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Real Estate News
The State of the Geneva Lakes Area Real Estate Market
The absorption rate of homes in the market continues to be sluggish. Through the first half of the year we are off 15% vs 2008 & 42% vs 2007, in the number of sold properties. We also see that 70% of the sales in our marketing area are below $175,000, which reflects the buying public’s appetite for foreclosure sales and first-time home buyers taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit.
The days of "fishing escapades" by sellers to see if they can find a buyer at their price are over. Sellers are understanding they must bring their pricing in line with the market to expect showings and offers. Financing, credit scores and appraisal issues add more land-mines to the process and test the tenacity and creativity of our sales agents. Fewer sales create fewer comparables for appraisals, which in turn brings more questions from banks and underwriters. Even in this tough economy, Keefe is making sales happen. Please check out our Sold Gallery.
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Sales Statistics First Half of 2009
Keefe Real Estate has been recognized as the leading real estate company in Southeastern Wisconsin for many years. Sales results for the first half 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
Stay informed with Keefe Real Estate
Keefe makes it easy to stay up-to-date by making information available in so many ways.
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Lake & Country Magazine and Web Concierge Services
 The beginning of June marked the launch of Lake & Country’s Summer Issue, Concierge Blog and web service activity. The new Summer Magazine features a beautiful shot of a diver swimming with his dog. If you haven’t read about the Sugar Creek prairie restoration, see page 93 to learn more about Keefe’s commitment to green.
The Concierge Service on Keefe’s website now features a blog written by Lake & Country business partners. Read about how they are interacting with the community and how they can help current and future home owners in the area.
The summer magazine issue and new blog have increased Web Concierge Service activity by 45%. During the first seven days of July the ratio of page-views to website click-through’s was 58%. Obviously Keefe’s clients are in the market for lifestyle products and services. This partnership between Keefe and community providers of products and services is creating valuable new customer connections. Call 262.348.3215 or visit www.keefeconcierge.com for more information.
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Developments
 Chaucer Woods of Bristol - where the prairie flowers are in full bloom! This unique conservation community offers fabulous views of the wetlands, prairie, trees and ponds on every home-site. Currently, there are two new homes under construction and a couple of others proposed to begin this fall. 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.
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 At every turn, Sugar Creek Preserve draws on the region’s beauty to captivate, inspire and renew. Our landscaping plan for the site’s developed areas emphasizes the use of native species. Berms and plantings echo the property’s natural features and support responsible land management. Sugar Creek Preserve also incorporates many innovative design features such as an environmentally friendly storm water management system. Rain gardens, rock cribs and native grass buffers capture storm water runoff and infiltrate it into the soil, preventing erosion and protecting the creek valley and slopes. Please call to schedule a personal tour to explore our 260 acres with nearly four miles of walking trails, 15 acre wildflower prairie, woodlands, pond and sparkling stream. There are still beautiful home sites to choose from and for your convenience we also offer a home/lot package.
Please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for more information.
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Come to Woodstone Prairie and enjoy the lovely cottage style homes on spacious lots. Amenities include a pond, walking trail, community garden and 50 acres of prairie land and oak savannah, all within 5 minutes of the city of Lake Geneva, the Illinois State Line and moments from a public boat launch. Our preferred builder, Engerman Contracting, offers a wide variety of stunning home packages with the opportunity for customization or bring your own builder to create your ideal primary or secondary residence. This beautiful property is one of a kind with ¾ acre lots starting at $99K.
Please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 or visit www.WoodstonePrairie.com 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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Great prices on two and four acre lots located north of Elkhorn and just minutes from Lauderdale Lakes (Hwy 12/67 to Kenosha Drive). Lot prices are $38,900 and $39,900 for two acre parcels and $76,900 for four acre parcels. Several lots are available for quick close. Outbuildings are allowed and a few of the lots will also offer future division.
Bring your own builder or allow us to introduce you to CD-PH, The Green Builder. Building green not only preserves the environment, but also saves you money for years to come! There are currently 2009 tax incentives that offer 30% rebates for geothermal heat installation and CD-PH will match up to 50% of the government rebates. For more information, please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292.
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Steps away from the beautiful shoreline of Fontana on Lake Geneva is this maintenance free community that leaves you nothing else to do but enjoy the outdoor pool, wonderful views, and location that places you in the heart of the Lakes Area. With the Silver Series starting at $375,900 and the Gold Series starting at $499,900, The Cliffs of Fontana offers more to the consumer than just the premier construction of Par Development. Choose from one of the four models and fall into the state of mind of being At the Lake.
