January 2009 Newsletter

Hat’s off to a New Year

If it is true that how you spend the first day of the New Year will set the trend for the rest of the year, we here in Lake Tahoe are truly in for a fine 2009. Following a magical Christmas winter storm, moods are uplifted, hope for positive change is high and as I used to sing in Up With People, “Life is Getting Better Every Day . . . ” Check out this photo of Don and my friend/sister, Lynette taken the day after Christmas. Location? Right out the door in Montgomery Estates, South Lake Tahoe. If this isn’t Tahoe magic, I don’t know what is. Many thanks to photographer, Dewitt Jones for capturing this moment in blissful time.

South Tahoe Real Estate Market Report

The year-end real estate report is in and despite the doom and gloom that greats us nearly every morning via the media, while not great, the news for South Lake Tahoe is not as bad as rumors would convey.

According the to South Lake Tahoe Association of Realtors, as of January 5th, 2009, there were 400 single family homes and condos sold in 2008. this number nearly matched the 404 sold in 2007. The median home price for 2008 was $396,000 and averaged a sold to list ratio of 95% and a median of 120 cumulative days on the market. In comparison the 2007 sales reflected a median home price of $435,000 with a 96% sold to list ratio and 145 cumulative days on the market.

Overall, when comparing the 2008 median home prices are approximately 84% of the numbers reported at the end of 2006 ($474,000.) October 2006 was the peak of the South Lake Tahoe real estate market.

Local Governmental Agencies Affected by
State Budget

California’s current budget struggles have recently put an “indefinite hold” on many South Shore projects following suspension of state funds. It appears as though many of the local governmental agencies such as the California Conservancy, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board are currently in a state of confusion.

Among the projects currently on hold are: The 56-acre project, Sawmill Bike Path, Upper Truckee River Restoration Project, Bijou Area Erosion Control Project, Sierra Tract Erosion Control Project, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency’s best management practices program and numerous erosion-control projects along state highways. Also affected by the suspended funding is the Measure G bond recently voted through to improve the local schools.” However, according to Lake Tahoe Unified School District Superintendent Jim Tarwater, it is expected that the replacement of approximately 16 portable classrooms and the old boiler system along with the construction of the auto shop building and tboiler at South Tahoe High School will get underway this year.

Click Here to Read the Article Posted in the Tahoe Daily Tribune

Is Now the Time to Buy?

Fortunately, Don and I have been through some tough real estate markets before and therefore are fully aware that it is important to continue working hard to get through todays’ difficult economic times. History does repeat itself and it is important to look back from time to time to see what could be lying ahead. No panic here – just getting ready.

Traditionally, we here in Lake Tahoe watch the California Bay real estate market closely. Our market trends generally follow the Bay Area by approximately 6 – 9 months. And now more than ever, the “watch” is in full force. Interest rates are at record lows at the same time that the housing market is in a slump. These are the signs that first time homebuyers and investors have been waiting for.

According to an article we read in the San Jose Mercury News, home sales in Santa Clara County were up 14 % in November as compared to the same month in 2007. The FHA is offering some incredible opportunities and the folks are scrambling to find homes under $400,000. Under $400,000? Be sure to check out our annual South Tahoe real estate report within this newsletter.

Click Here to Read Full Article from the Mercury News

Lots to Do In January

Take a look at the old man, Don, tele-skiing at Kirkwood. Kudos to son, Scott for sharing this photo with mom who had to stay home to work. If you are planning a trip to Tahoe during the next few weeks, you may want to check out some of the following events taking place.

January 17 – is the date set for the 26th annual Kiwanis Crab Feed. The party starts at 6pm at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Dancing with 5 0′Clock Charlie, raffles and a silent auction will be among the scheduled fun. All proceeds will benefit local charitable activities. Call 775-588-6611 for more information.

January 19 – Get ready for some great laughs with comedian, Damon Wayans at MontBleau Resort. Doors open at 8 PM. Call 775)588-3515 for information.

January 23 & 24 – More laughs to be had with Don Rickles at Harrah’s, Lake Tahoe. Call 800-786- 8208 for tickets and more inforamtion

January 23-27 – Blue Gay-La, South Lake Tahoe’s Gay & Lesbian Ski Week will highlight world class skiing and nightly entertainment. Scheduled activities will include all night dance parties to the “Queen of the Mountain” competition at the “no holds barred,” Drag Race. Call: (800)AT- TAHOE for information.

