Lake Tahoe - Truckee, CA Real Estate for Sale

Buyer Tips

Should Tahoe Home Buyers get a home warranty?

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Should Tahoe Home Buyers get a home warranty?

Should Tahoe Home Buyers get a home warranty?You’ve found the perfect Tahoe Mountain home, condominium, or townhouse and you’re ready to make an offer.  One of the questions your Tahoe REALTOR® will ask you when preparing your purchase contract offer is do you want a Home Warranty for your property?

It’s such a common question that our California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) has included a specific provision in the residential purchase contract that addresses the Home Warranty item:

  • Who pays for the Home Warranty – Buyer, Seller, Split with both paying
  • What company is selected for the Home Warranty Policy
  • Standard or Upgraded Policy
  • Optional Coverage Items that the purchase contract reminds Buyers they can add on: A/C (Air Conditioning), Pool/Spa, or something else like extra refrigerators, well pump, septic, saltwater pool, guest unit, washer/dryer.
  • Buyer waives the purchase of a Home Warranty Plan (This help to remind everyone that a Home Warranty Plan is available for Buyers if they want, or don’t want one.)

Depending on the Home Warranty company the list of what is covered can be extensive.

Should Tahoe Home Buyers get a home warranty?Should Tahoe home Buyers get a home warranty?  In general I would say yes, it’s a good thing for a new home owner in the greater North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area to have for their first year of home ownership.

A reason to not get a Home Warranty is you know you’re going to do extensive remodeling, or know that the life expectancy on the major components are coming to an end, and you are okay with handling everything yourself.

Another reason to not get a Home Warranty is you know you’re going to be in a multiple offer situation and want to make a clean offer without the Home Warranty expense included.  You know you can add that later at your own expense, but you want your offer to standout without this section being filled in.

Here are some more details and information.  Let’s start with some basics.  What is a home warranty and what are the advantages and limitations of a typical policy.

What is a Home Warranty?  A home warranty is a one-year service agreement that covers the repair, or replacement of many major home system components and appliances.

There are typically different levels of coverage offered from a home warranty company, and each will come with a different price tag.  Most companies have two basic categories:

  • Single family home dwellings policies
  • Condominium/Townhouse policies

Depending on the property type there will be different levels of coverage and different options.

Here are some of the types of systems and appliances that a Home Warranty Plan can cover:

  • Air Conditioning (A/C) including ductwork
  • Heating including ductwork
  • Electrical, Plumbing
  • Water Heaters
  • Garbage Disposals
  • Instant Hot/Cold Water Dispensers
  • Central Vacuums
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Doorbells
  • Ceiling Fans.
  • Refrigerators
  • Dishwashers
  • Clothes Dryers
  • Clothes Washers
  • Ranges/Ovens/Cooktops
  • Built-in Microwave Ovens
  • Free-standing Ice Makers
  • Trash Compactors
  • Garage Door openers
  • Built-in Food Processors.
  • Pool/Inground Spa
  • Well Pump
  • Septic System pumping & septic ejector pump
  • Portable above-ground Hot Tubs

*The items covered, or additional items that can be covered will vary by Home Warranty Company.  Larger homes, may require an enhanced policy to cover larger systems.  Check with your REALTOR, or Home Warranty company to make sure you have the right coverage for your specific situation.

The primary benefit to a home, or condo buyer getting a home warranty as part of their real estate purchase is having the comfort in knowing that if a major appliance, or mechanical component that is covered breaks down, you have a service agreement in place that will help you through the repair process.  If repairing isn’t possible, then there will be some financial assistance in replacing the item.

Cost:  There are two parts to the cost of a Home Warranty policy.  There is the Policy Fee and the Trade Service Call Fee.

  • Policy Fee – The initial Policy Fee is paid at closing. If you choose to extend the coverage at the end of the initial term, you will pay for the next year of coverage, so there can be an on-going annual policy fee.  In the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area an upgraded home, or condo warranty policy will cost less than $1,000.
  • Cost of the Home Warranty – The cost of the Home Warranty plan will be reflective of the policy selected along with the option add-ons.
  • Trade Service Call Fee – If you need to have something repaired, then when you make a request for a service call, you’ll pay a Trade Service Call Fee. Typically the Trade Service Call Fee, which can range from $50 – $125, depending on Home Warranty Company selected.

