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Showing posts from 2013

Elks Host Thanksgiving Dinner at Town Park

     The Walworth-Lakeland Elks Club will be hosing a complimentary Thanksgiving dinner at the Town of Delavan Community Park on Thursday, November 28, 2013.      The dinner is free to anyone in need, less fortunate, or wanting some Thanksgiving companionship.  No one will be turned away.  The food is all being donated and will be cooked and served by local volunteers with special assistance from The Village Supper Club.      Food service will begin at 11 am and continue until 4 pm in the afternoon.  In addition to a complimentary meal with all the holiday fixings, there will be a large screen television set up with satellite service, compliments of The Dish Dealer, that will have some of the holiday football games.      Those unable to find transportation to the event can have a meal delivered compliments of Boy Scout Troop #328, Cub Scout Pack #327 and Venturing Crew 2010.  To schedule a food delivery, individuals can call 262-749-4621.

Jackson Park offers cheapest Boat Slip on Delavan

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     It is one of the shortest public streets in the town of Delavan and yet has the largest dock on the lake.  With its U-Shaped configuration, Jackson Park places boats on the outside and swimming on the inside of this ideally configured lakefront park pier. Jackson Park has a safe swim area surrounded by boat slips on outside of the pier.      Along both sides of the street, which leads from North Shore Drive directly to the water, are cute cottages and lake homes, most which are used only during the summer months.  Except one - 1605 Jackson Park Drive - which has been a year round home for over 37 years.      So what does that mean?  It means a quality, cared for, home without the worries of seasonal use.  It means a new roof, furnace, and maintained structure.  And on days like today, when the temperature is below freezing, it means a warm sturdy structure to return to when you're finished ice fishing, snowmobiling, or cross country skiing along the lakefront. 1605 Ja

How much for that Delavan Lake Home in the Window?

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     Dollars are being stretched on Delavan Lake, even with a reduction in inventory and a solid sales season.  Many owners want to sell before the end of the year and have marked down the goods like it was Black Friday.      So what can you buy at different price points on Delavan Lake? Starter Cottage - Only $70,000 for 2-bedroom with lake rights. Tire swing included!      For $70,000 you can get a two-bedroom cottage with lake rights including a boat launch, pier and beach.      For $170,000 you can purchase a well maintained home that comes with a boat slip, swim area and park. Your own lakefront for only $259,000.  Private pier on quite Delavan Inlet.      For $259,000 you can enjoy your own lakefront on the Delavan Inlet, with picturesque views of protected wetlands, your own pier, boat slip and fishing a few steps away. Romantic balcony views with your main body lakefront get away.      For $400,000 you can be on the main body with full lake views, two piers

Placing Properties in Delavan's Proper Pricing Zone

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     Properly priced properties continue to sell on Delavan Lake.  2408 North Shore recently sold for $1,005,529      The most recent example, located at 2408 North Shore Drive, is a magnificent 6,500 square foot six-bedroom with panoramic views of the main body.  Custom built in 2001 for its discriminating owners, the great room featured a river of stone flowing through handcrafted hickory floors.      Listed originally at an excessive $1,475,000, the 30% rule came crashing the party, and slashed the accepted offer price to just over $1,000,000.  This is typical of what we are seeing in the area.  Homes listed at the peak of 2007 need a 30 percent haircut to get them to current value levels if owners expect to get a sale.  Once there, the demand is still strong, with a very limited inventory of product available in the $700,000 to $1 million range. 2351 South Shore purchased for $1.222,500, now available for $975,000      One such example, is the four bedroom lake retreat

Town of Delavan taxes flat - Sanitary District taxes spike upward.

