Praise such as, “ Tahoe offers a rare combination of omnipresent sunshine (three out of four days) and some of the nation’s deepest annual snowfalls (40-plus feet)”  were listed as well as comments on the exceptional mountain biking and hiking opportunities.  The article went on to discuss the redevelopment of the area and starting home prices.  They stated that one could find an entry level home on the California side under $200,000 with the Nevada side being approximately 25% higher.  They also pointed out the current great values within the Tahoe Keys of which we agree.

The magazine also had a fun quiz to help one decide whether or not they should realistically consider themselves a second home owner and in which areas a buyer should be wise.  We recommend this article for second home buyers considering the Tahoe area.

Orbitz, an international travel company also gave Lake Tahoe recent high praise. In February, 2010, they claimed that Lake Tahoe was ranked as the number one ski destination in the world. In fact, this was the third year in a row that Lake Tahoe received this status.

Those of us that live here, know that  we are pretty lucky souls.  Wages may be lower, jobs a bit harder to secure and museums harder to find.  Never-the-less, we wake up and fall asleep to Mother Nature’s glory – never knowing what tomorrow (or the next hour) may bring.  It’s all an adventure. This is certainly “bringing the good life home” and fun to see a national magazine take notice.

Lake Tahoe Real Estate Broker Website Reveals Exclusive Neighborhood Data South Lake Tahoe real estate agents, Don and Theresa Souers, unveil exclusive monthly and weekly website updates and blog posts on the state of the Lake Tahoe real estate market.

South Lake Tahoe, CA (Press Release) August 21, 2008 — When it comes to investing, knowledge is key. Those that take the time to research and make educated decisions generally find themselves in positions of security within their investments. With the intention of aiding those that take the initiative to study the South Lake Tahoe real estate market, Don & Theresa Souers have added two new kinds of content to their Lake Tahoe real estate website.

First, they have created a section called, “Learn About the Neighborhoods” in which every individual neighborhood within the South Lake Tahoe area is identified, described for its unique characteristics, strengths and proximity to popular destinations. Within each neighborhood, a data chart is provided that shows the market activity for the previous twelve months. These Lake Tahoe real estate activity charts illustrate each neighborhood’s number of homes sold, list price, sold price, number of days on the market, sale to list ratio, the size and the dollar per square foot as reported by the South Lake Tahoe Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Services.

This information is updated on a monthly basis and makes it easy to follow the real estate trends in South Lake Tahoe in regards to upward or downward movement within all of the above categories.

The second real estate report for those that choose to follow market trends is provided within their weekly updates to the Souers South Lake Tahoe Real Estate Blog under the category of “Lake Tahoe Real Estate Market Update.” Each week, the number of new listings, pending and closed sales are listed and compared to that of the previous week. Also, reported are the low and high prices within each category as well as the median price. The average “days on the market” are reported for those pending and closed sales.

Theresa Souers, partner in Pinnacle Real Estate Group, Lake Tahoe says, “It seems as though a day cannot pass without the media touting the dismal state of our national housing market. What is not discussed is that the housing market, as are most markets, is cyclical in nature. In the Lake Tahoe real estate market, we have seen downward trends before, and we will see them again. But, how often have we heard the words, ‘I could have, should have’?”

Souers continues, “It is not known how long the housing market will remain in today’s current state. What is known is that it has been quite some time since we have seen such levels of affordability combined with low interest rates in the South Lake Tahoe area.”

South Lake Tahoe real estate neighborhood information can be found here: http://www.homeintahoe.com/real-estate/neighborhoods/

The Souers South Lake Tahoe Real Estate blog can be found here: http://www.homeintahoe.com/blog/

About Don & Theresa Souers

The Pinnacle Real Estate Group Lake Tahoe is a full-time, full-service agency staffed by Lake Tahoe’s hardest working real estate team. They have continuously reached among the highest market share levels for closed sales throughout the South Lake Tahoe real estate market. The new enhancements to their website http://www.homeintahoe.com/ reflects their continued commitment to finding better ways to serve real estate clients and prospects.

A Leading Lake Tahoe Real Estate Expert Explains the Most Important Benefits of Owning Lake Tahoe Real Estate

By Theresa Souers, Pinnacle Real Estate Group of Lake Tahoe, Inc.

Even in a challenging real estate market, there are substantial benefits and reasons to invest in Lake Tahoe real estate, especially in the South Lake Tahoe area.

