No matter what I try to reframe, I work in the resort community of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.   It is hard to get Buyers into the community to look at property when it is snowing and February.  I keep thinking 'tell me it isn't so' but it is.  Now, there are some folks back looking and it is either under 200K or over 4million.  (No, not all my customers!)  But I am tired of waiting to have people walk into the office....yes I advertise, but you know what I mean.   So, I decided to bring the show into the Chicago area which is about 40-50 miles outside Lake Geneva. Our Buyers are all from the Chicago marketplace.   I am holding an Open House at the Hampton Inn and Suites on Old Orchard Road in Skokie on February 26th, from 1-8 p.m.  'Lake Geneva Real Estate on the Road'  I am ready to answe... 02/23/2009

This client and I were talking the other day when he asks this question.  Now I've been doing home mortgages for nearly 15 years and I thought I did a good job explaining this, but sometimes reality hits you right in the face. To read the entire article click below: FHA mortgages for first time buyers. ______________________ For all your Lake Geneva Real Estate needs, contact Walworth State Bank today @ 262.728.4203 or visit us on our website at www.walworthbank.com!  If you are in need of a Wisconsin FHA mortgage or any other lending questions visit us at www.TravisEgan.com.   02/21/2009

01/22/2009

  As blogging is becoming so popular I have joined with several other agents on Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  Click here to find me '2' at 'www.Guidemehome2lakegeneva.com Check out all the info. on Southeastern Wisconsin. 12/09/2008

I read an article today in the Washington Post that suggested the Treasury Department was working on a plan that would allow lenders to give mortgages at 4.5%.  Now in fairness it sounds like they're still working on the details of the plan, but are interest rates the reason people aren't buying homes?  It's my belief the reason people aren't buying homes is a simple matter of jobs.  Like will they have one in the coming months?  None of my clients ever went into a home, hoping they would lose it in a foreclosure.  Most clients think long and hard before buying a home.  My realtor brethren will attest to this.  They scrutinize everything.  This is a good thing.  The thing that will stop buyers dead in their tracks is the fear of losing their jobs.  The last thing they want is to move in... 12/04/2008

I was visiting the website of one of Lake Geneva's top Realtors, Bob Webster of Keefe Real Estate, when I stumbled upon his podcast.  I was impressed with the insights he shared.  I think you will be impressed when you take the couple of minutes to listen to it.  He knows his stuff. One of the things he talks about is what an amazing time it is to purchase a home in this market.  Prices have fallen and rates are at levels we haven't seen in years.  It's worth the few minutes. Here it is: Lake Geneva Real Estate Podcast     Travis Egan Assistant Vice President Walworth State Bank 1221 South Shore DrDelavan, Wisconsin, 53115US Work: 262-728-4203 Mobile: 262-745-5055 tegan@walworthbank.com www.TravisEgan.com Lender, Lake Geneva Real Estate   12/01/2008

I know its Halloween, but have some of you lost your minds?  Are you intentionally scaring your children about the doom of our economy?  I read an article by Liz Pulliam Weston where she makes it clear some of us are doing just that.  It made me pause and ask myself if I'm in the same boat.  I catch myself on occasion speaking frankly about what's going on in the world and she brings up some valid points.  I know this; I will pay a lot better attention to it now.  Take a look and tell me what you think.  Are you doing this? Travis Egan Mortgage Planner, Lake Geneva Real Estate 10/27/2008

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin - Sure, gas prices have come down lately.  But to 34.9 cents a gallon? That's what Kelly Joosten and dozens of other motorists paid at a Citgo station Monday.  The sign advertised $3.43 for a gallon of premium fuel, but the pump cost read $0.349 a gallon. "That was amazing," said Joosten, who normally spends about $100 to fill up her 1998 Ford Expedition. Joosten proudly showed off her receipt for 25.36 gallons at $8.85.  She said she saw other motorists filling gas cans, too, at the discounted price. Station owner JP Raval says the attendant on duty couldn't figure out why the station was suddenly so busy. Raval estimated 30 to 40 customers fueled up at the incorrect price - between 200 and 300 gallons worth - for about 90 minutes. "People kept coming, so f... 10/15/2008

Today is the 7th anniversary of 911.  Almost a decade later after the tragic events and stregths that united our country and our nation's friends and I still remember where I was, how I felt, what I did on that day in 2001. I remember that my family was in Door County Wisconsin for a family wedding, my cousin had just gotten married the day before.  I remember coming into the living room where my brother was fixated on the t.v., and then I remember watching the t.v. as a plane hit the second tower.  I remember my dad, a New Yorker, pacing back and forth and saying that it was the "end of the world as we knew it".  I remember being relieved when I found out the daycare in one of the twin towers had not been occupied that day.  I remember worrying about what was next.   I remember the nee... 09/11/2008

Hi all,Can you supply me with ideas for marketing and of course, selling new construction condos within a gated community.  We have a sales center at the front of the community and customers need to be escorted by an Agent.   We have done extensive open houses but that was really for the walk-in traffic from the golf courses or folks up for the weekend that may wish to 'buy-up'.  Postcards mailings have been done, new contruction incentives have been put in place.  Advertising is starting to drive Buyers to an 800 number that connects to me.  Any other ideas that I am missing or you may have tried?  Appreciate an insite you have.  Thanks.   01/27/2008

  The following link will give you access to statistics for Lake Geneva and Walworth County, Wisconsin.  This newsletter is compliments of Keefe Real Estate, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.  Please contact me with further questions or comments.  The industry is changing daily and we are keeping at the forefront. http://www.keeferealestate.com/newsletter/newsletter_2008_01.htm 01/27/2008

Hi, I logged on to see a slew of blogs on web design.  Working with a designer can be an experience but I knew what I wanted.  That is the easy part!  But the maintenance is continual.  I thougth I had it 'done' but now realize that there is more to do or move or whatever....in the process again.  What is reallly great is that you can see the results.  I keep trying to visit as a Buyer or Seller.  What am I missing?  What could be easier?  Does this stand out or should I take it out.  Endless.   01/27/2008

Need Free WiFi? Here's Where You Can Find Free Wifi In Lake Geneva Wisconsin I often go to a local coffee shop to research, blog, and conduct phone interviews for work.  I find the change of pace refreshing. When I went to find free wifi in Lake Geneva Wisconsin for the first time, I was very disappointed.  I wanted to work from the Lake Geneva Public Library.  It has one of the best views of the lake and seemed like the perfect spot.  Unfortunately, it is a very old building and as such, has no accomodations for the those who need to be tuned in to the internet.  While I was being educated by the librarian at the Lake Geneva Public Library about the lack of Wi-Fi there, I spied a list of Wireless Internet Locations she had on her desk.  I asked about it and she graciously made be a co... 01/23/2008

You can access Lake Geneva information at Www.MargaretCanfield.com.  School information, Calendar of events, condos and lakefronts are all available at the site.   Any advice or information that you are seeking about the Lake area is important both to me and you.   09/28/2007

 One of the great advantages to living in Kenosha, WI is how close you are to Milwaukee, Chicago and of course Chicago's playground for the wealthy, Lake Geneva, WI. It never ceases to amaze me how much wealth has been created as a result of Real Estate. As I was taking a boat tour with my children, I remember coming across a mansion called Stone Manor. It was not the magnificence of the 18,000 sq' structure, but the story behind it that left an impression. In 1871 there was a little fire in the midwest known to most as The Great Chicago Fire. While every one was panicking and leaving the city of chicago in droves, a little known immigrant from Germany kept his cool and bought real estate along State Street with money he had saved while working hard as a street vendor and with almost no... 03/19/2007