Preparing Your House So You Get Better Offers and Earn More Money When It Sells

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When you make the decision to sell your house there could be a number of reasons. Whether you are selling the property in order to buy another one – or if you are moving on to another area, selling is a bittersweet experience. The one thing that is shared by all sellers though is that the best possible price is obtained. How can you make sure your home stands out from others in the neighborhood?

One of the easiest ways to ensure more frequent and higher offers on your listing is to spruce it up by spending a little time and relatively little money. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Good Safety Measures Silently Speak Volumes

As a potential buyer walks through the home – they will be impressed if they notice that you have taken the time to maintain all smoke detectors, properly placed in each sleeping area and around major living areas. Not only does it indicate that you care about safety in general but it also provides some insight as to how you might have taken care of the rest of the house. Be sure to check all batteries and test each unit for function.

Many states now have laws that require carbon monoxide detectors. The two most recommended areas of the home where CO monitors are ideally placed entail near areas where there may be potential gas leaks like a kitchen or near a fireplace and also within ten feet of all bedrooms.

Defensible space is unique to areas that are susceptible to wildfires. As explained in further detail here on the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District website, defensible space is the area between a house and a wildfire where the vegetation has been modified to reduce a wildfire threat. As a seller and owner of property in this region it is important that you keep the defensible space area up to date and according to regulation. For more information on this, contact us and we will go over your specific requirements.

First Impressions Make Buyers Want To Buy Now

You have heard this being said a lot but now that it’s time to sell your own home have you put the time toward making it happen?  Curb appeal, a clean home, open spaces that show off the home’s features – all these things are crucial to a successful sale. Most buyers zero in on a particular neighborhood so chances are they have viewed other homes on the same street or area. A clean and uncluttered home can make a huge difference to a sale.

It is important to take the time to remove all piles of extra things, impart a neutral look to the place and remove excess personal things. Imagine the home is going to be photographed for a magazine and keep things clean by that standard. One more aspect of preparing a home for listing that is often overlooked is cleanliness in general. Hire a cleaner to professionally clean the bathrooms, kitchens, floors and exterior.

Curb appeal is one of the most underrated aspects of preparing a home for sale. Some Realtors say that a buyer will make the decision to strike a home off their list within the first eight seconds of seeing the home and a lot of it has to do with that first impression. Spend some time cleaning up the yard, adding small touch-ups and things to the area that will entice buyers. Create a warm and inviting entryway and give some attention to the condition of the home’s exterior as well. No one would be attracted to a dirty, dingy and dull home. One of the best ways to gauge how a buyer might perceive your home is to ask a friend or neighbor to drive up and assess the property.
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Selling a home can be easy if you have a good property, located in a nice area that is presented well. By spending just a little time you can create the perfect atmosphere that will appeal to a wide range of prospective buyers and ultimately sell the home with flying colors!  Contact us today for insight on your home so we can put our combined many years of experience to good use for you!

State of the Truckee/Tahoe Real Estate Market

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On the one hand we have homeowners that are sitting in place and waiting for the market to show its “true colors” once it bottoms out.  On the other, there are countless families moving into their dream homes, taking advantage of the amazing deals available right now.  Do you want to find yourself regretful later or would you rather be sitting in your own dream home enjoying what is probably the lowest mortgage rate you will ever be able to find?

The truth is that there really is no way to find out whether the market has hit bottom until it starts coming back up.  But one way to gauge the direction our marketplace is taking is to take note of how much sales volume there is at the time. Not only that, as inventory continues to shrink the resultant impact on prices is positive, usually ending up in prices that will drive upward.

Truckee/Tahoe Sales Up, Inventory Down – Leading to a Shifting Marketplace

At the moment, our inventory has been reduced to very low levels – particularly in the price ranges that are most popular for most of our clients.  All markets of the Truckee area are seeing this reduction in inventory and when compounded with increasing sales the result is a dramatic shift in our market.  Where once it was entirely buyer-centric, the marketplace is fast changing to a seller-controlled one where sellers are seeing multiple offers, bidding wars and the ability to get close to or at the asking sales price.

