Homes for Sale in Tahoe City CA | Market Update 2016

September 14, 2016 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Homes for Sale in Tahoe City CA | Market Update 2016

Homes for sale in Tahoe City CA are in demand and have increased the median average sold home price by 7.3% for the period of January 1, 2016 through August 31, 2016, and is now at $697,300.

The inventory of homes available for sale in the greater Tahoe City area is very limited, so home buyers that are looking for mountain homes and cabins below $500,000 are finding themselves in multiple offer situations.

If you are a Tahoe City (Tahoe City – West Shore Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City North Shore Lake Tahoe) mountain home, cabin, or condo buyer, you need to be prepared to to act quickly on any new listing and be prepared to pay close to the listed price as the list to sales price ratio for Tahoe City home sale in 2016 is at 99.6%.

Given the current Tahoe City market conditions, if you are a Tahoe City home owner asking:

What is my home worth in Tahoe City? now is the time to find out your current market value.

Check out the current over-all market real estate data and trends as of 09-09-2016 to get a better idea of the current Tahoe City real estate market conditions.

Real Estate Market Activity for Tahoe City as of 09-15-2016:

Number of Homes Sold in Tahoe City – Jan-Aug 2016: 73
Median Average Sold Sales Price for 2016: $697,300
Average Sold Sales Price for 2016: $1,179,645
Sold Price Range for 2016: $345,000 – $7,103,000
Average Sold Sales Price to Sold Average List Price Ratio for 2016 in Tahoe City: 99.6%
Average Days on Market (DOM) in Tahoe City – 2016: 90
Number of Homes for Sale in Tahoe City as of 09-15-2016: 52
Lakefront Homes for Sale in Tahoe City as of 09-15-2016: 6
Pending Sales in Tahoe City 09-15-2016: 6
Number of Distressed Sales – Court Approval, Short Sales, or REO Bank Foreclosures Homes for Sale in Tahoe City as of 09-15-2016: 0

The demand for cabins and mountain homes in the Tahoe City area has been strong. The Tahoe Park and Talmont neighborhoods (both offer the Lake Tahoe Park Home Owner Membership) represented 19.2% of all Tahoe City home sales in 2016.

Right behind the Tahoe Park and Talmont home sales is the Dollar Point neighborhoood area, which has also been very active with 16.4% of all Tahoe City home sales in 2016 . Two other neighborhoods that both came in at 6.8% of all Tahoe City home sales were the Timberland and Tahoe Tavern Heights neighborhoods.

The amazing Tahoe lifestyle, and being so close to all that the Lake Tahoe area has to offer are some of the popular reasons why home owners want to buy in the Tahoe City area!

Tahoe City, CA is a wonderful North Shore and West Shore Lake Tahoe community. If you don’t know much about the Tahoe City area, it is centrally located on both the North Shore (Hwy 28) and West Shore (Hwy 89S) so it is close to the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, Squaw Valley Ski Resort, Homewood Ski resort, and the Northstar Ski Resort areas. Tahoe City has a charming downtown area that has a wonderful mountain village atmosphere to it with many restaurants, shops, stores, marina, and other services.

The Tahoe City area has great hiking, biking (dirt/off road and paved trails), downhill skiing/snowboarding, is near world-class cross country skiing, boating, water sports, and is a great place to just kick back and have a BBQ on your deck!

If you are thinking of selling your Tahoe City home, now is a good time as Tahoe City home buyers are ready to buy! Want to find out what your Tahoe City home is worth? Just click on the link below and you will be asked to provide us with some information on your Tahoe City property and I will get you a complete home market valuation report.

FREE Market Analysis in Tahoe City, CA

Why Instant Home Market Values are Most Likely Wrong in Tahoe City!

Buyers and Sellers should know that while instant home market values and estimates are a growing trend on the mega real estate portals and in the Tahoe area finding exact home matches is a challenge for the following reasons:

The Tahoe City area was not developed by a single home builder with thousands of similar floor models, which means each mountain home and cabin was a custom build.

Typically we automatically think of our beautiful lakefront homes as custom property, but even the small one bedroom cabins with only 600 square feet were a custom build in our area, which means the automatic value algorithms the big websites use are not accurate, and don’t provide correct values for our area.

