Keefe Real Estate News

Snap Fitness Elkhorn, WI Allows You to Get “Fit in a Snap”

Keefe — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:16:46 +0000

I usually will blog about different restaurants in Elkhorn, WI, but this time I thought I’d enlighten you about a great place to work out. It’s never a bad time to get in shape, whether it is for family reunions, weddings, or you just want to look good in your boat while you’re on Lauderdale Lakes. Snap Fitness at 10 W Evergreen Parkway (same complex as Charley O’s), Elkhorn, WI has everything you will need to get fit, feel great, and be well. It is managed by Elkhorn’s own, Penny Ahl, personal trainer and operations manager. The best thing about Snap Fitness is you can work out when the time is convenient for you. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with an access card. They have all the equipment you need: tread mills, stationary bikes, elliptical, free weights, exercise balls, universal machines, spinning bikes, and so much more. Snap fitness has single, couples, and family memberships for your convenience and no long term commitments. For more information call 262-723-SNAP (7627), email: elkorn@snapfitness.com or check out their website: I hope to see you there!

Guest post by Marcey Johnson, Keefe Rea Estate – Elkhorn, WI

Bielinski Homes and Keefe Real Estate Combine Efforts in Elkhorn, WI

Keefe — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:35:17 +0000

Bielinski Homes has chosen Keefe Real Estate to market Single Family Homes in Elkhorn, WI. The project will start with 3 total listings of Single Family Homes in the Harvest Pointe subdivision in Elkhorn WI. These homes are known as “Redi-Homes”, and they live up to that billing as they are ready to move into. The First of the homes is a fully completed 1500sq foot home called the Shorewood. This home is a 3 bedroom 2 full bath split ranch located on a lot that has already been soded. If you would like to schedule a tour of this Bielinski Home or others, contac me at 262-745-1762 or here.

Stay tuned to this blog site for more information on Bielinski “Redi-Homes” and Keefe Real Estate Inc marketing efforts in Elkhorn WI

Bielinski Homes & Keefe Real Estate Combine Efforts in East Troy, WI

Keefe — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:14:21 +0000

Bielinski Homes has partnered with Keefe Real Estate to market Homes at the Lake Bluff Subdivision in East Troy, WI. The homes that Keefe Real Estate will be marketing are known as “Redi-Homes”, and they live up to that billing as they are ready to move into. The First of the homes is a fully completed 2150 sq ft home called the Fenway. This home is a 4 bedroom 2 ½ bath 2 story located on a lot that has already been soded and professionally landscaped. If you would like to take a personal tour of this home or any of he Bielinski Homes, please contact me at your convenience at 262-745-1762 or via this link.

Future posts on this site will discuss developments in East Troy WI. Watch for blogs as well as short videos on Bielinski “Redi-Homes”!

Looking for Things to do near Lake Geneva WI? – Visit the Christmas Barn, only two weekends left!

Keefe — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:29 +0000

Who isn’t looking for that unique, original holiday gift? Or better yet, craving some one-of-a-kind item for your own Christmas decorating. The Christmas Barn in Lake Geneva, WI is the perfect seasonal shop to find exactly that. The warm, inviting barn is filled with antiques, furniture pieces, homemade sweet treats, custom prelit decorative houses, holiday arrangements, steampunk jewelry and numerous decorating embellishments.
The Christmas Barn was born from the vision of three baby boomers that wanted to bring a little piece of Door County to Walworth County for the holidays. Their business venture is in its fifth successful season of warming the hearts and homes of all who come to visit. Since The Christmas Barn is only open during the months of November & December time is running out for you to experience the joy of the season. Sunday, December 18th will be the final shopping day for this eclectic holiday business.

Please visit The Christmas Barn website for their shopping hours, directions and a list of local artisans. It’s not just a shopping trip – it’s a Christmas experience!

Guest post by: Paige Sawar, Keefe Real Estate – Delavan

Are Prices for Lake Geneva WI Real Estate for Sale on the Increase?

