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Featuring Lake Geneva Chef – Ben Janssen

May 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Chef Ben Janssen with Michalene Melges

Those times in life when you are having fun and helping out a great cause – Priceless!

This past weekend I had the privilege of participating in the 2013 Lake Geneva Kitchen Walk.  I’ve done this for a few years and every year turns into something even better than the last.  The Lake Geneva Kitchen walk raises funds for the Walworth County Food Pantry.  This year, I was located at an exquisite Lake Geneva lakefront home in the South Shore Club.   From selling real estate for years, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt I love the South Shore Club.  It’s the ultimate in luxury living!  From the clubhouse to the pool and having everything taken care of for you in The Club, you can enjoy life and not have to lift a finger.  That alone makes this the perfect spot for a home in the Lake Geneva Kitchen Walk.

What made this year even more fun was that I got the opportunity to work with Chef Ben Janssen!

Ben and his family love the Geneva Lakes area.  He’s currently the chef at Abbey Springs and does an excellent job with groups.  From weddings to anniversary parties, golf outings and graduation gatherings, his culinary excellence puts the “Mmmmm ” in your party.  The guests that visited our stop on the Lake Geneva Kitchen Walk this year loved the treats Ben prepared.

If you’re looking for a great chef to cater your private party, connect with Ben!  He absolutely rocks in the kitchen and he’ll turn you into the Hostess of the Year!   And for all your Lake Geneva real estate needs, Hans & I are here to help.  We’ll answer your questions, bring you the facts about our lakefront market and help you negotiate whether buying or selling your Lake Geneva property.  If you’d like to see what’s available for sale in the South Shore Club and tour the neighborhood to see why I love it so much, call or text (262)745-3738.

Delightful food prepared by Chef Ben Janssen

Delightful food prepared by Chef Ben Janssen

Special thanks to all the volunteers and committee that helped to organize this year’s kitchen walk.  It was a great event and even more importantly that the funds raised will go to benefit the Walworth County Food Pantry!  Giving back is part of taking care of the community and we’re happy to have played a part in that this weekend!

 

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Upcoming Fontana Elemetary School Fundraiser

April 29, 2013 By

Fontana Elementary School has an upcoming fundraiser that we’re proud to spread the word about.  Mark your calendar for Friday, May 17, 2013.

fontana wi elementary schoolThe Fontana Elementary 2013 Walk-A-Thon is an exciting way to raise funds for new playground equipment, and improvements to the existing playground areas. This is a school wide event where all students help by finding family and friends to sponsor them for the Walk-A-Thon.

The Walk-A-Thon will be on Friday, May 17th 2013 from 2 pm-3: 20 pm. All students will be walking a predetermined course through our surrounding neighborhoods. Parents are encouraged to come and cheer on the students, and/or help with supervising the walk course. The Walk-A-Thon will conclude with snacks and refreshments, and a Pep Rally in the gym. The class that raises the most funds will win a pizza and ice cream party.

How can you join in to support Fontana Elementary School?

Each of the students is asking for sponsors for the Walk-a-Thon.  If you haven’t sponsored a student yet, contact us and we’ll connect you!

Buy a brick!  4×8 bricks that can be personalized and will reamin in the Fontana Walk of Fame showing you contributed to the new Fontana Elementary School playground.  Bricks can be personalized with your family name, a positive message to future students or you can use them as memorial for a loved one.  Click here to download the form to sponsor a brick.

If you’d like to make a much larger impact, you can make a tax deductible donation directly to Fontana Elementary School.  In your honor, you’ll have a custom engraved brick placed in front of Fontana Elementary as a tribute to your community support.  To make a donation, download the Playground Sponsorship pdf by clicking here.

Playworld Indoor Shoot Lewisburg January 2011From the students to the faculty and staff at Fontana Elementary school, this display of community support is amazing.  The kids take such pride in their school and the administrators and teachers make sure every student is being brought up learning morals & values.  Fontana Elementary has a 5 star rating and ranks above the state of Wisconsin average in all areas according to Trulia with the strongest advantage in language arts.

