When do Tahoe Second Home Buyers get their Keys?

March 29, 2013 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

When do Tahoe Second Home Buyers get their Keys?

As a Tahoe real estate agent that specializes in working with Tahoe second home buyers and sellers in the greater North Lake Tahoe area my clients have a lot of questions. One of the more frequent questions I’m asked is:

“When do Tahoe Second Home Buyers get their New Home Keys?

In the North Lake Tahoe area we typically use the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) to buy and sell residential property.

In the CAR-RPA there is a specific provision that spells out the day and time a buyer is allowed to take possession and get their keys to their new Tahoe Home and it is called:

CLOSING AND POSSESSION

The default, and most common time to take possession, or get the keys to your new Tahoe Second Home for a Seller-Occupied, or Vacant property is

5 P.M. on the date of Close of Escrow

What that means is when the transfer of title occurs, commonly known as “Recording Day”, or the day your sale goes on “Record”.

If you want a different possession date, or time, something that is different than the default when title transfers, then you need to negotiate that different time and day when you create your offer as a buyer, or you need to counter this provision if you are the seller.

If you are a Tahoe second home buyer, you may be worried about securing your new Tahoe home once title transfers and you take possession of the home. What happens if the close of escrow happens on a Wednesday, and you can’t come up to Lake Tahoe until Friday, or Saturday?

Here are some Tahoe Second Home Owner tips for taking possession on your Tahoe Home:

Ask your Buyers’ Agent to collect the sellers’ keys and hold them until your arrival.
If your Tahoe Second Home is a member of an HOA group, or your new Second Home is actually a Condominium/Townhouse make sure to remind the seller/listing agent about getting the HOA common area keys/key cards at least 7 days before the close of escrow.
Ask your Buyers’ agent to deliver your keys, or have them available for pick up on your arrival date.
Set up a locksmith appointment for the day of possession and have the locks to the home changed at 6 p.m.
Ask if the home has been checked to ensure the doors and windows are locked and secured on the day of possession.
Install a push-button / combination lock-box on the exterior of the home. You’ll need this for friends who forget their key, lock themselves out, or when you need to have service people at the home.

There are many things to do when you purchase, or sell your Tahoe Second Home, and knowing when you’ll get, or give your keys is when the real fun begins!

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.

When do Tahoe Second Home Buyers get their Keys?

Property Insurance Tips for your Tahoe Second Home

March 15, 2013 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Property Insurance Tips for Tahoe Second Home Owners

Depending on how you will use your Tahoe second home that usage will impact the type of insurance coverage you will need.

Here are some property insurance tips for Tahoe second home owners. The first group of tips on getting your initial policy.

The second group of Tahoe second home owner insurance tip are on keeping your policy up-to-date.

If you vacation rent (short term rentals less than 30 days, for insurance companies this may be as much as less than one (1) year, so ask what applies), you should have an insurance policy that covers renters (landlord) and has the additional liability insurance coverage you will need to protect yourself and your Tahoe home.

There are a number of Tahoe real estate Buyer Tips when it comes to getting homeowner insurance in the greater North Lake Tahoe – Truckee Area.

Here are some tips when it comes to getting that initial policy and suggestions that may help when contacting insurance brokers to get a quote and explore coverage options.

This may include the following:

Owner Information Details: Get all of your contact information and details organized and ready to share with your insurance broker, and/or multiple insurance brokers/agents.
- Insurance is about you and the property so have details on your property available.
- Questions that may be asked about the property:
  - Age of the roof? If the age of the roof is different than the year built, do you have written evidence showing when that roof was built? Example: Permit, and/or Invoices from Roofer
  - Is there a hot tub, and if yes, does it have a locking cover, and/or locking fence around it?
  - Does the building have a fire suppression system?
  - Does the home have a main water shut-off valve? Are there documents that identify that the property has these features?
  - Square footage of the building?
  - Age of the building?
  - Are there other buildings on the property – detached garage, detached garage with kitchen and living quarters, sheds, etc.
  - Have there been any insurance claims on the property in the past five (5) years?
    - If yes, what was the claim, how much was the claim, and are there documents showing that the work was done/item repaired?
- Questions about you:
  - All names of all insured parties to be named on the policy.
  - Some insurance carriers may limit the number of names, so organize them in a priority so that if all names can’t be included, you’ll know who should be named.
  - Each insured name should have their birth date info, email contact, phone number, and mailing addresses if different that the initial named person.
  - Have you, or any of the insured individuals made any insurance claims in the past five (5) years?
    - If yes, what was the claim, and how much was the claim. Yes, your past insurance history can impact your ability to get new coverage on a new property.
Short Term or Long Term Renters Coverage: If you are going to need a landlord (renters) policy to do short, or long term rentals, make sure your insurance brokers knows that information immediately.
- Many carriers are no longer writing new policies in our area and it may take your broker more time to find, and/or process your application.
  - Each carrier has their own rules – planning ahead is critical to meeting your purchase contract deadlines.
  - If you are getting a loan, make sure that getting a landlord policy will not cause problems with the underwriter if you are making the purchase as second home, and not as an investment property.
  - Your insurance broker will most likely need to start the policy application over if your coverage usage is different landlord verses home owner. This means a delay in getting your insurance policy in place.
Property Management Insurance Requirements: If you will be doing short term, or long term rentals and are using a professional property management company, they will ask you to add them onto your insurance policy as a “named insured” and they may have insurance coverage limits you will need to meet
- You will need the property management company to provide you with how their name and contact information should appear on the policy.
- Avoid application delays – have the property management company information ready for your insurance broker.
Lender Information. If you will be getting a loan as part of your purchase, you will need to provide your insurance broker with their name, contact information (mailing address), loan number, and mortgagee clause (exact language that the lender will require on the insurance policy).
- Avoid application delays – have all of your lender information ready to go. The longer it takes to get this critical information to your insurance broker, the longer the insurance broker will wait to submit your application.
- Your insurance broker cannot process your application without it.
- Once an application has been submitted, it is not a simple process to make a change, and last minute changes may result in having to start the entire application process from the beginning, so accuracy counts.
- Getting the lender information correct at the initial insurance information intake will save you time and frustration later if you have to get this information updated after the policy has been issued.

Other Buyer Tips for Getting Homeowners Insurance in the Tahoe Buying Process:

Apply immediately for home owner insurance as soon as you have an accepted offer.
- Starting the process of getting homeowner insurance should start on the day you get your acceptance! It may take several weeks, or longer to get your policies issued. This is a Buyer critical task!
Don’t assume your current, local insurance broker will be able to help you in our area.
- You need to get a firm commitment, quote, and or application submitted with them right away.
- Finding out at the last minute before your Buyer contingencies are due to be removed that your local insurance broker was wrong, and they can’t get you a policy will cause delays.
- Local insurance brokers should be able to help you, but they will need time to make and process your application. Give yourself options and figure out your insurance plan at the beginning of the process.
- Don’t know who to talk to? Ask your local Tahoe Real Estate Agent for insurance broker recommendations.
California Fair Plan
- If you end up having to use the California Fair Plan as part of your insurance coverage plan, be advised that the age of the roof will determine your pay out option in the event of a claim.
- The California Fair Plan will only give you the “repair/replace” pay-out option if the age of the roof is less than twenty-five (25) years old.
- Each insurance carrier has their own rules, or features which often determine “repair/replace” versus “actual cash” payouts, so ask what those features are: Age of roof, plumbing, over-all structure, or something else. For the California Fair Plan, it is the age of the roof.
- Lender Requirements: If you are getting a loan your lender will want you to have “repair/replace” coverage options rather than “actual cost” coverage. If your lender will take a policy with “actual cost”, you need to get that in writing upfront from them so you know what properties will qualify for this coverage.
  - Buyer Option: Perhaps the property you are purchasing needs a new roof and your lender will agree to give you a year to get a new roof which will allow you to get an insurance policy with a “repair/replace” payout option. When in doubt, ask, there maybe solutions and unexplored options.
Be patient, and follow-up. Insurance brokers/agents are overwhelmed with inquires. Getting home owner insurance in the greater North Lake Tahoe-Truckee area can be time consuming to find an insurance broker that is writing new policies in our area. Be prepared to find out you have limited options.
- Getting the California Fair Plan and a Difference in Conditions (DIC) also sometimes referred to as a “Wrap-Around” policy to cover the perils that the California Fair Plan policy (typically referred to as the “fire” policy) does not cover may be your only option.
Other Insurance Options may, or may not be available at the time you apply for insurance in our high fire zone so be prepared for finding insurance to take more of your time than what you may have experience in the past and plan ahead. The days of getting in place last minute coverage is not common in our area.