Keefe — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:59:28 +0000

You know, discussing real estate markets and price appreciation or price declines only seem meaningful if the discussion surrounds your local market. The inventory of homes for sale in Lake Geneva and homes for sale in Walworth County in general has declined in the last quarter of 2011 while the demand has remained quite steady. Obviously, less inventory on the market for sale with stable demand can equate to higher sale prices for sellers, even if it’s just a few percentage points.
It’s been reported recently from the National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, that nationally sales of existing homes should edge up 4%-5% in 2012 and that mortgage interest rates should gradually rise from record lows in 2011 to around 4.5% in the middle of 2012.
If the information proves to be correct it would certainly confirm that we’re now bouncing along the bottom of the price decline of the last four years with the real estate in Walworth County and that the conditions that have held back any price appreciation or sales increase over this period of time may be easing.
In fact, any initial rise in interest rates usually causes buyers to get off the fence and make the purchase they’ve been planning, especially when the long term forecast for interest rates is definitely pointing up. This may indeed become a main factor in next year’s overall increase nationally and hopefully locally in home sales in the Lake Geneva WI real estate market and other Southern Wisconsin real estate markets, as well.

Guest post by: Chris DeVincentis, Keefe Real Estate

Lake Lawn Lodge on Delavan Lake, WI – Enjoy Brunch with Santa

Keefe — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 12:27:49 +0000

Instead of fighting the lines at the mall to meet Santa this holiday season, look no further than Lake Lawn Lodge on the beautiful shores of Delavan Lake, Wisconsin. During the month of December, Lake Lawn Lodge has scheduled a very special guest for brunch – jolly Santa himself! Enjoy a tasty brunch at the Frontier Restaurant located at the Lake Lawn Lodge on Sundays, December 4th, 11th and 18th. Feast on succulent carved meats, made to order omelets, malted Belgium waffles as well as a variety of pastries and traditional favorites. Brunch will be served on these dates from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. with Santa will arriving at 10 a.m. and partake in the festivities until 1 p.m. Better yet, make a weekend of it! Lake Lawn Resort, which is conveniently located near Milwaukee and Chicago, has some very affordable lodging options for families or a parents get-away night/weekend. For more details on the holiday schedule, including the Brunch with Santa, or to make reservations visit Lake Lawn Resort. Make some new lasting traditions – visit Lake Lawn Resort this holiday!

Guest post by Paige Sawar – Keefe Real Estate – Delavan, WI

Rob Keefe Leads State’s Largest Trade Association, Wisconsin Realtors Association

Keefe — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 13:36:43 +0000

November 1, 2011…Lake Geneva, Wisconsin…Rob Keefe Leads State’s Largest Trade Association. Local real estate broker and third generation entrepreneur, Robert W. Keefe, has recently been installed as the Chairman of the Board of the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA). Keefe was sworn in by his father, Michael Keefe, at the organization’s annual conference, attended by hundreds of real estate and related professionals throughout the state.

Known locally as Rob Keefe, President of Keefe and Associates, the newly installed leader begins his tenure with three key objectives, or areas of focus. The first is agent professionalism. “Clearly, this is not a job for amateurs,” Keefe says regarding assisting clients with the navigation toward their most significant investments. He adds, “I believe that holding a high standard of professionalism among our members should be a top priority for the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association. As in any profession, setting the standards of professionalism, knowledge, and ethical practice comes from a professional association of peers. I plan to ensure that the WRA fulfills that role for the practice of real estate in Wisconsin.” Next, is fundraising. “One of the most important functions of the WRA is to represent the interests of our members and Wisconsin private property owners to state government,” he says. “We have been exceptionally effective in that regard, and the WRA is widely regarded as one of the most important lobbying organizations in Wisconsin. I will lead an effort to re-examine our lobbying and fundraising organization to ensure that we are well-positioned to remain effective and relevant in this environment.” Third, is legislative. “Due in part to the effectiveness of our lobbying efforts, we are blessed with one of the most pro-REALTOR®, pro-private property legislative environments in many years. Now is the time to examine the laws and regulations governing the practice of real estate in Wisconsin. We will work to conduct a thorough review of our laws and regulations to identify those rules and regulations and work expeditiously to address them with the legislature and executive branch departments.”