January 25 – revisit the 80′s Ska Sensation, English Beat at the MontBleu Resort.

Jan. 26 – Paula Poundstone and ANT will be playing at the MontBleau Casino starting at 9 pm. Call (775)588-3515 for information.

January 30 – ACT 5th Annual Winter Party – “Pizza For Pups” The Animal Coalition of Tahoe will be hositng a fun-filled evening featuring a pizza buffet, silent auction, raffle and chances to win prizes. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to help ACT help the animals in our community! Starts: 6-7:30pm on Friday. Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for children under 13. Lake Tahoe Pizza Company, 1168 Lake Tahoe BLVD, South Lake Tahoe, CA- Call: (530)400-4766 or (530) 222-9183 or E-mail for more information.

Hard Work Pays Off

We’ve always believed in hard work. And as the total sale results are coming in for the past year, we are thrilled to announce that according to the South Lake Tahoe Association of Realtors, the Souers team, ranked among the top 5 in residential real estate sales throughout the South Lake Tahoe area. We are even more proud of the fact that the Pinnacle Real Estate Group of Lake Tahoe (just two years in business) also ranked among the top 5 offices within the same parameters (residential sales in South Lake Tahoe.) This is pretty exciting news among our company, especially when one considers that our company actually out produces the “big dogs” when looking at the number of agents involved.

And finally, we were honored to have Theresa presented with the Distinguished Service Award during the recent South Tahoe Association of Realtors Installation dinner. It was a long hard year yet the overall results are very rewarding. Now, let’s get back to work.

December 2008 Newsletter

Ode to Joy – December is Here!

As 2008 winds down, we in Lake Tahoe, along with the rest of the country find ourselves preparing to take on new visions with new leadership, measures and policies. (Be sure to check out some of the local election results below.) And as we prepare to move forward, I can’t help but think of a quote I stumbled across at a management seminar I attended last month. “You must seize control of the energy – turn it to your advantage – so it can’t be used to fortify and perpetuate the old culture.” Pritchett & Pound.

It is with these thoughts that we hope you will enjoy the following Lake Tahoe information, the upcoming holiday season and a rediscovery of your inner spirit. And then, gather all the positive energy you can and apply it in a direction that holds personal value for you and your loved ones.

South Tahoe Real Estate Market Report

The turkey’s are still fresh in our memories and probably along the waistline as well and now … finally, December in Lake Tahoe. Honestly folks, if you haven’t visited Lake Tahoe during the winter holiday season, come on up. You are in for a treat.

Following is an overview of the real estate activity for the South & Southeast Shores of Lake Tahoe during the month of November. According to the South Tahoe Association of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Services, the California side of the South Shore reported 30 closed escrows for the month of November. The total number of sales in November was down from the 48 reported in October. Within these 30 sales, the median sale price was $322,500 and a median $/SF of $252. The average time on the market was 128 days. The same month in 2007 reported 28 sales with a median home price of $437,500, a $/SF of $282 and 158 days on the market.

In Nevada, southeast side of the Lake Tahoe, the reported statistics show the following for the month of November, 2008: 9 closed sales (down from last month’s 11) with a median home price of $412,000 and 76 days on the market. The same area reported 6 closed sales and 174 days on the market for the same period in 2007. The median home sale for 2007 was not provided.

Woo Hoo – Lake Tahoe Rated #1

ATTENTION ALL WINTER RECREATION LOVERS – Lake Tahoe was once again (two years in a row) the #1 Ski Destination by The Orbitz Insider Ski Index. Factors such as hotel accomodations and vacation- package bookings play an important role in this ranking by the online travel web site which includes information on national and international destinations. To read the entire story in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, click here.

This could be great news for the Lake Tahoe tourist industry, especially when considering the current economic conditions. As more people are choosing to vacation closer to home these days, an escape to Lake Tahoe will hold strong appeal to those close enough to drive. All we need now is some snow. Come on folks – start those “pray for snow” parties. We have been told from long-time residents and experts that it is important to “burn a ski” as a sacrifice to bring on the flakes. Anyone out there willing to help?