With Fontana Elementary School’s reputation of excellence, we have real estate clients that choose to buy homes on the West End of Geneva Lake just for the school.  There are many wonderful neighborhoods and associations that provide lots of fun things to do for your whole family year round.  From access to the lake, private beaches or a golf course, Fontana WI is a close-knit small town with a huge heart.

If you have any questions about Fontana Elementary School or real estate in Fontana, reach out to us.  We’ve chosen to send our children to Fontana Elementary and are so grateful to all those that make our kids their priority during the school day!  You can reach us at (262)745-3738 – call or text for immediate response!

Good luck to all the student walkers.  We’re so proud of you for helping your community at such a young age.  YOU are the future of our world!

fontana elementary school fundraiser

Proposed layout of new Fontana Elementary School Playground

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Really they said that?!?!

April 25, 2013 By

A few days ago we wrote a blog post discussing the honest truth about the Lake Geneva real estate market, specifically as it relates to lakefront and lake access homes.

SH_VS_BluffWe’ve gotten feedback from several of our readers thanking us for being so honest.  Many have talked with other people and they concur that they’ve been told what the agents think they “want to hear” rather than the reality of our market.  Let me be the first to say, that’s not what we’re about.  Whether you like the reality of the market or not, the statistics and numbers speak for themselves.  That’s the truth and that’s what we share with our customers and clients regardless of if that’s what they want to hear.

Digging into the Lake Geneva real estate market further, this year 7 lakefront homes have sold with 63% of those being over the $2M price point.  This trend for mid-level lakefront buyers continue.   People that are looking for Lake Geneva lakefront property and we have a demand for new lakefront listing.  However, listings are coming on the market slower than lakefront buyers are coming into the market.  We have a number of buyers looking for specific properties that haven’t come on the market yet.  If you have a home that fits any of these criteria we outlined in this blog post contact us.  We’d love to put your home on the radar of our buyers and find a fit that helps both of you.

If  you as a seller get an offer it is not to be taken lightly.  Not all homeowners get an offer, so take yours seriously.

  • Reviewing the offer, are you priced on market?
  • Have you received an offer knowing that you were priced higher than the market and considered that offer a “low ball” feeling aghast at the audacity?
  • Take a look, is it a low ball or is it an offer that is based on what the market is? That is the question.
  • How long have you been on the market?
  • Has it changed since you have listed your home? Only current sold comps can tell and are you willing to follow and acknowledge that?

Buyers are showing their commitment to you by writing the offer.  Safeguard yourself and use the contract as able to get yourself to an acceptance. When there is communication, there is a way. “We will list at this price and believe me when I tell you, we are reasonable people, we will adjust our price or we will negotiate.”  That’s the kiss of death.  Are you sure that you haven’t married yourself to the numbers that are printed in front of you?  It becomes difficult for sellers to not take it personally or negotiate in the present real estate market.  DETACH and realize that your home is now your most valuable asset, and that you will get the highest and best price the present market will bear.

The bottom line for our Lake Geneva real estate market – real estate is a business transaction.  We know how much you love your home, but at the end of the day it’s about negotiating a transaction.  We are here to help you communicate (via the contract) with potential buyers.  Know that they have made an offer to you because they believe their family will love your home as much as you do and that they can create memories at the lake for years to come.

lake geneva realtors melges team

The Melges Team - Top Producing Lake Geneva Lakefront Real Estate Team

This Lake Geneva Lakefront Real Estate update is provided by the Melges Team – Lake Geneva Lakefront Realtors with Keefe Real Estate.  Choosing who to represent you in a real estate transaction is an important decision.  Getting your questions answered and knowing the facts before you make that decision are critical.  If you have a home around the Geneva Lake area selecting someone that has in-depth knowledge of the Lake Geneva real estate market, a reputation for keeping your personal information confidential and has a global network of customers and clients online assuring you that your real estate will gain maximum visibility is paramount.  When people commit to working with the Melges team, they know they’ve gained a trusted real estate advisor for life.  Contact Michalene and Hans Melges at (262) 745-3738 and get your real estate facts today. 