“Rob doesn’t let any grass grow under his feet,” says Michael Keefe of his son. “He will be good at being president because he will be good at getting things accomplished that are valuable and useful to the organization. Rob is very open. He’s somewhat easygoing, but also intense about getting things accomplished. He will be a ‘people’s president,’ so to speak. That will be one of the hallmarks of his administration.”

“Rob accepted this role because he knows he can make a difference,” says Steve Beers, President of Keefe Real Estate.

About Rob Keefe: A native of Lake Geneva, Rob attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served nine years in the U.S. Navy, prior to returning to Wisconsin in 2000. After managing Keefe’s mortgage operations from 2001-2003, he was appointed as President of Keefe & Associates, Inc, Keefe Real Estate’s parent company, in 2004. In this role he oversees Keefe’s real estate brokerage, affiliate services, and development activities. Rob holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Business.

About Keefe Real Estate: Based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, Keefe has over 90 agents in seven offices and sales of more than $525 million annually.

About the WRA: The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state, representing over 13,400 real estate brokers, salespeople and affiliates statewide. Its membership includes REALTORS®, appraisers, inspectors, affiliate members and others involved in the real estate process.

Holiday Celebrations at Lake Geneva, Wi Shops

Keefe — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:04:45 +0000

Cornerstone Shop & Gallery Holiday Celebration
Saturday, November 12th & Sunday, November 13th – 12-4 pm

In conjunction with downtown Lake Geneva’s Holiday Open House weekend, the Cornerstone Shop & Gallery is holding its Holiday Celebration Nov. 12-13 from 12-4 pm both days.

Enjoy holiday refreshments, music and cheer throughout the weekend. Featuring the latest on-trend holiday decor and gifts, the store is offering special gift with purchase promotions, personalized gifts and product samples.

Children’s silhouette artist Terry Bramble will be creating portraits on Saturday (visit the store’s website for details), and children’s ornament painting is scheduled for 12-3 on Sunday.

Drawings will be held throughout the weekend for great gifts, including passes to Grand Geneva Resort & Spa’s Hooray for the Holidays musical.

The first 100 customers with purchases of $100 or more will receive a complimentary gift.

Visit www.cornerstoneshoppe.com for more information and a schedule of events.

Guest post by Cornerstone Shop & Gallery, Lake Geneva, WI.

Thinking about Christmas Yet? Paper Dolls Home Furnishing of Lake Geneva, WI is Hosting a Christmas Open House!

Keefe — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:28:57 +0000

Paper Dolls Home Furnishings of Lake Geneva, WI will be hosting a Christmas Open House for the Lake Geneva;, WI area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, November 17, from 5 to 7 PM. Come and experience the feeling that you’ve stepped into a “Christmas Wonderland,” with uniquely-decorated and themed trees, lovely dining table decor, Christmas linens, garlands, wreaths, and ornaments. This year we also have several large, stunningly beautiful, hand-made Santa’s; one riding a giant brown bear, one on an original European antique sleigh, and another, (dressed in pale green,) surrounded by woodland creatures. From the East Room done in varying shades of aqua, creams, and browns, to more “traditional” shades throughout the store, you’re sure to find great ideas to decorate your own home for the upcoming holidays.
Please join us for refreshments and a touch of old-fashioned Christmas! Our location is in “Geneva Square,” (138 E. Geneva Square,) Lake Geneva, WI.