Here are more reasons why instant home values are incorrect:

Instant values don’t know if a home, cabin, or condo has been updated. They have no way of knowing if there are hardwood floors, solid granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, or updated bathrooms.
Instant values don’t know how to value lakefront property versus a split lakefront property, or lake view.
Instant values don’t know if a home has a lake view or not, and how to value that view – peek, partial, filtered, or panoramic.
Instant values don’t know how to value a flat lot versus a steep lot.
Instant values don’t know to add value for access to a Lake Tahoe lakefront home owner (HOA) recreational amenities (beach, pier or buoy access), pool, or tennis courts.
Instant values don’t know how to add value for ski-in/ski-out, mountain, or valley views.
Instant values don’t know how to really adjust for properties that have a carport, one car garage, two car garage, or more for the Tahoe area. Our value is much more because of our winters and the additional cost to build and engineer for the snow load our structures will have to endure. Instant values also don’t know the local rules, regulations, and other restrictions that may prevent building a garage, there by making properties with a garage more valuable and desirable.
Instant values don’t know how to adjust our California property tax values because of Prop 13 and how that skews the value system as properties are not updated with current market values each year in the State of California.
Instant values don’t know how to adjust for arms’ length “on the market” sales transactions versus private sales, or the changing of ownership because of divorce, death, or just the simple transfer of an individual to their trusts. The value model sees these all the same and as a sale, even though the public transfer of title was an internal change and not a real sale.
Instant values don’t know how to adjust for road noise, or the proximity of a property to busier roads in the Tahoe area.
Instant values don’t know how to adjust for floor plan styles – standard ceiling height versus valuated ceilings, open great room versus a galley kitchen separated from the main living areas.
Instant values don’t know how to adjust for backing up to open space versus a neighbor that hasn’t cleaned up their yard, or improved their home in years.

Local real estate data and information are key is the proper determination on current market value.our home and it is an old-school method of knowing the local inventory and knowing what has recently sold for comparison purposes.

We know that each Tahoe City property is unique and we want to make sure the Tahoe City mountain home, cabin, or condo gets all of the credit and value it deserves for all of those special features it may have. We also want to make sure we haven’t over-valued a property if it is missing features that add value.

As a Tahoe City real estate home buyer or seller you should be aware of the following:

Tahoe City homes that are selling quickly have several characteristics in common:

Well maintained property inside and out
Updated and/or upgraded
Clean, uncluttered, warm and inviting
Ready to show at all times
Priced according to the current market conditions

What can make a Tahoe City mountain home or cabin stand-out from the rest? What are the hot-button features Tahoe Second Home Buyers are looking to find?

Kitchen – Newer Updated/Upgraded: solid granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances
Open Floor Plan – The open, great room concept is in demand here
Hardwood floors in the main living areas
Bathrooms – Newer Updated/Upgraded
Energy Efficiency – newer windows, smart home technology, well maintained mechanics
BMP Certificate – Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) Best Management Practices (BMP) Work
Fireplace – Gas Log, or Wood Burning in the living room
Garage – Two car preferred, but one car will do (even a carport is a plus)
Mountain – Cabin vibe
Optional Home Owner Association (HOA) for Lake Tahoe: recreational water access and amenities – beach, pier, buoy rental option
Backs to, or is next to open space
Lake Views
Lakefront

If you’re thinking of buying a Homewood home it will be more valuable if it has any of these updates, and/or features.

Get a FREE Home Evaluation for your Tahoe City Home Here

When you’re ready to buy, or sell in Tahoe City call Laura Allen!

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.

Homes for Sale in Tahoe City CA

Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley, California Real Estate Market Report – 3rd Quarter 2011

November 10, 2011 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley, California Real Estate Market Report – 3^rd Quarter 2011

Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley Real Estate Market Report 3rd Quarter 2011

The Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley, California single family homes sales have bounced back in price up + 45.8%, but will fall short of the 21 homes sold in 2010.Cash sale transactions have increased in 2011 to more than 50% of all sales, and the number of homes going into escrow with in the first 30 days of being listed in the Tahoe Sierra Multiple Listing Service (TSMLS) has increased to 1 in every 4 sales.Distress sales (bank foreclosures- real estate owned (REO’s) and short sales) have more than doubled in 2011.

Sold Single Family Homes in Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley, California:

Year

Homes

Sold

Median Average Sales Price

Lowest

Price Sold

Highest

Price Sold

% Cash

Transactions

Homes into escrow with in 30 days of being

listed in TSMLS

% Distressed

Sales

Breakdown of distressed

Sales

2011*

$1,312,500

$335,000

$3,375,000

58%

25%

1 out of 4

50%

2 REO’s

4 Short Sales

2010

$900,000

$250,000

$4,850,000

43%

20%

1 out of 5

24%

4 REO’s

1 Short Sale

*YTD period is 01/01/2011 – 09/30/2011. * Active listing totals do not include “active-contingent” listings.

The Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley, California condominium /townhouse real estate market has also turned positive with a small, but positive gain in price of +2.83%, and is on track to meet, or exceed the 50 units sold in 2010.Cash sale transactions have increased in 2011, to 91% of all sales, and the number of condo/townhomes going into escrow with in the first 30 days of being listed in the Tahoe Sierra Multiple Listing Service (TSMLS) has stayed steady at 44% or just short of 1 out of every 2 sales.Distress sales (bank foreclosures- real estate owned (REO’s) and short sales) have dropped to 28% of all sales.

Sold Condominium / Townhome in Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley, California:

Year

Homes

Sold

Median Average Sales Price

Lowest

Price Sold

Highest

Price Sold

% Cash

Transactions

Condos / Townhomes into escrow with in 30 days of being

listed in TSMLS

% Distressed

Sales

Breakdown of distressed

Sales

2011*

$400,000

$139,500

$3,800,000

91%

44%

1 out of 2

28%

3 REO’s

9 Short Sales

2010

$389,000

$115,000

$1,300,000

86%

44%

1 out of 2

38%

12 REO’s

7 Short Sales

*YTD period is 01/01/2011 – 09/30/2011. * Active listing totals do not include “active-contingent” listings.

There were 23 Active – available homes for sale in Squaw Valley /Olympic Valley area as of 10/28/2011.They range in price from $485,000 to $4.9 million.Of the 23 offered for sale, 2 are short sales and there are no REO listings.There are three sales pending in this high-end luxury home sales market ranging in listed price from $800,000 to $4.9 million.

To see a list of all active homes for sale in Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley click here!

There were 44 Active – available condominium / townhomes for sale in the Squaw Valley /Olympic Valley area as of 10/28/2011.They range in price from $485,000 to $4.9 million.Of the 44 offered for sale, 6 are short sales and there are no REO listings.There are eleven condo sales pending in this ski resort community ranging in listed price from $139,000 to $895,000.

To see a list of all active condominium / townhomes for sale in Squaw Valley / Olympic Valley click here!

are based on information from the Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors (TSMLS). Due to TSMLS reporting methods and allowable reporting policy, this data is only informational and may not be completely accurate. Therefore, Laura Allen, or Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage does not guarantee the data’s accuracy. Data maintained by the TMLS’s may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. All information is deemed to be reliable, but is subject to change and/or correction without prior notice.Data Source – Tahoe Sierra Multiple Listing Service (TSMLS).If your property is currently listed for sale, or you have an active Buyer Representation Agreement, this is not intended as a solicitation.

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

5 Buyer Reasons to come to Lake Tahoe, California this weekend

November 10, 2011 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

5 Buyer reasons to come to Lake Tahoe this weekend!

1.)Good Weather – The weather in Lake Tahoe is still really nice.The days are still warm and today was in the low 60’s. Being outside and about is still very comfortable. Bring a light jacket, or sweater for later in the day when the sun begins to set.

Check out this fantastic Fall day here on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe:

2) Availability – Looking at Lake Tahoe mountain homes, cabins, condos, and lakefronts is fairly easy as we are in our “shoulder season” meaning homes that had owners in residence have left for the season, properties that had vacation rentals are now available to be shown, and most ski leases haven’t started.

3.)Motivated Sellers – Sellers are motivated.Those sellers that held out on pricing during the “peak high-summer season” are ready to deal on price.Tahoe properties that go into escrow now can still close before the end of the year, and that’s a plus for sellers who want to close out this tax year with a sale.

4.)Low Interest Rates – If you are a qualified buyer and you need financing, interest rates have never been better.Second homes purchases often qualify for preferred primary home interest rates, so you’re getting the best rates out there.

5.)Inspections – If you find the perfect Tahoe home, cabin, condo, or lakefront this weekend, you still have plenty of time to do your property inspections before we have heavy snow on the ground.

It’s time to plan a trip up to Lake Tahoe , California and turn your Tahoe real estate goals into reality.Even if you’re not a buyer, it’s still a great time to come up to Lake Tahoe and have some fun!

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

Beware of falling Tahoe Pine Cones

October 26, 2011 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Beware of falling Tahoe Pine Cones!