The Town of Delavan Supervisors voted on November 12, 2013 to approve the 2014 budget.  Only minor changes were needed to be made to the posted proposal.  There was in increase in $9000 for Fire Department benefits, a $6000 increase in the contingency fund and a $15,000 reduction in capital spending.  Overall, the budget held taxes steady for the third year in a row.  The total budget for 2014 is $3,772,746 which is down slightly from $3,776,003 in 2013.  Spending for the town is broken down in the following areas: General Government                  $577,104 Public Safety                              $1,725,329 Public Works                              $751,575 Lake Maintenance                      $   18,500 Cultural/Recreation                    $134,120 Conservation/Development        $57,300 Debt Service                               $393,987 Tourism                                       $4,750 Contingency                                $10,081 Capital Improvement

Delavan Lake 3rd Quarter Summary

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Delavan Lake property sales are up 17 percent this year compared to last.   Activity remains strong and viewings of listings show that there remains a healthy interest in area real estate. HOME SALES For the first nine months, there were 17 lakefront properties sold and 25 lake access properties sold.   Last year at this time there were only 12 lakefronts sold and 23 lake access properties sold.   The sold lake access properties ranged from a $53,000 two-bedroom dilapidated foreclosure in the Delmar Subdivision to a $250,000 dated three-bedroom ranch in Lakewood Estates that included a boat slip on the Outlet.   The lakefronts sales ranged from a $267,000 three-bedroom, one-bath remodeled home with 90 feet of frontage on Delavan Inlet to a $1,250,000 four-bedroom, five-bath property with an in-ground swimming pool and 100 feet of prime, level frontage on South Shore Drive.   CONDO SALES There have been 12 Delavan Lake condo sales so far this year compared to 11 last y

Delavan Lake sets Oktoberfest Celebrations

     The Town of Delavan Park and Tourism Committee has arranged for two events this year at the Community Park.      First will be Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 26, 2013.  The event starts at 5:00 pm.  The doors will be open to the public and food and drink will be available.  The activities include a dance group from Rockford, IL, the D'Waldstadttaenzer Dance Troup, which will perform at 6:00 pm.  This will be followed by The Steve Meisner Band at 7:00 pm.      Additional attractions include a variety of German beer, wine, food, pastries and deserts along with a Gift Haus which will have a variety of German themed items for sale.      The event is free of charge and is co-sponsored by the Town of Delavan Friends of the Parks. Oktoberfest Celebration Saturday, October 26, 2013 5:00 Doors open 6:00 D'Waldstadttaenzer Dance Troups 7:00 The Steve Meisner Band      The Town of Delavan will also hold their Annual Children's Halloween Party on Sunday, October 2

Town of Delavan Finance Committee Sets 2014 Budget

     The Town of Delavan Finance Committee has finished their work on the 2014 budget for the Town.  The budget, which holds spending level and does not include any new taxes will now go to the town board for approval at the budget hearing on Tuesday November 12, 2013.      This is the third year in a row that the Town of Delavan has not raised taxes on citizens.  The $3.7 million budget keeps spending similar to 2013 for all departments.  Spending on capital items is proposed to have an increase of $15,000 in 2014 to a total of $115,000.

Season End Values on Delavan Lake

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     Summer is near its end, but the values continue to emerge on Delavan Lake.  The best values are for those seeking a smaller lake property such as a two-bedroom house or a one-bedroom condo.      In particular, you can purchase a two-bedroom, two-bath home with extensive lake views, private pier, remodeled kitchen and gas fireplace for only $395,000.  Extensive lake view from master bedroom balcony.      Located at the end of Lakeshore Drive, just off of the South Shore, this home has been brought up to date with a newer roof, mechanicals, windows and carpet.  The main floor features an open concept living area with direct views of the water, kitchen with new stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and wood floor. Cozy up to the fieldstone fireplace on the chilly winter nights.      Upstairs are two large bedrooms, a shared bath, and a private balcony with spectacular lake views.      The home is ready to use and enjoy and is the least expensive lakefront on the

First $1 Million Sale for 2013 on Delavan Lake

     Finally we have a sale this year above the $1 million mark on Delavan Lake.  And it only took until the end of August.  Last year, we had sales above the $1 million as early as April.      The most recent purchase, located at 3331 South Shore Drive, took a long and exhausting path of price reduction after price reduction to get the job completed.      Initially listed for a ridiculous $2,900,000 in October of 2008, this six bedroom, six bath, Frank Lloyd Wright look-alike was finally chopped to a more reasonable $1,295,000 before accepting an offer for $1,200,000.      Resting on 1.3 acres with 140 feet of prime lakefront, the home is an attractive Prairie Style knock off with over 5,000 square feet of living space.  Deferred maintenance and a choppy floor plan held buyers back on this lakefront until a reasonable listing price was established.