 

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Fontana, Lake Geneva, Lakefront Homes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Decide – Commit – Succeed in Lake Geneva Lakefront Real Estate

April 19, 2013 By

ArrowheadSOLD200Spring is here and the thought of summer coming has everyone excited and planning. Planning for family, parties, lake fun and yes, Lake Geneva real estate.

I actually wrote the above cliche and caught myself reiterating the mindset of “The Spring Market” because it feels normal, it’s expected. The results, activity and momentum of a more certain success rate is seemingly more optimistic with the coming of Spring. Ah! Enough… The reality of any market and success rate of receiving a written contract is not determined by a season. It is determined by the value placed on the home.

ManorAO200Old Mind Set: The Spring Market means Multiple Offers, pricing higher than the market based on the warm weather coming, or worse , not participating in the market. When you do receive an offer , holding out for “something better” instead of negotiating to acceptance with a buyer that has proven their commitment to the process by submitting a written offer. Receiving a written offer is not an impulse.

Present Market : FOR EVERY ACTION THERE IS A REACTION. If your property is a multiple offer candidate, you will not only know that immediately, you will most likely be surprised at how serious the qualified buyers are and how quickly that comes… or goes.  Manage your expectations and follow the counsel of your real estate advisor.  I have many financial websites/RSS feeds/blogs that I follow.  The Wall Street Journal has continuous articles about our national real estate statistics and trends. Obviously, we are all on the same page and acknowledge that the national percentages of growth or decline are just that, a sweeping generalization of production as a whole.  Lake Geneva is a specialized niche market that stands alone and creates it’s own trends, apart from national averages.

SH_VS_BluffLake Geneva Real Estate - lakefront and lake access homes do not need a specific season to sell. We have a very unique, niche market that has consistent values year round.

GlenwoodSpAO300Sellers: Make the decision to commit to selling.  Commit to yourself:  You are in charge of the decisions, I am in charge of the process. Commit to spending the time and perhaps money that it will take to have your home presentable for listing and the price that will command attention and a written offer. Buyers & sellers have the same amount of stress just on different ends of the transaction. Eliminate real estate stress by understanding the details included in the offer and asking questions.   We’re ready for the questions if you’re ready for the answers!

Buyers: Make a decision, a commitment to purchasing and your real estate advisor. Commit to making the decision of what your true comfort level is for a purchase price and be honest with yourself prior to writing offers. Don’t write an offer at your maximum budget, then get cold feet and try to use the inspection to negotiate backwards.  In the same respect, offering significantly less than the list price on homes that clearly have the value is equally as unproductive.

The more educated we are on a subject, the less we fear the outcome. Watch the market through me.  See the new listings within 24 hours of posting and find out the price of ‘solds’ the same day they close.  This is the easiest, most convenient way to get a pulse on the Lake Geneva real estate market without the hassle of having to commit to a decision before being familiarized with the actual activity within our market.MWCreeksideGWSp

Hans & Michalene Melges Keefe Real Estate

Hans & Michalene Melges – Lake Geneva Lakefront Real Estate Top Producing Team

As Lake Geneva Realtors, the Melges’ share their in-depth knowledge and experience around Geneva Lake with their clients and customers. Listening to what your goals are, Hans and Michalene will help you formulate a specific marketing plan to get your home sold. When you work with the Melges Team, it’s more than just another real estate transaction, they work to build your trust and confidence as your trusted real estate advisor for life. Contact the Melges Team at (262) 745-3738 for real estate advice and to help your family make the best decision for your move!

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Filed Under: Featured Posts, Fontana, Lake Access Homes, Lake Geneva, Lakefront Homes, Williams Bay Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We Have Buyers Looking for Lake Geneva Lakefront Property

April 12, 2013 By

Does this describe your Lake Geneva lakefront property?