The reality of home ownership is at some point in time, a breakdown of a system or appliance will happen. The question is when, and how will you handle the cost of that repair?

A Home Warranty plan is an easy way to help manage, or supplement the cost of the repair/replacement, along with knowing that professional help and support can be sent to your home quickly.

Another common question I am often asked is:

What is the difference between a Home Warranty and Home Insurance?

  • Home Warranty is a service agreement on an identified list of covered items for a defined period of time typically one year.
  • Home Insurance is an annual policy that is designed to cover a catastrophe.

Should Tahoe Home Buyers get a home warranty?For example:  Your home has a fire and your built-in microwave is destroyed.  Your home insurance is designed to cover that loss.

The same built-in microwave stops working on a Tuesday night for no apparent reason, if you have a home warranty plan, that service agreement will cover that item, not your home insurance.

Why purchase a Home Warranty during your real estate purchase?  Home Warranty companies offer special pricing if the Home Warranty policy is purchased during the transaction because they know what was working on the property before the policy goes into effect.

Buyer Tip – Pre-Existing Conditions – If you know the refrigerator is not working, and this is noted in the home inspection report, or it is not working when you do your final walk-through prior to closing, Buyer beware, most Home Warranty companies will not cover the repair as it was the sellers/previous owners responsibility to fix the item.

It is important that everything be in working order on the day you close.  Your Home Warranty will not cover items that were broken, or not working before you become the owner. 

How do Home Warranty companies know what was working and what wasn’t?  Home Warranty companies will ask to see a copy of the Home Inspection Report, or a copy of your final-walk through.  Home Warranty companies will want to know what you checked on right before you closed.

Buyer Tip – Read the fine print.  There are limitations on the size/capacity of systems, and what is actually covered.

The cost of access is not covered.

  • For example: A ceiling fan that was located 30’ from the floor in the center of the room. The electrician needed to fix the ceiling fan, and his cost and the fan were covered by the Home Warranty plan, but the cost of the scissor lift (cost to rent and transport – a scissor lift is an alternative to scaffolding, or ladder) were not.  That cost to access the ceiling fan was an additional $400.
  • Another example of access. The shower facets stop working.  Opening up the back of the shower wall, and then repairing the drywall, or going through the tile and then repairing/replacing the tile is not covered. The additional costs to tear the wall apart and then make the necessary repairs are not covered.  Only the actual plumbing repair is covered.

Know the cash-out limits.  If you have a designer appliance, like a Viking range, and it can’t be repaired for whatever reason, the Home Warranty Company will not replace that range with a new Viking range.  They will give you the cash out maximum for that appliance.  Most Home Warranty plans limit appliances to around $3,000, but it will vary depending on the Home Warranty Company.

Buyer Tip – Home Warranty companies have not priced out their plans for the designer appliances.

If you want to learn more about the Home Warranty Company your REALTOR has suggested, go on-line to their website and see what they cover, their exclusion and limitations restrictions.

Not everything in the home/condo is covered.

For example in the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area gas fireplaces, wood burning stoves, or gas-log stoves are not a covered appliance, even if they are the heat source (heater) for the property.

Buyer Tip – Check the list of Covered Item – if the appliance or system you are concerned about is not on the covered list, it’s not a covered item.  Home Warranty companies are quick to show the list of covered items on their marketing materials.  There is no secondary list of additional items covered.

Buyer Tip – Negotiate and Ask for the Seller to pay for the Home Warranty Policy – In the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area who pays for the Home Warranty policy is a negotiable item.  In some areas Sellers typically pay, or Buyers typically pay, but in our area it really is a negotiable item, so unless you are in a multiple offer situation, ask the seller to pay for the home warranty.   More often than not, Sellers are willing to pay for a Buyer Home Warranty plan, or split the cost with the Buyer.

