Don’t miss the annual deck opening party at The Lodge on Friday, June 11. Enjoy a complementary drink with live music from 6 to 9 p.m. and Happy Hour from 4 to 9 p.m. throughout the entire restaurant.

Happy Hour

4 – 6 p.m., Sunday – Friday
25% off entire Pub Menu,
Plus drink specials.
(In Pub Only. Not valid during holiday periods.)

Wild Wednesdays

Enjoy Happy Hour in the Pub all night long, Wednesday nights from 5 p.m. ’till close.
(Last Wild Wednesday of the season is on June 9.)

Music in The Grotto

Free live music in The Grotto, every Wednesday night through August. Begins June 16.

No Corkage Tuesdays

Every Tuesday night The Lodge will waive the corkage fee when you bring in a bottle of wine.
(Not valid during holiday periods.)

It is a big decision for anyone to buy a new home and there are many things to take into consideration, especially when purchasing a home in the mountains. While location and price are major determinants in the home buying process, many buyers often overlook other important elements. For example, a house that is great in the summer may not be so great when it’s buried with snow come winter. Following are some of the elements you should know about:

• Basic Home Design
• Lot Topography
• Location
• Materials and Design

In this article we will try to point out some of the features you should seriously consider when buying your mountain home. We want you to thoroughly enjoy your new place and we also want you to make a good investment.

Home Styles

Truckee has a wide range of home styles. We see homes ranging from ranch style homes to A-frames (and variations) to reverse floor plans to luxurious mountain lodges! Following are a few things to think about:

• Ranch Style: While ranch style homes (all one level) can be nice in most locales, in snow country they are not always the best choice. Depending on the snow load, a single level home can easily get buried in the winter turning your bright and sunny summer chalet into an ice cave in the winter. If you do require a single level home, you should consider the snow load in the neighborhood and the roof angles and materials (see picture).
• Reverse Floor Plan: A typical Truckee home or cabin is designed with what we call a reverse floor plan which describes a home with the main living area upstairs and the garage and bedrooms on the ground level. This gets the main living area of the house up out of the snow and it is also more economical to build. This style home is a good way to accomplish a better view on a flat lot and also is quite common on an up slope lot.
• Garages are another consideration for mountain homes. A garage serves many purposes. In the winter, especially, it is nice to park inside a garage and this also makes it easier when your snow removal service comes to remove snow. A garage protects your car from snow shedding from the roof and a garage also gives you a place to store skis, boats, lawn furniture, etc.

Lot Characteristics

Lots come in all shapes and sizes. You should consider all of the following

1. Lot Topography
2. Location
3. Soil, rock, vegetation characteristics (trees and bushes)
4. Orientation to the sun

• An up slope lot, which slopes upward from the street, will generally mean the house will have an up slope, sometimes steep, driveway and the view from the house will look out over the street. The entrance to the home will usually require stairs to get to the front door and main living area as the garage is often positioned below the living area. Depending on the steepness of the lot, the usable area to the rear of the house can be confined by the slope. A turn around area in an up slope or down slope driveway can be very helpful in icy conditions. Snow and ice on south facing driveways melts faster than the north facing driveway across the street! It makes a huge difference! Common sense will tell you if the driveway is too steep. Is it a driveway you will want to navigate in the winter when there is snow and ice?
• A down slope lot, which slopes downward from the street, usually allowsentry to the house through the main living area. The driveway can either be down sloping or if it is elevated or bridged, the driveway may actually be flat (see picture). If power lines are a concern for you, they generally have less impact with a down slope lot as most windows will look out to the rear, away from the street.
• An advantage of a flat lot, if you build the right house, is that you have easy access to your yard. At our house, where the main living area is on the ground floor, in the summertime we use our deck as an extension of our house and in the winter we snowshoe just as easily. A flat driveway is always easiest for snow removal, and traction when icy.
• The location of your lot/home is also important. It is different for everyone, but the majority of our clients prefer homes on the more interior neighborhood streets vs. the main streets in a subdivision. Locations that get good sunshine are also preferable. Check out the orientation to the sun.
• Take a look at the soil, rocks and vegetation on your lot. Some people like lots of trees and other prefer more openness.

Materials / Design

The snow in Truckee should definitely be a consideration for the design of a home. Roof lines and type of roofing materials are a big factor in the effect the snow has around the house. Roofs that are angledtowards decks, garage and entry doors and even windows will shed snow in unwanted places. The roofing material is a factor in how much snow will actually slide off the roof. Metal roofs will not hold snow while a composition roof will. For example, a metal roof that angles towards your driveway will shed unwanted snow in front of your garage doors. Windows and doors are susceptible to the same thing (see picture).

Sophisticated roof designs add attractiveness to the home, however, complex roof designs that have valleys and areas where snow can accumulate can be problematic. We find with newer homes, that apply more modern architecture and building techniques, these problems are greatly minimized.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when considering a home in the Tahoe Donner and Truckee area. Remember, not every property will have everything just perfect, so be prepared to be flexible. That upslope or downslope driveway may just get you the view you have been looking for. As your Realtors, we try to point out issues about properties that you are interested in purchasing because, first and foremost, your satisfaction is our priority.