In the first quarter of 2012, Tahoe Donner reported a 15% increase in sales with 69 sales in 2012 as opposed to 61 at the same time in 2011.  Since this is the most significant market in terms of size, the statistic provides a good outlook as to the rest of our area.  Similarly, a sizable increase in closed contracts was reported for the first quarter of 2012 with 65 this year versus only 45 the previous year.

Buyers Still Getting Great Deals on Homes

With super low, record-setting interest rates still on the map buyers are continuing to get unbelievably great deals on homes that would otherwise cost a lot more to finance.  When you combine low interest rates with reasonably low prices on homes – buyers are getting a lot more house for the same amount of money.

Recent developments and plenty of investment money coming into the area will also enhance property values as time goes by.  Especially for those that will remain in their properties for at least 7-8 years, the investment value is very high for homes in our area.
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If you want to sell your home so you can move into something bigger and better – or even if you just want to “feel the market out” and explore your options, we invite you to contact us. We would love to spend some time with you!

How does the Truckee and Lake Tahoe real estate market compare to other western mountain resort areas? Watch this short video that compares prices in all the major markets.



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How To Prepare Your Home for an Appraisal

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There are several things that ensue during the process of purchasing a home and even if you are the seller, of course you want to help those things along because a successful mortgage application transaction ends up in a successful sale for you!


One of the most important parts of the loan process for buyers is the home appraisal.  To make sure banks are not lending too much (or too little) as per the value of the home, most mortgage companies and banks require an appraisal to be done.  What can you do as the seller of the home to ensure that everything runs smoothly? Along with the help of your real estate agent you can do these five things that will most likely result on a successful appraisal.

Make Sure Everything Looks Good

The last thing you want is to create a negative first impression for the appraiser.  Not that he or she will be impacted solely by looks of the home, but it will cause the appraiser to take a much closer look considering that the home may not appear to be well-maintained or cared for.  Additionally, keeping the home’s exterior and interior neat and clean as well as repaired and in functioning order will make the appraiser’s job easier.

Provide Access to All Areas of the Home

An appraiser will need to view all areas of the home to come up with an accurate figure of the home’s value. It is important to allow him or her entry to the basement so they can review the heating and cooling units, foundation and other structural aspects of the home.  The electrical circuit box and plumbing lines are also an essential part of the appraisal process.  To avoid delays or misrepresentation of the home, be sure to allow the appraiser full access to the home.

Turn On Utilities in the Home

One of the things that will be checked is function of major systems and for that reason it is important to have all utilities turned on and ready for review.  If the home is a second home or vacation property, often owners turn off some utilities while away.  If you are unable to be present yourself to turn them on, enlist the help of your Realtor.

Pay Attention to State Laws

Many states now have laws that must be followed and not following them may impact your ability to proceed with a property sale.  One such law is the inclusion of a Carbon Monoxide detector within a certain prescribed number of feet in your home.  If your state is one that requires a CO monitor, be sure to install one or more as prescribed if you have not already and check to see that the battery is fully functioning.  Here is a page from the website for the National Conference of State Legislatures, with a state-by-state list of CO monitor requirements.

Provide Comparable Sales Data

Though it is not a requirement, providing data from other like-kind properties in the area will definitely assist the appraiser in his or her job.  Unless your Realtor has already given you a few comps for the area, request the information and leave it in the home for the appraiser’s review.  It may or may not impact your home’s appraisal but it will likely be useful data for the appraiser to use.
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Since the process of obtaining an optimal appraisal is one of the most challenging aspects of home buying and selling, it is important to take this seriously and incorporate these simple but essential steps prior to the appraisal.  For assistance with this or any other real estate needs you may have, contact us today – we would love to be involved and take care of you!

5 Things You Should Do When You Move Into a New Home

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1. Change locks

Unfortunately, you can’t assume the keys you’re holding are the only keys to your home that could exist out there. Play it safe and have all the locks changed as soon as you can.