Photo Via Pinterest

Photo Via Pinterest

We have buyers that are looking for specific property on Geneva Lake and in surrounding communities.  We have looked at everything that is currently listed for sale.  None of the current inventory fits the needs of these customers, so we wanted to reach out to you.  If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, and your property fits any of these scenarios, can you please call us?  (262) 745-3738

These Lake Geneva Buyers are ready to offer and looking for the right property!

1.  Level frontage with first floor master bedroom or an elevator.

2.  Slightly elevated lake frontage with minimal stairs.

3.  Cedar Point Park home “On the Park.”

4.  5 bedroom Lake Geneva lakefront home on the West End of the lake.

Sometimes clients call us not looking to purchase a lakefront home, but rather they want to rent.  People often like to try a location for a vacation in the summer to see if the location fits their lifestyle.  Right now, we have a client looking to rent a Lake Geneva Lakefront Home for a small wedding in July.  They are looking for a 10 day rental!

If you have a Lake Geneva property that might fit any of these clients, please contact us.  Our goal is to put buyers & sellers together so they can both achieve their real estate goals.  These clients are all looking forward to spending the summer on the lake… they just have to find the right home.

Thanks in advance for your help!  Referrals are the backbone of our business and your trust in us is sincerely appreciated.

“It was a pleasure to work with Michalene, the Melges Team.  She understands the market and has instincts that are difficult to find.  After we understood the market, we were confident about our numbers and the decision to sell our home.  Shortly after we met her, we had a nickname for her, “Tiger Lady”!! Once she gets her teeth in a project, she doesn’t let go!
Thank you for helping us pursue our dream!”
~Michael & Barbara

Call the Melges Team – We know exactly what our buyers are looking for! 

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Filed Under: Featured Posts, Fontana, Lake Access Homes, Lake Geneva, Lakefront Homes Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Crazy only begins to describe Lake Geneva Lakefront Real Estate

April 8, 2013 By

parasailing lake genevaAs I was organizing my week this morning, the realization hit that this past weekend was the busiest weekend we’ve had in Lake Geneva real estate this year yet!

It was crazy busy, but very productive.  It’s like people have had pent up energy that they were just waiting for the weather to turn so they could see homes in person rather than just looking them up online!  The weekend netted 3 accepted offers, another in negotiation, a listing appointment and numerous buyer inquiries.

Why is the Lake Geneva real estate market suddenly so hot?

First, people are looking now, so they can negotiate the offer, satisfy all contingencies and close before Memorial Day.  This will allow them to enjoy a full summer at the lake without having a major move in the middle of it.

Secondly, we’ve seen a number of new Lake Geneva lakefront and lake access listings come on the market in the last few weeks that have buyer’s attention.  When homes come on the market at the right price, buyers are very serious and writing offers.  What is at the right price?  THAT is the million dollar question.  Yesterday there was an article in the WSJ about how much the real estate market is up since 2012.  It’s important to remember that overall, the market is up.  However, real estate is very localized.  What one metro area shows for statistics can be very different from another market just an hour away.

The Lake Geneva real estate market is very unique.  Being a destination for people from Chicago to Indianapolis, Lake Geneva’s vacation home market creates a real estate bubble.  Vacation homes are among the first to appreciate and hold their values stronger than standard, year round residential homes.  Right now, we’ve experienced an influx of great buyers causing lake access and lakefront luxury homes to move quicker than a year or two ago.  However, prices have not increased on a local level in Lake Geneva real estate.   In time they certainly will, but the growth that we’re seeing now is from the number of buyers in the market, and inventory turning over quicker than compared to 2012.

What does this mean if you’ve been thinking about selling your Lake Geneva lakefront property?

Buyers are active and looking.  Like we saw this past weekend, people want to find their dream home, negotiate and close before summer.  If you’re thinking about selling, right now it’s time to talk straight about what the market numbers look like for your home.  Looking at recent Solds and comparing them to your property allows us to give you an accurate price range where you can get predictable results for selling your home.

If you are looking to buyer your Lake Geneva vacation home, commit to your decision.