# 10. Ideal Weather Conditions

Ever wonder why the tourist crowds are even greater in the summer than they are in the much sought-after Lake Tahoe winters or ski season? While summer finds nearby Sacramento and Reno experiencing temperatures in the 100’s and the Bay Area is socked in with fog, Lake Tahoe generally enjoys highs in the low 80’s. And, don’t let the fact that Lake Tahoe is known as a world-class ski destination fool you into thinking that the winters are uncomfortable. An average January day ranges from 15 – 41 degrees with brilliant sunshine compared to Vail (0 – 31,) Jackson Hole (5 – 28,) and Stow (1 – 25.) Most winter days, a good sweater will do the job. A storm will come in, drop the snow and leave us basking in sunlight. And to the joy of sun worshipers, the sun shines approximately 275 days a year.

# 9. Year Round Recreation

Consumers in the second home/retirement age group are more physically fit and healthier than ever before. These people are on a quest for a variety of outdoor activities. Unlike most ski or golf resorts, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone. The pristine blue waters and sandy beaches provide swimming, fishing and sun bathing. Boating enthusiasts range from kayaks to sailing to motors. The forest and mountain trails draw the hikers, bikers, rock-climbers, snow mobiles, snow shoes, cross country skiing and campers. Golf resorts range from lakeside to high desert. Photographers, painters and artists of all mediums flock to the area. Lake Tahoe offers the complete selection of recreational activities of virtually every variety, and Lake Tahoe offers them year round.

# 8. The Relaxed Atmosphere

Those people who are seeking relief from long hours inhaling exhaust fumes, long lines at restaurants, long lines at gas stations and pushing through sidewalk traffic, find themselves reveling in the joy of a 10 minute commute to nearly every destination. The average population of the entire Lake Tahoe area, including the South Lake Tahoe Stateline area, is approximately 34,000 and on most given days, “peaceful” replaces “hustle/bustle” when describing the overall atmosphere.

# 7. Real Estate’s Rolling Boom Effect

Whenever the real estate market begins a trend, it is important for real estate investors in particular to study the rolling boom effect. Generally speaking, when an area is experiencing high real estate activity, one should look to the surrounding areas for the next wave of activity. This is especially true of resort market real estate investing. Thus, the Lake Tahoe real estate market benefits from the surrounding Reno, Sacramento, and overall San Francisco Bay communities. As of February 1, 2008, we are receiving reports from colleagues within these cities that values are beginning to stabilize and that there has been increased real estate activity. Based upon the number of online inquiries for the Lake Tahoe real estate market, it appears to be just a matter of time before we are back on track. With today’s’ inventory surplus, low interest rates and the news blasting daily “doom and gloom” reports, sellers are more willing to negotiate than we have seen in a decade.

# 6. Baby Boomer Buyers

Baby boomers who are in their peak earning years, are investing actively in second homes and retirement homes. At the same time, many baby boomers are finding themselves inheriting various levels of wealth from senior family members. This generation is choosing to work longer while playing harder. These people continue to search for second homes near beaches, lakes, ski resorts and golf courses. Lake Tahoe is one of the few second home destinations that can offer all three. The word must be out – 75% of our current homebuyers are from out of the area. The Baby Boomers are the driving force behind the resort market industry and they have only just begun to invest.

# 5. Affordability

Reasonable pricing is one of the key reasons to invest in Lake Tahoe real estate. According to the South Lake Tahoe Association of Realtors MLS, the median price (based up the previous 12 months’ sales) for a single family home within Lake Tahoe’s South Shore is $449,950, less than half (and in some cases, a third) that of Vail, Aspen and Jackson Hole.

# 4. Superior Real Estate Values

While the current home values in Lake Tahoe are down from the peak of early 2006, the decrease does not come close to what we are seeing in other parts of the country. According to the National Association of Realtors’ third quarter report for 2007, the hardest hit states were: Utah, down 21.4%, New Mexico down 23.7%, Nevada down 35.3%, Maryland down 28.6%, Florida down 32%, California down 27.8% and Arizona down 30.9%. Across the nation, the average median home price is down 13.7%. Where does South Lake Tahoe real estate stand? During the same period, third quarter of 2007, the median home price was down only 4.6%. Upon the release of data on January 31, 2008, within the South Lake Tahoe neighborhoods, The Y, Tahoe Paradise, Tahoe Island Park, Stateline, Pioneer Trail, North Upper Truckee, Country Club/Elk’s Club and Black Bart areas have all reported increases in value as compared to the same time last year.