2. Re-program garage door opener

Again, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the security of your new home. Most garage door remotes have a reset button that you can hold down to reprogram the opener. If you want more concise instructions, note the make and model of the opener and contact the company to walk you through the steps.

3. Replace furnace filter

Most manufacturers recommend that a furnace filter be changed once a month during the heating season to ensure the most efficient performance. While there are higher-quality filters that may not require monthly replacement, it’s still a good idea to check the filter monthly and, of course, replace it when you move into a new place.

4. Install new batteries in smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector

You have no way of knowing when the batteries were last changed and if the home has been unoccupied, it’s probably been awhile. Test the alarm and detector and put new batteries in each. This investment of time and a few dollars is well worth it, given the stakes.

5. Replace toilet seat covers

We probably don’t need to go into specific details, but most people insist on swapping out toilet seats.

Major Companies, Private Investors and Many More are Buying Real Estate in Truckee/Lake Tahoe

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We have been saying it’s a great time to buy in our region for some time now – but don’t take it from us alone – consider this:  now, more than ever, more companies are coming in and buying properties in this area.  In fact, recently we have had a plethora of new endeavors of the sort of projects that take an area like ours from being a regional destination spot to an international location suited to all kinds of visitors, sports enthusiasts, hobbyists, seasonal residents, vacationers – you name it.  And now, with all the new developments going on we can expect even better things to come.

Investors Continue to Show Significant Interest In the Area

When companies begin investing in a region – it’s a surefire sign of success.  There have been numerous companies that have been investing in our area – such as KSL Capital Partners recently acquiring Squaw Valley ski resort – now planning $50 million on the hill plus recently announced plans for the village – a huge development.

Vail Resorts bought Northstar-at-Tahoe in 2010 and to add to that they have very recently acquired Kirkwood Mountain Resort, with more developments expected including fantastic new additions to existing amenities and resort features.

East West Partners are also doing some major developments at Northstar – townhouses that are unparalleled in luxury and opulence amidst the backdrop of our gorgeous mountains and lake and run about $2.5 million each property.

These Colorado companies have been investing on a large scale in our area because they see the opportunities. What they perceive our area to be thus far has been underutilized in every way.  The beautiful expanse of property has been underdeveloped.  Our world-class resorts have been under-marketed and the amenities and attractions that we do have been largely undermanaged to this point – as per their greater potential.  But all this is expected to continue to change.  As more and more investments continue to pour in the area, we will keep seeing our market strengthen – while at the same time change shapes from a local and regional hotspot to an international resort community attracting people from all around the world.

“It’s a Great Time To Invest in Residential Real Estate!” – Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett’s recent statement that he would buy as many as a couple hundred thousand single-family homes if he could since that is a very solid investment had the investment community and housing industry buzzing! In a recent interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box with Becky Quick, Mr. Buffett cited single-family homes as being one of the best investments out there today.  He said that this sector of the housing industry is a “very attractive asset class right now” and that had it not been for the practicality of managing each property, he would buy a couple hundred thousand single-family homes today.
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So what are you waiting for?  Have you seen interest rates lower than this?  Can you imagine a more promising future for an already fantastic area? Come talk with us and we can help find you your dream home in this dream locale – one that is fast becoming the destination for many people of all walks of life.

There’s Plenty of Mortgage Money Out There – Here’s How to Get Yours

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So you want to get in on the action and buy a house already?  But now that you have decided that buying a home is the right thing to do, how do you go out there and actually get the ball rolling?  The most important thing is to secure a mortgage and even though some media reports might have you believe it’s a lot harder than it used to be, there is plenty of mortgage money out there for the taking.  Here are three things you can do to make the mortgage process run smoothly and smartly:

Save Now So You Can Smile Later

Nowadays even though the economy is at its toughest it’s been in years, particularly affecting the housing market, the industry has made it fairly easy for many qualified first-time homebuyers (and seasoned buyers too).  Entities like FHA make it easy for buyers to purchase a home with little to no money down, leaving the mortgage balance significantly higher than when purchased conventionally with a large down payment.  If at all possible, save twenty percent for a down payment on your home.  Not only will you be able to entertain a wider range of lenders for your mortgage, but you will also forego having to pay expensive Private Mortgage Insurance that is required for most FHA-backed loans and others with less than 20% down.

