Something Special for Mom in Lake Tahoe
May 8, 2010
If you want extra points this Mother’s Day try something unique to pamper your special Mom on her day…..or any day. Consider brunch or dinner on the lake at the Beacon Bar & Grill at Camp Richardson. They are having a special menu along with their regular menu 11am-2pm. Items include Macadamia ahi salad, Ginger sweet Chile Salmon, Berry Belgian Waffles, Crab Scramble, Hashbrown Eggs, Fallen Leaf French Toast, Breakfast Wrap and all the tradional Breakfast items. Great View and cocktails too! Great place to take your special Mom and enjoy Lake Tahoe views. Don’t forget to try a Rum Runner or two! Call ahead for reservations……530-541-0630 http://www.camprichardson.com/the-resort/restaurants/beacon-bar-a-grill
Interest Rates to Remain Low for South Lake Tahoe Home Buyers
April 29, 2010
The federal open market committee reiterated that the main US interest rate will remain in the range where it has stood since 12/08. No hint was given that changes in policy tightening is anywhere in the foreseeable future remaining cautiously optimistic about the encouraging economic indicators and noting the the risks of a double dip recession has receded. Some of the indicators on both sides were a recent jump in new construction while employers are still reluctant to hire new workers. Let’s embrace the up-tick in consumer confidence and the good news on interest rates which will strengthen Lake Tahoe Real Estate sales this summer. To read more about the recent Fed promise on interest rates visit financial times online at http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3a932b88-5327-11df-813e-00144feab49a.html
$10,000 Tax Credit Offered to California (South Lake Tahoe) Home Buyers
March 31, 2010
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to sign a bill which will allow first time home buyers in California (South Lake Tahoe) and buyers of new unoccupied homes a $10,000 tax credit. The credit will begin May 1 and for escrows that close before December 31. New construction inventory in South Lake Tahoe has been reduced during this recent Real Estate down turn but there are still many good choices available if you act soon. Read more about the tax credit: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/03/24/91023/california-to-offer-10000-tax.html
Is the Foreclosure Nightmare Near the End?
February 25, 2010
The number of bad loans in the foreclosure process increased to a new high in the last quarter of ‘09 and with many many more loans seriously behind the foreclosures will continue. Some good news however, the percentage of delinquent loans eased from the third quarter of ’09 to the fourth which is sign that we may be awakened from the nightmare before we slip into a coma. It was good news and a shock because that is a time the delinquencies would normally run high as borrowers struggle to pay heating bills, Christmas debt etc. Inman news stats that the drop is significant because the “30 day delinquencies have historically been a leading indicator of serious delinquencies and foreclosures”. Let’s hope that maybe there is some good news to look forward to because we obviously have a long way to go with nearly 2.26 million loans delinquent 90 days or more. Read more http://www.inman.com/news/2010/02/19/light-end-foreclosure-tunnel
Why Loan Modifications Do Not Work
February 24, 2010
I have sent this video to several Real Estate Brokers and loan officers and it appears to be true. So this explains in detail why loan modifications have fallen on deaf ears for the most part. Based on this information I would recommend a short sale to all homeowners that are struggling with their current mortgage. Make sure the agent you pick knows the short sale process.
http://www.thinkbigworksmall.com/mypage/player/tbws/23088/1287086
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/mar/20/business/fi-indymac20
A Letter of Recommendation Much Appreciated
January 9, 2010
To whom it may concern:
Background:
After a number of summers in Scottsdale, AZ, my wife and I decided we needed a cooler place. We visited a number of possible cities and finally decided to look in the Lake Tahoe area. We wanted a condo or PUD in our price range on the Nevada side. Otherwise, the options were open.
We had no prior knowledge of Chuck Stanley. Our first contact was when we walked into his realty office and asked to talk to a realtor. It could not have worked out better if he’d been checked out for us by the Central Intelligence Agency.
Our search took about 3 ½ months, from late May to mid-September. We visited the Tahoe area four times during that period and averaged about six days per visit. We were looking at properties with Chuck about half that time.
Recommendation:
We came away happy with the property we bought and delighted with Chuck. Specifically, we found him to be:
- Honest. He never tried to hide the downside of any property or feed us malarkey.
- Skilled. He:
- Previously operated a home inspection company and knew how to spot problems.
- Understood and easily navigated on-line resources by which our search was directed. That saved time and made our search thorough.
- .Knew what he was doing. We soon realized this was not his first rodeo.
- Punctual. He was never late for a meeting with us.
- Good natured. He always seemed “up” and displayed a great sense of humor.
- Well organized. He:
- Identified the listings of interest before each of our meetings.
- Arranged to have the properties open for us and ready to show.
- Picked up at our next meeting right where we had left off, despite weeks-long gaps.
- Remembered our reactions to the properties we’d seen and honed his subsequent property selections accordingly.
- Never let things drag, but kept us moving forward.
- Is great at following-up. He does not lose track of details and does not take long to act.
- Knowledgeable. He:
- Knew and pointed out neighborhood characteristics that we might like or dislike.
- Seemed to know every community on the lake in detail.
- Knows how to negotiate and is not afraid to start with a fair offer, even if it might offend the seller.