Home Warranty plans are a great way to provide a Buyer with some confidence in your home, or condo purchase here in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee area.  As with all coverage/service plans  there are limits, so know the rules upfront on what is covered and their financial limits on services/replacement costs and you’ll improve your Home Warranty experience.

Real estate is local, so one of the big benefits of choosing a Home Warranty company that is popular and being used by many local real estate agents is they have an extensive and established local network of contractors and service providers that are familiar with the local area and rules/regulations making it possible for them to react quickly when you have a problem and need something fixed right away.

Want to learn more about Home Warranty Plans, check out American Home Shield and their program.

Most Tahoe Home Buyers should seriously consider including a Home Warranty as part of their real estate purchase.

Tahoe home and condo buyers have questions about our area and the buying process.  Learning more about Home Warranty plans and how they may benefit your purchase is just one item.

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 Lake Tahoe, California your second home? Check out the homes that are for sale here:

Want to see what condos are for sale in Lake Tahoe? 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.

Should Tahoe Home Buyers get a home warranty?

Can I Build a Bigger Deck on my Lake Tahoe Home?

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Can I Build a Bigger Deck on my Lake Tahoe Home?

When looking at homes in North Lake Tahoe, one of the most frequently asked questions that I get from my Tahoe Buyers is

  • “Can I build a bigger deck on my Lake Tahoe home?” or
  • “Can I expand the current deck and make it bigger on my Lake Tahoe home?” or
  • “Can I add on another deck onto my Lake Tahoe home?”
  • “Can I expand the stone and mortar patio?” (not loose pavers, or stones, but a solid patio)
  • “Can I add on a garage?”

Can I Build a Bigger Deck on my Lake Tahoe Home?There are many variations to this question, but it always comes down to the idea of adding, building, or modifying the current structure, and its footprint configuration.

Buying real estate is about compromise, rarely is something perfect and there are trade-offs.  It’s about finding a property that has most of what you want at the price point you can afford.

It becomes a question of what you can live with now, and if it doesn’t have everything, are you willing to try to figure out a way to turn that property into the one that does have the features you want and need.

In the end, you’re looking at making some changes that would require more than a can of paint.

  • The answer to any of these Tahoe buyer questions on building, expanding, or adding on is – Maybe, if you have enough coverage.

For Tahoe Buyers we’ve just moved to the discussion about coverage and it is a complicated and technical one, but one that needs to be addressed if you’re thinking about deck expansions, or other projects that will alter the current footprint on the property.

The topic of coverage tends to frustrate buyers because it is not a simple you can do this, and can’t do that. Coverage information is rarely available unless the current owner has done some leg work and started the coverage determination process.

While many Tahoe Buyers understand that property in the Lake Tahoe Basin on both the California and Nevada side of Lake Tahoe is highly regulated and under the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) rules and restrictions, they are not quite sure how that impacts existing structures.

Each parcel is entitled to a pre-determined amount of land coverage.  The TRPA has an environmental plan in place to protect Lake Tahoe and permanent land disturbance, also known as impervious surface and includes all man-made surfaces such as:

  • Homes
    • Structures attached to the home
    • Garage
    • deck(s)
    • covered walk-way
    • pool
    • tennis court
    • Any hard surface.
  • Sidewalks
  • Driveway(s)
  • Parking Pad(s)

Maintaining open space and limiting the amount of impervious surfaces in a watershed is a proven method for improving water quality, which is a goal for the TRPA and protecting Lake Tahoe.

How much land coverage you are allowed on your specific property is determined by the soil type, either through a TRPA Site Assessment, or an Individual Parcel Evaluation System score (IPES).

You’ll see IPES scores information mentioned with vacant lots that are for sale in the listing information for Lake Tahoe Basin properties in our area.

There are two separate systems used to determine land capability and the amount of allowable coverage.  For residential property, which system used is determined by the date of construction: Before 1987 and After 1987 – present.

  • Bailey Land Scoring System

All residential Properties that were already built upon before July 1, 1987

There are 7 land Capability Classifications and Base Coverage percentages.

In the early 1970’s the US Forest Service and TRPA developed the Bailey land capability system.  It was based primarily on the official USDA soils maps for the Tahoe Region.

