About Lake Tahoe

Surrounded by majestic mountains, the present day lake sits in a basin of an elevation of 6,229 feet. It is the highest lake of its size in the United States. The lake is 22 miles in length and 12 miles in width and covers a surface are of 191 square miles. This breathtaking lake is so clear that in some places objects can be seen to depths of 75 feet. Lake Tahoe never freezes because the huge volume of lake water is always in motion. Each winter, the cold water on the surface sinks while warm water rises from the deep.

Lake Tahoe Facts:

Surface Elevation: 6,229′ above sea level
Length: 22 miles; Width: 12 miles
Shoreline: 71 miles (CA 42 mi.; NV 29 mi.)
Capacity: 122,160,280 acre-ft. (39 trillion gal.)
Surface Area: 193 square miles (123,520 acres)
Depth: maximum 1,645′; average 900′
Surface Temperatures: maximum 68˚F; minimum 41˚F
Only Outlet: Truckee River at Tahoe City, California

Not only is Lake Tahoe the largest alpine lake in North America, but it is the second deepest lake in the United States.  It is the eighth deepest in the world with an average of 1,400,000 tons of water (1/10th of an inch) evaporating from Lake Tahoe daily.  Over a year this volume equates to a 5-year supply of water for the city of Los Angeles!

Median Housing Cost
Single-Family Units:
Tahoe Area $390,000
Carson Valley $225,000

Sunshine
The sun shines at Lake Tahoe during 75% of the year, or 274 days

Percipitation
Average Annual Rain 8.3 inches
Average Annual Snowfall 216 inches

Population
South Lake Tahoe, including the Stateline area, has a permanent, year-round population of 34,000

Lake Tahoe Schools
View a list of local schools in the Lake Tahoe area.
View Local Schools

Informative Websites
Tahoe Douglas Chamber of Commerce
Lake Tahoe Vacation and Recreation Guide

About Carson Valley

Douglas County is located in the western portion of Nevada bordered by Lyon County, Carson City, and the State of California.

Carson Valley includes Gardnerville, Minden, and Genoa. Minden serves as the county seat of Douglas. Other townships within the boundaries of Douglas County are Topaz Lake, Antelope Valley, Stateline, Kingsbury, and Round Hill.

Douglas County was established in 1861 and encompasses 751 square miles, which makes it the third smallest land area within the state, but the fifth most populated. The population of Douglas County has increased 112.4% between 1980 and 2000.

Average elevation of the Valley is 4,750 feet, and Lake Tahoe’s average elevation (top of Kingsbury Grade) is 7,280 feet.

State Taxes
In Nevada, you will not pay any of the following state taxes: Personal, Corporate, Franchise Tax on Income, Unitary, Inventory, Inheritance, Estate, gift, Admissions, or chain Store Tax.

Demographics
Stats from Sierra Nevada Association of REALTORS®:
1/01/03 - 3/30/03

Median Housing Cost
Single-Family Units:
Carson Valley $225,000
Tahoe Area $390,000

Multi-Family Units: (2 bedroom rental)
Carson Valley $600.00/Month
Tahoe Area $750.00/Month

Distribution by Age for 2001 (Douglas County)
1 - 14 years 19.5%
15 - 24 years 10.1%
25 - 34 years 9.6%
35 - 44 years 16.8%
45 - 54 years 16.8$
55 and older 27.2%

Average per Capita Income for 1999
Nevada $31,004
Douglas $40,972

Precipitation
Average Annual Rain 9.37 inches
Average Annual Snowfall 19.40 inches

Carson Valley Schools
View a list of local schools in the Carson Valley area.
View Local Schools

Informative Website
Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce

About Carson City

Carson County is located in the western portion of Nevada bordered by Lyon County, Douglas County and the State of California. Average elevation of Carson City is 4,600 feet. 

A Historical Perspective

Carson City is recognized as one of the least populated state capitols; however, it is one of the largest with an area of 143.5 square miles.  

Originally settled by ranchers in 1851, Eagle Valley was the beginning of Carson City.  A group of lawyers in 1885 purchased part of Eagle Valley for $500 and a herd of horses.  He surveyed and plotted the town’s site including 10 acres for a state capitol building.

John C. Fremont scouted out the area, together with “Kit” Carson, who identified the nearby Carson River.  Nevada was signed into statehood by President  Abraham Lincoln who recognized the importance of the state’s silver and gold mining during the Civil War.  Nevada became part of the Union on October 31, 1864 and shortly thereafter, was selected as the capitol.