Here is a list of Tahoe second home insurance questions to ask yourself. If you answer yes, to any of them, it’s time to call your insurance agent and have a policy review.

Usage: Has the type of use of your Tahoe second home changed? The home is now having occasional vacation renters in it, or you’ve stopped doing vacation rentals? Your policy needs to be updated to reflect your current usage.
Occupancy: This Tahoe home will be a second home with limited occupancy, or you’re changing from a second home to a primary residence with full-time occupancy, you need to make an update.
Update or Major Renovations: A major update, or renovation to the home has been completed – new kitchen, new bathrooms, flooring, decks, etc. Will the current insured amount cover the increase in value, or the replacement of these new features and upgrades?
Wood Shake Shingle Roof: Have you replaced a wood shake shingle roof with a newer metal, or composite roof material? If yes, did you call your insurance agent and let them know you’ve done this work? In the Tahoe area most insurance policies are less expensive for a non-wood shake shingle roof.
Ownership Change: Has the ownership changed, or has the loan been paid off? Life happens and with those changes mean insurance policies need to be updated to reflect current home ownership, and who may need to be paid in the event of total destruction.
Cost to Rebuild: Has the cost to rebuild increased in the greater North Lake Tahoe – Truckee, California area?
1. Annual Policy Review If it has been more than two (2) years since you last reviewed your Tahoe second home insurance policy coverage limits, it’s probably time to make sure you have the right amount of coverage.
2. Inflation and the increased cost to build in the greater Tahoe area has increased significantly over the past few years. Your Tahoe property may need to have its coverage limits increased so that it is properly covered in the event of a loss.
3. Maintaining property coverage is important as many insurance policies contain a provision that requires the property owner to maintain at least 80% of rebuild value (depending on your policy that amount could be 90%, or even 100%). This is often referred to as the 80% Rule. You can Google it and learn more.
4. Rebuild value/cost is not the same as market value, or what you get if you sell the property. It is about the cost to rebuild the structure(s) today. The insured value does not insure for the cost of the land, so be sure to separate the cost per square foot to rebuild your structure.
Past Insurance Claims: If you’ve had a past insurance claim on the property, remember it stays with you, the insured, and the property for five (5) years.
Ask your Insurance Broker/Agent: If you have insurance questions on how much you are insured for, and how much coverage you should have based on the current cost to build, now is the time to call your insurance broker/agent!

Getting insurance in California and in the greater North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area can be a challenge. You’ll be provided with a number of disclosures and advisories about getting insurance in our area. They are very helpful and worth the time to review.

The tips in this article are some suggestions, and there may be other issues, or items that you may need to address to get insurance on the property you want to purchase.

The insurance market continues to change, and working with a professional insurance broker/agent is the best course of action for any Tahoe real estate buyer!

Making sure you have the right type of property insurance for your Tahoe second home is an important part of home ownership. A quick review can make sure you’re covered.

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:

Search the Truckee – North Lake Tahoe area by map here: homes, condos, lots!

Here are some popular North Lake Tahoe Communities:

How about making Truckee your second home? Check out what is for sale here:

Here are some popular Truckee area neighborhood options:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE | North Lake Tahoe – Truckee Real Estate Professional, Advisor, and Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker | Tahoe City – Truckee, CA

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

Property Insurance Tips for Tahoe Second Home Owners

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Does it really matter which way the roof sheds the snow off a home in Tahoe?

March 13, 2013 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Does it really matter which way the roof sheds the snow off a home in Tahoe?

Does it really matter which way the roof sheds the snow Most second home buyers will ask how old a roof is, the condition the roof is in, how much it may cost to replace a roof, but they never think to ask their Tahoe real estate agent, which way the roof will shed the snow off it. So does it really matter, which way the roof sheds the snow off a home in Tahoe?

In the Tahoe area, how a roof sheds off the snow is an important piece of information for any potential buyer to be aware of when they are looking to buy a home in this area.