Each soil type was assigned to a land capability class ranging from 1 to 7, with capability 1 being the most environmentally fragile and sensitive to development.

Land found to be influenced by a stream or high groundwater was assigned to capability 1b, also known as Stream Environment Zone (SEZ).

Lands Located in Land Capability District Base Coverage
1a, 1b, 1c 1%
2 1%
3 5%
4 20%
5 25%
6, 7 30%

The Bailey system prohibits new development on all capability 1 through 3 parcels, and restricts the amount of coverage (i.e., pavement and building footprint – coverage) that can be placed on capability 4 through 7 parcels.

For parcels with Bailey scores 1 through 3, TRPA created a program for the transfer of development rights to other, less sensitive parcels.

In the Bailey Land Scoring System Capability Classification of 4-7 were considered “buildable”.

  • Individual Parcel Evaluation System (IPES)

All residential Properties that were already built after July 1, 1987 – Present

IPES was adopted in 1987 to determine development eligibility and allowable coverage for residential parcels.  IPES was considered to be a better method to determine eligibility.

IPES scores applied only on vacant residential parcels. In 1987 and 1988, vacant residential parcels in the Tahoe Basin were evaluated and scored based on the following eight elements:

  • Relative erosion hazard
  • Runoff potential
  • Access
  • Stream environment zones
  • Condition of local watershed
  • Ability to revegetate
  • Need for water quality improvements in the vicinity of the parcel
  • Distance from Lake Tahoe

Note:  When building on a vacant lot, an IPES score can be the difference between being able to build and an unbuildable lot.  Each lot was given a score from 0 to a maximum of 1017.  In Placer county the cut-off score was 726, but in all other counties around the lake it is a score of 1 or more.

If your parcel was developed prior to 1987, the parcel does not have, or need an IPES score.  If your parcel is developed, it will not have received an IPES score.

Real estate agents cannot determine your land coverage.  The only way to determine what coverage a property may have is to go through the land verification process and find out if existing land verification documentation does exist.

So the question of “Can I Build a Bigger Deck on my Lake Tahoe Home?” comes back to the issue of do you have enough existing land coverage to build that bigger deck.

What are the steps will a Lake Tahoe Basin home owner have to take to figure out if they can build the deck they want?

The project may require a TRPA permit before it can be constructed.

Before a project application is submitted, the TRPA will need to verify two things:

  • The land capability of the property and the amount of existing land coverage.

This information can be obtained from two sources:

  • Existing records available from the TRPA

If a previous project has been done, or if the previous owner did a site assessment the TRPA may have an existing record that will tell you how much existing coverage is already on your property and how much you were allow.

  • By submitting a site assessment application to TRPA

If there are no existing records that have already documented what existing coverage is already present on the property they you will have to complete a site assessment and application process.

A site assessment involves a topographic land survey, which will identify the contours of the ground and existing features on the surface of the earth like trees, streams, drainage, buildings, streets, walkways, utility poles, retaining walls, patios, etc.

Can I Build a Bigger Deck on my Lake Tahoe Home?As part of the site assessment, the survey will include calculations on how much of the land is covered. The photo is of a topographic survey summary that shows land coverage calculations, which will give you an idea of what to expect and how items are shown.

When you talk to a local survey company and tell them you are looking to verify your land coverage they will be able to tell you the cost for the topographic survey, along with the cost for any research to help you determine what your property was entitled to and the next step of your TRPA site assessment application.

Once the site assessment has been completed, you’ll need to submit it to the TRPA with their application and fee.

Once you have verified your land capability, which determines the amount of allowable land coverage on the parcel, and your existing land coverage on the parcel has been identified these two calculated amounts may then be compared to determine if coverage is available to build a deck.

  • Exceeds Coverage: If the existing coverage exceeds the allowable amount, the TRPA cannot approve the deck since it increases land coverage on the parcel.
  • Under Covered: If the existing coverage is less than that allowable then the remaining potential land coverage may be allocated to the deck and a TRPA permit may be issued.
  • Relocate/Reconfigure Coverage: A permit may also be issued if it is possible to relocate existing coverage on the parcel to be used for the deck.

