Are You Looking For Property In Lake Tahoe?

Great News for Buyers!

If you are looking for property in Lake Tahoe...We have the perfect solution for you!

This beautifully maintained condo offers one bedroom, two full baths and an alcove area off the living room. The living room features a wood burning stone fireplace and opens onto a nice covered deck where you can relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Features include a master bath with spa tub, utility closet with a stack washer and dryer and a convenient underground parking garage with elevator access to the condo. This darling Tahoe retreat is just minutes away from Diamond Peak Ski Area and all recreational amenities!

Call Us For Details!

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Call Alvin's Team Today! 800-666-4718

Or Visit our Website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Spring Cleaning Tips

It's time to climb out from under that mess! Yes, there's no hiding from; it's time for Spring cleaning.

And there has never been a better time. As buyers are coming out of recession hibernation, this is the time have your home shine.

One way to have your home shine, literally, is to let in the light. To do that, let's wash those windows and screens. Ideally, you should complete this task twice a year.

To get streak free windows, there is a great time saving option available. Use a high quality squeegee in horizontal strokes. (If you're a real expert, try making an "s" pattern.) These great little tools can help you clean in just a fraction of the time that it takes with other methods, such as paper towels and windex.

You can even use simple dishsoap in a bucket of water as your cleaning solution. After a couple strokes of the squeegee, be sure to wipe off the blade with a work rag. This will help to avoid streaking.

For tough stains, consider using a very fine steel wool. What about the window screens? You can scrub them down outside in your yard with a regular scrub brush and some soapy water. Rinse with a simple garden hose. If you don't have outdoor space to work in, you can always just give those screens a good old fashioned bath in your tub.

For sellers looking to add even more light, consider changing out your curtains during showings, using simple sheers instead of heavy drapes.

Inside your home, a great way to lighten up the appearance is touching up the walls. If you have kids or animals, you may have grubby hand and paw prints. This is exactly why you should always keep an extra gallon of paint whenever you makeover a room. Use it for years to come to cover stains, holes, and blemishes.

Our next cleaning tip can also have a positive effect on your health. Allergens live deep down in your carpet, and vacuuming may not be enough. There are steam cleaners for purchase at most home stores, or industrial ones for rent. Steam cleaners can deep clean away allergens and improve the appearance of your carpet.

Or contact your local professional. Ask, though, if your carpet cleaning professional has green cleaning options you can choose from.

And the final tip: Clean that fridge. Believe it or not, prospective buyers ... and sometimes just guests ... will have a look in your fridge. Remove everything and wash the shelves in a sink. Wipe down the inside of the fridge with your daily household cleaner. And then to retain the fresh smell, place an opened box of baking soda in the fridge.

Use these tips and you're on your way to a Spring clean home!


Published in Realty Times
Written by Carla L. Davis
April 20, 2010

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

2010 Outdoor Living Trends

Spring has sprung and while snow still lingers on lawns, patios and backyards, thoughts are turning to the great outdoors -- around the home.

However, those thoughts of leaving in-house hibernation behind are edged with economic concerns as homeowners take a less lavish look at how to move indoor living outside.

Buzzwords are "low" and "less" as low-maintenance landscaping, low-frill entertaining, even less technology are common in outside home improvement plans homeowners will undertake this year, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).

"Homeowners want to create a sense of place for their family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy outside, but an uncertain economy means many will dial back some of the extra features we've seen in past years," said Nancy Somerville, executive vice percent and CEO of ASLA.

From Jan. 25 to Feb. 12, when the ASLA surveyed 182 residential landscape architects about the popularity of various design elements for 2010 they found homeowners were avoiding more expensive, elaborate items in favor of more essential ones.

Given most outdoor living spaces are an extension of the kitchen, ASLA, not surprisingly, found the most popular kitchen features was an outdoor grill (94.4 percent) and counter space (73.5 percent).

More elaborate outdoor refrigerators (52.8 percent) and sinks (50 percent) were much less popular.

For entertainment purposes, instead of stereo systems (57.2 percent), wireless/Internet connectivity (44.1 percent), outdoor heaters (43.9 percent) and TVs (35.5 percent), there was much greater interest in more utilitarian seating/dining areas (95.6 percent), installed seating like benches and seat walls (90.6 percent) or weatherized outdoor furniture (77.1 percent). However, the fire pit/fireplace (94 percent) remained popular.

This year homeowners are also looking to go 'green' outside to save time and money on upkeep.

Popular landscaping elements include low-maintenance landscapes (94 percent); drip/water-efficient irrigation (85.2 percent); native/adapted drought tolerant plants (85.2 percent); and less sprawling lawn (73.9 percent).

