August '09 Newsletter

Glory Days are Back

For those of you that have not had an opportunity to make it up to Lake Tahoe yet, check your calendars and see if there is a chance to squeeze a visit in. This has been one of the most glorious summers we can recall. The mornings start out cool, and as the day progresses, the temperatures rise along with the accumulation of thunder clouds. Around midafternoon, we have been experiencing the Sierra Showers we remember from 20 years ago. And then the sunsets! Oh my - they will take your breath away.

Throughout this July/Aug edition of the Souers E-Newsletter (okay - we missed July), we are featuring: a comparison of this past June and July sales with those in 2008, updates to our website and marketing efforts, an update on "Beach Night," the newest Hot Tip in South Lake Tahoe, upcoming Tahoe events and of course, a reminder about Tahoe Home Lookout Services.

South Lake Tahoe Market Update

We were hoping to see some improved numbers when looking at the past 12 months median sales prices (June 30, 2008 through through July 31, 2009) as compared to the previous twelve months, however the ongoing trend toward buyers' seeking short sales and bank-owned properties continues to keep our prices down for now. Good news for buyers. Check out the link below to have look at the month to month comparison as far back as 2004.

When looking at just the months of June and July, 2009 compared to the same months in 2008 we found the following: June, 2009 saw 40 closed sales, a median home price of $302,500 and a dollar per square foot of $221 as compared to 30 closed sales, a median home price of $365,000 and a dollar per square foot of $232 in 2008. July saw 36 closed sales, a median home price of $360,873 (UP from June) and a consistent dollar per square foot of $221 as compared to 39 sales, a median home price of $395,000 and a dollar per square foot of $274 in 2008.

Updates to Our Website

After a great deal of studying surveys, experimenting and planning, our website is in the process of, once again, providing more detailed real estate information for our clients and friends. Among the improvements are the following: updating and expanding the various neighborhood data to include links and median home prices as far back as 2003 and improved weekly market reports which can be found in our Blog section.

Another newly added feature to our marketing efforts is the creation of individual marketing sites for our sellers. These sights are unique to the property and include the ability for viewers to download flyers, mapping, a photo gallery, property description and a YouTube video. Yup - never thought we would actually be YouTube users but even the old dogs can change (albeit stubbornly.) We would love it if you would take a moment to check out the following link and give us your feedback.

One more cool marketing tool is the new banner ad we are running on our local newspapers' online production. When someone tunes into the front page of the Tahoe Daily Tribune, we have a banner ad that promotes our listings and our Home of the Week. If a viewer clicks onto the home of the week, they are linked to the individual web site we described above. All in all, pretty cool stuff.

A Quick Update on the Family

Many of you are already aware of our traditional Tuesday Night at the Beach dinner. For those of you that aren't, here is a quick history lesson. At the end of a past summer, a group of us were talking about what we had been up to and in the process, realized that we had only been to the beach once and some, not at all. NEVER AGAIN. The next summer we created our Tuesday Night At the Beach diinner with the following criteria: assignments for main course, appetizers, etc. were given yet strict instructions for NO STRESS. Leftovers and store- bought were just fine. (Of course, we have a few foodies that always bring incredible contributions.)

Five years later, the tradition continues from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The beauty of the dinner is not the meal itself, not even the gathering of loved ones. As great as the before mentioned can be, what really trumps is the enrichment to our souls. Every week, it can be a bit of a hassle setting aside the time. Yet, we have all come to know that, once there, it was more than worth it. And by the next morning, we all felt as if we had been on a mini vacation. Look around you. We'll bet you have a similar opportunity awaiting.

The above photo is a lovely (she says sarcastically) photo of our family that joined us (half from the San Diego area) at last night's dinner. Four generations - don't you just love it?

A Hot Tip in Tahoe

ATTENTION MUSIC LOVERS! We just discovered one of the best hidden secrets. On Tuesday and Sunday nights, behind the Lakeside Lodge, FREE FABULOUS music is provided on the beach. Tuesday nights feature a Spanish flamingo trio and Sunday nights features a World New Jazz venue.

I was invited for the first time last week and was blown away. Guests can bring food and beverages, a comfy chair or blanket and just take it all in. Incredibly gifted musicians, beachside activities and a sunset are all wrapped up into one tremendous package. If you are coming to South Lake Tahoe, we highly encourage you to book a room at the Lakeshore Lodge and ask for a balcony facing the water. (Be sure to tell the owner, Patrick Ronan we sent you AND be sure to invite us to join you.) The link below will provide more information about the music as well as a sample of what you will hear.

August Events

August must be one of the best months in Lake Tahoe. Jam-packed events are scheduled during this time to wrap up a glorious summer. Check out some of the following activities taking place around the lake.

• Through August 23rd - Shakespeare's delightfully scandalous "Measure for Measure," and "Much Ado About Nothing" along with the premiere of the Urban Village Music Series featuring rotating artists each Monday night. The event is held in Sand Harbor.
• Aug. 9 - Northstar-at-Tahoe Downhill Mountain Bike Race. 12pm-5pm Northstar Resort's downhill terrain offers the perfect venue for this exhilarating challenge. Over 20 divisions for men women and kids.
• Aug. 16 - 8th Annual Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest in the Village at Squaw Valley. 2 to 8pm With a variety of beer for guests to sample and a fabulous array of music.
• Aug. 8/9 - 24th Annual Great Gatsby Festival and Tea. One of our favorite events held at the Tahoe Historical Site off of Emerald Bay Highway. Stroll through visions of "yesteryear."
• Aug. 16 - Bob Dylan (we're long-time fans) and his Band & Willie Nelson and Family - Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
• Aug. 28 - David Allan Coe at MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa. Fiddle music that will blow you away.
• Aug. 29 - 20th Annual Lake Tahoe Air Fest! 8 AM Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Opening Ceremonies begin at 10:30 AM, Air Show will take place from 11AM until 3PM. Admission $2 (under 12 free), Parking $10 (includes admission)- free bus transportation is provided. Located in: Lake Tahoe Airport.

Time to Clean Those Windows?

Just another reminder to check out a great service for second home owners. The parents of our infamous granddaughter have a business called Tahoe Home Lookout. Basically, they help oversee second homes and offer too many services to mention here. Among the many services they provide are window cleaning, snow removal, monthly check-ups on vacant homes and so much more.

This could be the perfect time to get ready for the upcoming stormy months. Check them out!