With more buyers, this means home do sell quicker.  When you and your family see a home that fits what you are looking for in style and more importantly, location, make your decision and put it on paper.  Get in front of that seller before other buyers do.  You also want to make sure you’re on our preferred email list so you can get new listings as soon as they come on the market.  Being first in the door gives you the opportunity to write an offer before other buyers can get in competition with you.

If you’re new to the Lake Geneva real estate market, get your questions answered.  Be clear about what it is your goals are and work with a Realtor you trust to have your best interests in front of them.  We’re happy to answer your questions and help you find the home of your dreams.

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Michalene & Hans Melges - Lake Geneva Lakefront Luxury Home Top Producers

Michalene & Hans Melges – Lake Geneva Lakefront Luxury Home Top Producers

Lake Geneva Lakefront Realtors, the Melges Team shares their in-depth knowledge and experience around Geneva Lake with their clients and customers. Listening to what your goals are, Hans and Michalene will help you formulate a specific marketing plan to get your home sold. When you work with the Melges Team, it’s more than just another real estate transaction, they work to build your trust and confidence as your trusted real estate advisor for life. Contact the Melges Team at (262)745-3738 for real estate advice and to help your family make the best decision for your move!

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter for more insider info on real estate and everything Lake Geneva!

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Filed Under: Featured Posts, Fontana, Lake Access Homes, Lake Geneva, Lakefront Homes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Advantages to Buying a Lake Geneva Vacation Home

April 3, 2013 By

The Lake Geneva vacation home market has been very consistent for the 1st quarter of this year.  According to Money Magazine, now is the time to purchase if you’re considering a second or vacation home.

lake geneva lakefront vacation rental

Listed for Sale & as a Vacation Rental Call (262)745-3738 for more info.

The first quarter shows 5 lakefront properties sold, including the historic Sunnyhill property.  Lake Geneva lakefront values on the properties that sold ranged from $1.65M (Folly Ln) to $3.25M (Sunnyhill.)  As notable lakefront home sales go, Sunnyhill is historic because the home had been in the Kenilworth/Blomeyer family for 84 years!

Will prices go lower? It’s impossible to tell, but Stan Humphries, chief  economist at Zillow, says, “It’s a fool’s errand to try to time the bottom for both economists – and buyers  and sellers. If you find a house that you love and want to be in for a long  period of time, now is potentially a good time to wade into the market.”

lake geneva lakefront property

For Sale: 9 Acre Historic Lake Geneva lakefront home site.

While other segments of the Lake Geneva real estate market hasn’t shown as much activity, the lakefront market continues to stand on a solid foundation.  Here’s 5 advantages to buying a Lake Geneva vacation home now:

1.  Buying Value - when looking at vacation homes, several properties have tremendous value.  Certain locations, associations and neighborhoods have held their value better than others in this real estate downturn.  Working with someone that is immersed in the market and can show you exactly where those specific homes are is critical when buying your Lake Geneva vacation home.

2.  Rental Income Potential - Right now there’s a tremendous demand for people looking to rent vacation homes.  For the week or for the month, we are seeing people that want to “Try before they buy!” They want to get a feel for a specific home or location on Geneva Lake.  So when looking at buying your vacation home, it’s a great idea to have the dicussion about using is as a vacation rental.  So when you aren’t using the property, you can rent it out and earn rental income.

3.  Convenience - Lake Geneva is the perfect vacation spot for many reason.  First, it was just recognized in Barron’s as being the #10 best vacation home market in the country.  It’s also a short trip from Chicago.  So for those people that want to get away from the busy city, but not have to spend and entire day travelling, Lake Geneva is the perfect convenient location.

4.  Start your family legacy - We speak from experience when we share that our most incredible memories as a family (and for both of us growing up) happen on the Geneva Lake.  The kids love coming to the lake house, bringing friends, jumping off the pier, having sleep overs, catching lightning bug or watching the 4th of July fireworks on the water.  These memories don’t have a pricetag but they are shared over and over for generations.