It will take time to complete the different tasks several months, maybe longer depending on the property.  Typically a Lake Tahoe Basin Seller will not give you enough investigation time to complete the land verification steps.

You may be able to get a rough idea on coverage and possibility, but not enough time to get a final approval, so there will be some uncertainty until you have everything signed off and approved.

There are always exceptions, and often a lakefront home seller with a small, older cabin may agree to a longer investigation period because of the higher price point.

It doesn’t take long before you realize that while determining coverage is a technical process that takes time and money, you begin to understand why there is a premium placed on properties that have a larger home on them, a garage, a large deck, or can provide you the buyer with the documents that verify coverage and eliminate the unknown for you.

Newer construction properties also have coverage information and documents that have identified the land coverage for the property that you can find on-file with either the country, or TRPA.

Buyer Tip:

  • The TRPA website has a lot of good information on it when it comes to process of building.
  • Hiring a local land use consultant can also help make the process of verifying land coverage much easier, and faster.
  • Hiring a good, experienced local contractor to guide you through the land verification process and then the design, engineering, permitting and building process is also a good way to get the help and support you will need.

These local specialist have the past experience to know what you need to do, and when you need to do it.

Once you know if you have enough coverage for your project, or if there is a way to re-configure existing coverage to make your project happen, then the next step will be to submit your TRPA approval of land coverage to the county for their approval.

If after reading this you’re having second thoughts on doing a deck expansion, or adding on a garage, you’re not alone and settling for a property that doesn’t have all of he key features may not be the best buying decision for you.

Owning property in the Lake Tahoe Basin does come with more rules, regulations, and procedures to build and/or change things on your property, but these rules are intended to preserve Lake Tahoe for generations to come and we know that’s something  you want too.

There is a lot to learn about our area before you buy.  Providing you with information on the properties you are considering buying is what we are here to do, so let me know how I can help you!

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

Want to see what condos are for sale in Lake Tahoe? 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.

Can I Build a Bigger Deck on my Lake Tahoe Home?

Can I cut down a tree in North Lake Tahoe?

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Can I cut down a tree in North Lake Tahoe?

Can I cut down a tree in North Lake Tahoe?One of the frequent questions I get from my Tahoe Buyers is “Can I cut down a tree in North Lake Tahoe?”

Many of my North Lake Tahoe Buyers have been coming up to the Lake Tahoe – Truckee area for years, and they have heard stories of how hard it is to cut down trees, along with how difficult the process is to get approval.

  • Can you cut down trees in North Lake Tahoe?
  • Do you need a permit?
  • How hard is it to get a permit, or approval? 
  • The answer – it depends!

If the home is located in the Lake Tahoe Basin, then the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) rules apply when it comes to removing trees.  When in doubt, before cutting down any tree, call the TRPA for guidance, or talk to a local tree removal company for more help before taking any action.

  • Non-Lakeshore Homes: If the house is not along the lakeshore, a permit is required if the tree is greater than 14 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH).

What is breast height, or DBH?  Breast height is 4.5 feet off the ground measured on the uphill side of the tree.  Measure around the outside of the tree (cloth tape measure – I’d suggest a tape measure that you would use on a person as it is more flexible and easier to use).  Take that reading, which is the circumference of the tree and divide that number by 3.14 and that will give you the diameter of the tree.

A tree with a diameter of 14 inches has a circumference of 43.9 inches. 

  • Lakeshore House: If the house is along the lakeshore, a permit is required to remove trees greater than 6 inches in diameter at breast height between the house and the lake.
  • For trees that are not between the house and the lake, it is a 14 inches in diameter at breast height, or less, no permit is required.
  • SEZ: Trees of any size that were planted or retained as part of a permit, or that are in a Stream Environmental Zone (SEZ), or backshore area, require a permit for removal.  (The backshore area is the sensitive area adjacent to the lake)

What if the tree is dead?  A conifer is considered to be dead when it doesn’t have any green needles.  A deciduous tree must be determined to be dead by a qualified forester.

Removal of a dead tree that could fall on a house does not require a permit.