Delavan Island Home Slashes Price to Sell

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     The dated Delavan Island walk out ranch, with a dilapidated boat house and extensive views has finally sold.  Coming on the market for $999,000 back in February of 2011, this home drew curiosity seekers wondering if the old camp property could be brought back to life.      Many buyers passed on a purchase after witnessing the condition of the boat house and the dated interior.  There were a number of redeeming features, however, including 172 feet of lake frontage and spectacular lake views from the boat house.      The boat house, however, blocks the views of the main house and the primary structure sits far back from the water.  Also, the frontage is not as desirable at the rest of the main body due to the amount of vegetation on the neighboring lakefront.      Offering three bedrooms and a walk out lower level, many buyers were also turned off by the lack of a driveway and shared access over the neighbor's property.      The sale price of $700,000, while looking to so

Spec Delavan Lake Home Finally Sells

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     Starting at $1,250,000 the poorly designed Delavan Lake spec home at the end of Glen Eyrie has finally sold after four years on the market.  Of course the sales was at a substantial discount from the profit driven original price.       Glen Eyrie used to be part of the Buzzell Farm and was divided into a subdivision in the 1960's.  The lot at the end of the road was to be reserved for homes on North Shore Drive to enjoy and was not intended to be built on.      Lawyers will be lawyers, however, and money here and there resulted in building permits being issued for a spec house with many design flaws and little appeal to the typical lake buyer.      The home had no master suite, no garage, no direct walk out to the lake and shares its frontage with seven other homes.  All of these families have the right to walk in the front yard and use the pier at any time.  Additionally, the home is only allowed one boat slip unless others in the association agree to allow a second.  

Value Listings Fill Void on Delavan Lake

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     With the sweet spot of activity in the $600,000 to $800,000 range, the listings on Delavan Lake recently dried up as all the offerings were snatched up by value conscious lake buyers.      The drought was ended with the addition of three properties, all in the $600,000 range coming to the market.  All have less than 50 feet of frontage and all have their pros and cons.      First is a repeat listing at 2504 North Shore Drive.  This three bedroom, four bath home, was originally put on the market in 2010 for $899,000 and has now been relisted for $699,900.  The property sits on a tight 43 feet of frontage with close neighbors and no front yard.  It is in excellent condition, however, and has been completely rebuilt on the site of one of the oldest homes on Delavan Lake. 2504 North Shore Drive      Next is the value listing at 1907 South Shore Drive.  Offering stellar views of the entire lake and a large front level lawn for outdoor enjoyment, this three bedroom home has 49 fe

Delavan Lake Real Estate 1st Half Summary - 2013

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Sales of Delavan lakefront properties are up slightly for the first half of the year while inventory continues to fall.   The drop in inventory has created quick bids on both lakefronts and lake access homes with some recent listings getting accepted offers within a week. HOME SALES For the first six months, there were seven lakefront properties sold and 15 lake access properties sold.   Last year at this time, there were six lakefronts sold and 15 lake access properties sold (the same as this year).   The lake access properties this year ranged from a $53,000 two-bedroom foreclosure in the Delmar subdivision to a spacious $250,000 three-bedroom ranch with a finished basement and boat slip in Lakewood Estates.   The lakefronts ranged from a $267,000 three-bedroom on 90’ of Delavan Inlet waterfront to a $915,000 five-bedroom, four-bath South Shore property with 49’ of lakefront. Inlet Shore three-bedroom sold for $267,000 CONDO SALES Delavan Lake condominium sales ar

Delavan Lakefront Deals Heat Up

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     Activity is heating up on Delavan Lake and many sellers don't want to miss the action.  There are now five waterfront properties available for under $500,000.  Each one is ready to use today.  Not a tear down, not a foreclosure, not a short sale or ugly stepsister (sorry Amy, no offense). Lakefront patio on 2210 Fleming Drive       The first is a fabulous remodeled three-bedroom on the north shore.  Located at 2210 Fleming Drive, this retreat features wood floors, granite counters, large yard and a private beach.  It is available for only $499,000. Spacious deck for entertaining on 4146 Blue Gill       Next is 4146 Blue Gill.  Another three-bedroom lake home with large waterfront deck, excellent lake views and south shore frontage.  This gem is listed for only $489,000. 40 feet of lakefront comes with 2324 Lake Shore       Cute and cozy is the house at 2324 Lake Shore Drive.  With 40 feet of frontage, this property is a carefree three-bedroom with a small yard a