Guest post by Janet Gustafson, Paper Dolls Home Furnishings, Lake Geneva, WI

Commemorate Veterans Day in Walworth County, WI

Keefe — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:10:10 +0000

Several local municipalities have events planned for Thursday, Nov. 10th, 2011.
ElkEast Troy – at Kubicki Museum they will have their Salute to Veterans exhibit open from 11am-3pm, located: 2106 Church St, on the ET Square.
Elkhorn – Tibbets Elementary School is offering a program at 9am, open to the public to honor veterans. Also at 11am the American Legion will do a rifle salute at Wisconsin & Walworth streets in downtown Elkhorn, WI.
Delavan – Free admission to Veterans and current military; to the Walworth County Business Network event being held in honor of veterans at Delavan Lake Resort starting at 5:30pm, Thursday.
Lake Geneva- At 9:30am Lake Geneva Middle School at 600 N Bloomfield Rd will offer a Veterans Day ceremony that is also open to the public; Veterans are invited to stay for a complimentary lunch.
At 11:11, Thursday, a 21 gun salute will be presented on Main & Broad streets in downtown Lake Geneva.
Whitewater- Veterans day ceremony will commence at 11am in the university’s alumni center, Thursday.
We, at Keefe Real Estate, hope you can find time this week, to acknowledge a veteran, for more details on any of the above events, visit the WalworthCountyToday website.

Halloween Trick or Treat Times in Walworth County, WI

Keefe — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:58:49 +0000

In Walworth County we still have grand colors of fall happening. As Halloween is nearly upon us, I want to share some of the Halloween Trick or Treat times in
Walworth County. I have been informed that in Elkhorn, WI there is Operation Trick or Treat where the Elkhorn Law Enforcement teams will be checking on sex
offenders during the hours of trick or treating, making sure that offenders are compliant with their restrictions, this is the third year of this program. You’ll need to check with law enforcement in other areas to see if they have a similar
program in place. Here is a link to Elkhorn’s Operation Trick or Treat program.

Burlington: 2-5pm Oct. 25^th
City of Delavan: 4-6pm Oct. 31^st
Town of Delavan: 3-6pm Oct. 31st
East Troy: 4:30-7pm Oct. 31^st
Elkhorn: 5-7pm Oct. 31^st
Lake Geneva: 1-4pm Oct. 31^st

If you are looking for additional areas & times, check out the link at
Walworth County Today. A few reminders, kids should be chaperoned while trick or treating, wear
reflective or light clothing when possible or consider having them carry a
flashlight. Wherever you decide to trick or treat within Walworth County, WI
please be safe & inspect the children’s candy closely. Happy Halloween to everyone choosing to trick or treat in Walworth County, WI from Keefe Real Estate.

One Stop Shop in Elkhorn, WI

Keefe — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:46:09 +0000

Hoss’s Hometown Fudge & More is a one stop shop in Elkhorn, WI. This has to be the most unique combination of treats for the whole family ~ including your pet! This store has about 10 different types of homemade fudge and they feature a flavor of the week. This weeks’ specialty is Carmel Apple Pie Fudge. If fudge is a bit too rich for your taste buds, pick from 30 varieties of ice cream. While you are there, don’t forget to take something home for your four legged friends. You won’t believe the assortment of pet food and treats they have in stock. If you are looking for reasonably priced pumpkins, they have quite a selection of these also. Open every day from 7am to 7pm at N5876 Highway 12/67, Elkhorn, WI. I hope to see you there!

