Laura Allen, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, 530-414-1260, CalRE# 01473598

Winter Travel Tips for Tahoe City, California

November 10, 2012 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Winter Travel Tips for Tahoe City, California

Winter is still officially a little more than 6 weeks away, but today it sure feels like it has begun up here in the Tahoe City, California area. Today we received our second significant winter storm.

When I went outside today, at around 3 p.m., I had just over 8 inches of new snow on the ground here on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. It was more than enough for the snow removal company to come over and clear out our driveway!

If you’ll be coming up to the Lake Tahoe – Truckee, California area over the next few months, here are a few winter travel tips to keep in mind.

1.) Fuel/Power – Keep you gas tank full, or your electric vehicle fully charged. Road closures can happen and you can be stuck in your car for several hours. Winter storms can wipe out power for several days and the local gas stations can’t pump gas without electricity, so keep your gas tank full.

2.) Food and Winter Clothing – Travel with food, water, toilet paper, and blankets, just in case you get stuck, or have to wait until the road re-opens. Have a winter jacket, gloves, hat, and winter boots with you. If you have to get out of your car, you need to be prepared for the harsh winter mountain climate.

3.) Snow Chains / Studded Snow Tires – Carry snow chains if your vehicle needs them. Be sure to have extra cash available to pay someone to put them on and off for you if you’re not comfortable putting them on yourself. If you use studded snow tires, California allows you to have them on your vehicle from November 1 through April 30 each year. Mine are already on my vehicle!

4.) Shovel – Travel with a snow, or regular shovel. If you get stuck, you may be able to dig yourself free with the right equipment.

5.) Windshield Fluid – Make sure your windshield wiper fluid supply is full. You’ll need that fluid to keep your windows clear of road spray.

6.) Antifreeze – Check the current level, just to make sure your vehicle has the right amount of antifreeze in it.

7.) Slow Down – Slow down when traveling in poor/bad weather conditions. Just because you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle with studded snow tires does not mean you get to drive like you are on a race track and ignore the current conditions. Slow it down, and be safe.

Safe travel in the Sierra Mountains means being prepared for winter travel by following these easy Tahoe winter travel tips.

Thinking about making Tahoe City, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale in Tahoe City here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Tahoe City? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Winter Travel Tips for Tahoe City, California

Women’s Wellness Weekend – Granlibakken Resort 2012

November 9, 2012 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Women’s Wellness Weekend – Granlibakken Resort 2012

If you enjoy yoga, nature walks, wine tasting, shopping, and learning more about how to balance your life and a healthier lifestyle, the Women’s Wellness Weekend at the Granlibakken Resort is the perfect retreat for you.

The annual Lake Tahoe Women’s Wellness Weekend, which will be held this coming weekend, November 10 and 11, 2012 is the event for you. The event blends Western practices with Eastern philosophy to offer a balanced weekend of information, inspiration, and activities.

The two-day event begins on Saturday morning, and includes activities such as Yoga, nature walks (weather permitting), Pilates, Ki Gong, exercise classes, and a variety of medical, health, and fitness speakers on a variety of wellness and wellbeing topics.

You’ll enjoy drinking wine and shopping at the artisan vendor fair on Saturday, and on Sunday you’ll have the interactive health fair to look forward too.

Here are the details:

Women’s Wellness Weekend – Granlibakken Resort

When: Saturday, November 10, 2012, 7:15 a.m. to 7 p.m., Optional dinner 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 11, 2012, 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: Granlibakken Resort, 725 Granlibakken Road, Tahoe City, CA

Cost: $99 Two-Day Event which includes one breakfast, two lunches, speakers, exercise classes, local artisan

vendor fair and wine, interactive health fair and so much more.

$25 Optional Saturday evening dinner

$50 Continuing Education Credits

$50 Astrology Chart Readings by Robert Ayres (limited spots, sign up in advance)

Lodging room rates start a $59/per person. Check out the Granlibakken Resort for more lodging specials.

For more information about the Women’s Wellness Weekend, lodging special, check out the Granlibakken Resort www.Granlibakken.com.

If you’ve been looking for a way to incorporate balance, relaxation, exercise, and want to learn more about a healthier lifestyle, the two-day Women’s Wellness Weekend at the Granlibakken Resort in Tahoe City, California this coming weekend is the perfect way to get started.

Learn more about a healthier lifestyle at the annual Women’s Wellness Weekend at the Granlibakken Resort in Tahoe City, California!

Granlibakken Condos for Sale:

Thinking about making Tahoe City, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale in Tahoe City here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Tahoe City? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Women’s Wellness Weekend – Granlibakken Resort

Wanted Artists and Crafters – Handmade Sierra Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show, Truckee, California

November 7, 2012 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Wanted Artists and Crafters – Handmade Sierra Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show, Truckee, California

Are you an Artist, or Crafter? This may be your chance to display and sell your work. Arts and crafters are wanted for the 2^nd Annual Handmade Sierra Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show in Truckee California. Applications are now being accepted for the upcoming show. Deadline for show booth applications is November 16, 2012, for the upcoming Saturday, December 1, 2012 show.