Solidify Your Credit Outlook

As long as you have a solid employment record of at least two years with the same employer, most lenders will be satisfied with your ability to responsibly manage a mortgage.  It is essential that you have good credit and now, more than ever before, banks are scrutinizing every detail of your credit history.  Many potential homebuyers are waiting a while to buy as they work to strengthen their credibility in this area.  A strong financial history is key to gaining the trust of a mortgage lender.  Be sure to know and understand your credit report and if there are any problems, work to correct them before vying for a mortgage with a lender.

Know Your Limits

Before you go out looking for your new home it is important to know how high you can go in terms of price.  One of the best ways to ensure smooth sailing in the home buying process is to obtain a preapproval.  Not only will this allow you the flexibility of knowing exactly what you can afford but it will also be a great negotiating tool once you do find your dream home.  Sellers naturally gravitate to buyers that have already obtained preapproval on financing because it demonstrates their seriousness in purchasing a home and gives them confidence to go ahead with the deal.
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It’s no secret that this is the absolute best time to buy a home (even Warren Buffett recently said he’d load up on single-family homes).  With just a few simple preparations, you can and will have access to the mortgage dollars out there just waiting to be claimed!

Lake Tahoe’s Premier Luxury Gated Golf Community – Come See Why We’re Getting National Attention!

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PHENOMENAL.  UNBELIEVABLE. AMAZING.  EXQUISITE.  STUNNING.

These are just a few of the words that describe the Martis Camp Subdivision.

As you drive through the gorgeous scenery, you will find yourself on the pinnacle of luxury.  Suited for Hollywood royalty, it’s not surprising that in just one year we are seeing eighty-four homes newly under construction in this magnificent community that continues to attract much attention.

Luxury Living Nestled In the High Sierras

The amenities, like the scenery, stretch far and wide and the organizers have left nothing to the imagination!  There’s the majestic Camp Lodge that rests on the edge of a mountain wall of rock overlooking the 18th fairway of the community’s sprawling golf course.  Featuring world-class dining, a luxurious spa environment, expansive Olympic size swimming pool, lounge areas and more – the Lodge is a place where you and your family will spend countless hours of relaxing time together.

A quaint and charming Lost Library is the perfect place to “lose” yourself in a classic or contemporary literary great.  A host of parks and trails in the area allow you to experience the grandeur and natural beauty of Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas.  You’ll love the large pavilions and extensive access to park spaces with ample ways to enjoy the outdoors in one of the most coveted parts of western United States.

In case you or your family prefer to remain indoors at times there is the Folk School designed exclusively with you in mind, bringing hands-on arts into the community, through an offering of various arts and crafts instruction that provide plenty of indoor things to do.

You will be lost in luxury in the High Sierra Mountains as you enjoy each moment whether skiing at the Northstar Ski Lodge through exclusive access, hiking the expansive trails, enjoying Lake Tahoe, keeping busy with so much to do or spending time enjoying the stunning views from your home.

State-of-the-Art Architecture and Design

The homes. The gorgeous, individual works-of-art homes will have you dreaming the moment you set eyes on them.  Custom-built features, gorgeous materials, luxury amenities fit for a king or queen, and high-end state-of-the-art architecture and design.

There is a reason that the Martis Camp subdivision has received critical acclaim!  And there is a reason that people are flocking to the area to sign up for their very own home in the midst of the almost surreal luxury of this gated golf community nestled in the mountains.  Just last year alone one hundred new families came to this phenomenal community and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down despite the starting price point of $2.5 million.

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If you want to tour this gorgeous resort community what better way than to try it out with a free ski pass?  We have exclusive access to the area and will provide you with an amazing journey through this community that you won’t want to leave!  To reserve a spot and to experience this amazing place, call us – we’d love to show you around!