Other popular features include fountains/water features (87.8 percent) and, taking a cue from the First Lady, Michelle Obama, food/vegetable gardens (78.5 percent).

Among the more expensive outdoor architectural features that remain popular were spas (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, indoor/outdoor sauna; 79.1 percent); decks (83 percent), porches (76.4 percent) and swimming pools (72.4 percent).

Among the least popular items were sleeping spaces (5.6 percent); geothermal-heated pools (28.2 percent); outdoor cooling systems (36.5 percent); outdoor heaters (43.8 percent); solar-powered lights (49.4 percent); and sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.; 47 percent).

This artice was published in Realty Times
Written by: Broderick Perkins

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Are You Looking For Property In Lake Tahoe?

Great News for Buyers!

If you are looking for a STEAL OF A DEAL in Lake Tahoe...We have the perfect property for you!

This spacious end unit is unlike any other on the market! The unit features three separate livable areas. From the lower level, the large two car garage leads into a non-conforming studio featuring tile floors, a kitchenette, and its own private entrance. Both the upper and middle levels feature identical floor plans with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a deck off of the living room, a nice kitchen with a large pantry, and great natural lighting.

Call Us For Details!

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 800-666-4718
Or Visit our Website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes

Buying a home is perhaps the most arduous, expensive and, ultimately, valuable acquisition you'll ever complete

Just one mistake could mean disaster -- perhaps the worst mistake you'll ever make.
In order to avoid titanic trip ups during such a trying transaction, RealEstate.com suggests buyers get to know the most common home buying blunders. To know them is to avoid them.

Going solo Buying a house is a complex transaction. It should be a team effort. You'll need a real estate agent, lender, inspector, insurer, perhaps a lawyer and other team members to help you through each step of the way. Team build before you start the search.

Love at first sight If you believe in fairy tales you probably shouldn't be buying a home. You won't live happily ever after if you emote your way through the home buying process. Your home should fit your real needs, not your yen for drama. Buy a home that fits your budget and your lifestyle. Be sure the home is in a community and neighborhood you desire. Visit neighborhoods several times before you buy to check out schools, noise and traffic patterns.
'Loanless' shopping Being pre-qualified gives you a general idea of how much you can afford to borrow. It's better to be pre-approved for a given loan. Sellers will take you more seriously. You'll stay on budget.

Overbuying Home buyers buying more than they could truly afford, in part, led to the collapse of the housing market. Buy more than you can afford and your dream home will become the same nightmare. Analyze all your monthly costs including debts, food, transportation, entertainment, and savings. Your total monthly debts, including your mortgage, should not exceed 36 percent of your income before taxes. Don't forget to budget closing costs (often two to five percent of the home's purchase price), plus moving, redecorating and maintenance. Look ahead and allow for increases in ongoing expenses such as utilities and taxes.

Misplaced trust You are engaged in what's likely your most valuable acquisition ever. It's a business transaction. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professionals and others you trust for referrals, but don't take their word for it. Vet your team members.

Accepting oral agreements Get it in writing. The rate lock, the home inspection, disclosures, the contract. Always. Should a dispute arise, you've got the details documented.

Skipping the fine print Understand what's really in any document before picking up a pen. Get documents in advance, take time to read them and ask questions. Get copies of your mortgage and closing papers a few days ahead of closing.

Forgetting or betting on resale Avoid buying a home that costs 50 percent more than neighboring homes. Reconsider buying the most expensive home on the block. Neighbors' lower home values will weaken yours. Buy intending to flip your investment only to have the market fail means when it's time to sell your price may not cover your costs.

Making an unconditional offer Protect yourself with these contingencies:

• Mortgage financing. You may be preapproved but is the house? A formal appraisal confirms -- or not -- that there is sufficient value in the home to warrant the loan. If the house appraises lower than the sales price, the loan may be declined.

• Inspection. Never buy an existing or new home without a thorough home inspection. Walk through the home with the inspector to learn more about the house and any concerns he or she may have.

• Insurance. Confirm you can get adequate insurance coverage. In some areas, or following certain disasters, it can be difficult to get types of hazard insurance.

Article Published on Realty Times
Written by Broderick Perkins
April 8, 2010

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 877-651-7810
Or visit our website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Are You Looking For A Lake View Property In Lake Tahoe?

Great News for Buyers!

If you are looking for a Lake view property in Lake Tahoe...We have the perfect condo for you!