South Lake Tahoe Key Election Results

We weren’t sure if all of you were aware of the results to some of the key topics in last month’s local election so we wanted to bring some of the results to you.

The two openings for South Lake Tahoe City Council race were filled by Hal Cole and Bruce Grego. The City Council has been in the limelight a great deal lately with the controversial actions recently being taken in regards to vacation rental ordinances.

In spite of difficult economic times, South Lake Tahoe community support pulled together to pass Measure G, the bond to improve our local schools. If all goes well, construction of the Green Academy, the automotive, architecture and construction education facility, would hopefully begin by May of 2009. This is the largest project on the bond list because it would require relocating the parent drop-off at the high school to make room for the building. A committee to oversee how the funds are spent is to be formed within 60 days of the certified results and further projects will follow for the next five years.

An Eventful December

Full Moon Guided Ski/Snowshoe Tours Beginning in December and extending through March, on Saturdays closest to a full moon, enjoy the magic as the Kirkwood Cross Country staff conducts ski and snowshoe tours of the area by moonlight. Call (209) 258-7248 for more information.

Dec 5-6 - Warren Miller Presents “Children of Winter” Movie Premier at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa For more information, call (775) 588-3515. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show starts at 7:30 pm Tickets: $12.00 advance / $14.00 day of show / General Admission.

Dec 6 – Valhalla Holiday Gala Valhalla Grand Hall Tallac Historic Site. For more information, call (530) 541-4975. The event statrs at 6:30 pm and will feature great food, seasonal drinks, silent and live auctions, live entertainment and music for dancing the night away!

Dec 6-7 – Truckee Tahoe Community Chorus at Sierra College presents – Songs of the Holidays and Community Sing Along Directed by Susan K. Horst and Chris Nelson, this event will present two holiday concerts: December 6th at the Truckee High School Theatre and December 7th at the Resort at Squaw Creek, Squaw Valley. Both concerts will begin at 4pm. The featured choral composition is “Gloria” by the noted contemporary English composer, John Rutter, accompanied by UNR’s Brass and Percussion ensemble. The balance of the program features contemporary composers Morton Laudesen and Eric Whitacre and Holiday classic choral literature. General admission $10. Students with ID and Children are free. Tickets are available at Sierra College in Truckee, “Sassafras” in the Safeway Shopping Center, at the door or Online at www.squawvalleyinstitute.com For more information, please go to www.truckeecommunitychorus.com

December 7 – Kirkwood Cross Country 10K Race, Get in shape for ski season with this easy 10 kilometer cross country race, open to all ages and ability levels. www.kirkwood.com 877-KIRKWOOD

December 13 – Tahoe Adventure Film Festival, Mont Bleu This fun high-energy festival highlights the best adventure sports films of the year, while off-screen action includes guest speakers, action photo displays, break-dancers, DJs, and a few surprises. www.laketahoefilmfestival.com (530) 318-1688

December 13 – 3rd Annual Heavenly Village Holiday Party This family-friendly party, featuring live music, a “wheel of swag,” and other events, is thrown to celebrate the winter conditions prior to the holidays. www.skiheavenly.com 800-HEAVENLY

Dec 13 – The Tommy Castro Band with Rick Estrin & The Nightcats Harrah’s South Shore Room Stateline, For more information, call (775) 588-6611 Dec 20-21 Reno Dance Company Presents The Nutcracker at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa For more information, call (775) 588-3515. Saturday Showtimes – 3PM & 8PM Sunday Showtimes – 3PM & 7PM. Tickets:$24.95 children 12 & under / $29.95 adults / $34.95 booth seating. (Reserved Seating).

Dec 20 – Leon Russell at Harrah’s. For more information, call: (800) HARRAHS. Show starts at 7:30 PM.

December 21-24 – Holiday Festivities, Sierra-at-Tahoe Santa’s on the slopes to celebrate the season with holiday music, Jingle Bell Limbo, snowman decorating, carolers, and a hot chocolate farewell. www.SierraAtTahoe.com (530) 543-3139

Dec 26-27 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Holiday Party at Harrah’s. Call Tollfree: (800) 427-7247. Show starts at 7:30 pm

Dec 29 – Foghat at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Harrah’s. Call tollfree: (800) 427-7247. Show starts at 7:30 PM.

Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve, Fireworks and Torchlight Parade at Kirkwood Ski Resort. For more information, call (877) KIRKWOOD On New Year’s Eve- Kirkwood Mountain Resort holds a Fireworks and Torchlight parade for guests to watch and participate if they choose too. Guests go up Chair 6 and down Zack’s with road flares thus the parade portion of the event. Immediately following are fireworks, about a 15 minute show. featuring local school children. Admission is free.

November 2008 Newsletter

What’s New for November

The leaves have turned, elections nearly over and snow has been reported at the ski resorts. Historically speaking, when Heavenly Mt. reports 5 inches or more of snow in October, we are in for a healthy ski season. And yes, there were 5 inches reported. Start waxing those skis and digging out the scarves – winter is around the corner. As always, we would love to hear from you in regards to topics you would like to see in future articles. Your feedback is very important to us and greatly appreciated.

South Tahoe Real Estate Market Report

Each month, we will be bringing you an update of the South Shore real estate activity, both California and Nevada. This update will show you the comparisons between the current year’s monthly activity (for single family residences and condos) as compared to the same period the previous year. Tracking this information can be extremely useful for investment purposes.

According to the South Tahoe Association of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Services, the California South Shore reported 48 closed sales in October of 2008, up from the 43 reported in 2007. The median home price was $435,000, also up from last year’s reported $423,000. Another reported improvement was the median 121 days on the market (the time between the original list date and the close of escrow) up from 157 days in 2007. Although the median home prices were up, it is important to note that the $/SF went down from $281 in 2007 to $270 in 2008. Basically, folks are getting a bigger bang for their buck.

The Nevada side of the South Shore, as reported by the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Services, did not see the same improvements for the month of October. In 2008, there were 11 reported sales with a median home price of $500,000 and 219 days on the market. During the same time in 2007, there were 9 reported sales with a median home price of $699.000 and 141 days on the market. The biggest influence in this lowering of the median home price appears to be less high end properties being sold and more foreclosures bringing up the lower end.

Lake Tahoe Home Owner News

The efforts of the Al Tahoe Erosion Control Project intended to treat storm water draining from the streets and eventually into the streets, has been put on hold until further information and neighborhood input is received. For more information, click on the link to Al Tahoe Erosion Project to the left.

Not ones to give up easily, just three weeks after Measure A was fell 3% short of the 55% voter approval needed, the Lake Tahoe Unified School board voted in June to put Measure G on the ballot. If approved Nov. 4, Measure G would tax property owners $28.70 per $100,000 of assessed value. Time could be running out in efforts to take measures needed to improve local schools. According to LTUSD Superintendent Jim Tarwater, “We’re in the ninth inning with two outs, and our schools need this to pass. We’re at the point where facilities are that old, and you have to do something about it.” To learn more, click on the link regarding Measure G to the left.

In light of mounting concern that Lake Tahoe is at risk of invasion from the quagga and zebra mussel, New Zealand mud snail and other species, boat owners should be interested in knowing that boat ramps and launching facilities at Lake Tahoe will be required to have staff include qualified aquatic invasive species inspectors starting Saturday, Nov. 1. The new rules will include inspections of watercraft and decontamination if infestation risk is determined. Again, learn more by clicking on the Boat Owners link to the left.

Document Your Personal Possessions

Last year, following the fire, we were lucky enough to have in our possession visual tours of homes that were lost. Fortunately, these images provided evidence of personal possessions lost and were extremely valuable when dealing with the various insurance companies.

Are you as prepared for such an emergency? Steps to document your valuable possessions are easy and quick to complete. Following are a few easy steps to complete this project.

1. Have someone help you with this simple project. One of you can man the camera and the other can identify different objects in each room.
2. Describe each item as you go along and if it has a serial number or other identifying mark, be sure to mention it.
3. Open all closet doors to show the contents and briefly mention things. You can’t believe how helpful this can be after a loss because many times you don’t miss something for months after a claim is filed because you might not use an item very often.
4. Make a copy of the documentation and store in a different location such as a relative’s house or a safe deposit box. When completed, schedule for an update one year away.