Located on Oberwald, this Tahoe Donner home has sweeping views of Mt. Rose, Carson Range and Northstar.  Proven floor plan! Open great room with pine vaulted ceiling, free standing gas stove and built in entertainment center; delightful kitchen with tile counter tops, oak floor, garden window and breakfast bar;  vaulted ceilings throughout, 2 decks, hot tub, airlock entry, and a huge family room! This place has something for everyone!

• Offered at $575,000, NOW $525,000
• Sweeping mountain viewsof Mt. Rose, Northstar and Carson Range
• 3 bedrooms
• 3 bathrooms
• 2 car garage
• 2010 square feet
• Open Great Room with Free Standing Gas Stove on River Rock Hearth
• Huge Family Room with full bathroom, pine wainscoting.
• Spacious master suite with vaulted ceiling and access to private deck with Hot Tub
• Master bath with tiled counter tops and double sinks, tile floor, large tiled shower with 2 shower heads.
• Delightful kitchen with oak floor, tile counter tops, garden window and breakfast bar.
• Lot dimensions 65′ x 180′
• Greenbelt setting
• Light, bright and cozy
• Enjoy a full spectrum of Tahoe Donner amenities
• Virtual Tour of 13200 Oberwald Way
• Printable Flyer

2010 Tahoe Donner defensible space inspections will take place in units 6, 7 and 10. Property owners in these units will be notified by mail of the results of their inspection. If any, deficiencies are reported, owners will be given 45 days to correct them.

Practicing good defensible space is an important part of being a property owner in Tahoe Donner. US Forest Service records show that over the last 35 years over 150 fires burned in or within a two-mile radius of Tahoe Donner. One of the goals of the forestry department is to help property owners bring their properties into compliance with state, local and association fire safety standards. Work completed by individual property owners is key to keeping Tahoe Donner safe from wildfire. In 2007, the Tahoe Donner Board of Directors adopted a four-year program to inspect all properties, both developed and undeveloped, in the association. The first two years of the fire inspection program have been a great success.

Check list of fire safety items around your home -

Residence:

• Pine needles must be removed from the roof of all structures
• Pine needles on the ground must be removed within 10 feet of all structures
• Limbs must be removed from within 10 feet of the chimney
• Chimney must have an approved spark arrestor
• Ten feet of clearance required around the propane tank
• Firewood and lumber must be stacked away from the residence
• The address of the residence must be clearly visible

100-feet or to Property Line:

• All dry, flammable vegetation and woody debris less than 12 inches in diameter must be removed
• Dead and/or beetle infested trees must be removed
• The areas of contiguous brush must be broken up
• Excessively dense tree cover must be thinned
• Remove the lower branches, six feet from the ground, on trees over 12 feet tall. On shorter trees remove the lower branches to 1/2 the height of the tree
• All dead plants or grasses must be cut to a height of six inches or less

Protecting the Forest

In addition to protecting your home, defensible space is also about improving the health of the forest to reduce the threat of fire. The forestry department works to create a healthy forest on the common areas of Tahoe Donner. This is done by:

• Creating and maintaining fuel breaks in strategic areas
• Removing brush and planting trees to establish a forest on the landscape
• Masticating (mowing) brush from around trees to increase the growth of the forest, change the arrangement of fuels and remove ladder fuels (fuels which provide vertical continuity allowing fire to spread up into tree crowns)
• Creating a mosaic of practices to lessen the impacts to the human eye and encourage different wildlife species
• Thinning dense forest stands through commercial logging operations or by hand crews
• Maintaining the seasonal road system in the western portion of Tahoe Donner to lessen erosion and allow access by firefighting crews

If you wish to schedule an appointment for a Forestry Department staff member to check for defensible space on your property and make improvement recommendations, contact the Forestry Department at (530) 587-9432.

If you don’t have time to do the work yourselves, there are many resources that you can hire to get the job done.

Let’s all do what we can to keep our neighborhoods safe. Thank you!

Located on Stockholm, this casual mountain home basks in the sunshine and has peek mountain top views of the Carson Range and Northstar. This home is light & bright, charming and inviting. Features include a free standing wood burning stove on a rock hearth, tile counter tops, pine accents and trim and is tastefully appointed with neutral color carpets and a pleasing interior paint color. Consisting of 1640 square feet, this 3 bedroom home has an “easy-living” open floor plan and a front deck that is drenched in sunshine! This home is ready to be enjoyed and just in time for summer!

• Offered at $479,000  $455,000, NOW $435,000
• 3 bedrooms; spacious master suite with walk-in closet
• 2 baths
• 2 car garage
• 1640 square feet
• Lot dimensions 90’ x 210’
• Greenbelt setting
• Peek mountain top views of Northstar and the Carson Range
• Open floor plan
• Rock hearth with free standing wood stove
• Newer paint throughout
• Easy access; flat driveway
• Light, bright and cozy
• Landscaping includes watering system
• 50 Gallon Water Heater – new in 2010
• Enjoy a full spectrum of Tahoe Donner amenities
• Virtual Tour of 12590 Stockholm
• Printable Flyer

12►

Enjoy priceless views from this signature Tahoe Donner lot. Without a doubt this is the best “luxury” VIEW LOT in Tahoe Donner. With a practically flat building envelope; panoramic views of Martis Valley, Northstar and the Sierra Crest; and acres of greenbelt bordering the south and west property lines, this is the best home site in Tahoe Donner. It’s the perfect place to build your dream home and enjoy million dollar views of spectacular Sierra scenery.