This beautiful three bedroom, two and a half bath condo will amaze you with its SPECTACULAR Lake views and ski slope views of Diamond Peak Ski Resort! Upgrades include slate flooring in the entry and half bath, Corian countertops in the kitchen and baths. Cathedral beamed ceilings grace the living area, giving it a nice open feeling. The living room features a wood burning stone fireplace and dual sliding glass doors that open onto the deck where you can enjoy the incredible views. The master bedroom suite features a comfortable sitting area, large walk-in closet and dual sliding glass doors that open onto a private deck with a lake view! Its ideal location is just minutes away from Diamond Peak Ski Resort and all recreational amenities, making it the perfect mountain residence or retreat.

Call Us For Details!

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 800-666-4718
Or Visit our Website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Understanding Credit Scores and Reports

Having a healthy credit score is now more important than ever. When the mortgage crisis hit several years ago, lenders began tightening standards for loans. Even now, years after the onset of the crisis, changes in Congressional and housing agency legislation have made it more crucial to have your credit in order before buying. The days of zero down are out, and the days of healthy scores and equally healthy down payments are in fashion.

The first step towards homeownership is to get a copy of not only your credit score, but also your entire credit report. A credit score is a number from around 350 to 850, with higher scores being considered better. Any score less than 600 will put you in a hard place to qualify for a loan. What can make your score low? If you have defaulted on loans, made late payments, or filed for bankruptcy, these issues will have been reported to the credit agencies and will subsequently lower your score. A lower score means you are more of a liability to a lender.

A credit report, as opposed to the score, lists out all of your open and previously open accounts. It shows balances left on loans, default or late payments, high balances, and the like.

You can access both a report and a score at the government sponsored site, annualcreditreport.com. The government allows for you to access your report for free three times a year, from one each of the major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. You typically must pay a credit agency about $15 to see your actual score.

One of the main reasons to check your report three times a year is to make sure it is accurate. Identity theft is rampant these days, and you want to make sure that accounts opened in your name are actually accounts that you opened.

If you feel that you are victim of identity theft, you can request that a "fraud alert" be placed on your report. According to annualcreditreport.com, "A fraud alert can make it more difficult for someone to get credit in your name because it tells creditors to follow certain procedures to protect you. It also may delay your ability to obtain credit. You may place a fraud alert in your file by calling just one of the three nationwide consumer credit reporting companies." Many banks also now offer programs of added protection for under $20 a month that monitor your report for any changes, such as new accounts (e.g. Credit cards) being opened in your name.

This article was published in Realty Times / Written by: Carla L. Davis, April 12, 2010

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Real Estate Outlook: Pending Sales Up

Signs of recovery in the housing market and the national economy keep popping up - and are even beginning to surprise veteran analysts on Wall Street and elsewhere.

Though economists had expected the latest pending home sales index to be down - after all, February saw the worst weather in decades in large parts of the U.S. - the numbers actually took a big bounce.

The National Association of Realtors reported that pending sales jumped 8.2 percent for the month and were 17 percent higher than they were at the same time last year.

Contracts in the Northeast were up by 9 percent, the Midwest by 22 percent and in the South by 9 percent. Only the Western region came in negative - down by 5 percent. But even in the West, pending sales were 15 percent higher than they were the year before.

With the April 30 deadline for sales contracts to qualify for the two housing tax credits just weeks away, analysts expect home sales activity to remain high. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, says he thinks we may be in “the early stages of a second surge” of real estate transactions that could continue into mid-year.

But let's be clear: Home sales are not only being pushed by tax credits. Far stronger impetus is coming from steadily improving conditions in the national economy and rising consumer perceptions that finally things are getting better.

Look at the latest monthly employment numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the first time in nearly two years, there was significant new job creation during the month of March - 162,000 payroll positions.

That was helped along in part by Census Bureau hiring to conduct the 2010 census, but there was growth elsewhere as well: 15,000 net new construction jobs, 17,000 manufacturing jobs, and 11,000 business services jobs.

Home Depot and other big household-oriented retailers announced that they have begun hiring again. Retails sales nationwide jumped by 23 percent for the month; home furnishings and furniture sales were up 14 percent.

Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's Economy.com, told the New York Times that “consumers are (getting) almost giddy” in their zeal to resume spending, and they are cutting their savings to fund their new purchases.

All of this, of course, is great news for housing, which is hardwired to employment growth and consumer confidence.

But don't assume we're out of the woods quite yet -- not with the national unemployment rate stuck at 9.7 percent. And there's another challenge taking shape on the horizon: Rising mortgage rates that are inevitable in an economy rebounding out of recession.

This article was published in Realty Times
Written by: Kenneth R. Harney, April 12, 2010

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Are You Looking For Property In Lake Tahoe?

Great News for Buyers!