The Tahoe area is known for its great skiing and that means a heavy snow fall. In the middle of winter, seeing how the snow has shed off a roof is easy to see, and it’s even easier to understand why this is an important question to ask.

It’s hard to imagine in the summer and warmer months, when we don’t have snow on the ground how important it is know how the snow will come off the roof.

Will the snow slide off and into your driveway that you just plowed, or onto your new car and cause damage to it? Will the snow slide off and break a deck? Will it slide off and pile up so high it could break the lower, ground floor level windows? Will it slide off and block a main door, or walk-way?

Is the roof a metal roof, which can result in sudden and forceful movements of snow that can have the physical power of a mini-avalanche? If it is, where will that snow fall to when it comes off the roof?

These are just some of the questions buyers should ask as they view Tahoe properties. Finding out from the current home owner how the snow comes off a roof and what they do in anticipation of the winter months can also be a big help. Asking your Tahoe agent what to expect is also a great way to get a feel for what to expect during the winter months.

Knowing how the snow will come off your roof can help you prepare for the winter months. You may have to board up lower windows to protect your property, or make extra arrangements for additional snow removal to clear a pathway, or shoveling a deck and keeping it clear after larger snow storms to prevent future damage.

You may need to park in a different spot in the driveway rather than being right next to the home, or avoid using certain home doors that could be dangerous in the winter are all pieces of information that come with knowing how the snow should shed off the roof of a Tahoe home and being prepared for the winter months here in Tahoe.

While no one can predict how the snow will behave, being aware of how the snow may come off the roof of a Tahoe home is important, so ask the questions, and be comfortable with the answers.

How the snow sheds off the roof of your Tahoe home is important information to know.

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.

Does it really matter which way the roof sheds the snow off a home in Tahoe?

What is a Reverse Floor Plan in a Tahoe City Home?

March 12, 2013 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

What is a Reverse Floor Plan in a Tahoe City Home?

What is a Reverse Floor Plan in a Tahoe City home? Typically, most home buyers expect to come into their home from the garage, or parking area directly into the kitchen, or living room, which is located on the ground, or main floor of the home.

Many Tahoe second home buyers are surprised when they tour a home with a reverse floor plan, as this is something they typically don’t see in their home market.

In the Tahoe area, the reverse floor plan is a popular mountain style home where the kitchen, living room, and dining areas are all located on the top floor of the home, rather than on the main, or ground level of the home.

The advantages to having a reverse floor plan where the kitchen, living room, and dining areas are all located on the top level of the home are the vaulted ceilings and mountain cabin feel.

Vaulted ceilings not only make any space feel larger, but in the Tahoe area this floor plan shows off the large roof trusses and beams in this design giving the home more of a rustic, mountain cabin feel to it.

Second home owners also find that there tends to be more privacy with this floor plan configuration as the view is not of the street, and outdoor living is on the second level, well above street and foot traffic.

What is a Reverse Floor Plan in a Tahoe City Home? The reverse floor plan is a good design for the Tahoe area because it maximizes the entire area on the ground level, resulting in larger bedrooms, and a better use of floor space.

Remember, in order to get a kitchen, or living room with a vaulted ceiling on the main floor of a home, the sacrifice is the loss of useable space above that area. There is no wasted space by using the reverse floor plan, a feature most second home owners appreciate, especially when living space is at a premium.

So what are the disadvantages to a reverse floor plan? A reverse floor plan typically means that home owner will end up carrying their groceries up some steps, if not a full flight of stairs.

If single floor living, or having the kitchen, dining, and living room areas all located on the main floor of your Tahoe City second home are important to you, make sure to tell your agent so they can eliminate all Tahoe reverse floor plan homes from your showing list.

If you’re looking for a Tahoe City mountain home that maximizes its footprint, check out a reverse floor plan style home!

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.

What is a Reverse Floor Plan in a Tahoe City Home?

Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent

July 31, 2012 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent

Making an investment in Tahoe Real Estate is more than just about buying a home, or condo in your price range. It’s my job as your Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent to help you find the right property and location so you can “Live the Tahoe Lifestyle ~ Your Way!”

I’m here to help you put the massive amounts of real estate data, information, and listings you are finding on the internet into perspective.

My job is to help you understand the different Tahoe neighborhoods, locations, features, and choices. What adds value, things to consider that are unique to our area, and finding the right opportunities for you.