5.  Long-term profits - Right now, you can get the most out of a vacation home using a buy and hold strategy.  The market while it has stabilized still has a long ways to go toward recovering.  With mortgage rates being low and prices reflecting values we haven’t seen in decades, you can buy the home of your dreams that will return you future profits.

If you’re just starting the process of looking for your Lake Geneva vacation home, we’d love to hear what you are looking for.  From there, we can help you find the perfect home in the perfect location.  We have our hands in the real estate market 24/7, so if something is coming on the market on Geneva Lake, we’ll know about it and help you be the first person to see the property.

If we can help in any way, please contact us.  Call or text (262) 745-3738 for immediate response and put our passion, knowledge and team experience to work helping you find the perfect Lake Geneva lakefront property.

abbey fontana lake geneva

For Sale – 2 bedroom Abbey Villa in Fontana, WI. Poolside and 1 building off Abbey Harbor.

Michalene & Hans Melges - Lake Geneva Lakefront Luxury Home Top Producers

Michalene & Hans Melges – Lake Geneva Lakefront Luxury Home Top Producers

Lake Geneva Lakefront Realtors, the Melges Team shares their in-depth knowledge and experience around Geneva Lake with their clients and customers. Listening to what your goals are, Hans and Michalene will help you formulate a specific marketing plan to get your home sold. When you work with the Melges Team, it’s more than just another real estate transaction, they work to build your trust and confidence as your trusted real estate advisor for life. Contact the Melges Team at (262)745-3738 for real estate advice and to help your family make the best decision for your move!

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Follow us on Twitter to stay on top of real estate news and what’s happening around Geneva Lake:  http://www.Twitter.com/Melges

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Adding Luxury to your Lake Geneva Lakefront Property

March 26, 2013 By
monogrammed bedroom lake geneva wi real estate agent

Image via Pinterest

Working with Lake Geneva lakefront clients every day, we really have a great feel for what people are looking for when they are shopping for their dream home.

Right now, buyers have been out shopping in great numbers.  They are writing offers, but they are being selective when choosing which homes to make offers on.  Buyers are searching for value in lakefront property.  They want to know that their purchase will hold it’s value months after they’ve closed and that over time their home will realize great appreciation.

In reading an article from the LA Times, the interesting comparison is that the luxury home real estate market is similar here on Lake Geneva to that on the West Coast.  While prices of homes are different the inherent values people are looking for in a property remain the same. 

View and Location remain paramount in the search for luxury homes.  If you are a homeowner that is planning on selling your Lake Geneva property and you have a view of the water, do whatever brush clean up, tree trimming, new window treatments is necessary to maximize your view.  Buyers want to see the lake from as much of the property as possible.

Buyers are also looking for functional space.  The layout is key for lakefront buyers.  They want to have a spacious home to host all of their family and friends and yet they still want smart, livable space.  So whether they have 50 guests, or it’s just their family of 4 buyers want to be comfortable and enjoy the flow of the home.

lake geneva wi lakefront real estate

Image via Pinterest

When we’ve toured all the lakefront listings that could possibly fit the client’s wants & needs and they still haven’t found THE ONE, then it’s time we discuss building their dream home.  Building a home front the ground up they can have everything on their wish list and more.  Finding vacant land with water frontage is a challenge to do, but for many buyers, the perfect lot in the perfect location is priceless whether it has any buildings on it or not.  For the right buyer, the opportunity to build their dream home and add all their own finishing touches outweigh the construction timeline or the demolition of older buildings on the property.

For help finding exactly what you are looking for when buying a Lake Geneva lakefront property, working with professionals that know the lake inside and out as well as have a passion for living on the lake is paramount.  Listening to what you are looking for and having the market knowledge to find the perfect house for you is an intangible asset.  We love helping people discover their dream home and we’re happy to help you find yours too!

