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| April 2009 |
Real Estate News
It's 1980 Again
In the early 1980’s interest rates were at 16-20%. The economy was in turmoil and very few people were able to buy homes. Creative selling techniques became attractive and when the situations for both the buyer and seller were right; land contracts, lease/options and cash/exchange transactions became a way to move property. It was not the party’s first choice, but it accomplished what was necessary at the time until credit and market absorption rates turned around.
While today’s interest rates are hovering near record low levels, there are still challenges buying and selling real estate. Those techniques used almost 30 years ago are now being “dusted off” and used again. For those people that can consider these types of transactions, it may not be exactly what you want but it may have more benefits than being in the position you’re in now. Ask your real estate agent for details and check with your accountant and attorney, as well.
Real Estate Taxes Too High?
As a real estate tax payer in Wisconsin you have one opportunity a year to meet with your local municipal tax assessor to discuss the fair market value of your property. If you feel the assessment is too high on your property call your municipal clerk and ask when open book is or when you can talk to the local assessor about your valuation. Having comparable sales data to support your claim is very helpful. If you are successful the change will be made to this year’s tax bill that comes out the end of this year and is payable in 2010. Certain areas have seen some decline in values so your conversation with the assessor may be a profitable one.
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1st Quarter Sales Statistics
Keefe Real Estate has been recognized as the leading real estate company in Southeastern Wisconsin for many years. Sales results for the first quarter of 2009 from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) show that Keefe Real Estate is still the sales leader in Walworth County. 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.
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Keefe On-Line
Keefe Uses Social Media to Keep you Informed
Put Keefe's expertise to work for you and stay informed on the latest real estate and community news with Keefe's Blogs and growing presence on social media sites.
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Have Photos of the Lake Geneva Area?
We are always looking for new seasonal photos for our website. If you have a photo you would like to see on our site, email it to us. If we use your photo, we will give you photo credit.
Email to: info@keeferealestate.com
Photo on right courtesy of www.IdealImpressions.com
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Concierge Services Directory on Keefe's Web Site
More than ever, Keefe connects its clientele with premier services & product providers, to receive highest priority quality! Our Concierge Services program features a network of providers to assist Keefe’s customers at http://www.keeferealestate.com/concierge. Benefits for directory users include contact information, link to provider’s web site, email, and their latest Lake & Country magazine advertisement on-line.
Directory featured listings are active, today, in these categories:
∙ Boating ∙ Building Services ∙ Financial Services ∙ Home Inspections ∙ Insurance & Title Companies ∙ Kitchen & Baths ∙ Landscape & Nursery ∙ Local Attractions ∙ Media ∙ Pier Service ∙ Professional Services ∙ Satellite & Cable ∙ Shopping ∙ Storage & Moving.
Service providers, commercial and retail vendors uniquely enjoy exclusive benefits of placing their information and advertising in the directory. Each month Keefe’s Web site receives 1,000,000 hits from 10,000 unique visitors, good reasons why providers and vendors join the Concierge Program. Call 262-348-3215 for more information.
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Lake & Country Magazine
View our latest issue on line at www.KeefeMagazine.com
To see your home in Lake & Country, contact your Keefe agent today or
call 800-690-2292.
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Vacation Rentals
Summer at the Lake |
Keefe Resort Rentals has several ways to vacation in the Geneva Lakes area and create more memories while spending less!
There are several lakes (Geneva, Delavan, Lauderdale & Whitewater) that provide recreation and accommodations on their beautiful lakefronts.
Bubbling Springs Place is a phenomenal and affordable alternative to resorts as it allows you to vacation with your own private lakefront accommodations.
This 4 bedroom, 2 bath lakefront home on Lauderdale Lakes, boasts 80 ft of level fenced frontage with a tranquil setting beyond its private pier. Features include: living room & lakeside family room on main level, dinette with fireplace, eat-in kitchen, finished walk-out lower level rec room with full bath & 4th bedroom, lakeside deck & patio, large pier. Guests can use the pedal boat and rafts to go out to the springs or grab the fishing poles and relax on the pier! Spend your evenings in the recreation room, complete with bar area, pool table, board games, and a card table. Wireless Internet access and flat screen TV are only some of the amenities offered.