You know what you want, so let the experience that a Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent / REALTOR® has, help you to find the right property.

Here is what to expect when you work with Laura Allen, Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent.

Initial Meeting: At our first meeting you will receive my Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Welcome Packet, which includes the following:

Local Area Map Guide & Information Book: Buyer tips and Tahoe information.
Newsletter: If numbers and market data are your thing, you’ll appreciate this newsletter.
Sample Contract Documents: Agency, California Association of REALTORS® Residential Purchase Contract, and local disclosures.
Special Disclosures: Information on Short Sales, Bank Foreclosure REO Properties (special disclosures).

I will also have a special Tahoe Property Tour Guide for the day, which includes the following:

Property List: A detailed list of all Tahoe properties we are going to see that day.
Property Details: Detailed property information on each property.
Property Map: A detailed area map showing you where each property is located.
Professional Presentation: Your information is printed in color and is bound together so you’ll have it available for you to review as you go along, but also have for after the tour has ended. You’ll know which properties you liked, and which ones you didn’t like and information on Homeowner Associations if applicable.

On-Going Service: I will set you up for automated property alerts for all Tahoe properties in your price range that meet your needs to be sent to you as soon as they are entered into our system.

Remember, as your Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent, I can represent you on:

Any property in our MLS system regardless of who the listing broker is on
the property.
Any property you find on the Internet.
Any neighborhood property you find driving through the area.
Any For Sale By Owner property.

Contract: Paper work, paper work, and more paper work. When it buying or selling, the amount of paper work – documents, disclosures, advisories, and informational items can be over-load.

So when it comes to your contract, know that while I will prepare your offer for you (we use the California Association of REALTORS forms, along with our local addendums) we will take the time to figure out what terms, conditions, and contract items are important to you so they are addressed in your Tahoe property offer.

I also use DocuSign electronic service, so we can conduct business remotely. Not only is it convenient, it also provides us the opportunity to go through the documents line-by-line, page-by-page as if we were meeting in person and address all of your concerns and questions before moving forward.

You will have questions, concerns, and items you want addressed, and I’m here to take you through that process.

Contract Negotiations: You should know that I have extensive experience in negotiating in multiple offer situations, short sales, REO’s, estate sales, and the standard equity sale for single family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and vacant lots. I’m here to help guide you through the entire buyer-seller negotiation process.

Property Investigation/Buyer Due Diligence: In escrow I’ll be there to help you through the Buyer Due Diligence phase and your physical investigation of the property.

You’ll need local home inspectors, pest inspectors, contractors/trade professionals and I have people ready for you to select from. You’ll find that you’re not alone, and that I’ve surrounded you with skilled professionals.

Closing Escrow: Once it’s time for the transaction to close, we’re here to help you with the final details. Perhaps it’s meeting a delivery truck, or letting a contractor in to do some repairs or make some upgrades. I understand that as a second home owner, this level of service is what you’ll need to make a smooth move into your new Tahoe home.

Cost of a Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent – My Fee is Negotiable: Starting August 17, 2024 (California is looking to make this a law for all licensed agents/brokers by January 2025), all Buyers will need to enter into a written Buyer Broker Real Estate Agreement prior to doing any real estate activities, including looking at property for sale.

The rules will now require for Buyers to enter into a Buyer Broker Agreement prior to seeing any property with an agent or engaging in any real estate activities. Yes, this is a big change in how things will be done in the industry.

A Buyer Broker Agreement will identify in writing how much a Buyer will pay for real estate representation and services.

OPEN HOUSES | Even at open houses Buyers will now be asked to sign in on the “Property Showing and Representation Agreement” and register before walking through the property. Again, big changes in how things are done in the real estate industry.

These are significant changes in how real estate transactions have worked in the past and as a Buyer you need to be prepared for these changes. You will have questions and you can call me at 530-414-1260 at any time to learn more about the new rules and procedures that will govern how we do things.

Why change? In a word – “Transparency”!

While real estate commissions/fees have always been negotiable, however, starting in late summer 2024 our real estate procedures will change.

Get ready for significant changes! Buyers will take a pro-active role in setting what their agent is paid.