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Michalene & Hans Melges - Lake Geneva Lakefront Luxury Home Top Producers

Michalene & Hans Melges – Lake Geneva Lakefront Luxury Home Top Producers

Lake Geneva Lakefront Realtors, the Melges Team shares their in-depth knowledge and experience around Geneva Lake with their clients and customers. Listening to what your goals are, Hans and Michalene will help you formulate a specific marketing plan to get your home sold. When you work with the Melges Team, it’s more than just another real estate transaction, they work to build your trust and confidence as your trusted real estate advisor for life. Contact the Melges Team at (262)745-3738 for real estate advice and to help your family make the best decision for your move!

 


Filed Under: Featured Posts, Fontana, Lake Geneva, Lakefront Homes Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Best Value of the Year – The Abbey Villas

March 15, 2013 By

Your Fontana Vacation Home Search has found you the perfect property at the right price in the Abbey Villas!

abbey villa fontana wiLocation, price and amenities create the perfect storm for a serious buyer.  This 2 bedroom Abbey Villa unit is one building off the water.  Overlooking the Abbey Villa pool and a short walk across the street to the Fontana Beach, the list of “Fun Things to Do in Lake Geneva” just got longer!

Walk into this unit and you’ll feel like the rooms came directly off the Pottery Barn website.  The decor and finishing touches are perfect for this vacation retreat!

AbbeyVillaLR

When people think of Fontana, they think of fun.  If you are looking for a great vacation property to have fun with friends and family, this Abbey Villa condominium is a walk to the beach,Gordy’s, Abbey Spa and restaurants & more.

Priced at $199,000, this Abbey Villa condo in Fontana is going to move quickly.  Similar Abbey Villa units have sold for $249K - $299K without the additional dockominium.  Update:  5/20/13 – Exact same unit 20B (in same building) closed for $234,000!  With the value in this property and the location, you can have everything you want in a vacation property at a great price and be settled and ready for the summer season of fun to begin!

MapAbbeyHarbor1

Dockominium 1143 on Harbor Wall available separately.

MapFloorPlan

Abbey Villa Unit 20H floorplan

Click here for more information about this Abbey Villa Condominium.Abbey Resort Harbor Fontana WI

 

abbey fontana lake geneva

Welcome to the Abbey Villas!

Abbey Villa Condo assessed for $283,700 per 2012 Walworth County Tax Bill. 

Listing Price: $ 199,000 Reduced!
Address: 265 Fontana Blvd.
City: Fontana
State: WI
ZIP: 53125
MLS #: 1298709
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2

Just listed!  To have the first opportunity to tour this exceptional value call or text (262) 745-3738.

lake geneva real estate lakefront agents

The Melges Team – Top Producing Lake Geneva Lakefront Realtors

As Lake Geneva Lakefront Realtors, the Melges Team shares their in-depth knowledge and experience around Geneva Lake with their clients and customers. Listening to what your goals are, Hans and Michalene will help you formulate a specific marketing plan to get your home sold. When you work with the Melges Team, it’s more than just another real estate transaction, they work to build your trust and confidence as your trusted real estate advisor for life. Contact the Melges Team at (262)745-3738 for real estate advice and to help your family make the best decision for your move!

 


Filed Under: Featured Properties, Fontana, Lake Access Homes, Listings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

First Sale in 84 Years for Historic Lake Geneva Lakefront Mansion

March 6, 2013 By
lake geneva lakefront mansions

Historic Geneva Lake Lakefront Home Sold for the first time in 84 years!

Geneva Lake is steeped in history and the shoreline is adorned with gorgeous lakefront estates and historic mansions.

As a Lake Geneva lakefront real estate agent, and having grown up on the shores of Geneva Lake, our love for the lake and it’s history is evident.  We love helping our clients discover their “perfect spot” on the lake to raise their family, go boating, watch fireworks, sail and everything that encompasses living the Lake Geneva lifestyle.

We closed on one of the most historic Lake Geneva lakefront estates recently.  The property, known within our lake community as Sunnyhill was purchased by the Kenilworth/Blomeyer family in 1929!  It’s been handed down from generation to generation to use and share with their kids every summer ever since!  How often do you find a home that has not been on the market for sale in 84 years?

lake geneva lakefront real estate agents

Hungry Hall – many family meals were enjoyed for decades around this table!

