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July 20, 2009 at 02:55 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Karen Trepton
This past weekend youth sailing heated up on Big Cedar Lake between Hartford and West Bend, with the annual Wisconsin Yachting Association Championship Regatta. Sixty-seven boats arrived to test their skills against their peers from around the state. Shifty breezes and tight quarters gave the race committee a run for their money, but they executed a beautiful regatta along with the gracious volunteers from Cedar Lake Yacht Club.
The weather felt more like fall, with cool temps and rain, but the spectators bundled up and the sailors stayed warm and dry with spray gear. A fun item of note was the addition of a “special” spectator…the Met Life Blimp, as seen in the accompanying photo. The blimp hovered over the races for quite some time, before heading out.
Kate Klement from Lake Beulah won the overall title with 2 bullets out of 3 races. Nick Clemence from Pewaukee took 2nd, Connor Trepton from Lac LaBelle took 3rd overall and the bullet from the 3rd and final race, Charlie Kutschenreuter from Beulah was 4th and Natalie Kay from Okauchee was 5th overall.
Pictured are photos of the racing, a close up of an X boat, and a great shot of “Team LaBelle”.
Posted by:
Karen Trepton
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July 20, 2009 at 09:24 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
I’m constantly being asked, if the market is picking up. My answer is always the same; “Yes, if your property is priced right, especially, if it’s in the first time home buyer price point.” As of this Sunday evening, according to the MLS, there are 38 single family homes listed for sale, priced at $185,000 or under, in Oconomowoc, Arrowhead and Kettle Moraine School Districts. Ten of them have offers. I have just received multiple offers on my Grove Street listing in Oconomowoc, and have heard from other agents who have similarly priced properties for sale, that they are receiving competing offers, as well. Wow!
What does this mean? I think it means that buyers are heeding the advice to stop waiting for the so called bottom of the market, and are moving to receive excellent deals at great prices with great rates, while also cashing in on the $8000 first time home buyer credit. Buyers can no longer afford to wait if they want to cash in on the many opportunities that are available, AND receive their tax credit.
If you are a first time home buyer, and would like to have a free, no obligation analysis of your ability to purchase your first home, please call me at 262-567-8302 ext. 239.
Posted by:Karen Trepton
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July 17, 2009 at 04:48 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
We just had a great Brokers Open Here the other day and I always enjoy hearing what the other agents have to say about a property. As you can see from the pictures this home is fabulous. The 9,000 plus square feet of living space is definitely worth seeing. While the style lends itself to a more formal feel, overall that is not what the agents said. Agents are in hundreds of homes all the time and we have seen everything from the 
gaudy to the classic. With a house this big you might think they would comment on how large the house was, but they didn’t. Actually most of the 50 or so agents that toured this magnificent home said that it felt like home! That is quite a statement in itself. What they were really saying, if I can interpret the comment, was this; the house, while large did not make one feel lost, rather they enjoyed the unique well planned spaces. Each room was not overwhelming rather it was inviting. 
These are huge compliments to the already inviting home. If you are interested in a truly classic home with eye towards family comfort and formality see this link or call me for a private showing, 1-888-HEY GLEN. This property is located in the Grandhaven subdivision in the town of Delafield and is currently listed for $1,595,000. Click here to view full details on this property.
Posted by:
Glenn Hanon
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July 16, 2009 at 03:57 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
It is nice to see how the business community rallies around the new Oconomowoc Arts Center. Pabst Farms Development was recently recognized as the largest contributor to the new OAC here in Oconomowoc. See the link Here. Peter Bell is obviously interested in the quality of life here in Oconomowoc with this fantastic donation to the center. I know Pat Neudecker and I can only imagine that she was thrilled to see this level of support. Pabst is definitely leading the way in Oconomowoc, not only with the development but also with a generous contribution—Thanks Peter from all of the families in Oconomowoc who love and use the outstanding Arts Center, your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Posted by:Glenn Hanon
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July 13, 2009 at 11:14 AM · Posted under Karen Trepton
If you have read my past blog posts, you may have noticed that youth sailing is a topic that I am passionate about. All three of my boys are sailors. It’s a great sport, filled with camaraderie, challenge, unique opportunity, and the list goes on.