They can also identify to their agent their goals on how they would like for that fee to be paid, including only seeing properties that the Sellers have identified that they are open to, or have indicated they are offering a Buyer Financial Concession of either $X’s, or a percentage (%) of the sales price.

Buyer Agent payment options may include:

Buyers pay the fee directly with no financial Seller assistance.
Buyers negotiate through their offer for the Seller to pay (Partial Payment) a part of that fee.
Buyers negotiate through their offer for the Seller to pay the entire Buyer Agent fee.

Will Buyers’ Agent know what Sellers are offering? Are they offering Buyer financial concessions, or offering to pay the Buyer Agent Fee? Is a Seller open to negotiating that cost as part of the purchase?

Your Buyer Agent will need to ask, and in my opinion, an organized Buyers’ Agent that uses check lists, and has their list of questions they ask a Seller Agent before showing a property really becomes valuable information for their Buyers.

What happens if a Buyer cannot through the purchase contract negotiations successfully get the Seller to provide a Seller financial concession to pay a part, or the entire Buyers’ Agent Fee?

If the Seller says no to paying for, or offering a financial credit for payment of the Buyers’ Agent fee, then the Buyer will be financially responsible for paying their own agent at the close of escrow, or based upon the terms they have agreed to in their Buyer Broker Agreement.

So, if you don’t have the extra funds to pay for your Agent, be honest, let your Agent know. As a Buyer if you need the Seller to pay for your Agents’ fee, then you may need to limit your property search to only those properties that are promoting that the Seller is offering that financial concession.

Buyer Tip: Buyers should ask the Listing Agent if the Seller is offering to pay them (the Listing Agent) a separate Buyer Agent Fee (in addition to their listing fee) if a Buyer uses them to represent them on the sale of the property when they also represent the Seller.

This will tell you several things:

First, it will tell you if the Seller is open to paying a Buyers’ Agent Fee.
Second it will give you an insight into their negotiation strategy. If the fee is very low, or is currently zero, and needs to be negotiated, it may indicate that as a Buyer you may end up paying for part, or all of your agents’ fee.
Third, a Buyer may find that the Seller has already set a reasonable Buyer Agent fee, and that you may get that same amount for having your own Agent.

Using the agent that is working directly for the seller can be beneficial, but buyers really need to think about what their goals are by using the same agent as the seller.

The question then becomes do you want your own advisor, your own professional, your own advocate to help you through the process and is only worried about you the Buyer, or to use an agent that is working for both parties in the transaction. It’s a choice for you to make.

As your Tahoe Buyer’s Real Estate Agent, it is my goal to put money in your pocket, and to help you get you the best terms, and deal.

If you are in a multiple offer situation, we want to help position your offer in its best light given your situation and what you are willing to offer to get the property.

My focus is on you and not divided on the Sellers’ goals and objectives.

After the Purchase: After the escrow is over, I’ll still be here to provide support! In our second home market you may find in the weeks, months, even years after you’ve closed on your new Tahoe home that you may need local assistance. I’m just a phone call, text message, or email away. I’m here to help even after the sale is completed.

As Your Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent my goal is to be your local advocate, provide exceptional service, add value to your real estate transaction, and to provide support. My job is to make the entire process enjoyable, organized and informed.

Not all Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agents are the same. In the Lake Tahoe – Truckee, California real estate market, you’re expecting more, and I want to exceed those expectations. These are just some of the things that I will do when I work for you as your Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent!

Everyone should have representation; talk to Laura Allen your Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent.

Need more help in trying to figure out your North 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!

Ready to make Tahoe City your second home? Check out what is for sale here:

Want to search the North Lake Tahoe – Truckee area by Map? Start with the Tahoe City and surrounding area and go from there!

Start with the Tahoe City area for homes, condos, and lots here:

Here is a list of some of the more popular neighborhoods on both the West Shore and North Shore of Tahoe City:

Here is a list of some of the more popular condo/townhome developments on both the North and West Shores of Tahoe City:

For all of your Tahoe real estate needs –

Laura A. Allen | 530.414.1260 | Laura@TahoeLaura.com
BROKER ASSOCIATE | North Lake Tahoe – Truckee Real Estate Professional, Advisor, Agent
CalRE# 01473598
Coldwell Banker | Tahoe City – Truckee, CA

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

Tahoe Buyers’ Real Estate Agent