In recent years, the costs of digital and video cameras have come down so low that most households have more than one. If you haven’t gotten around to purchasing such a camera, ask to borrow or rent one. Most are very simple to operate and don’t require any skilled training. The microphone is built into most of the cameras and some don’t even require additional lighting. And why voice record if possible? If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video with sound has to be worth ten thousand. Remember, you’re not trying to win any film awards so just have fun and protect your investments.

Upcoming November Events

November 7- An Evening of Food & Wine Tasting - Soroptomist International of South Lake Tahoe Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Convention Center For more email: novasel@aol.com Phone: (866) 801-8652 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Must be 21 to attend.

November 8- Blue Oyster Cult at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. 7:30 PM. For more information, call (800) HARRAH’S.

November 13- Sierra-at-Tahoe Pray for Snow Party The legendary kickoff-to-winter begins at 7:00 p.m. at Murphy’s Irish Pub & Rockwater Restaurant, 787 Emerald Bay Rd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Email:info@sierraattahoe.com or call 530-659-7453 for more information.

November 15- A trip dowm memory lane with The Grass Roots. Horizon Casino Resort Stateline, For more information, call: (775) 588-6211

November 15- Featuring the one and only Jose Feliciano at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room. For more inforation, call (800) HARRAHS. 7:30 PM.

November 21 thru November 23- This is one of our favorite events of the year. The Valhalla Holiday Faire featuring holiday crafts, gift items and entertainment from choir groups featuring local school children. Admission is free. Located in the Tallac Historic Site. For more information call 530- 541-4975.

November 22- Los Lonely Boys at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Call 800. HARRAHS for more information.

November 29- Abbacadabra – Abba fans will delight in this ultimate Abba Concert at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe South Shore Room Call 800-HARRAHS for more information.

October 2008 Newsletter

Check Out The News

Can 2008 truly be winding down? Are we really putting our holiday lists together? It must be true because those of us that live in Lake Tahoe, the land of gorgeous seasons, are anticipating one of the most exciting semi-annual events of the year – THE CHANGING OF THE WARDROBE! We hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter and, as always, we would love to hear from you in regards to topics you would like to see in future articles.

South Tahoe Real Estate Market Report

A day doesn’t go by without our being inundated with news surrounding the crisis in the housing market. Certainly, the media implies that the situation is getting worse on a daily basis. At this time, it is predicted that the market will not see a turn until late 2009 or early 2010. Good news for potential investors, not so great for those needing to sell their homes in the near future.

Lake Tahoe homeowners, as a whole, may feel some relief in knowing that the big picture here at the lake is not quite as bleak as in other areas throughout the country. The following statistics were reported by the South Lake Tahoe Association of Realtor’s Multiple Listing Services and are in regards to single family homes and condos throughout the South Lake Tahoe area. For the period of January 1 through August 31, 2008, there were 253 reported sales, down slightly from last year’s 261. The median list price was $409,000 (down from last year’s median of $455,000) and sold for $395,000 (down from last year’s $440,000.) This shows an approximate drop of 4.5% in value since last year. Not bad when compared to the nation’s report of an approximate 8.2% drop in value. The median square foot was 1,431 (fairly similar to last year’s 1,451.) The average time on the market (including the escrow period) was 116 days (similar to last year’s 133 days.) The average sale to list ratio is holding around 96.5%.

Wrapping up the comparisons, it was reported that there were 513 homes on the market with 45 of those being in escrow in 2008. On the same day last year, there were 583 homes on the market, again with 45 being in escrow. Not much, but it is a turn toward a reduced inventory which we desperately need.

Update on Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals

In the ongoing quest to find balance between local residence and vacation rentals, the city council continues to create guidelines with the intention of reducing noise, garbage, and parking concerns.

Among the new changes are the requirement for a sign to be posted declaring the maximum occupancy, limited cars, curfew on noise and no weddings. It is highly recommended that all owners of vacation rentals as well as those considering the purchase of one, become familiar with the vacation rental ordinances.

Click here to review!

Update on “Burn” Lots

If you, or someone you know, lost a home in the 2007 Angora fire and have not yet begun the process of rebuilding, please know that you will need to “bank” your existing land coverage and future rights to build.

