December 12, 2008

End of Year “Sales” Make Sense for Summer-Savvy Buyers/Sellers

Posted to Geneva Lake Area , Janis Hartley

Thinking about moving some of your investment funds in to a second home or condo in 2009 or beating out other sellers in this highly competitive market? While buying real estate, especially lake rights/access and lakefront properties, can be an especially savvy move for the long-term investor selling in a market such as the current one can be productive for sellers as well. Geneva Lake, which serves the communities of Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Geneva, Linn, Fontana, and parts of Walworth, continues to be a wise investment, with higher end properties showing modest gains even in the current market – good news for sellers and buyers, alike.

I am often asked, “Is winter a good time to buy/sell real estate” and my answer is usually an unqualified “yes”. Smart buyers know that serious sellers remain active during the winter season in pursuit of the ready, willing and able buyer. While inventory historically decreases during late fall/early winter, sellers who remain on the market are generally determined and motivated to sell and there are fewer competing properties. The lack of competing offers often offsets the disappointment of fewer choices for buyers, especially when the “right” home just happens to be available, while the decrease in competition works for sellers, too.

There are currently a number of excellent values available throughout the Geneva Lake area for both primary and secondary-home buyers. In Geneva National Golf Club, for example, several foreclosures as well as creative buyer incentives for new and existing homes, are tempting. Take for example, my listing at 1881 Prestwick Drive – a beautiful brick and cedar home that combines a traditional floor plan with open concept kitchen/dining/great room. At $599,000 the seller is including a Geneva National Club Social Membership, lawn mowing and snow-plowing for 12 months, and additional buyer incentives. Priced well below replacement cost, this home represents an excellent value. Some of the builders in Geneva National are also offering buyer incentives. While all of the Preferred Builders offer a Social Membership, some are also including paid monthly homeowner’s dues for a year or more. At Foxwood, one model is now available furnished, while the 2008 Parade Home has a furniture package available at a deeply discounted price. In addition to the Social Membership, the Villas at Eagleton Ponds are offering buyer’s a choice of either one year paid homeowner’s dues or $10,000 towards a finished lower level.

There are also several very good values available outside of Geneva National. Thinking about upsizing to a home with room for everyone? Check out my listing at 3227 W. Dummer Drive, just on the edge of Lake Geneva, listed at $225,000. If you are not currently working with an agent, email me at Janis@SellingLakeGeneva.com and ask me to place you on a automatic home delivery program so you can receive new listings as they come on the market. This is an excellent way to stay abreast of the market and to know when good deals hit. Of course, my website, www.SellingLakeGeneva.com is an excellent real estate resource, 24/7 – visit often to view all MLS listings in Walworth County. If you are seriously considering selling property, give me a call at (262)745-3630 and ask me about a free market analysis.

Posted By: Janis Hartley

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