# 3. Opportunities for Supplemental Income & Vacation “House Swapping”

Lake Tahoe is a world-class vacation destination. Not only does the winter snow bring visitors from around the globe, but to the surprise of many, summer brings an even greater number of tourists. Vacation rentals bring in subsidized income which can help cover the costs of your Lake Tahoe real estate investment. When a home offers the “Tahoe Look,” dwells within a desirable location (near outdoor recreation) and includes amenities such as a hot tub or pool table, the demand increases. Many of these homes average bookings 100+ nights a year. Typically, the more bedrooms and baths a home has, the higher the income. One of our current listings, a 6 bedroom contemporary home has averaged an income over $125,000 for five years now. With today’s technology, many homeowners are choosing to manage their own rentals with a great deal of success.

Another advantage of owning a vacation home in Lake Tahoe involves the current trend of “house swapping.” Websites are available which unite homeowners around the world that are interested in trading homes for their vacations. We have clients that have swapped homes in Paris, Hawaii, and Thailand.

# 2. Strictly Limited Supply

In a nutshell, there is no chance of real estate over-development having a negative impact on the value of Lake Tahoe homes. Generally, supply is low and demand is high. Today’s current housing crisis is having its greatest negative impact in areas where endless housing tracts were developed in short periods of time. Areas like Bakersfield, CA, Phoenix, AZ and Las Vegas, NV are examples of over-development. During the 2004-2005 “boom,” investors and developers were throwing up houses at break-neck speed in hopes of huge profits. When this market came to a screeching halt, these areas were the first to see the foreclosures and will take the longest to recover. On the other hand, Lake Tahoe real estate is an environmentally protected area and as a result, growth is strictly limited. In Lake Tahoe, supply will always be in the favor of the investor, especially those able to hold tight through more challenging real estate markets, like the current one.

And, # 1. Your Quality of Life: Would You Rather Watch Your Investments or Live Them?

Everyday, we hear those who have invested in Lake Tahoe real estate praise the benefits gained through living a less stressful and more joyful life. These benefits include better health, longer life, better relationships, and so forth. How does this relate to investing? Think about it. If you are addicted to watching your investments grow, (and most of us are in one way or another) how much more pleasant would it be to do so relaxing on the beaches of Lake Tahoe rather than pulling your hair out in front of your computer. You can watch arrows going up and down or you could ride the chair lift up and swish your way down. You can listen to computer chimes or you can listen to the wind in the pines. What could be better than wrapping “quality of life” and long term investments into one “full benefits” package? Robert Frost inspired us to unite vocation with avocation. Investing in Lake Tahoe real estate is just such a venture. The pay offs can be huge.

About Theresa Souers

Theresa Souers is a partner in the Lake Tahoe real estate company, Pinnacle Real Estate Group, Lake Tahoe. She was named by the Tahoe Daily Tribune to be one of Lake Tahoe’s “Ten Most Influential Women” and in 2006 Theresa was named “Realtor of the Year” by the South Tahoe Association of Realtors. For more information about Ms. Souers and Pinnacle Real Estate Group, please visit http://www.homeintahoe.com or call 877-SOUERS 5 (877-768-3775)

By Theresa Souers, Pinnacle Real Estate Group of Lake Tahoe, Inc.

While many people are aware that South Lake Tahoe has become one of the country’s most popular resort destinations, even it today’s challenging real estate market, South Lake Tahoe continues to reign as one of the top-advised areas within California in which to invest in real estate.

In Lake Tahoe’s vibrant real estate market, inventory is approximately twice that of 2005, the median home prices are down slightly and the sellers are negotiating more than ever. Adding to the lure of the area, the word that South Lake Tahoe’s next redevelopment phase is underway is beginning to gain national attention. More details on this redevelopment is below; but most importantly, there is already enthusiasm that recalls the frenzy that took place following Vail’s purchase of South Tahoe’s Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort, it is almost certain that today’s lower values will not last long.

Larger Inventory Means More Buyer Options

The dynamic of supply vs. demand is definitely in the buyers’ corner. As of August 26, 2007, there were 586 single family residences for sale with 56 currently in escrow. This volume of inventory is considerably higher than the 366/96 reported in August, 2005 (although slightly less than the 594/46 reported August 31, 2006.)