Carson City Now

Carson City is booming and offers many amenities of larger cities:  cultural arts, dining, music, and fine health care.  As the state capitol, one can tour the capitol as well as the legislative building which houses the senate and assembly.  The Nevada State Supreme Court is in close proximity as is the State Attorney General’s office.   Carson City is only 25 minutes from spectacular Lake Tahoe as well and approximately 40 minutes to the Reno Tahoe International Airport.

Whether visiting for a day or longer, be sure and take your time as you stroll through the “garden-like atmosphere” of “downtown”.   Welcome to Nevada!

State Taxes
In Nevada, you will not pay any of the following state taxes: Personal, Corporate, Franchise Tax on Income, Unitary, Inventory, Inheritance, Estate, gift, Admissions, or chain Store Tax. 

Median Housing Cost
Single-Family Units:
Carson City $181,000
Tahoe Area $390,000

Multi-Family Units: (2 bedroom rental)
Carson City $650.00/Month
Tahoe Area $950.00/Month

Precipitation
Average Annual Rain 9.37 inches
Average Annual Snowfall 19.40 inches

Population Estimates and Projections
Carson City
1999 51,590
2005 55,350
2015 59,590
2018 61,190

Carson City Schools
View a list of local schools in the Carson City area.
View Local Schools

Informative Website
Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Selling a Home

“Getting The Most Money For Your House in The Least Amount of Time”

The past few decades have made the process of selling your home more complex and involved. With the advent of “buyer’s rights,” sellers are legally bound to know all public information regarding their specific piece of property. There are several mandatory disclosure forms that must be completed in full and signed by the seller. Without full knowledge of these items, the seller may be a target for legal action by the buyer.

Utilizing the services of a professional REALTOR® cannot be disputed. Your REALTOR® not only manages and supervises the full transaction, but also will market your home in unique ways designed especially for you.

As you prepare to sell your house, it is important to remember that this process is actually a business transaction. So, as difficult as it may seem, try to remove all emotions from the sale of your house. For example, remember that you and your family make a “home, ” whereas the house is the building. Refer to your “house for sale” rather than “home for sale.”

Now that you have selected us as your professional REALTORS® to manage and supervise the selling of your property, here are specific tips to assist you in receiving the most amount of money for your house in the least amount of time.

PRIOR TO LISTING:

1. Determine the reason for selling your property. This may have an effect on the price you set for selling your house.
2. Determine where you want to move: think about schools, jobs, proximity to medical facilities, worship centers, traffic, markets, etc.
3. Decide how much time you will need to actually pack and move.
4. Start getting estimates from moving companies.
5. Decide how soon you can relinquish possession to the new owner.
6. Walk across the street and look at your house from a buyer’s perspective. How is the curb appeal? Does the paint need touching up? How does the landscaping look? Are there malfunctioning sprinklers? Are the gutters clean? Is there excess “stuff” stored on the side of the house? In other words, is there anything that could be considered an “eye sore?” Does the door bell work? Is the door mat worn?
7. Next, walk through the house, room by room, and objectively inspect as a potential new owner. Operate all of the appliances (make sure everything works as intended); inspect the interior paint (look for cracks, chipping, missing paint, dirty paint); look at the carpet and flooring; are any rooms (i.e. kitchen or bath) dated; are the windows clean? Are there any pet/smoke/cooking odors? Look at the little things such as the switch plates, light bulbs, etc.
8. Gentlemen, tidy up the garage the best you can. Try and clean the driveway if there is excessive build up of oil and grease.
9. Make your house as clean and immaculate as you can. De-clutter, clean, paint, repair or replace should be your new motto until the house is in top condition. It should sparkle and smell fresh. Don’t forget to clean the light fixtures!
10. Make your house look livable, not sterile
11. Make it appear inviting and comfortable.
12. If you have a lot of sentimental items, collectibles, and/or knick-knacks, start packing now. Get some moving boxes and start packing away items you do not use at least weekly and things you do not absolutely need to have around you. This will allow the potential buyer not to be distracted by your personal items, and will permit them to see the house and envision their personal items in place.
13. Any personal property not staying with the house needs to be removed as soon as possible. After all, if you love it, there is a good chance a potential buyer will also and assume it is included with the sale price of the house.
14. Inspect the house often for cobwebs on ceiling fans, in corners, on light fixtures, and windowsills.
15. Make sure closets and cupboards are neat. Potential buyers will open them and inspect for spaciousness. Nothing is more deterring than to have items fall out onto the floor when doors are opened.
16. Clean out the refrigerator and take out the trash daily.

Remember, de-clutter, clean, paint, repair or replace should be your new motto until the house is in top condition. It should sparkle and smell fresh. As a seller, you must realize that what is important to you may not be important to a prospective buyer. What is important to them is what’s important right now. Most buyers cannot see how the house could be, they visualize it as it is. So make the most of the de-clutter, clean, paint , repair or replace ideal. It has been shown that as little as $300.00 in cleaning or repairing saved $3,000.00 in negotiations.