The More Creative, Sierra College Tahoe Truckee’s Student Art Club is sponsoring the show of handcrafted wares by local and area fine artists and crafters.

This year the festival will take place on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sierra College Tahoe Truckee Campus at 11001 College Trial, Truckee, California. The Handmade Sierra Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show will have live music, food, and a variety of artworks for sale. This show is a great way to support the art community.

Anyone who makes their own artwork, or wares is encouraged to submit an application. Here are some of the Artist and Crafter application details:

Only Hand-Made Items: All items for sale must be hand-made by the vendor.No exceptions. Vendors selling any goods other than their own handmade items will be asked to leave.

Vendor space: Vendor space, size (two sizes 4’x6’ or 6’x10’) and locations vary and are limited. Space will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Vendor Displays: Vendors are responsible for providing their own tables, chairs, displays, table coverings, etc…. A limited number of electrical outlets are available. Please be sure to choose a space that has an outlet if one is needed. Vendors must provide own extension cords.

Event Schedule: Set up will begin 2 hours before the sale begins: 9am on December 1, 2012 and all vendors are expected to stay for the duration of the event (11am-4pm). No early take downs.

Clean Up: Vendor space must be cleaned at the end of the sale including trash and spills.

Prohibited Items: No pyrotechnics, or open flames (such as candles, potpourri, warmers, etc…). Sierra College is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and dog-free campus, so plan accordingly to be in compliance with campus rules.

Vendor Cost: Vendor rates do vary depending on the size of the booth: $25-$40. Payment can be made as Cash, or Checks made payable to Melanie Frakes.

Vendor rates: $25-$40 for vendor space. See application for more details on space descriptions, and locations.

Applications need to either be hand delivered to: Sierra College-Tahoe Truckee Campus, 11001 College Trail, Truckee, CA, or US Mail: Sierra College-Tahoe Truckee Campus (attn: Melanie Frakes), 11001 College Trail, Truckee, CA, 96161

Applications are due by November 16, 2012.

If you have questions, or need additional information please e-mail ttcsierracollegeart@gmail.com

What a great way to show case your talent and handcrafted work than by having a booth at the Handmade Sierra Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show in Truckee, California this year.

Artists and Crafters don’t miss out on the 2^nd Annual Handmade Sierra Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show in Truckee, California!

Thinking about making Truckee your second home? Here are some popular area options:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Wanted Artists and Crafters – Handmade Sierra Holiday Fine Arts and Crafts Show, Truckee, California

Voting Tahoe – Truckee, California Voter Guide – 2012

November 6, 2012 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Voting Tahoe-Truckee Voter Guide – 2012

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 6, 2012, is Election Day. If you registered to vote, tomorrow is the day to cast your ballot if you didn’t vote by mail.

It doesn’t matter who you support, or how you vote, the important thing is to make sure you do vote.

If you’re not sure if you’re registered to vote, you can check your voter status as follows:

Placer County Residents: www.PlacerElections.com or 530.886.5650

El Dorado County Residents: 530.621.7480

Nevada County Residents: http://prdrpt2.nevcounty.net/ELRegrVotr/rdPage.aspx 530.265.1298

VOTING BY MAIL:

If you are voting by mail, remember your ballot must be Received no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, regardless of the postmark. That means if you haven’t mailed your ballot you’ll need to take it into a polling location tomorrow in order for it to be counted!

Where to Vote:

If you live in North Lake Tahoe, Placer County here are the Polling Locations:

North Tahoe Event Center, 8318 North Lake Blvd. (California State Hwy 28), Kings Beach, CA

North Tahoe High School, 2945 Polaris Road, Tahoe City, CA

North Tahoe Fire Station 51, 227 Fairway Drive, Tahoe City, CA

Rideout Community Center, 740 Timberland Lane, Tahoe City, CA

Squaw Valley Public Service District, 305 Squaw Valley Road, Olympic Valley, CA

Don’t know, which polling location you should be at? Check out the Placer County Elections Website: www.PlacerElections.com.

If you live in West Lake Tahoe – Eldorado County:

You can vote at any of the South Lake Tahoe Polling Places if you didn’t vote by mail-in-ballot.

Check out the El Dorado County website for more information, or for the location closest to you at: http://www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/elections/

If you live in Truckee – Nevada County, here are the Polling Locations:

Truckee Donner Public Utility District, 11570 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA

Emigrant Trail Museum, 12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA

Northwoods Clubhouse, (Tahoe Donner), 11509 Northwoods Blvd., Truckee, CA

Glenshire Swim and Tennis Club, 15726 Glenshire Drive, Truckee, CA

Check out the Nevada County website for more information www.MyNevadaCounty.com/NC/Elections

All Polling Locations will be OPEN from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, November 6, 2012

We live in country that allows freedom of speech, choice, and to elect our officials without fear, or harm. It’s a privilege and an honor to VOTE!