Affordable Prices

South Lake Tahoe real estate continues to be affordable. When compared to other international resort areas, South Lake Tahoe’s median home price of $463,000 is a fraction of those found in Aspen, Colorado ($1,199,700.) Vail, Colorado ($791,000.) Park City, Utah ($605,000.) and our neighbor Tahoe City ($1,001,500.) Even when compared to the entire state of California’s median home price of $586,030, South Lake Tahoe real estate property values appear to be bargains—with the lake, mountains, blue sky and pristine seasons as added dividends.

Negotiating Leverage

Supply and demand and consumer confidence have played a great role in the negotiating strength of today’s buyers. As is common in the South Lake Tahoe real estate market, when the summer months begin to wane, sellers become more anxious to sell. In a nutshell, they want to close escrow prior to the first snowfall. As long as the inventory of homes for sale is up, there is greater room for buyers to negotiate the sales price and other accommodations. To provide some perspective on this price leverage, during 2005, the average home sold for approximately 98.5% of the list price. Today, the average home is selling for 95.8% of the asking price.

Expansive Redevelopment

Following many years of planning, dreaming and hoping, the next phase of South Lake Tahoe’s redevelopment phase is underway. Mostly rundown motels, shops and similar structures have been demolished with plans for the future underway. In their place will be a 71,000 square foot convention center and two hotel-condominiums featuring boutique shops, entertainment and proximity to nearly all that the South Lake Tahoe Stateline area has to offer. Developers are anticipating this project to bring in approximately 180,000 visitors a year.

The Right Time to Invest In South Lake Tahoe Real Estate?

History would indicate that the answer is “yes.” South Lake Tahoe’s real estate values have generally escaped the dramatic declines that have affected various regions of the state throughout the years. According to Leslie Appleton-Young, chief economist for the California Association of Realtors®, “With credit drying up in recent weeks, we expect further weakness in sales over the next few months.” She continued to add that the decline in sales continues to be driven by both tighter underwriting standards since the start of the year and the adverse psychological impact of news and information regarding increases in foreclosures and the sub-prime mortgage situation.

At the same time, in South Lake Tahoe, a door seems to have been opened and according to a recent article in Inman News, one in five economists surveyed predicted a “meaningful” recovery in U.S. housing markets before the second half of 2008. About 38 percent expected a recovery in the second half of 2008, while 42 percent said housing markets won’t turn around until 2009 or later. Our recommendation is to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented within the upcoming months.

For us personally as well as professionally, we have found that owning Lake Tahoe real estate is a far more enjoyable way in which to watch your investments grow when compared to other options. When given the choice of sitting on a the lake beach and swishing down world-class ski slopes vs. pulling out hair out watching the stock market, our choice is clear.

Building on “Realtor of the Year” and “Most Influential Woman” awards, Theresa and Don Souers open new Lake Tahoe real estate company, Pinnacle Real Estate Group, Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe, CA (Press Release) February 8, 2007 — Having been acknowledged for both their community involvement and their leadership among Lake Tahoe real estate professionals, Theresa and Don Souers are hot in what some Realtors® consider to be a cool market. “You could never have convinced us at the beginning of 2006 what would be happening by the end of last year,” exclaimed Theresa Souers.

Winning Real Estate & Community Awards

Through the Souers leadership in the South Tahoe Association of Realtors, the first award that was presented was when Theresa Souers was named one of Lake Tahoe’s “Ten Most Influential Women” by the local newspaper, the Tahoe Daily Tribune. According to the Tribune, this designation was given based upon Ms. Souers’ public involvement with both business and charity-related local organizations. The second award came late in 2006 when Theresa was named “Realtor of the Year.” This award was based upon her “going beyond the call of duty” as the 2006 President of this regional organization of Lake Tahoe real estate professionals. As the award was announced, the presenter began with the classic cliché, “When you need something done, ask a busy person.”

A Reflection of Today’s Lake Tahoe Real Estate Market

In the midst of a rapidly changing real estate market, Theresa served not only as the President of the South Tahoe Association of Realtors; but she also served as a state director with the California Association of Realtors. Among the many challenges involved with these leadership roles was the balancing act of running a successful real estate company, travel, and working on the development of a strategic plan with policies and procedures to help govern this association of Lake Tahoe real estate agents. Upon reflection, Theresa remarked, “Quite frankly, although I have been a Realtor® since 1993 and received numerous awards, it wasn’t until I experienced these past two years that I felt like I have become a true professional. This is an intense career filled with responsibilities, legalities, constant change and innovation. It takes being on top of every one of these aspects to be able to provide clients with the professional service that they deserve.”