If you are looking for property in Lake Tahoe...We have the perfect solution for you!

This beautiful condo has been tastefully upgraded with granite countertops in the kitchen, new tile in both bathrooms, new carpet throughout and a freshly painted interior. Two bedrooms, one of which has its own private deck are on the lower entry level. A spacious bathroom that can be accessed from both bedrooms, boasts a large spa tub, separate shower and double vanities. On the upper level, the cathedral beamed ceilings and skylights combined with the open floor plan and deck with convenient access from the living room, give a light and spacious feeling in the living area. Another bedroom and bathroom also share this floor. A roomy loft area provides extra space for whatever your needs may be, the possibilities are endless! Its ideal location is just minutes away from Diamond Peak Ski Resort and all recreational amenities, making it the perfect mountain residence or retreat.

Call Us For Details!

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 800-666-4718
Or Visit our Website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Does Moving Up Make Sense?

The following are some questions that will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location than your current one.

If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

Have you built substantial equity in your current home?

Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest, but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

Has your income or financial situation improved?

If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

Have you outgrown your neighborhood?

The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job, relatives, or live in a better school district.

Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on?

Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market?

If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy also will be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home.

Are interest rates attractive?

A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.

This article was published in Realty Times
Written by: Realty Times Staff

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 800-666-4718
Or Visit our Website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Are You Looking For Property In Lake Tahoe?

Great News for Buyers!

If you are looking for property in Lake Tahoe...We have the perfect solution for you!

This spacious end unit is unlike any other on the market and features three separate livable areas! From the lower level, the large two car garage leads into a non-conforming studio featuring tile floors, a kitchenette, and its own private entrance. Both the upper and middle levels feature identical floor plans with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a deck off of the living room, a nice kitchen with a large pantry, and great natural lighting.

Call Us For Details!

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 800-666-4718
Or Visit our Website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Real Estate Outlook: Steady Growth Expected

Harsh weather conditions held back home sales in February -- leading to some renewed gloominess by Wall Street analysts.

But several new economic reports, including on employment, suggest that during the coming several months we're likely to see steady but unspectacular national economic growth, and some pretty good housing rebound numbers to boot.

Even the February home sales numbers were nowhere near as negative as you might expect under the circumstances. Existing home sales were down slightly for the month – by six tenths of a percent – but were still clicking along at more than 5 million on an annualized basis.

Sales in the Northeast region, which took the brunt of the storms, were actually up by nearly 3 percent! Median prices in the northeast gained seven and a half percent!

New home sales were harder hit – down by 2.2 percent for the month. But median prices on new homes sold for the month jumped by six percent over January and were up five percent year over year, according to the Commerce Department.

In California, median home prices rose 11 percent in February and total sales were up by 8 percent, according to MDA Data Quick.

And look for that rising-value trend to continue in many parts of the country, according to statisticians at First American CoreLogic. In a new report they forecast home prices are likely to gain four and a half percent over the coming 12 months. Take out distressed sales from the equation – and prices would otherwise gain 5.6 percent.

A new study by economists at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (or FDIC) also provides a positive take on where we're headed. The US housing market, according to the FDIC, is showing "tangible signs of improvement". Affordability – which is obviously a crucial factor in whether households can buy or not – is at "historic high levels," says the report.

Economists at UCLA weighed in with their own projections. Not only will there be no so-called "double dip"—that's the bad news scenario where the US economy slips back into recession sometime this year – but the economic expansion will continue rolling along at a two to three percent quarterly rate of increase in the gross domestic product or GDP.

Meanwhile, last month's new filings for unemployment insurance dropped much more than analysts had predicted. This suggests that maybe – just maybe – we're finally on the verge of seeing some new job creation and fewer layoffs.

Bottom line: Don't get bogged down by the economic naysayers and snow storms. The national economy -- and housing -- are moving ahead on a recovery path.

This article was published in Realty Times
Written by: Realty Times Staff

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Or Visit our Website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com

Are You Looking For Property In Lake Tahoe?

Great News for Buyers!

If you are looking for property in Lake Tahoe...We have the perfect solution for you!

This warm and inviting two bedroom, two bath, end unit is located in a peaceful cul-de-sac setting. Features include a convenient mud room with a large storage closet making it the perfect place to store all of your winter and summer recreational toys. The living room offers a free standing fireplace to keep you cozy on chilly nights and opens onto a large sun deck overlooking a lovely open area. This condo is on one level for easy access and also has a one car attached garage.

Call Us For Details!

Thinking about Buying or Selling?
Call Alvin's Team Today! 800-666-4718
Or Visit our Website: www.LivingLakeTahoe.com