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs – Laura Allen | 530.414.1260 Broker Associate, REALTOR®, CRS, ABR®, RSPS, ePRO, Previews Property Specialist, Laura@TahoeLaura.com CalBRE# 01473598

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Tahoe City, California.

Voting Tahoe-Truckee Voter Guide – 2012

Tahoe Park, Tahoe City, California, Real Estate Market Report – October 2012

November 5, 2012 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Tahoe Park, Tahoe City, California, Real Estate Market Report – October 2012

The Tahoe Park area of Tahoe City, California is a small, West Lake Tahoe neighborhood located approximately 2 miles south-west of the “Y” in Tahoe City.

Officially this subdivision is called “Lake Tahoe Park”, but locally the area is known as “Tahoe Park”. Many know this area because of its close proximity to the Sunnyside Resort and Fire Sign Café restaurant.

The Tahoe Park area has the charm of the smaller, older Tahoe cabins, along with newer, larger, luxury mountain homes. There are approximately 353 parcels in this neighborhood.

Property located in the Tahoe Park area comes with the highly desirable Lake Tahoe Park Homeowner Association (also known as “Tahoe Park HOA”) with its gated beach area, two piers, and BBQ areas.

Membership into the Lake Tahoe Park HOA can only be gained by land ownership in their designated area and adds to the overall market value of the popularity of the area.

While there are several subdivisions that come with the Tahoe Park HOA membership, such as Tahoe Park Heights, Talmont, and Tahoe Woods, only the Tahoe Park (Lake Tahoe Park) homes are within a reasonable walking distance of the Tahoe Park HOA beach area. Check out this video on the Tahoe Park HOA area here:

Tahoe Park, Tahoe City, California Sold Single Family Homes:

In the Tahoe Park neighborhood the average median home sales price for 2012 is $360,000. With 7 sales this year, over the 1 sale from 2011, sales activity has really picked up.

Cash sales for the Tahoe Park homes area are also up over 2011 levels at 29%.

The current absorption rate for the Tahoe Park neighborhood is at 3 months. Anything below 5 months is considered a Sellers’ Market. The absorption rate can change quickly. Based upon the current level of activity in the Tahoe Park area, the market has stabilized and has most likely put in a market bottom.

There has been 1 distressed sale (bank foreclosures- real estate owned (REO’s) and short sales) for 2012.

There were 6 available homes and cabins for sale in just the Tahoe Park neighborhood of Tahoe City as of 11/04/2012. They ranged in price from $325,000 to $895,000.

Of the 6 homes offered for sale there are 2 short sales accounting for 33% of the market share, which is still putting pricing pressure on the area.

Currently, there are 2 pending sales in the Tahoe Park area as of 11/04/2012, ranging in price from $299,000 to $975,000.

Tahoe Park, Tahoe City, California, Real Estate Summary Sold Single Family Homes:

Year	Homes Sold	Median Average Sales Price	Lowest Price Sold	Highest Price Sold	% Cash Transactions	Absorption Rate <5 Months Sellers’ Mkt 5-7 Months Balanced Mkt 7 Months Buyer’s Mkt	% Distressed Sales	Breakdown of distressed Sales
2012*	1	$360,000	$256,000	$660,000	29%	3 Months Sellers’ Market	14%	0 REO’s1 Short Sale
2011	1	$525,000	$525,000	$525,000	0%	NA	0%	0 REO’s0 Short Sales
2010	11	$560,000	$300,905	$2,200,000	44%	NA	55%	3 REO’s3 Short Sales
2009	7	$475,000	$400,000	$925,000	14%	NA	29%	1 REO’s1 Short Sale
2008	3	$879,833	$439,500	$1,140,000	67%	NA	0%	0 REO’s0 Short Sale
2007	7	$830,000	$550,000	$1,155,000	29%	NA	0%	0 REO’s0 Short Sale
2006	13	$849,000	$712,500	$1,350,000	15%	NA	0%	0 REO’s0 Short Sale

*YTD period is 01/01/2012 – 10/31/2012. Data Source: Tahoe Sierra Multiple Listing Service. Absorption rate based on 30 day period of time as of 11/04/2012. Subject to change and/or correction at any time without notice.

Tahoe Real Estate Market report for the Tahoe Park, Tahoe City, California area – October 2012

Need more help in trying to figure out your Lake Tahoe – Truckee home/condo buying options?

Do you want to learn more about the different neighborhoods, locations, developments and their amenities, HOA fees and the ones that will best meet your needs? Call me at 530.414.1260 and I can help you find the right place to buy!

Thinking about making Tahoe City, California your second home? Want more home buying options? Check out the homes that are for sale in Tahoe City here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Tahoe City? Here are the current listings:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE, Tahoe Real Estate Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker, Tahoe City, CA CalRE#01908304

All information is deemed reliable, but is subject to change, and/or correction without notice.

Tahoe Park, Tahoe City, California, Real Estate Market Report – October 2012