- Creative. He threw in a few properties that spiced things up and gave us some new ideas.
- Tireless. We hit our limit of places to see in a day well before he did.
- A nice guy.
We recommend Chuck Stanley as a Lake Tahoe area realtor with pleasure and without any reservations.
Diane and Larry McComber
P. O. Box 4773
Incline Village, NV 89450-4773
010210A.doc (Cell) 480-678-2445
New Lising Christmas Valley South Lake Tahoe
November 28, 2009
Price at $319,00 this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home located in Christmas Valley has room for the entire family with 1848 sq. ft. of living space. Surrounded by large boulders and nicely landscaped this house has the Tahoe charm you are looking for and at $172.62 per sq. ft. this home will not last long.
Best Places to Live in Lake Tahoe and Surrounding Areas
November 19, 2009
Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas are a great place to live. Slower pace of life with less crime and many different areas to choose from. Pick from lower elevation areas such as the Carson Valley or if you prefer the highest snow covered mountain tops of Lake Tahoe you have many choices. Lake Tahoe offers year round recreation with some of the best scenery Mother Nature has to offer. The following is a brief description of some of the main areas of Lake Tahoe and nearby communities.
South Lake Tahoe – South Lake Tahoe has the several major casinos including Mont Blue, Harvey’s, Harrah’s, and Lakeside Inn and Casino. The major area ski resorts include Heavenly, Sierra at Tahoe and Kirkwood. South Lake Tahoe also offers one of the area’s finest community colleges, Lake Tahoe Community College and is a good choice for college age students to obtain a 2 or 4 year degree. South Lake Tahoe has many different neighborhoods to choose from that are just minutes from the downtown area but offer the privacy and seclusion you would expect living in the mountains. South Lake Tahoe is the most affordable for single family homes ranging from the low 200’s and up. www.tahoechamber.org
East Shore - Lake Tahoe Nevada (Stateline, Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook) – Upscale living with easy access to the South Shore business district yet all the tax advantages of Nevada. Lake Tahoe Nevada housing tends to be a bit more expensive than neighboring California for several reasons including lower property taxes and no personal income taxes. Historic Glenbrook is one of my favorite areas with panoramic views and easy lake access. I once saw Dennis Miller while getting a beverage from the clubhouse concession. http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2456/itinerary/4086
North Shore – (Incline Village, Crystal Bay) The North shore is one of the best communities in Lake Tahoe where recreation is at your finger tips. Golfing, recreation center, tennis center, Diamond Peak ski resort, and two private beaches are all part of the homeowner privileges through your property taxes and are free or heavily discounted. Take stroll down Lakeshore Blvd. which is the Beverly Hills of Lake Tahoe. Most properties in Incline Village are in the higher end price range and have maintained their value even during this most recent real estate down cycle. www.laketahoechamber.com
West Shore – California side (Meeks Bay, Tahoma, Homewood, Sunnyside, Tahoe City, Carnelian Bay, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach). The stretch from Meeks Bay on up to Tahoe City is probably the most scenic and under developed area of Lake Tahoe and a great place for family vacation getaways with unspoiled beauty. Many real estate choices available in the higher end price range. www.tahoewestshoreassoc.com
Carson Valley Nevada – (Gardnerville, Minden, Carson City, Genoa). Just 20 minutes to Lake Tahoe you can find many affordable properties old and new. The Carson Valley is great place to raise a family with many transplants from the bigger California cities. If you are looking for horse property look no further, the Carson Valley has multi acre properties that are ideal for raising livestock. www.genoanevada.org/visitgenoa.htm www.visitcarsonvalley.org
Zillow Reports CA & NV Home Prices on the Rise
November 19, 2009
I’m not a big Zillow fan but when I see good news I like to pass it on and by the way I see the homes pirces in South Lake Tahoe stabilizing as well. The latest Zillow reports indicate that home prices in the large California Metro areas (San Francisco & Los Angeles) are showing a slight uptick and California in whole has stabilized. While Nevada continues to fall with the continued property distress in Las Vegas leading the way Carson City is showing upward movement. To view the latest stats on Zillow for both California and Nevada visit
http://www.zillow.com/local-info/CA-home-value/r_9/
Best Burger and Pizza Joints in South Lake Tahoe
November 18, 2009
Just one man’s opinion! Several great places to get a burger in South Lake Tahoe but I have narrowed down my 3 favorites in order:
1) The Burger Lounge, 717 Emerald Bay Rd. I like their ads the best too!
2) Izzy’s Burger Spa, 2591 Lake Tahoe Blvd. I think they have the best frys.
3) Bid Daddy’s Burgers, 3490 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Good size burgers you won’t be disappointed.
I have tried just a bout all the pizza’s in South Lake Tahoe and the two best hands down are:
1) Round Table Pizza, 1062 Emerald Bay Rd. at the Y. For the money they are just the best pizza’s I have ever had.
2) Lake Tahoe Pizza Company, 1168 Emerald Bay Rd. Not far from the Y. Great eat in experience.
Sorry New York Pizza, Blue Dogs, Domino’s, Goodfellas, Take N Bake, Bob Dog’s, Pizza Hut and Tony’s Pizzeria.
Comments welcome!