The TRPA will provide the application form as well as guidelines to complete the process. We are told that you may not need to supply all of the information listed (site plans, verified coverage, etc.) if you are in the burn project. Perhaps you will only need some information from the tax assessors office. Please feel free to call us toll free at 1.877.768.3775 for a copy of this application.

10 Tips to Save $$$ This Winter

Those of us lucky enough to live in Lake Tahoe, will tell you, the Fall weather simply cannot be beat. Yet, as we savor these last few days of an Indian Summer, we all know that winter (another favorite season) is just around the corner. And as we all know, when the leaves start falling, the heating bills are about to start rising. Following are some ideas from the U.S. Department of Energy for conserving heat and saving $$$. Check out these 10 Ways to Cut Energy Bills This Fall:

1. Plug air leaks with caulking, sealing, or weather stripping. Save 10 percent ($190 per year) or more on energy bills. Focus on windows, doors, outlets or switch plates on exterior walls.
2. Properly maintain the heating system. Heating accounts for half the average family’s energy bill (approximately $950 per year). Make sure the furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. The small cost (about $75-100 for most service calls) will pay back in better performance all year long.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Programming the thermostat from 72ºF to 65ºF for eight hours a day while no one is home, or everyone is tucked in bed, will cut the heating bill up to 10 percent ($90 per year), paying for a basic unit in less than a year.
4. Seal and insulate heating ducts. A system can lose up to 60 percent of its warmed air before it reaches the register (wasting $570 in warmed air per year) if ducts are not properly insulated in unheated areas such as attics and crawlspaces.
5. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawlspaces can save up to 30 percent on home energy bills ($630 per year). Focus on the attic. (Heat rises.) Most homes should have between R-30 and R- 49 insulation in the attic. Learn more at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer.
6. Close fireplace dampers when not in use. When in use, reduce heat loss by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or open the nearest window about an inch, close doors to the room, and lower thermostat setting to 50-55ºF.
7. Let the sun shine in. Open curtains on south facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
8. Stay out of hot water. Water heating accounts for 15 percent of household energy use. Reduce water heating costs by lowering the water heater’s thermostat setting. Each 10ºF reduction can save between 3-5 percent in energy costs. Also insulate the hot water heater and hot water pipes.
9. Install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them with Energy Star qualified windows. Storm windows reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent, and storm windows with low-e coating that reflect heat back into the room during the winter months save even more energy. Look for the Energy Star label to maximize savings. Energy Star qualified windows reduce heating and cooling bills by an average of $345, but could be higher in cold and hot climates, compared with uncoated, single-pane windows. Can’t afford new windows just now? Tape clear plastic sheeting to the inside of window frames if drafts, water condensation, or frost are present.
10. Net big savings with a little label. When replacing appliances, light bulbs, electronics, or heating and cooling systems, cut energy bills by up to 30 percent ($600 per year) with Energy Star labeled products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in place of comparable incandescent bulbs. Find retailers at www.energystar.gov.

These and other improvements that impact the energy efficiency of your Lake Tahoe home can save you money in the short term and serve as a selling point to potential buyers later. Be sure to save receipts, documentation, and manufacturer’s information. Not sure where to begin? Try the Department of Energy’s online energy audit tool at www.hes.lbl.gov. In the long run, a whole-house energy audit is a fool proof way to make a plan to address wasted energy and make a home operate efficiently for years to come.

Click Here to find a Qualified Auditor in Your Neck of the Woods

Upcoming October Events

Oct 2 – Oct 4 Check this out, a female version of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” will be featured at the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre at the Tallac Historic Site in South Lake Tahoe. at 7:30 pm. This is considered a “hysterical comedy about mismatched roommates, from the female perspective.” If you have not yet visited the Boathouse Theatre, you should be delighted with the renovated lakeside theater. For more information, call 530.541-4975

October 4th and 5th 19th Annual Kokanee Salmon Festival This year’s 19th Annual Kokanee Salmon Festival will be held on from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center at Taylor Creek., This festival is a weekend of events celebrating the annual spawning run of the Kokanee Salmon up Taylor Creek and the golden colors of Fall. Among the events are: the Salmon Feed, 5k, 10k, a children’s run, children’s activities, educational programs and booths, and streamside programs. For more information, call: 530. 543.2600.