$2900/week. View more info on this property.
For more vacation rental options, check out www.KeefeRentals.com or call to speak with a rental specialist at 800.616.1557.
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Developments
 Prestigious Chaucer Woods of Bristol awaits you with inviting conservation areas. This unique community has been well received, currently it is home to 25 families. Enjoy bike and nature trails, well planned conservation areas, and a community park. With 17 home-sites remaining there is still the opportunity to build your dream home, in Chaucer Woods. Home-sites now available in the low 70's. Visit Chaucer Woods today, you will not be disappointed. Independent builders are welcome.
Please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for more information.
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 Our Goal is to continue to make Sugar Creek Preserve the premier conservation community not only for Walworth County but for the entire Midwest. This one-of-a-kind project has set new standards for design, environmentally friendly land use and esthetics. We invite your questions and your participation in realizing this vision.
Please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for more information.
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In this premier conservation association, 50 acres of Woodstone Prairie’s 91 acres has been dedicated to the Geneva Lake Conservancy combining the best of all worlds: an outstanding home with spacious land giving the feeling of space, privacy and serenity. Enjoy the walking trail, the pond, and the community garden without the hassle of a large property. Choose from the stunning home packages available from our preferred builder, Engerman Contracting, or bring your own builder. This is an ideal location close to Lake Geneva and the Illinois State line for either a primary or secondary residence.
Currently offering a $10,000 credit for landscaping applied to a lot purchase prior to 5/30/09 or, if you buy 2 lots, purchase the third for half-price.
Please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for more information.
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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
Photo courtesy of www.IdealImpressions.com
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South Shore Club Offering Buyer's a 40% Incentive!*
With only 8 homesites left to sell at the South Shore Club, buyers are being offered a huge incentive to purchase one of these 8 before June 30th*. A 40% discount off the current listing price will be offered to the first two sales in 2009.
The South Shore Club is the exclusive community located on Lake Geneva with 41 acres of property and over 900 feet of frontage. As part of the monthly dues, the members may enjoy the use of the fleet of boats, club house, zero depth pool, tennis, pitch and putt, playground, and many other amenities. This is a maintenance free association in that everything is taken care for its members including the lawn and grounds, pool, boats, and even snow removal.
For further information or a private tour contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292.
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Unbelievable prices for 2 and 4 acre lots in the Elkhorn School District. Choose from wooded or level open areas. Build 'Green' and save energy and the environment. For more info, contact Keefe Real Estate at 800-690-2292.
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Blue Heron Hills is a conservation community offering 16 estate homesites. Located across from beautiful Whitewater Lake, Blue Heron Hills offers fully improved 1+acre sites in a private wooded setting. Call Keefe Real Estate 800-690-2292 for details.
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Bloomfield Highlands
Bloomfield Highlands is the perfect location for your new home. It's located just east of Lake Geneva, with easy access to Hwy. 50 and 12. This quaint country subdivision offers 21 home sites in the Lake Geneva school district. The perfect home site is waiting for your builder or have Lake Area Builders design & build your dream home. Take advantage of additional storage, with up to a 1,200 sq. ft. out-building. Select sites still available from $65,000 to $85,000. Call Keefe Real Estate 800-690-2292 today to request your informational packet.
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Spring is time for change and The Cliffs of Fontana are no exception. New for 2009 is the Silver Series upgrade package. This allows the buyer the same quality craftsmanship that they would come to expect from Par Development, at a completely different price point. Also factor in a wonderful builders incentive towards upgrades, and you have the perfect formula to help make that full-time residence or weekend retreat a home.
With the Silver Series starting at $375,900.00 and The Gold Series starting at $499,900.00. Four different models to choose from, maintenance free living, community swimming pool and playground, and a short walk to the Fontana Lakefront and all it has to offer. The time is right to get into the Cliffs of Fontana. For more information contact Keefe Real Estate at 800-690-2292.
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The Cottages of Lake Geneva Hills offers lots starting at 59,900. Benchmark Builders offers 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath model home available for 354,900. This development allows for you to choose your own builder. For more information contact Keefe Real Estate at 800-690-2292.
