Tahoe Donner® Real Estate Sales: October 09

Tahoe Donner® Real Estate

Single Family Homes Sold - October  2009

Single Family Homes SOLD = 30
Median List Price = $614,000
Median Sale Price = $605,000
Average Days on Market = 93
YTD TD SF Homes Sold = 177
Active Listings = 145

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Tahoe Donner® Condos Sold - October 2009

Condos SOLD = 5
Median List Price = $279,000
Median Sale Price = $274,000
Average Days on Market = 87
YTD TD Condos Sold = 27
Active Listings = 27

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Tahoe Donner® Lots Sold - October 2009

Lots SOLD = 2
Median List Price = $212,500
Median Sale Price = $182,500
Average Days on Market = 132
YTD TD Lots Sold = 10Active Listings = 54

(YTD = Year-To-Date)

This is provided as a quick snapshot of the monthly market activity in Tahoe Donner®. Keep in mind, numbers only tell part of the story. We would be happy to share our day-to-day insight

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Truckee Real Estate Sales: October 2009

This chart represents the number of single family homes sold in the last three months in the Truckee real estate market. The chart also shows the median sale prices for these homes. While real estate sales have picked up significantly in several Truckee neighborhoods, Tahoe Donner single family home sales continue to be the strongest segment of the Truckee real estate market with 49% of the total single family home sales in the past three months (August, September and October combined).

Ski Passes – Tis’ the Pre-Season!

Tahoe Donner Downhill
and Cross Country Season Passes On Sale

Yes! It’s already that time of the year. We’ve had a dusting of snow and the mountain tops look like they’ve been decorated with powdered sugar!

Member Season Pass Application
Public Season Pass Application

Discounted season passes for Cross Country Skiing are on sale from Thursday, October 1– Saturday, October 31. On Sunday, November 1 the prices go up. Act now to save money. Make sure to submit your pass application by October 31 to receive the discounted rate. Mail it to the Member Services Office at 11509 Northwoods Blvd. Truckee, CA 96161. Or fax it to (530) 587-9423.

Daylight Saving Time

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back 1 hour

on November 1st, 2009.

Tahoe Donner 3rd QTR 09 Market Update

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Tahoe Donner Consecutive Quarter Sales Analysis
(A Glimpse at this past Year)

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This chart illustrates:
1) Number of Single Family Homes Sold in Tahoe Donner 3rd QTR 2008 through 3rd QTR  2009
2) Comparison of Median List Price to Median “Sold” Price of Homes Sold in Tahoe Donner 3rd QTR 2008 through 3rd QTR  2009

The Quarterly data suggests:

• Median “SOLD” prices have decreased 21% when comparing 3rd QTR 2008 ($665,500) to 3rd QTR 2009 ($525,000).
• Comparing same time this year with same time last year, 3rd QTR sales are up 19%. 54 homes sold during the 3rd QTR of 2008 while 64 homes sold during the 3rd QTR of 2009.
• Comparing consecutive quarters in 2009, Single Family Home sales have increased 33% from QTR 2 ’09 (48 homes sold) to QTR 3 ’09 (64 homes sold).
• Summary: PRICES are DOWN and SALES are UP. We have seen an increase in sales this past month. There are several contributing factors including, 1) market savvy Realtors and their sellers are getting better at pricing for the current market, 2) buyers are taking advantage of good inventory and low interest rates, 3) well versed buyers working with good Realtors recognize “good opportunities” and are writing stronger offers and 4) Tahoe Donner home sales typically pick-up at this time of the year as buyers make their purchases before the snow falls.
  

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Tahoe Donner 3rd QTR Sales Performance 2004 – 2009
(The Bigger Perspective – The Last 5 Years)

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This chart illustrates:
1) Number of Single Homes Sold during the 3rd QTR from 2004 through 2009.
2) Comparison of Median List Price to Median “Sold” Price for the 3rd QTR from 2004 through 2009.

The sales data for Tahoe Donner single family homes shows us:

• Current single family home ”SOLD” prices are similar but slightly lower than they were in 2004.
• Since the top of the market, in 2005, single family home “SOLD” prices have dropped 32%. This means there are great opportunities.

What do these numbers tell us?

Buyers – now is the time to get serious. Prices are low, interest rates are low and there is good inventory. If you are in the position to purchase property, NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY. Call us today: 530-412-0583!

Sellers- if you need to sell, now more than ever, you need to price your home for the current market and you have to get the price right, right from the start! If you price too high, you’ll get skipped over and you’ll spend your time making price reductions when you could have sold your house! It’s not too late. Inventory is getting snapped up and new inventory is always great. The Buyers are out there!

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Price Category Comparison of Homes Sold

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This chart illustrates:
1) Number of Single Family Homes Sold QTR 3 in Tahoe Donner
2) Comparison of Price Categories of Homes Sold in Tahoe Donner

64 single family homes sold in Tahoe Donner during the 3rd quarter of 2009. 