There are not many Lake Geneva lakefront properties that have stood the test of time.  Thus, making this lakefront sale even more significant for our Lake Geneva real estate market.

Sunny Hill Historic District, consisted of four white homes built between 1890 and 1910. The third one is Angel’s Flight, so named for the long staircase that connects it to the lakefront has always been a landmark for most of us that have grown up boating on Lake Geneva. Sunnyhill is a statuesque estate that is the last of the four estates standing.

The property is 6 acres with a pillared entrance off of North Lake Shore Dr. The buildings have remained the same since the original acquisition in 1929. The woodworking and sleeping porches are incredible, “Hungry Hall” a wing that the family added on is one of the most memorable parts of the estate and became of favorite for the buyers that were seriously interested in purchasing the property. The property has one of the most memorable lake views, Is there anything more incredible than opening up a wall of slider windows in a sun room to a majestic view on a summer afternoon and watching your family play on the lake? That is the feeling that kept this family coming back, it becomes a family tradition.

Selling such a historic property came with it’s fair share of challenges.  Realizing what was up to code in 1929 doesn’t necessarily conform to today’s building and zoning laws.  When the buyers were considering what their intentions were with the property, those building & zoning laws were just a few of the challenges we had to get answers to and satisfy.

underground storage tank removal lake geneva wi

3 storage tanks that needed to be removed and inspected prior to closing. Thanks to David Bauer at GZA and his crew for getting this done for us!

In total, there were 37 people involved in this transaction.  Communication has never been more important than it was in getting this historic Lake Geneva lakefront estate sold.  If one person dropped the ball, the entire transaction could have fallen apart.  Seriously, that is how critical good communication is to getting transactions successfully closed.  We were in constant communication (several times daily) with several attorneys, our clients and the buyer’s attorney.  When we had to work through the zoning and building situation, the title company, Walworth County, the attorneys and Realtors were all involved.  We all went in with the same goal, to help the buyers purchase Sunnyhill!

Leading up to closing there were several things that needed to be taken care of just prior to closing, ensuring all the loose ends were tied up.  Getting 3 underground storage tanks removed in February was one of those incredible feats.  Getting the driveway plowed so the trucks could get down to the property was another.  All those last minute details were successfully accomplished because of the team of service providers we have working with us.  We have built a great team of trusted professionals that help us make sure our transactions close successfully.  From getting the home ready to list (painting, cleaning, landscape clean up) to those transactional details like home inspections, well & septic inspection, underground storage tank removal, title company and lenders etc. our service providers are the heart of those details.  We are so grateful to work with such consummate professionals.

If we could give you one piece of advice if you are planning to sell your home, it’s to look for a real estate agent that specializes in your type of property and has a track record of excellent communication.  You should not feel awkward asking them for previous client referrals or experiences.  The real estate agent you choose to work with should have a strong online and offline presence, ensuring your home will be seen by potential buyers no matter where they have started their search.  They also should be able to provide you with a statistical analysis of your specific market to help you get predictable results when you’re selling your home.  There’s nothing worse than having someone with poor communication so you’re left to wonder what’s going on with your home, or worse, are they doing anything to market your property!

historic lake geneva estate

Morning coffee or afternoon tea, the sunroom overlooking the lake is magnificent!

To discuss your property, we’d be happy to share our system and proven network of professionals to help get your home sold.  Call or text us at: (262)745-3738 to set up time to meet.  We’re happy to answer your questions and promise, you won’t wonder where your home stands.  We’ll give you the proof you desire to get your home sold!

The view from another historic Lake Geneva Lakefront Estate for sale. Contact us to find out more! (262)745-3738

The view from another historic Lake Geneva Lakefront Property for sale. Contact us to find out more! (262)745-3738

The historic sale of the Sunnyhill Estate was a pleasure to work with.  We have other historic lakefront properties for sale and would be happy to help you find one of the classic Lake Geneva lakefront homes if that’s what you are looking for!

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Fontana, Lake Geneva, Lakefront Homes, SOLD Listings Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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