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Maple Tree farms, 6 residential homesites situated on over 30 acres of
wooded and gently rolling Prairie. There is a sense of escape and rest
as you arrive at your new home site at Maple tree farms...a private
respite away from the clamor of the busy world. The property has access
off of Kelly Road, which makes it a short drive from Lake Geneva,
Wisconsin. For more information contact Keefe Real Estate at 800-690-2292.
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Meadowview Estates
Home Sites That Until Now, You Could Only Dream of
Meadowview Estates is a conservation neighborhood of 35 lots, on a 120 acres of rolling hills and ponds. The community is next door to a 160 acre park. The perfect place to build the home of your dreams. In keeping with a philosophy of conservation, the homes, individually designed for each lot, will be sited for privacy. Located halfway between Lake Geneva and Fontana, Meadowview Estates has quick access to highways to Chicago and Milwaukee. From downtown Lake Geneva, follow 120 South to Highway BB, then west on South Lakeshore Drive.
For more information, please call Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292.
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Sharon Green offers beautiful 1/2 acre lots in a Conservation Development. Surrounded by 20+ acres of conservancy land with ponds and walking trails. City water and sewer. For more info, contact Keefe Real Estate at 800-690-2292.
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Phase One of Townline Trails is available with lot prices at $64,900. One Model home, a 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch is available for $259,000. This subdivision allows you to choose your own builder. For more information contact Keefe Real Estate at 800-690-2292.
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Two lots of trees & bluffs. Zoned C-2. Invest or build on one of these spectacular wooded lots. Learn about 'Green Built' homes, contact Keefe Real Estate at 800-690-2292.
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Dates to Remember
May 9
24th Annual Lake Geneva Marathon/Relay/Walk
Library Park, Lake Geneva
Chosen by Runner's World magazine as the best small race in the country, the Lake Geneva Marathon offers runners (and walkers) an ideal setting for a unique running experience.
www.lakegenevasports.com
May 22 - 25
Burlington Chocolatefest
Burlington, WI
Family festival featuring chocolate, live entertainment, food and fun. Memorial Day Weekend.
www.chocolatefest.com
June 8 - September 4
Prancing Carousels Public Art Exhibition
Lake Geneva
In the spirit of Chicago's "Cows on Parade", carousel horses will adorn the streets of Lake Geneva, WI this summer. Benefiting SMILES.
www.prancingcarousels.com
June 27 - 7:30 p.m.
Ramsey Lewis Trio at Music by the Lake
George Williams College - Williams Bay
The incomparable Lewis and his Trio define the very essence of Chicago jazz.
For tickets and more info call 866-843-5200 or visit www.musicbythelake.com
June 26 - 9:30 a. m.
2009 Lifelong Empowerment Open (LEO)
Geneva National Golf Club - Lake Geneva
This golf open benefits SMILES organization, Lakeland School and VIP Services. It is put on by the Geneva National Foundation which exists to support organizations and agencies in Walworth County Wisconsin that provide for people with disabilities.
www.genevanationalfoundation.com
July 4
Fireworks
Reid Park & Fontana Lakefront
All day fun in the Fontana village area. Fireworks are sponsored by the Geneva Lake West Chamber of Commerce.
www.genevalakewest.com
July 12 - 4:00 p.m.
Thomas Hampson at Music by the Lake
George Williams College - Williams Bay
America's leading baritone performing his highly acclaimed recital, "Song of America."
For tickets and more info call 866-843-5200 or visit www.musicbythelake.com
July 18 - 7:30 p.m.
July 19 - 4:00 p.m.
Madama Butterfly at Music by the Lake
George Williams College - Williams Bay
Puccini's poignant story of love and loss featuring a remarkable young cast and the Music by the Lake orchestra and chorus.
For tickets and more info call 866-843-5200 or visit www.musicbythelake.com
July 26- 4:00 p.m.
Johan Stengard at Music by the Lake
George Williams College - Williams Bay
The premier saxophone player of Sweden performing pop favorites, jazz standards and original compositions.
For tickets and more info call 866-843-5200 or visit www.musicbythelake.com
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keefe@keeferealestate.com
Call Toll Free 800.690.2292
©2009 Keefe Real Estate · PO Box 460 · Lake Geneva · WI · 53147-0460
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