• 85% of these homes sold for under $750K (54 homes)
• 12% of the homes sold for between $750K and $1 million dollars (8 homes)
• Zero homes sold for between $1 million dollars and $1.25 million dollars
• 3% (or 2 homes) sold for between $1.25 million and $1,499,999
• Zero homes sold in the price category exceeding $1,500,000

* Well priced single family homes under $750K are getting the most attention. If you are in the “over a million” category, you’ve got to be very strategic about your pricing.

If you are a buyer or a seller or just have questions, we would love to talk with you. We are easy to get a hold of. Send us an email at karen@huntoonrealestate.com or give us a call at 530-412-0583.

Truckee Real Estate Sales: Sept. 2009

This chart represents the number of single family homes sold in the last three months in the Truckee real estate market. The chart also shows the median sale prices for these homes. While real estate sales have picked up significantly in several Truckee neighborhoods, Tahoe Donner single family home sales continue to be the strongest segment of the Truckee real estate market with 47% of the total single family home sales in the past three months (July, August and September combined).

Tahoe Donner Snow Removal

Tahoe Donner’s Top Snow Removal Companies

SnowTech and Waltman’s are the main snow removal contractors in Tahoe Donner however, if you live above 7000 feet in Tahoe Donner (Ski Slope Way, Glacier Way, Bear Meadows Court, Snowpeak Road) you might want to try LarsonSnow.  All three companies come with great testimonials from happy clients. As a rule of thumb, we recommend contracting with the company that plows the most driveways on your street. Check with your neighbors!

SnowTech
Phone: 530-582-0300

Waltman Snow Plowing
Phone: 530-587-7017

LarsonSnow
Phone/fax number: 530-550-8083
Toll Free: 877-231-8747
Mobile: 530-913-9972

Winterization Tips

These are guidelines for primary and secondary homeowners in the Truckee-Lake Tahoe area.

• EACH WINTER HAVE A SAFETY TALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN. Make sure your kids play in safe areas. Caution them to stay away from areas where snow sheds from the roof. Sledding is fun but it is unsafe when the sled run empties into the street. Dress warm.
• GET TO KNOW YOUR PLUMBING. Each year a few people find themselves without water because of frozen water pipes. Prevent this by draining your pipes and by keeping the heat on, at a level where pipes won’t freeze, even when you are away. Although you cannot always predict the wrath of winter, there are a few things you can do to avoid frozen pipes.
• DRAIN YOUR PIPES. If you are planning to be away from your home for a length of time, it could be a good idea to drain your pipes to prevent them from freezing.
• KNOW WHERE THE PIPES AND WATER SHUT-OFF ARE LOCATED. If your pipes do freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you shut the water off, the less internal damage you will have if the pipes do burst.
• INSULATE PIPES OR FAUCETS IN UNHEATED AREAS. If you have pipes in an unheated garage, attic or crawl space, wrap the pipes before temperatures plummet. Heat tape may also be applied to the pipes.
• SEAL OFF ACCESS DOORS, AIR VENTS, CRAWL SPACE VENTS AND CRACKS. Don’t let the wind whistle through overlooked openings. This cold air can quickly freeze exposed water pipes.
• OUTDOOR PIPES AND FAUCETS. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
• NECESSARY HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE. Considering the large sum of money that is invested in a home, it is certainly worth it to keep it in tip top shape!
• MAKE SURE STEPS AND HANDRAILS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE. Broken stairs and railings can become dangerous when covered with snow and ice.
• SWEEP DECKS AND REMOVE ANY LOOSE NAILS OR SCREWS. Remove loose nails or screws and replace with new ones. This will save you a lot of headaches when you can smoothly run your shovel across your deck!
• TRIM TREES AND REMOVE OLD BRANCHES. Ice, snow and wind can cause weak trees or branches to break, damaging your home or your car or even injuring someone walking on your property.
• PUT YOUR SUMMER TOYS IN STORAGE. Winter can sneak up unexpectedly. Make sure you have your deck furniture, bikes, etc. put way before they get covered with snow.
• PREVENT SNOW DAMAGE TO DECKS AND RAILINGS. Some home designs facilitate snow accumulation and damage where we do not want it! If snow shedding from your roof could possible break windows-protect them with coverings.
• IS YOUR FURNACE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER? In addition to keeping your pipes from freezing, winter also puts demands on personal comfort.
• FURNACE CHECK-UP. Ensure that the thermostat and pilot lights are working properly. The pilot light should be blue. Replace the filters in your furnace each fall.
• HAVE YOUR HEATING DUCTS BEEN CLEANED? This is recommended every 5 years. Why pay a higher heating bill if you don’t have to?
• CHECK CAULKING AROUND DOORS AND WINDOWS TO MAKE SURE YOUR WARM AIR ISN’T GETTING OUT AND VICE VERSA! Cracked and peeling caulking should be removed completely and the area cleaned & dried thoroughly. Then apply new caulking.
• SWEEP THE CHIMNEY. Call a reputable Chimney Sweep to inspect your chimney and flue and to remove any creosote that has accumulated.
• LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW! Keep snow and ice from building up around the bottom of the garage door so it closes completely.
• HAVE THE RIGHT TOOLS. Make sure you are prepared for winter with plenty of good shovels. They need to be sturdy enough that they don’t break yet not too heavy! If you have a snow blower, make sure it is in good repair when the first storm hits.
• SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES WILL KEEP YOUR DRIVEWAY PLOWED DURING THE WINTER. Snow removal is a great convenience when you arrive later at night. Remember, you cannot park in the streets during the winter. To help facilitate timely plowing, find out which plow service has the most contracts in your neighborhood.
• A FEW WORDS OF CAUTION… Purchase smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for every floor of your house. These should be replaced every three to five years depending on the model. Replace batteries in your alarms at least once a year.

