or how we can structure a successful mitigation of your problems. There are things that can be done to help.

It certainly appears as if our little area in Southeastern Wisconsin is following the same trends we see nationally. Across the United States, sales are being tracked by foreclosures ( also called REO's ) and it’s two categories ( Damaged and Move-in Ready ), Short Sales, those people selling who owe more than the value but have not been foreclosed on, and Non-Distress sales, normal real estate sales. Nationally, 32% and 28% are Damaged and Move-in Ready foreclosures sales respectively. This makes foreclosures 60% of the market sales, while 25% are Short Sales and 15% are Non-Distressed sales.

In Walworth County, there was an increase in sales of over 22% in properties under $150,000 while Racine and Kenosha Counties saw increases of 10% in this same price range. Racine, Walworth and Kenosha were up about 25% for properties sold under $100,000. We see first time home buyers and investors purchasing a majority of these properties.

Real Estate agents are doing lots more hand holding and pro active transaction management, as financing and appraisal issues are probably the top two land mines we have to successfully navigate on a regular basis with our buyers and sellers.

Foreclosures and short sales dominate the landscape these days and we see no change in this anytime soon.

Photo courtesy of Lester Crisman

The agents of Keefe Real Estate expanded their market share of Lake Geneva lakefront real estate sales in 2009. Last year Keefe agents sold properties accounting for 88% of all MLS-listed real estate sales volume on Geneva Lake. All but two home sales were listed by Keefe and all but two buyers were represented by Keefe agents. This figure represents an increase from the 82% market share held in 2008.

The shores of Lake Geneva continue to represent the most prized real estate in Southeastern Wisconsin. Last year saw far fewer sales of those homes than in 2008, however, as sellers refused to discount heavily and the pool of qualified buyers decreased. In 2009, just over $26 million of real estate changed hands on the lakefront, compared to over $50 million in 2008. This represented a decline of nearly 50% in just one year. The number of transactions declined from 21 to 13. The average price paid per front foot of lakefrontage, a common measure of relative value, was $22,600 in 2009. Note that this figure is inclusive of land and buildings. This is slightly below the 7-year average of $25,900 and a significant reduction from the $31,670 per-foot value in 2008. Much of the reason for the large year-over-year drop in per-front-foot pricing can be attributed to a changing mix of properties. Indeed, the median sale price decline was much more moderate: from $2.55M in 2008 to $2.00M in 2009. Lakefront property pricing and market dynamics are complicated and require significant experience to place in context. The 2010 Lake Geneva lakefront market is beginning to take shape. Stay in touch with your agent for updates as the year progresses.

Keefe Real Estate has been recognized as the leading real estate company in Southeastern Wisconsin for many years. Sales results for 2009 from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) show that Keefe Real Estate is still the sales leader in Walworth County and in the combined counties of Kenosha, Racine and Walworth. Whether buying or selling, partner with Keefe to Get Results!






This chart combines "sold " listings of all office locations and independent offices of each multi-office or franchise organization identified. It includes listings which were sold by such organization itself or with the aid of a cooperating broker for the time period indicated, according to data by the Multiple Listing Service, Inc. This representation is based on data supplied by the MLS. MLS, Inc. does not guarantee or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the MLS, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

Photo courtesy of Martha Cucco

January 11, 2009 – Sales in the 4-county metropolitan Milwaukee area rose a respectable 6% for 2009, compared to 2008. For the month of December, sales were up .8% in the 4-county area over December 2008, according to housing statistics released by Metro MLS, Inc. today.

December’s numbers topped off a history making year which saw the first half of 2009 suffer from the depths of the national recession, with negative sales in the first five months of the year. In June, the market started a slow increase, which exploded as the close of the $8,500 Home Buyer Tax Credit approached on November 30th. Once the tax credit deadline was extended into 2010, the market settled back a bit ending with a .8% increase in December.

For the year, the market was clearly buoyed by the 34% and 75% increase in sales for October and November, respectively, to finish with a 6% gain overall.


Milwaukee County ended the year with an 11.3% increase in sales for the year. Although, December was down 3.4% in sales, the county did have double digit increases in sales for 6 of the last 9 months of the year. The City of Milwaukee was up 12.5% for the year with 5,399 sales, compared to 4,722 in 2008. However, the average sales price in the city was down from $135,115 in 2008 to $99,370 in 2009.

Waukesha County had a much more up and down year in 2009, only showing positive sales figures in five of the last 6 months of the year. However, the County did end on a fairly strong note with a 9.9% increase in sales. The City of Waukesha saw an 8% decrease in the number of units sold in 2009 with 762 vs. 832 sold in 2008.

After a monster increase in sales of 114% in November, Washington County posted a decent 4.3% increase in sales to end the year. For 2009, the county showed a 1.7% increase in transactions. The City of West Bend saw a slight increase in units sold, going from 413 in 2008 to 438 in 2009, a 5.7% increase.

Similarly in Ozaukee County, after a gigantic 119% increase in November sales, the county finished the year with a 1.7% increase, 4.3% up in December.

The remaining counties in southeastern Wisconsin also saw positive gains:

The unusual increase in sales in October and November was a direct result of buyers working to complete their purchase before the $8,000 federal First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit was to have expired on November 30th. At that time, buyers weren’t sure if Congress would extend the credit, so they acted to get their offers in and deals closed before the deadline.

Brokers are happy that the federal tax credit has been extended, and the manner in which it will expire in 2010 will benefit consumers. Buyers have until April 30th to make an offer that is accepted, and have until June 30th to close the sale.

The $6,500 expansion of the tax credit for existing buyers has resulted in a lot more activity since the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Almost immediately after the expansion of the tax credit, brokers were reporting that move-up buyers started calling their offices and attending open houses. The over $250,000 market – which was stagnant prior to the credit expansion – is expected to see more sales.

For 2010, market dynamics consisting of price decreases, historically low interest rates, abundant choices, and the extended and expanded federal tax credit, will motivate buyers to take advantage of the market.

In these confusing times, buyers and sellers should remember to “Start With A REALTOR®” before consulting with a lender or other housing professional.

The Greater Milwaukee Association of REALTORS® is a 4,000-member strong professional organization dedicated to providing information, services and products to its members to ‘help them help their clients’ in buying and selling real estate.


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