• Offered at $520,000
• Lot Dimensions: 80′ x 240′ x 134′ x 190′
• Commanding panoramic views of Martis Valley, Northstar and the Sierra Crest
• Greenbelt setting
• Virtual Tour of 14828 Skislope Way
• Printable Flyer

If you like amazing sunsets and breathtaking views this is the place for you. The perfectly positioned windows frame the likes of Hawk’s Peak, Frog Lake Cliffs, Tinker’s Knob and more. Easy access to the Nordic Center in the winter and miles and miles of trails in the summer. This exquisite mountain home is custom built with fine craftsmanship and attention to every detail. Extensive use of cherry wood, travertine & fossil slate flooring, granite & stone. 2 Decks and Paver patio. Quality, views, size, floorplan and excellent price – this one can’t be beat! Call Karen and Robbie to see this amazing property. 530-412-0583.

• Offered at $979,900
• Panoramic Views
• 4 Bedrooms
• 3.5 Baths
• 2 Car Garage
• Large Bonus Room
• Professionally Engineered Theater
• 2 Decks
• 3028 Square Feet
• Built in 2007

Single Family Homes Sold - April 2010

Single Family Homes SOLD = 22 (17 standard sales, 3 short sales, 2 REO)
Median List Price = $530,250
Median Sale Price = $530,000
Average Days on Market = 128
YTD TD SF Homes Sold = 60 (as of 4/30)
Active Listings = 91 (as of 5/7)

Tahoe Donner® Condos Sold - April 2010

Condos SOLD = 5 (2 standard sales, 2 short sales, 1 REO)
Median List Price = $329,000
Median Sale Price = $325,000
Average Days on Market = 156
YTD TD Condos Sold = 16 (as of 4/30)
Active Listings = 43 (as of 5/7)

Tahoe Donner® Lots Sold - April 2010

Lots SOLD = 2 (2 standard sales)
Median List Price = $294,000
Median Sale Price = $265,000
Average Days on Market = 23
YTD TD Lots Sold = 8 (as of 4/30)
Active Listings = 43 (as of 5/7)

(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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Registration Information

Registration for 2010 day camps and swim lesson programs will take place online at http://onestore.tahoedonner.com. We recommend that you create a login and check that all members that you have registered at the Member Services office appear in your profile prior to the registration date. Information regarding swim lessons and day camps is available in the Summer Fun Guide or online at www.tahoedonner.com. For more information, contact Trout Creek Recreation Center at (530) 587-9437.

Member Registration
Day Camps: Tuesday, May 4, 8 a.m.
Swim Lessons: Tuesday, May 11, 8 a.m.

1. To register as a member, each participant must be identified on your Tahoe Donner profile, even if they are six or under. You may add members to your profile at the Member Services office. The Member Services office, located in Northwoods Clubhouse, is open from 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Saturday. A birth certificate will be required to add a child to your profile. Please note: If your child turns seven prior to registration this year, you may be required to pay the applicable member fees for them to be considered a member.

2. Go to http://onestore.tahoedonner.com and create your login. To do so, you will need to enter your name and member ID number exactly as they appear on your member ID card. If you went through the registration process last summer, your login should be the same. Both previous and new users should log in and make sure that all members you may have added appear on your profile.

3. After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with links to waiver forms that will need to be completed and submitted to Tahoe Donner.

Guest Registration
Day Camps: Tuesday, May 18, 8 a.m.
Swim Lessons: Tuesday, May 25, 8 a.m.

1. To register as a guest, you must obtain either a transferable guest card ID number or a member card ID number.

2. Go to http://onestore.tahoedonner.com and create your login.

3. After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with links to waiver forms that will need to be completed and submitted to Tahoe Donner.

4. For all programs that are restricted by age, guests will be required to provide a copy of the participant’s birth certificate. Your registration will not be complete until a birth certificate is received. Birth certificates can be emailed or faxed to the address or number provided in your confirmation email.

Important
Please take careful note of the age level requirements for each program and make sure that your child is eligible to attend that program. The age requirements are established for the safety and well-being of your child. Age requirements are enforced as of the first day of the session in which your child is registered. If a child is found to be registered for a program that he/she is not eligible, for his/her registration will be cancelled and no refund will be given. There will be no exceptions with children’s ages for day camps. All children must be potty-trained to attend any camp. Children in pull-ups will not be allowed to attend camp.

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations and/or changes must be made 14 days prior to the first day of the session for which you are registered, and a processing fee of $10 per program will be charged. No refunds will be given for cancellations and/or changes made less than 14 days prior to the first day of the session for which you are registered.