October 2009 Newsletter

The Off Season is Far From

Here it is, almost the middle of October, and we are just getting around to sending out newsletter of the month. I, yi, yi!! The truth is, it has just been too wonderful, too beautiful and too fun to sit at the computer any longer than necessary. So much happened during the first week of October in regards to events, weather and business that it feels as though a month has already passed. To give you an example, check out the attached video clip called A Week In Tahoe (link on the left) demonstrating one little week in Paradise. Sun, Snow, Sun!

This issue of our newsletter focuses on the South Lake Tahoe real estate market, upcoming information regarding a new blog site, tips for sprucing up your home, upcoming events and, of course, the continual plug for Tahoe Home Lookout Services.

South Lake Tahoe Market Update

The South Lake Tahoe real estate market continues to see increased numbers of sales while the median home price remains strongly affected by short and bank-owned sales. According to the South Tahoe Association of Realtors’ MLS, when comparing the first three quarters of 2009 to the same period in 2008, we find that the number of sales has increased from 253 to 296 while the average sales price has dropped from $491,000 to $389,000 while the average sale to list price remains around 94%. The median home price has dropped from $405,000 to $315,000 largely due to stress sales.

Unit sales for single-family homes on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe were up approximately 12% as compared to 2008. Again, these sales were strongly affected by the increase in the lower priced homes where there was actually a 25% increase in the number of sales. The median price for Lake Tahoe, Nevada homes following the third quarter reports was approximately $590,000 which was around 18% less than the same time in 2008.

While we have seen a significant impact as a result of the first time Home Buyer tax credit (see last month’s newsletter for more information,) our strongest pool of buyers have been primarily investors entering the market. If you are interested in a brief overview of the national and statewide real estate updates, check the Quick Links to the left (under National and California) for current information.

September Newsletter

Our Tahoe Blogs

Last month, we received numerous compliments and encouragement to do more photo videos following our posting of the Beach Night Dinner Finale. Locals, second home owners and many planning on moving here shared with us their enjoyment of the images capturing the beauty of the Tahoe lifestyle. As a result, we have decided to put together a second blog titled “Living Lake Tahoe.” We should be up and running in the next couple of weeks so be sure to check our website at www.HomeInTahoe.com for updates.

In fact, if you enjoy reading these articles and would like to be notified when they are ready to be viewed, provide us with your email address and we will be happy to notify you when new posts are available. And please remember, the more comments you make, the better for us in regards to our website presence.

Our current blog site focuses on the South Lake Tahoe real estate market. Here we post weekly market updates, neighborhood market updates and new listings. If you are interested in receiving these notifications as well (or instead of,) just let us know.

Quick Fixes to Spruce Up Your Home

I recently stopped by a recent buyer and future prospective seller’s home to give them a current market evaluation. The home had just been purchased within the past six months and they were curious as to whether or not their improvement efforts were going to pay off. I rather felt like one of those Realtors on a home improvement show. Worried that I was going to have to deliver some bad news, I just about fell over backward when I saw the change. And best of all, they spent VERY little in the process. After seeing what they had done and for how little, I thought I would pass along some of their tips for you that might be thinking of resale of simply putting on a fresh look prior to the holidays.

For under $2,000 dollars the new owners focused their attention on the WOW factor of kitchens and baths. Within the kitchen, old lighting fixtures were replaced with a more modern, energy-efficient style, the door handles and faucets were upgraded with clearance sale products, cabinet doors were sanded and painted and new face panels were put on their dated appliances. (Turns out their dishwasher had a reversible front panel with which they matched the rest of the appliances.)

In the two bathrooms, they replaced old toilets and vanities (which they said were easy to install,) had the tubs resurfaced and laid down tile floors themselves. Evidently, they took a class on doing this kind of work at a local Home Depot. My favorites were the large, fun mirrors that they picked up on a clearance sale at Pier 1.

Their small dining area came to life with a fun lighting fixture that they picked up at a flea market to which they some spray paint and white Christmas lights woven throughout the framework. The theme of the white lights was carried through to their dining table center piece and the adjacent window overlooking the yard. Really fun and inviting!

They MORE than recovered their costs. All I can say is poor Don. Now I want to attack my house instead of work. Bring back the 50’s. I want to stay home. (insert smiley face here.)

October Activities

Oktoberfest and the Kokanee Festival are behind us yet there are plenty of schedule events in our immediate future. Take a look.

• Oct. 9-17: The 1st Annual Arts Expo Week sponsored by the Tahoe Art League (TAL), Tahoe Arts Project, Tahoe Tallac Association, the Lake Tahoe Community College and the El Dorado Arts Council.
• Oct. 12-17: Movies, photography, and comedian Gustavo Arrellano will be featured during the Hispanic Heritage celebration at the Lake Tahoe Community College, October 15-17, 2009. Don’t miss the hysterical comedy of Gustavo on October 16th, as he breaks down stereotypes with laughter. Monday, October 12, will kick off with a photographic history of Ameca from 1895-1968.
• Oct. 13: The Tahoe Art League’s Sphere of Influence youth/student art program and the Apres Wine Co. present the “Graffiti Minded Creations” youth art exhibition and sale at the TAL Showcase Gallery & Apres Wine Company, 3668 Lake Tahoe Blvd.,
• Oct. 14-15: Tahoe Art League presents the annual ART EXPO 12-9pm. Free admission. Meet the Artists each evening from 7-9pm. Refreshments and Raffles. Over 35 local fine artists.
• Oct. 14: Living Voices uses a unique combination of theater, video and live interaction to create a high impact experience allowing audiences to discover history’s relevance to their lives. 5:30pm performance at Edgewood Tahoe
• Oct. 16: The Lake Tahoe Educational Foundation is sponsoring a Food Fest on Friday from 6:30-10 P.M. at Harvey’s Convention Center to raise funds for enrichment programs in all schools in Lake Tahoe Unified School District. This fun community activity will feature great food by local restaurants, beer and wine tasting, a silent auction, and music at.
• Oct. 16: Alice Cooper’s Theatre of Death Tour 2009 at Harrah’s. Show starts at 9:00
• Oct. 20: Lets Get Together Tour 2 at MontBleu. Nothing has ever been done quite like this on the in the Action sports world. Combining the creative expressions of top local and national artists, filmers, photographers and musicians.
• Oct. 24: Laurence Juber in Concert at the Lake Tahoe Community College Duke Theater & Frank Sinatra Jr. at Harrahs
• Oct. 31: Montbleu Resort is proud to present the 31th Annual Freakers Ball. Lake Tahoe’s longest running Halloween Party. Doors open up at 8:00pm

Tahoe Home Lookout

Here’s our monthly plug for the “kids”. Second second home owners, you may want to check out the Tahoe Home Lookout services. Among the many services they provide are window cleaning, snow removal, monthly check-ups on vacant homes and so And soon on the scene – house cleaning. much more.

This could be the perfect time to get ready for the upcoming stormy months. Check them out! Just click on their logo or the link below and rest a bit more this winter.

Tahoe Home Lookout Services