Oct 4 – Oct 5 The 13th Annual Camp Richardson Oktoberfest Warm up your yodeling skills and join all “Germans at Heart” at Camp Richardson Resort & Marina. This event is a delightful event for the entire family and is a traditional welcome to the fall. Among the events are: great food, music, craft booths, a pumpkin patch, and the famous German Beer and Wine Garden. Be sure to make your guess on the weight of the “Giant Pumpkin”, the closest guess gets to take it home! For more information, call: 544-1801

Oct 4 WAR – A trip down memory lane from the 70′s are spotlighted at Harrah’s Casino. Show starts at 7:30 pm. For more information call: 800.HARRAHS or 775.588.6611

Oct 5 Kokanee Trail Runs Meet at the Taylor Creek Snow Park Parking Lot On Sunday October 5th the Tahoe Mountain Milers and Sagebrush Stompers Running Clubs will present the Kokanee Trail Runs. The children’s 1/2 mile “Tadpole Trot” will start at 9:15 a.m. After the kids are finished, adults are invited to compete in the 5k & 10k trail runs starting at 10 a.m. All runs will start at the Taylor Creek Snopark parking lot. Routes will be announced and are subject to change. Race day registration will begin at 8 a.m. For more information, call 530.542.3424 or email: kokaneetrailruns@sbcglobal.net

Oct 9 Ruby Dee Philippa and master guitarist Jorge Harada lead a four-piece combo supported by Sean Hudson on electric bass and Kipp Craword on drums at the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. An all-American venue includes: Northwest alt-country, Texas honky-tonk, Bakersfield country, Memphis rockabilly, Western swing and old-fashioned rock n’ roll. Show starts at 7:30 pm. For more information, call: 530-541-4975 or visit their web site at: www.valhallatahoe.com Oct 11 Another trip down memory lane with Starship starring Mickey Thomas at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. The show starts at 7:30 pm

October 10,11,17,18 Annoyance – This hysterical play is about “a very annoying man who goes to see two therapists with the hope of becoming less annoying. His pursuit of mental stability drives the therapists a bit looney. Show starts at 7:30 pm (with a Sunday matinee at 2:00 pm.)at the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. For more information, call: 530-541-4975 or visit their web site at: www.valhallatahoe.com

Oct 1 – Nov 1 The Smother’s Brothers at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. Show starts at 7:30 pm. For more information, call: (800) HARRAHS or (775) 588-6611

Oct 31 30th Annual Freakers Ball. This is one of the year’s most anticipated party events. Doors open at 8:00 pm. At the Club Blu/Opal Nightclub in MontBleu. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes with with celebrity judge, boxing champion “Joey Gilbert.” For more information, call: 800.648-3353 or 775 588.3515

February 2008 Newsletter

Strap on Those Skis

We’ve all heard the words of wisdom, “Be careful what you wish for.” We wished, prayed and twirled to the annual Snow Dance and “boy howdy,” it’s here. Smiles everywhere. With the real estate market providing continual mixed messages in the daily news, it’s nice to know that there is one constant you can count on – Winter in Lake Tahoe simply can’t be beat.

South Lake Tahoe’s Real Estate Market Watch

To kick off the year on an informative note, the newest addition to our newsletter is a “monthly market watch” where you can now track useful trends. At the end of each month, we will report basic data in regards to that month’s active listings, pending escrows and recorded sales for each of the following categories: single family detached homes, condos, land and multi-family units.

During the month of January, 2008, ACTIVE LISTINGS show the following:

• Single Family Detached: 387 listings with a median home price of $579,000 and 153 days on the market.
• Condos: 54 listings with a median price of $399,000 and 125 days on the market
• Land: 46 listings with a median price of $200,000 and 193 days on the market
• Multi-Family: 46 listings with a median price of $480,000 and 226 days on the market

PENDING SALES

• Single Family Detached: 22 listings with a median price of $391,000 and 145 days on the market.
• Condos: 4 listings with a median home price of $244,450 and 152 days on the market.
• Land: 1 listing with a price of $139,000 and 246 days on the market.
• Multi-Family: 1 listing with a price of $599,000 and 32 days on the market.