ENJOY YOUR WINTER SEASON!

(This list may not be complete and is to be used mainly as a checklist.)

Winter Driving Tips

Before Heading to Snow Country

When you’re heading towards Truckee, winter driving on roads and highways in the mountains of California can be a great adventure or it can be frustrating and even dangerous. Following are a few tips to help make your winter driving safe and pleasant.

• Check your systems. Make sure brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater and exhaust systems are all in top working condition.
• Check your antifreeze. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent ice from forming.
• Check your tires. It important that your tires have good tread and that they are properly inflated. Make sure you carry chains and also make sure they fit your tires! Chains must always be installed on drive wheels so make sure you know if your car is front or rear wheel drive!
• Bring along a few necessities. It is a good idea to take along water, food, blankets and extra clothing. If you get stuck in a long delay, you will be happy to have a few of the necessities with you.
• Weather can change your route. In case you find yourself in an unexpected detour, bring along updated maps of the areas you are traveling. If you have a cell phone, pre-load the Cal Trans Highway Information Network number for road updates. The CHIN number is 1-800-427-7623.
• Have a spare key. It is surprising how many people lock themselves out of their cars when they are putting on chains. Have a spare key in your pocket or hidden in a safe place on your car.
• Allow enough time. Get an early start and allow plenty of time to get where you are going. Mountain driving, in the winter, can take more time than other times of the year.
• Keep your gas tank full. You never know when you might get caught in a traffic delay, change routes or turn back during a storm. Make sure you have plenty of gas.
• Keep windows and windshield clear. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of moisture. You should pull over, at a safe rest stop, to brush snow from your car or scrape the windows with an ice scraper.

A Quick Course-Chains 101

• Chain requirements.

  *R1: Chains, traction devices or snow tires are required on drive axle of all vehicles except four wheel or all wheel drives. 
  *R2: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles except four wheel or all wheel drive vehicles with snow tires on all four wheels.
  *R3: Chains or traction devices are required on all vehicles, no exceptions.

• Chain controls. You must stop and put on chains when highway signs indicate that chains are required. You can be cited by the CHP and fined if you don’t.
• Control areas. You will usually have about a mile between the “Chains Required” sign and the checkpoint to install your chains. Always pull completely off the roadway to the right. Do not stop in a traffic lane where you will endanger yourself and block traffic.
• Chain installers. If you use a chain installer, be sure to get a receipt and jot down the installer’s badge number. Chain installers cannot sell or rent chains.
• Removing chains. When removing chains, drive beyond the signs reading “End of Chain Controls”. Drive to a pull over area where you can safely remove your chains.

Driving in the Snow

How to stop skidding. Slamming on brakes during a skid locks the wheels, causes loss of traction and increases the skid. Steer in the direction of the rear end of the car. As the car begins to straighten, straighten the front wheels too. When you are headed in the right direction, either lightly pump your brakes or gently accelerate.

• Avoid over steering. Turning the wheel too far whips the rear end into a skid in the opposite direction. Keep car in gear. This helps reduce speed and provides maximum control.
• Don’t use cruise control or get over confident with 4 x 4 vehicles. Your four wheel drive may get you going quicker but it won’t stop any faster. Because of their weight, 4 x 4′s usually take longer to stop. A 4 x 4 can loose traction as easily as a two wheel drive car.
• Don’t pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump the brakes while stopping. The right way is to “brake and steer”.

Don’t hurry. In dry weather 65 mph might seem safe but in snow and ice it is an invitation for trouble. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so leave more distance between you and the other car. Avoid sudden stops and quick turns. Wear your seatbelt!