Guest post by Marcey Johnson, Keefe Real Estate – Elkhorn, WI

Lake Geneva, WI Cornerstone Shop & Gallery Artist Inspires Students

Keefe — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:40:40 +0000

The Lake Geneva, WI Cornerstone Shop & Gallery hosted a panel discussion and book signings on October 15th featuring successful and motivational authors Carolyn Gable, John Powers, Ben Merens and Mary Anne Radmacher.
Ms. Radmacher is an artist and writer who pairs her inspirational writing with original, handcrafted art to accent the power of her words. Her beautiful books, posters, journals and other artwork are inspiring and motivational, and her work has been featured on CNN, HGTV, Oprah and the New Yorker, among others. She is included in the most recent edition of the Oxford Dictionary of American Quotations. She has a long-standing relationship with the Cornerstone Shop and traveled from Seattle for this event.
While in town, Ms. Radmacher volunteered her time help elementary and middle school students at Woods School identify their personal strengths and unique artistic style through writing and journaling. Pictured are (from left) Ed Brzinski, Woods School Principal; Karin Bennett, Cornerstone Shop & Gallery owner; and Mary Anne Radmacher.
More than 75 guests attended the panel discussion Saturday evening and donated over $200 and 100 items to the WC Food Pantry. In addition, the store donated $300 to Carolyn Gable’s “Expect a Miracle” Foundation, which assists single women and men who are working and trying to do well for their children, but are unable to provide the extracurricular activities that help a child build strong character to succeed in today’s society.
Through the month of October, the Cornerstone Shop & Gallery is accepting donations of non-perishable food items, toiletries or checks made out to the Lake Geneva Food Pantry.
The Cornerstone Shop & Gallery is located at 214 Broad St., at the corner of Broad and Main Streets in downtown Lake Geneva, WI. (262) 248-6988.

Vacation and Investment home Financing Trends are Changing in Southeastern, WI:

Keefe — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 13:41:01 +0000

The Realtors Confidnece Index has recently reported that there are changes occuring in the financing of vacation and investment homes. For vacation homes that are found through out the Lake Geneva, Delavan, Browns Lake, Lauderdal Lakes, Whitewater, Twin Lakes and Lake Beuhlah area in Southestern Wisconsin we’re seeing that in the area of 63% were using a mortgage to finace these homes verses 75% in 2007. The big jump comes in the investment home market that saw approximatley 68% of the homes financed in 2007 with a mortgage verses only 39% in 2011. Investment properties also saw an increase in the downpayment from 22% to 30% over the same time period. This certainly reflects to some degree the challenges faced today in obtaining mortgages.

As a comparison the primary home financing has remained fairly unchanged with 91% getting a mortgage on their home today verses 92% in 2006.

Guest post by Steve Beers, President, Keefe Real Estate.

October 2011

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 12:22:28 +0000

October 2011

Cornerstone Shop & Gallery Hosts Inspirational Evening

Keefe — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:41:58 +0000

Saturday, October 15th • 6-7:30 pm

The Cornerstone Shop & Gallery invites you to reflect and explore your own possibilities during an inspirational evening featuring a panel discussion and book signings with successful and motivational authors Carolyn Gable, Ben Merens, John Powers and Mary Anne Radmacher.

Carolyn Gable is the CEO & President of New Age Transportation and founder of the Expect a Miracle Foundation. She has been a guest speaker at the Chicago Economic Club and on news shows including 20/20 and WGN Radio. John Powers created and produced the Broadway musical “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” and is a highly acclaimed author of four best-selling novels. He has also received two Emmy awards for his work in television. Ben Merens is the host of “At Issue” on WPR. His new audio book, “People Are Dying to be Heard,” helps his audience become better listeners and improve interpersonal interactions. Mary Anne Radmacher pairs her inspirational writing with original and handcrafted art to accent the power of her words. Her beautiful books, posters, journals and other art are inspiring and motivational, and her work has been featured on CNN, HGTV, Oprah and the New Yorker, among others.

A meet and greet and book signing will take place from 4-6 pm, followed by the panel discussion from 6-7:30 pm. Additional book signings are scheduled from 7:30 pm until the store closes at 8:15 pm. Complimentary light appetizers and refreshments from Gooseberries Fresh Food Market will be served.

This is a free event, but voluntary donations to the WC Food Pantry will be collected. Advance registration is required for the panel discussion.

Visit www.cornerstoneshoppe.com for more information and to register.

July 2011

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July 2011

February 2011

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February 2011

October 2010

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October 2010

July 2010

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July 2010