Each summer, my kids and I participate on the regatta circuit, and on Lake Geneva, during their annual youth race week. This year was no exception, however, we did have a new twist. My middle son opted to skip the Lake Geneva event, and participated in the Kazube Cup, hosted by South Shore Yacht Club. We have never done this event in the past, but have heard that it’s such a fun regatta.
The regatta features optis, 420’s and lasers. Kids come from Greater Milwaukee, as well as from other yacht clubs around Lake Michigan, such as Chicago, Lake Forest, Waukegan, etc. The beauty of the event is that for the opti sailors, they can test their skills in Lake Michigan, and sleep on a “big boat” sailboat. Members open their cabins to sailors who request housing, provided they have a minimum number of kids on the boat, and an adult chaperone. Can you say “fun” with a capital F?? What a treat for a young sailor! Sailing in Lake Michigan, with the city backdrop is a treat for sailors and spectators, alike.
The host club provides breakfast, lunch and dinner, in addition to the regatta fee, at a very reasonable rate. My son had a fabulous time with good friends, sailing his boat and enjoying a night on a sleeper sailboat. The “MOM” in me can’t help but note that the best part of the event for him was the fact that the regatta fell on top of his birthday, and he won the opti event. Happy Birthday, Parker!
Summer sailing in Southeastern Wisconsin, is just one more reason to love living here!
Posted by:Karen Trepton
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July 10, 2009 at 02:25 PM · Posted under Glenn Hanon
Ahh it’s summer and the weather is finally nice, there is so much fun to enjoy. The apartment is not that bad we can get by in this studio unit. I know I have saved some money for a house but after all I have the summer to enjoy and once fall is here we will buckle down and look for a house, I know I qualify for that $8,000 first time home buyer credit….If that sounds like you can I give you a different perspective? The first time home buyer credit is available IF you are living in the new house by December 1, 2009 NOT by the end of the year as many people assume. Chances are if you are taking advantage of the credit you may also be obtaining a FHA loan. Here is where it gets messy. FHA loans right now are bottle-necked in the system for the current buyers. Many of the FHA transactions are taking at least 60 days to slug through the system. Chances are that when you decide to start looking you are not going to buy the very first house you see, which means that you may spend a month (at a minimum) looking for that right house.
So let’s do a little reverse planning. You need to be in your new house on November 30th. The processing time for your loan can take 60-75 days from the time you had an accepted offer. Assuming that you close the day you receive the loan commitment (typically this does not happen) this puts the offer day at September 16, 2009!! If it takes a month to find the house you will need to start looking August 16th! If everyone waits until August 16th to start looking for a house, can you imagine what the backlog at FHA will look like then? If you are serious about using the first time home buyer credit you need to be out looking for that home TODAY. Waiting may cost you $8,000. If you would like more information on how to streamline your process, call me at the office, 1-888-HEY GLEN, Let’s not make a $8,000 ooopps.
Posted by:Glenn Hanon
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July 10, 2009 at 02:10 PM · Posted under Fair Housing, Karen Trepton
When pricing your home, it is critical to understand how various factors and trends in the market, may affect your price. At Shorewest, we monitor those trends, and convey the information to our sellers through the use of market absorption graphs, months of inventory reports, rate of sales reports, home value worksheets, and many other tools. By using these items, you can price your home on the cutting edge of the market, increasing your likelihood of receiving an offer, for the highest price, in a timely manner. One tool that is helpful in determining price in conjunction with the items listed above, is a report that tracks sales by price. Attached, is a recent report of sales by price, in the Lake Country area. To learn about the significance of this graph, call me 414.975.9659 or visit my website. I’d be happy to explain how this graph not only maps sales, but also can assist you in pinpointing a sales price
Posted by:Karen Trepton
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July 10, 2009 at 08:57 AM
WALES, Wisconsin—The Legend has announced plans to take the recently acquired Bristlecone Pines, now renamed The Legend at Bristlecone, fully private by the end of the 2009 golf season. The “Drive for 25” as it is being called around The Legend is expected to fill the 25 memberships needed to take the golf operations at The Legend at Bristlecone fully private.