Assembly Park Listings Expand

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     Assembly Park on Delavan Lake has always been an area where families hang onto homes for generations and when something new comes on the market, it sells fast.  Now, three new listings have just been added to this coveted community. Assembly Park offers a top notch beach, swim pier and boat launch      One of the new listings, located at 1410 Indian Trail is close to the main park and sports direct views of Delavan Lake.  Rebuilt in 1994, this family retreat is unique to the park in that it has a full basement and first floor master suite. Open concept great room with direct lake views and fireplace      The open concept main level is perfect for large gatherings with its gas fireplace, lake views and generous seating area.      Upstairs are three spacious bedrooms and a second full bathroom.  Rumor has it the house can sleep 22 guests comfortably. Maintenance free exterior and plenty of parking      Listed for only $275,000, this lake home offers an affordable

Unique Value Offered on Delavan Lake's Cedar Point

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     Every once in a while, a stellar value becomes available on Delavan Lake.  A home that is a showpiece that has been created over a number of years with special features and amenities few homes can offer.      The opportunity has been created once again with the gated family friendly compound located at 1617 Cedar Point Drive.  Expansive gardens and 132 feet of private lakefront Four season sun room with office and library on left      Starting with the garden-lined entry gates leading into the brick drive, this home site offers stunning views, perennial flowers and flowing fountains.  The property is made up of a main five-bedroom home, a four-car detached garage with apartment, and a second three-car garage with work shop.  There is 132 feet of private lakefront, a protective seawall and small boat house. Gated entry and brick driveway       Leading past the first garage, guests enter into the main building with an expansive great room that leads into a four-seaso

Delavan Lake Fireworks June 29, 2013

     The Town of Delavan will hold its annual Independence Day celebrations on June 29, 2013.  The activities will take place at the spacious community park located at the intersections of South Shore Drive and Highway 50 on Delavan Lake. 1:00 PM - BINGO 1:30 PM - CARDBOARD BOAT RACES 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM MUSIC 9:30 PM - FIREWORKS      Events will include Bingo at starting at 1 pm, food and beer garden, live music and fireworks over the lake at dusk.  The explosion in the sky can be viewed by boat or on land.  There is plenty of parking and admission is free.

Lake Access Sales Heating Up

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     The market for Delavan Lake access properties is starting to heat up with summer fast approaching.  Last week three additional homes were sold with a variety of lake rights bringing the total to 10 for the year.      One such bargain was located at 2241 Fleming Drive, just off of Delavan's beautiful North Shore.  This two-bedroom cottage, resting on under a quarter acre, boasted lake views from multiple angles, a large deck and a clean, fresh interior.       Sold furnished for $144,000, the home represents an excellent starter lake property for a family trying to determine the best location around Delavan Lake to settle.  With its spacious sun porch and cathedral ceiling, the property was in hot demand with multiple parties wanting to put in offers.

Mid Size Delavan Lake Values

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     Often a lake home buyer wants a spacious place to entertain, but doesn't want the upkeep of a larger waterfront property.      A couple routes to explore are single family deeded condominiums and channel-front properties.  Both of these options offer larger homes, without the cost of lakefront taxes or the cost of additional maintenance.  Windtree Acres Lakefront Deck     An example of a single family deeded condominium are the homes in Windtree Acres.  This small association of only twelve homes along a private drive gives each member access to a lakefront pier, boat slip, deck and yard area.  The unit owners maintain their structures, but pool together resources for the upkeep of the yards, roadway, and pier system.  The arrangement also creates lower overall taxes since the lakefront is shared among all owners. 1600 Windtree Lane      There is one home available in the Windtree Association.  Located at 1600 Windtree Lane, just off of North Shore Drive, this hom