RECORDED SALES

1. Single Family Detached: 14 listings with a median price of $428,000 and 158 days on the market
2. Condos: 3 listings with a median price of $255,000 and 144 days on the market
3. Land: 3 listings with a median price of $183,400 and 73 days on the market
4. Multi-Family: 1 listing with a price of $425,000 and 256 days on the market.

How About Those Interest Rates?

If you haven’t already heard, interest rates continue to remain near their historic lows. During December, 2007, the fixed-rate mortgage was 6.10 percent (the lowest level in the past five months) below that of November’s 6.21 percent.

This might be a good time to consult with your mortgage broker in regards to your current loan. Whether you have an increasing adjustable rate looming in the near future or would like to take advantage of your equity to invest in today’s real estate market, many intriguing possibilities could be awaiting you.

Don Souers – Director At Large

Those of you that have experienced our “team concept” during real estate transactions, are fully aware of the level of professionalism Don Souers takes on in regards to the inspection phase of our real estate transactions. His common-sense and “get-it- done-right” attitude has benefited many. One of his greatest gifts in this arena is his ability to work well with inspectors and contractors. As a result, Don was recently elected to the position of Director At Large for a 3 year term with The American Institute of Inspectors® . The A.I.I.is a non-profit corporation that has been set up for the benefit of residential and commercial building inspectors across the nation.
Learn More about the American Institute of Inspectors.

Theresa Souers Receives C.A.R. Appointment

The California Association of Realtors has been working diligently on creating their statewide MLS. Soon, all associations choosing to join this statewide MLS will be able to share data and market listings statewide. Their goal is to provide both California Realtors and the public with the cleanest, most accurate real estate information available.

During the exploratory process, work groups were assigned to draft templates covering aspects such as governance, rules, data input, etc. These working groups were comprised of Realtors from across the state representing the wide variety of locations and sizes found within the numerous statewide associations. Theresa was quite honored at having been assigned the role of chair of the MLS Rules Working Group. This working group came together in October of 2007 and January of 2008. Their proposals were presented at the recent state meetings held in Indian Wells, California and approval to move forward was voted through by the State Board of Directors.

South Tahoe Vrs. California Real Estate

How does South Lake Tahoe real estate market activity compare with that of the rest of the state? According to the California Association of Realtors, sales decreased 33.4 percent while the median home price fell 16.5 percent. In comparison, the number of sales in South Lake Tahoe declined by approximately 14.9% (less than half that of the state) for the same while the median home price of a detached single family home fell approximately 7.4% (again, half that of the state.) ,

The statewide median price and sales data for detached homes are generated from a survey of more than 90 associations of REALTORS® throughout California representing closed escrow sales for the period of 12/31/06 – 12/31/07. The local data was derived from reported sales through the South Lake Tahoe Association of Realtors® MLS. One of the strongest contributing factors toward December’s decline is the lack of finacing options for loans above the conforming loan limit of $417,000. It is for this reason that C.A.R. president, William Brown explains “It is imperative that the proposed increase to conforming loan limits that is part of the economic stimulus package receive swift approval by both houses of congress.”

Statewide, the December 2007 median price fell 2.9 percent compared with November’s revised $489,570 median price while South Lake Tahoe’s December median home price fared slightly better, dropping approximately 2.2% for the same period. On a more positive note, South Tahoe’s Association of Realtors MLS reports the 2008 January sales median home value of $428,000 was up 5.4% as compared to January 2007′s median home price of $405,000. Down considerably was the number of recorded sales from 23 in 2007 to 14 in 2008.
Click here to read the full C.A.R. report

Weekly Market Updates & Tips

Don’t forget to check in with or web site from time to time. Every Thursday we post a weekly market update within our Blog. We are also providing useful tips on living in Lake Tahoe as well as anything interesting we feel you would enjoy learning about. Finally, we want to remind you to check in on the monthly neighborhood market updates.

As always, we welcome and encourage your ideas and feedback as to how we can continually improve our website. Afterall, our goal is to provide you with the best Lake Tahoe real estate information available. So, bring it on.
You can find it all here – And please, share with a friend!

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