DURING THE LISTING: VIEWINGS
Once you have completed “de-cluttering, cleaning, repairing, and replacing”, it is time to showcase your house for viewings. Understanding that a major part of selling your house for the most money in the least amount of time is pricing it at fair market value, showcasing your house for potential buyers is equally enticing.

For your consideration, below are some suggestions that may assist in making your house as inviting and comfortable as possible:

1. If you have an entry way or foyer, fresh flowers can be a very nice touch and present a “welcome atmosphere “;
2. Turn the lights on in each room;
3. If it is the appropriate season, have a fire in the fireplace; otherwise, try candles or plants;
4. Place candy dishes out and fill with mints;
5. Have soft jazz or classical music playing faintly in the background;
6. Make the dining room table look inviting by setting a few place settings;
7. If there is a reading chair, place a book on or near the chair to emphasize the coziness;
8. If there is a fountain near the front door or entrance, have it operating;
9. Place fresh towels in the bathrooms;
10. Make sure there are plenty of current flyers inside the home;
11. Think safety: if necessary, de-ice walkways/stairs; remove throw rugs; remove all clutter from stairs;
12. If there is a security system, make sure your REALTOR® understands how to properly operate it;
13. Open all window coverings to allow for more light;
14. Take care of pet odors; the best place for a pet during a viewing is at some else’s house;
15. If your house is being shown during the winter season and you work, put your lights on a timer;
16. If it is summer and your house has a cooling system, be sure it is on and set at a comfortable temperature;
17. Always say YES to a viewing appointment-even if the house isn’t perfect;
18. Do NOT allow REALTORS® who claim to have contacted your REALTOR© unless your REALTOR® contacted you personally to inform and confirm with you;
19. Do NOT allow into your house walk-ups who say they are inquiring about your house. Refer them to your REALTOR®;
20. NEVER show your home by yourself-ALWAYS have your REALTOR® present;
21. If you are present during a showing, please do not speak with the buyer(s) or the buyer’s agent-let your REALTOR® handle the questions and only help if your REALTOR® requests it.

ACCEPTING AN OFFER AND CLOSING
This is the big day!! When listing your house for sale, you should have developed® a plan that will allow you to relocate to interim housing should you receive an offer “you can’t refuse” or multiple offers on the same day. Most buyers are anxious to move into their new house and typically request either a 30 or 45-day escrow. At times, a 60-day escrow may be requested, especially if the new owner is selling another house.
In order to properly close, all paperwork must be in order, signed and dated, all inspections completed and repairs or replacements must be finished per your sales agreement. As a seller, be aware that the buyer is entitled to a final “walk through”. This activity allows the buyer(s) to verify that all requested repairs or replacements have indeed been completed. This usually is scheduled for 5-7 days before closing. This is an excellent time to gather all the warranty and information booklets on the furnace, air conditioner, garage door openers, appliances, spa/pool equipment, irrigation system, etc. before they accidentally get packed.

At the closing, numerous documents, commonly referred to as escrow papers, will be signed, checks exchanged, and the house keys will be surrendered to the new owners.

CONCLUSION
It is our sincere hope that this information has proved to be helpful to you during this often exciting and stressful endeavor. Because this is a business transaction, listen closely to your REALTORS® and ask lots of questions!

Our job and responsibility is to get you the results you wanted: the most money for your house in the least amount of time. It is important to keep in mind that current market conditions fluctuate daily-as quickly as every time a house in your current neighborhood sells or goes on the market!

During our appointment, we will provide you with more information and specific suggestions for marketing your house. If you are serious about selling, and the buyer is serious about buying, we know how to sell homes!

Buying a Home

Knowledge is power! Before you get started, do some research and become an educated buyer. One way of meeting that goal is to enlist the services of a trustworthy, knowledgeable REALTOR®. Utilizing a professional allows you to continue to live your life and enjoy the journey as you embark on one of the most important and exciting decisions in your lifetime-becoming a homeowner.

BUYING VS. RENTING
As most are aware, home ownership offers tax benefits as well as freedom to make decisions about your home. Although renting gives the advantage of not having to worry about maintenance and other financial obligations associated with owning property, ownership provides a direct sense of security and accomplishment.

You can “run the numbers yourself”. For example, if you are paying $1000 per month for rent, and you have been renting for 24 months, that is $24,000 you have paid toward the owner’s mortgage. Understandably, you may have incurred some hardships along life’s journey which might not permit you to consider purchasing a home of your own at this time.