To remove a dead tree that isn’t near a house and is greater than 14 inches in diameter at breast height you will need to have a TRPA forester determine if a permit is required.

Rules and procedures can change over in time, and this was the information available when this post was written, June 21, 2017.  When in doubt talk to the TRPA before cutting down any tree.

  • How to get a tree removal permit? Fill out a TRPA Tree Removal Application and mail or deliver it, with the application fee to the TRPA office.
  • Check out TRPA.org, TRPA front desk, or call 775-588-4547 for more information or help.

Tree Removal for Defensible Space – Thinning trees in close proximity to structures can enhance the fire safety of your home.  Your local fire district is able to issue tree removal permits for defensible space permits.  For more information on defensible space see www.TahoeFireSafe.com

In the North Lake Tahoe area:

  • Tahoe Fire Protection District (CA) 530-546-2212
  • Meeks Bay Fire Protection District 530-525-7558

This is not a complete list of rules, but some helpful information on the tree removal process in the Lake Tahoe Basin.  When it doubt talk to someone at the TRPA!

For more information on tree removal in the Lake Tahoe Basin, check out the TRPA: A property Owner’s Guide to Tree Removal in the Lake Tahoe Basin flyer.   

The Lake Tahoe forest is beautiful, but sometimes trees may need to be cut down.  Depending on the size and location, a permit may, or may not be required.  There is a lot to learn about our area, so let me know how I can help you!

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

Want to see what condos are for sale in Lake Tahoe? 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.

Can I cut down a tree in North Lake Tahoe?

Homes for sale in Tahoe City with air conditioning

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Homes for sale in Tahoe City with air conditioning            

Homes for sale in Tahoe City with air conditioningLast Sunday, June 11, 2017, we had snow on the ground here in Tahoe City.  It didn’t last long, and less than a week later, temperatures are now in the 80’s, so it’s no surprise as I was showing homes today, the question came up, are there homes for sale in Tahoe City with air conditioning?

Lake Tahoe is at an elevation of 6,200+ feet above sea level, and our hot weather and temperatures tend to be short lived.  Yes, we will have 4-6 weeks of hot weather where having air conditioning would be a sweet treat, but the reality is very few homes, or condos have air conditioning in the greater Tahoe City – Truckee area.

As of today, Sunday, June 18, 2017 the day time high was expected to be 81 degrees and there were zero (0) homes for sale in Tahoe City with air conditioning.

Want to see all Tahoe City Homes for Sale – with and with out Air Conditioning?

Expanding our home search to include any home with air conditioning in the greater Tahoe City, North Shore, and West Shore areas , let’s call it the North Lake Tahoe area homes for sale with air conditioning, we have one (1) home for sale with AC!

You may be surprised that most of our restaurants do not have air conditioning.  If you need that cold blast of air, get into your car and turn the AC up as you take a scenic ride around in our area until you cool off, or check out our local super markets.  They have air conditioning, and who doesn’t enjoy a walk down the frozen food isle at this time of year!

Homes for sale in Tahoe City with air conditioningSo what do Tahoe City home owners do that do not have air conditioning?  They do the following:

  • Open windows to create a natural breeze.
  • Use Floor Fans in the rooms you are in. We have them in our bedrooms, and in the TV room.  I have a small desk fan that runs while I’m at work.
  • Close drapes and blinds.  If your Tahoe property receives a lot of sunshine all day long, pull the drapes, or blinds closed on those windows to keep temperatures down, and then open them back up in the early evening.
  • Sleep on the ground floor, which is always cooler that upstairs.

Since our really hot weather tends to only last a few weeks, most home owners haven’t installed air conditioning units, neither window, or central AC.  The use of floor fans is probably the easiest, cheapest, and fastest way to cool down while still enjoying your time here in North Lake Tahoe area.

Tahoe Home Buyer Tip | Get an air conditioning installation bid during escrow.  If you think you’ll need AC, don’t limit your property to search to only homes that have AC (we have so few you won’t have many choices), but look at everything in your price range.

If the home you find doesn’t have AC, then you’ll want to have a heating/AC company come in and look at the home you are buying and have them give you a bid on installing air conditioning after the sale has closed.