This past fall weekend in Tahoe City we finally got around to doing some of those last minute projects we had put off all summer. Our snow free days are numbered right now, so we got out our to-do list and decided we needed to get the exterior of the old garage and pump house (we have a water well on our property) painted.

While we were working, Craig, my better half, told me to not stand under the pine trees – beware of falling Tahoe pine cones. It was a good reminder. I know better than to be under one of the pine trees in our yard right now, they are loaded with pine cones and the squirrels are doing a great job of dropping them.

At this time of year, many visitors and Tahoe homeowners will be up in our area hunting for pine cones, taking a walk, riding their bike, or just taking it easy. His concern for my safety reminded me, not every visitor, or buyer gets the benefit of our local Tahoe knowledge so here are a few tips if you’ll be up in our area to make your trip more enjoyable.

1.) Pine Sap Removal – In Tahoe you don’t have to be picking up pine cones to get sap on yourself. So remember if you get pine sap on your hands, clothes, or your pet gets it on themselves, use olive oil (any cooking oil will do), or regular mayonnaise (not reduced fat). The oil/mayo will break down the sap on you, your clothes, and on your pet. Just rub the oil/mayo onto the spot and it will break-down and allow you to clean it up. This method is a little more work, but its chemical free! Helpful hint. Using a good, rich lotion on your hands and exposed skin before you go outside will make taking off any sap that much easier.

These tiny white crystals are fresh pine sap. When a pine cone hits the ground, these fine sap crystals will break and spray all over everything in their path.

2.) Awareness – Be aware of your surroundings. The squirrels are busy bringing down pine cones. You may hear them, they sound like squealing birds. Here are some other signs that animals are busy around you.

An unopened pine cone loaded with nuts and sap can weigh several pounds and when it falls it can cause serious physical harm to you if it hits you, so it’s important that you are aware of your surroundings. When any pine cone drops you need to stay clear so listen for the noise of something moving/falling and get away from the trees. Pine cones will bounce, so be prepared to move quickly.

3.) Parking – Don’t park under the pine trees. Now is the time to avoid being under them. A falling pine cone can cause serious damage to your car and pine sap can ruin your paint job. In Tahoe you may not be able to avoid parking under all of the Tahoe pine trees, but if you can avoid it, you should.

4.) Extra Towels -Just in case you, or your pet should get sap on you while you are out enjoying Tahoe, always carry a couple of towels in your vehicle. You’ll minimize how many other things you will get it on by having a towel you can put down on your seats.

5.) Safety – If you don’t have someone to go with you and you’re going to go on a walk, bike, or run by yourself, be sure to let others know what path you’re going to take, and when you should be back. If something should happen while you’re out, others will know where and when they should start to look for you. Safety starts with a plan that you hope to never use!

Have a fun and safe Tahoe outing as you enjoy our fall weather and keep a look out for those falling pine cones.

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

Tahoe Buyer Tip – How much off-street parking does the property really have?

October 22, 2011 By Laura Allen, Broker Associate, Tahoe Real Estate Agent, CA RE 01473598 | 530-414-1260

Tahoe Buyer Tip – How much off-street parking does the property really have?

On the surface it seems like a pretty straight forward question. After all there is only so much space for a car, or truck on a driveway, or in a garage, and of course there is always parking on the street in front of the home, right?

A common Tahoe buyer mistake is not taking into account how much driveway space will be lost once the snow starts to pile up. Once the snow has been plowed off the driveway it will get piled in other places next to your driveway, which may result in a loss of off-street parking depending on how much snow we get that season.

The second buyer mistake is not knowing about the local parking restrictions for the North Shore, West Shore, and greater Tahoe City areas for our streets and shoulders. You’ve guessed it – no parking on the neighborhood streets or shoulders from November 1 through May 1 each year.

Tahoe buyers that look at properties between May 2 through October 31 of each year may not realize that the parking in front of their home will not be available from Nov 1 through May 1. As a local Tahoe REALTOR® I understand that off-street parking isn’t a very glamorous subject and it is something that is easily over-looked by a buyer in the excitement of getting a resort-vacation second home property, but it’s a really important one if it turns out you don’t have enough parking for everyone.

My Tahoe buyer tip to anyone looking to buy, or get a long-term, or ski lease rental in our area is to be sure and ask, how much off-street parking you may have once it begins to snow. Be sure to let you Tahoe REALTOR® know how many vehicles you will be looking to park on a regular basis so they can select appropriate properties that will meet your needs all-year long.

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