Take a look at your past and current financial obligations and payment/credit history. Ask yourself questions such as:

1. What is my credit rating and does it need improvement?
2. Have I made any late payments on installment loans (credit cards, vehicles, etc.), rent, or mortgage payments?
3. Has a hardship caused you file for bankruptcy? If so, has it been cleared? Do you have the documentation to prove it?
4. If my credit rating needs improving, how long will that take?
5. Do I need, or am I planning, to make any major purchases in the near future that might affect my credit score?

All lenders will conduct a credit history review. At that time, should the results be less than favorable, consider asking for assistance and guidance to improve your credit. Write letters of explanation for bad credit items that you know about before the credit history verification. Keep a file of all closed accounts. That will assist you resolving errors on your report. Most lenders know of programs that will help you clean up any issues and improve your credit score within a reasonable amount of time.

Your professional REALTOR® often can refer you to several lenders. There is nothing about which to be embarrassed-everyone has experienced difficulties throughout their life at one time or another.

If one says “no”, go see another lender. Remember-never give up!

WHAT IS THE BEST MORTGAGE FOR MY NEEDS?
As most people compare grocery store prices and inventory, it is the smart thing to do when considering a mortgage. Home loans are provided through many sources including mortgage brokers, credit unions, banks, and the secondary market. Every lender has fees and loan costs-be sure to shop and compare. Several of the fees are loan origination points, application and processing fees, and title search fees. These can truly add up!

Discuss the pros and cons of the different types of loans available: zero-down, 103%, no income verification, balloon loans, reverse mortgages (especially if you are elderly), adjustable rates, and fixed rates.

PRE-QUALIFIED VS. PRE-APPROVAL
Pre-qualification letters do not obligate a lender to you. Pre-qualification letters indicate a possible amount for a home purchase based on information the buyer prospect tells the loan officer. There is no in-depth evaluation of the credit history. To make a stronger offer, a pre-approval letter is preferred. The pre-approval letter is based on a review of your credit history, scores, and income:debt ratio. The acquisition of a pre-approval letter makes for a stronger offer.

INCOME TO DEBT RATIOS
Although the ratio varies between lenders, typical percentages to consider are:

1. Monthly mortgage cannot exceed 28-29% of your gross monthly income;
2. Total debt (car payments, credit card payments, etc. including your mortgage) cannot exceed 36-40% of gross monthly income;
3. Housing expenses (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance-PITI) should not exceed 26-28% of GMI (gross monthly income) for conventional loans. For FHA loans, they must be 29% or less.
4. Long-term debts are loans that extend longer than 11 months. For most conventional loans, total monthly long-term debt (includes your mortgage payment), should not exceed 33%. FHA allows no more than 41%.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Once you have decided to pursue the American Dream of owning a home, enlist the services of a professional REALTOR® (a member in good standing of the National Association of REALTORS®). They understand each phase of the home-buying process as well as laws, mandatory disclosures, and are held to high ethical standards from the National Association of REALTORS®. If fact, whether you buy or sell on your own, the laws require the same legal documents as from a REALTOR®.

Once you have located a REALTOR® with whom you are comfortable, try to come to agreement with what you would want in your home as well as a comfortable spending range. Always consider resale. Although that may not be the main reason for buying, the average family moves every 7-11 years (depending on what resource you look at). Consideration needs to be given to:

1. Location-cul-de-sac? Quiet street? Busy thoroughfare-now or in the future? Area of town?
2. Style of home-single level vs. split or multiple levels? Contemporary? Ranch? Victorian? Historical?
3. Size-Try not to “over buy”. There are times when a 1400 sq. ft. home actually has more “space” than a 2500 sq. ft. home simply because of the floor plan.
4. Features-Do not purchase the house in the neighborhood with the most features; for example, where it is “overbuilt” for the neighborhood. Consider “perks” such as air conditioning, fireplace, and shop area or bonus rooms.
5. Budget - Be realistic. Consider getting into a home and accumulating equity for a couple of years, and then pursuing the “ideal” home.

Once you have listed the features contained in the “ideal” house of your dreams, decide what you can live without. Not every home is going to be absolutely perfect. Agree on what your goal is and seriously reconsider “needs vs. wants”.

TIME TO FIND A REALTOR®
Now that the finances are in place, it’s time to find the right REALTOR® for you. Try to avoid the “looked in the phone book” method. Talk to friends and relatives, co-workers, and other trusted people and ask for referrals. Once you have identified a REALTOR(S)®, schedule a consultation/interview with each one.

Remember, they will be working for you. Make sure you feel comfortable with the one selected. Do not be shy about asking for references and checking those references.

Once you feel comfortable and are satisfied with your selection, it will be time to find the home of your dreams!!