The heating/air conditioning company may be able to add it to the existing heating system, or they may have to install a brand new heating and cooling system to add the AC unit.

Learn about your cooling options and potential costs before the sale is final so you can plan, budget, and schedule the work accordingly.

As our Lake Tahoe temperatures rise, the topic of air conditioning always come up as home buyers look at properties, but you’ll learn how about your cooling options and ways to deal with not having AC.

Our hot summer days will be gone before you know it!  It never lasts long enough and in less than 100 days from now we’ll be into another season, and talking about how the first real snow storm of the season is right around the corner!

There is a lot to learn about our area, like homes not have air conditioning, so let me know how I can help you find the right North Lake Tahoe home to buy!

There may not be many more options, but check out all North Lake Tahoe homes that are for sale here with air conditioning:

Want more home buying options with, or without air conditioning?  Check out all North Lake Tahoe homes that are for sale:

Search by Community:

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.

Homes for sale in Tahoe City with air conditioning

Homes for sale in Tahoe City with a Tennis Court

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Homes for sale in Tahoe City with a Tennis Court

Homes for sale in Tahoe City with a Tennis Court?If you are looking to buy a second home in Tahoe City and you’re an avid tennis player, one of the questions you might ask is where can I play tennis in Tahoe City? Are there homes for sale in Tahoe City with a tennis court?

If you’re buying a Tahoe City condo, you’ll have a number of options, but if you’re buying a single family home in Tahoe City, you only have a couple of choices for public access, but some properties do come with tennis court access through the neighborhood association.

Here are your public Tahoe City tennis court options, regardless of what neighborhood you live in:

  • Kilner Park – 410 Ward Avenue, Tahoe City, CA – 2 courts, night lights, just re-done in 2016
  • North Tahoe High School, 2945 Polaris Road, Tahoe City, CA – 4 courts, no lights

If you purchase a Tahoe City home in a subdivision that has home owner amenities that include tennis court access, that is another way to get to play tennis.  These are private courts and require home ownership to use them.

  • Dollar Point –  5 Tennis Courts (3 non-lakeside, 2 lakeside)
  • Alpine Peaks – 2 Tennis Courts
  • Burton Creek/The Villas – 2 Tennis Courts

One last single family home option is to purchase a property that has its own tennis court.  Today (date of this post 06-17-2017) there were no homes for sale in Tahoe City that had its own private tennis court.  Call me and I can let you know if any new listings have come on the market.

If buying a condo is also an option Tahoe City area, your tennis court options for access really expands.  

Again, these are private courts and require condo ownership to use them.  Here are the Tahoe City condo developments that have tennis courts:

Here are the Tahoe City condo developments that have tennis courts:

  • Chinquapin – 7 Tennis Courts | They also have tennis camps, tournaments, and other tennis related activities
  • Cedar Point – 2 Tennis Courts

All of our tennis court options are outside courts, which means tennis is a seasonal sport in our area.  None of our courts are covered during the winter, which means once it starts to snow, they will become covered in snow and are not available for play until they are shoveled out, or the snow melts away.

If you love to play tennis, we do have options for you!  There is a lot to learn about our area, so let me know how I can help you!

Want to see all Tahoe City Homes for Sale – with and with out Tennis Court, or Tennis Court Access?

If you already own a home in the greater Tahoe City – North Lake Tahoe area and want to know what your property is worth, call me 530.414.1260 for a confidential consultation.

There may not be many more options, but check out all North Lake Tahoe homes that are for sale here with tennis court access:

Want more home buying options with, or without tennis court access?  Check out all North Lake Tahoe homes that are for sale:

Need more help in trying to figure out your Tahoe City and North Lake Tahoe home buying options? 

Do you want help figuring out the different neighborhoods, and the ones that will best meet your needs?  Need lake access, a recreational HOA amenities, or need other features?

Call me at 530.414.1260 and I can help you find the right place to buy!

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.

Buyers and Sellers should investigate and verify all information to their own satisfaction.

Homes for sale in Tahoe City with a Tennis Court