Founding a New Company

In late 2006, in order to better serve the Lake Tahoe real estate market in these changing times, Theresa and her husband/business partner, Don opened their own company called Pinnacle Real Estate Group, Lake Tahoe. “Although we were very happy with our previous company, we were finding it somewhat constraining to stay within corporate limitations while the real estate industry was on the fast track of change. Today’s clients are creative and well informed, and the technology has simply changed the way this business is run. We are committed to creating an enterprise that delivers the highest quality of service possible to today’s savvy real estate market,” explained Don.

About The Pinnacle Real Estate Group, Lake Tahoe

The Pinnacle Real Estate Group, Lake Tahoe is comprised of a group of seasoned Lake Tahoe Realtors® that hold a common vision for the future. The group works collectively on marketing ideas, contracts, trouble-shooting and acts as a mutual support team. The work environment and decor of Pinnacle’s new office is closer to that of a warm living room than a traditional office. Sofas surround a rock fireplace while colorful stools gather at the pine log counter. There is an antique oak table and two writing tables at which clients and their agents can meet. The entire office is supported by a wireless computer network that allows for extra flexibility when working with individuals and/or groups.

Best of all, the new office has what is perhaps the most central location of all South Lake Tahoe real estate brokerages. Pinnacle is located in South Lake Tahoe at 3045 Harrison Ave. on a frontage road immediately facing Lake Tahoe Boulevard, just a few blocks from Lake Tahoe’s water’s edge.

From South Lake Tahoe to North Lake Tahoe, this newly redesigned Lake Tahoe real estate website offers unique interactive features, full service and a unique perspective on the Tahoe real estate market.

Lake Tahoe, CA (Press Release) April 14, 2006 — Veteran Lake Tahoe real estate agents,Theresa and Don Souers are pleased to announce the launch of their new Lake Tahoe real estate website: www.HomeinTahoe.com

The freshly redesigned website is designed to bring those interested in Lake Tahoe real estate a wealth of information through a single online point of access. The user-friendly, brightly colored website provides information, insights and listings for prospective property owners and real estate investors covering all aspects of Lake Tahoe including South Lake Tahoe real estate, Tahoe vacation properties, North Lake Tahoe real estate and Tahoe rental property.

State-of-the-art interactive real estate website features on HomeinTahoe.com include the complete and searchable Tahoe MLS (multiple listing service) of Lake Tahoe real estate listings for Lake Tahoe Nevada real estate, Lake Tahoe California real estate, North & South Lake Tahoe and a interactive graphic that shows all of the Souers’ featured properties on an clickable map of South Lake Tahoe. There are also unique articles on investment opportunities in Lake Tahoe real estate.

Theresa Souers and husband partner Don said “There are very few opportunities today where you can live a magical vacation on your own property and know confidently and securely you have made a wise investment! An investment that keeps on growing…” Theresa further added, “Tranquil mountains, infused with 300 days of sunshine and one of the largest fresh water lakes in North America offer a gracious entrance to your own piece of paradise.”

Tahoe vacation properties are nestled in a pristine and dramatic outdoor environment located close to the international cultural center of San Francisco, California and the excitement of Reno, Nevada. Spectacular, world-renowned Lake Tahoe provides resort living at its very best! Don Souers is convinced “the second home and vacation home market is the nation’s fastest growing real estate market and Lake Tahoe, as an international recreation destination remains on top of the recommended investment areas. The boomer generation continues to want property that pays for the play. There are lots of ways to say ‘the best’ but the simple fact is Lake Tahoe vacation properties are a ‘lifestyle’ meant to be!”

At this time, South Lake Tahoe real estate’s median price is comparable to that of the national median, which could well be a favorable buying opportunity when one considers South Lake Tahoe’s status as an internationally known resort area (including the Stateline casinos).

About Don & Theresa Souers

The Souers Tahoe Connection real estate company is a full-time, full-service agency staffed by Lake Tahoe’s hardest working real estate team. They have continuously reached the highest market share of closed sales throughout the South Lake Tahoe real estate market. The new enhancements to www.homeintahoe.com reflects their continued commitment to finding better ways to serve clients and prospects.