Please contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for more information.
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Bloomfield Highlands
Located just east of Lake Geneva, this rural community of 21 home sites allows for easy commuting with its closeness to Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 12. The home sites are mostly level and are approximately one acre each. Building restrictions allow for independent builders or build your home with Lake Area Builders, our select builder. Bloomfield Highlands has a great location for the hobbies or the family that wants all the toys. For these lots will allow a out-building up to 1250 sq.ft. for added storage. Call Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for your detailed packet of information on Bloomfield Highlands.
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Maple Tree farms, six residential homesites situated on over 30 acres of
wooded and gently rolling prairie. This property is located centrally between Williams Bay and Lake Geneva on the north shore Geneva lake. It is a wonderful location for building a home with panoramic views or wooded setting. The property has access off of Kelly Road, which makes it a short drive from Lake Geneva. For more information, contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292.
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Meadowview Estates
Home sites that are now more affordable than ever.
Meadowview Estates is centrally located on the south shore of Geneva Lake. Halfway between Fontana and Lake Geneva, this extraordinary conservation subdivision covers 120 acres of rolling hills, ponds and streams. Located next door is 160 acre township park. This is the perfect place to build the home of your dreams. 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 starting at $34,900 in a conservation development located on the WI/IL border. Each lot includes common ownership in the 20+ acres of conservancy land with ponds and walking trails, city water and sewer. Build your dream home in a country setting with affordable prices. All builders welcome. Special incentives available to build with CD-PH, The Green Builder. Contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292 for more information..
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Summer Fun at the South Shore Club
The summer season is well under way at the the South Shore Club on Geneva Lake. The zero depth pool has a life guard on duty every day during the summer with lots of activities taking place around it, including some private dinners organized by the concierge. Decorating the golf carts for the 4th of July parade is an annual event in which many members participated and everyone won recognition for their efforts and cleverness. Two new houses are under construction and will be completed sometime this summer bringing the total number of homes to 20. Several homesites are still available for sale.
The South Shore Club is a maintenance free community on 41 acres on the southern shores of Lake Geneva. As part of the monthly dues, all the lawn maintenance is taken care of as well as the trimming and snow removal. Also included in the dues is use of the boats in the marina which include Colbalts, Chris Craft, a Whaler, kayaks, Yahama personal water crafts, and a deck boat. The boats are cleaned and filled with gas so that the members have none of the responsibilities of maintaining a water craft, just the enjoyment. For more information or a private tour, contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292.
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Summer Special! Lots now starting at 49,900! Bring your own builder or contact Benchmark Builders if you like the quality of the model home listed at $249,900. The model is open weekends, call to confirm dates and times. The Henry Model is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch offering a split bedroom floor plan and a lookout basement that can be finished off for additional living space. For more information contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292.
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Only 2 lots remaining! These beautifully wooded lots will surround your new home with privacy and nature. The C2 Zoning allows for animals and outbuildings. 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.
Invest today...build at your convenience. All builders welcome. Special incentives available if you build with CD-PH, The Green Builder. Contact Keefe Real Estate at 800.690.2292.
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Lake Area Events
Prancing Carousels
Through September 04
Phone: (262) 882.3470
www.prancingcarousels.com
Carousel horses are adorning the streets of Lake Geneva benefiting
Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills, Inc. (SMILES).
2009 Music by the Lake Series
George Williams College of Aurora University in
Williams Bay
www.musicbythelake.com
Main Stage Series
- Michael Bolton
Saturday, August 1, 7:30 p.m.
- Sweet Baby James, a James Taylor tribute
Saturday, August 15, 7:30 p.m.
Special Concerts
- Johan Stengård (Jazz Café)
Sunday, July 26, 4 p.m.
Art in the Park
August 8 - 9
Library Park in Lake Geneva
Phone: (262) 249.7988
An outdoor art show featuring 90 artists from across the country held in Library Park. Sponsored by the Geneva Lake Art Association.
Venetian Festival
August 19 - 23
Flat Iron Park in Lake Geneva
www.lakegenevajaycees.org
Five day festival featuring a carnival, craft fair, water ski show, musical entertainment, local cuisine, and the festival's traditional lighted boat parade followed by a firework display high above Geneva Lake. Sponsored by The Lake Geneva Jaycees.
Maxwell Street Days
August 28- 30
Downtown Lake Geneva
www.lakegenevawi.com
Bargains line the streets of Lake Geneva. Come early!
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©2009 Keefe Real Estate · PO Box 460 · Lake Geneva · WI · 53147-0460
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