Limited public play has always been accepted at The Legend at Bristlecone, while The Legend at Brandybrook has remained fully private since the day it opened in June 2003. A month ago, prior to the sale being finalized, Managing Partner Jack Gaudion shared his vision with the Bristlecone members that The Legend at Bristlecone would become fully private in 2011, or possibly as soon as April 2010, depending on the success of their aggressive membership drive.
The announcement of fully private golf operations at The Legend at Bristlecone is music to the ears of the club members who prior to the acquisition by The Legend had little hope that Bristlecone would ever progress into a fully private club. “It became increasingly difficult to refer a friend or colleague to the club as a new member when it was apparent to everyone that Bristlecone was never going to become a fully private club. Now everyone is referring their friends to The Legend. The golf courses, facilities, and commitment to the Membership by truly experienced golf people makes it easy for me to promote to a prospective member,” said Bristlecone Board Member Jeff Reichhoff.
The Bristlecone acquisition was completed just two weeks ago and due to the overwhelming positive response from dozens of new member prospects referred by Legend Members, The Legend has accelerated its mission to end public play at The Legend at Bristlecone before the end of the 2009 golf season.
As the club industry is in decline around the country, The Legend stands in stark contrast with its family-oriented club model, refundable membership deposits, and young, active membership. “New members are the lifeblood of a club. They bring with them fresh ideas, a sense of vitality and enthusiasm, and allow us to provide more benefit and a better dues value to the Membership as a whole. This acquisition and membership drive has allowed us to attract new members that never would have joined The Legend previously, whether the reason cost or location. The success of the last two weeks and the next 45 days has pushed this club to an entirely different level unlike any other private club in Wisconsin,” Gaudion said.
Until September 1, initiation deposits at The Legend will be sold for $15,000. After September 1, deposits will return to $35,000 as they were prior to the membership drive.
The Legend has two upcoming events for Prospective Members. The first is an island-themed pool party on The Legend at Bristlecone’s Pool Deck on Friday, July 31st. The second features Milwaukee’s Finest, “The Eddie Butts Band” and will be held on The Legend at Brandybrook’s Pool Deck on Friday, August 14th. Prospective Members can RSVP to these events by calling The Legend at 968-9717.
“No other club can rival The Legend’s dual club facilities. Combine that with the reciprocal benefits Legend Members have at The Legend at Bergamont, and Legend Members have access to three Championship Golf Courses, one fully private clubhouse, two semi-private full-service clubhouses, and three pool, tennis, and fitness complexes. No other club can offer that.”
“In these unprecedented times, it seems that many people are understandably leery of a major discretionary investment. If you’re looking to join a private club, I simply can’t imagine why you would join anywhere else,” said Club President Kevin Scharnek.
The Legend’s commitment to its members remains strong as well. The Legend is the only fully private club offering 100% refundable membership initiation deposits in metro Milwaukee. The Legend is the only fully private club who guarantees no member assessments for future capital improvements or operating losses.
The Legend is a privately-owned non-equity club, which was founded in 2003 with the opening of The Legend at Brandybrook in Wales, Wisconsin. In 2007, The Legend purchased The Bergamont, now The Legend at Bergamont, in Oregon, Wisconsin.
The centerpiece of The Legend at Brandybrook is a world class, 7,006 yard, golf course and is known for its firm and fast tour like playing conditions, especially it’s A-4 Bentgrass greens. The Legend has been rated the #2 Private Course in the Milwaukee area by the Business Journal and has hosted the American Junior Golf Association’s Future Legends for several years. The Legend was nominated as Golf Digest’s “Best New Private Course in America in 2004”.
Rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest, The Legend at Bristlecone’s championship golf course was designed by Scott Miller, a former senior designer for Jack Nicklaus. Playing to 7,005 yards with a par of 71, The Legend at Bristlecone has already played host to more than one-half dozen state tournaments including regional qualifying for the U.S. Open and the State Amateur Championship, Bristlecone will host the Wisconsin State Open in 2010.
For more information on The Legend, please visit www.thelegendclubs.com or call The Legend at 262-968-9717.
You may also contact: Jack Gaudion, Managing Partner, (262) 613-7305.
Posted by:
Pat Ohlendorf
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July 06, 2009 at 09:34 AM · Posted under Sharon Tomlinson
Now is the best time for you to acquire that new home! Homes prices are low, interest rates are low and we have a lot of inventory for you to choose from.
Did you ever stop to wonder why people purchase the American Dream? Well, some of the reasons you might hear is because you want one, your income allows you to afford one and it seems like the right time in your life. However, the biggest reason for you to own your own home is because it will be yours. The rent money you pay to someone else every month will no longer exist and one of the greatest benefits is the fact that your home will reflect your own personality.
Now, you are probably thinking you can’t afford one at this time, but we have several wonderful programs that will help make that happen. FHA has a program that allows you to put as low as 3.5 percent down. In addition, if you haven’t saved a lot of money, or if you are a single parent, you may qualify for a special grant thru the federal government. Lastly, if you are a First-Time Home Buyer (which means, anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years), the federal government has provided an $8,000.00 Tax Credit for you. This tax credit is only available thru November 30, 2009, which means you must have closed on your new home on/or before November 30, 2009, and you won’t have to pay back any of this money. To qualify your income level must be $75,000 or less, if you are single and $150,000 or less for couples.
If you want to own a piece of the American Dream, now is the time to begin your search. Please give me a call today to start you on your way to owning a new home.
Posted by:
Sharon Tomlinson
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July 01, 2009 at 01:18 PM · Posted under Area Attractions & Events, Diane Krause
Wow…it is already coming up on July 4th, 2009. You might be asking yourself, what is there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva? That’s a loaded question, what isn’t there to do on the 4th in Lake Geneva. So just to give you a bird’s eye view.
July 3rd. Start early by going to the Grand Geneva which has a full list of activities. Independence Day festivities are highlighted by the Brown’s Lake Aquaducks Waterski Show and the Grand Fireworks display at dusk. Other activities throughout the day include a grand picnic, kids coloring contest, carnival games for children, balloon artist and much more. For more details visit www.grandgeneva.com.
Also on July 3rd are festivities all day long at the public park in Delavan. Included in the list is “The Dave Marshall Band” from 7-11 and fireworks starting at 9:30.
July 4th. It doesn’t get any better than Lake Geneva on the Fourth! The town is filled with things to do. But don’t be surprised when you don’t see fireworks in Lake Geneva, you are going to have to go to Fontana for that! Take a boat tour but book it now, www.cruiselakegeneva.com. Many options exist from dinner to ice cream! Fireworks start just after dusk. Along the way you will see all sorts of fireworks in the area, from large private fireworks to the big event at Fontana. Again, the park in Fontana is loaded with food, music, etc.. Enjoy your visit to the Lake Geneva area and Happy 4th of July!!!
For more information about upcoming events in Lake Geneva or what to do when visiting and, of course, all of your real estate needs, call Diane Krause, 262-215-4893.
Posted by:
Diane Krause
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If you know of someone dreaming of buying a home or waiting to up grade, congratulations. You’re in good company with The Kuchta’s. A good real estate agent can make or break your deal. You want to hire the best real estate agent you can find, which means hiring The Kuchta’s who will put your interests first, above his or her own.
With rates rising, one has to decide is it worth waiting to be able to purchase a home for less down the road vs the increased monthly payment because mortgage money is becoming more expensive. Tough choice! And some folks are waiting out the market, hoping home prices have farther to fall.
Who do you know wants to buy a house? The time is NOW especially for first-time homebuyers that can buy now because of the price range are now in the market and taking advantage of the tax credit,” which the Obama administration ushered in February.
Kelly Kuchta
