Lake Tahoe Real Estate - Wally Johnson

Lake Tahoe Real Estate With Special Settings

wjohnson — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 20:58:38 +0000

Imagine owning your Lake Tahoe home in a very special setting…near the lake itself, on a meadow, property with spectacular mountain views, or maybe on a quiet cul-de-sac.

If these are the criteria you’re looking for when it comes to finding your Lake Tahoe paradise, whether for your permanent residence or your get-away vacation retreat, the following current, selected single family listings could fit the bill…

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

How Do I Get Involved With My Lake Tahoe Neighborhood?

wjohnson — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:39:37 +0000

In today’s world more and more people are getting involved with groups or programs to improve and benefit their neighborhoods, whether it’s in Lake Tahoe or anywhere else in the country.

Below is a great article from Lake Tahoe News, written by Kathryn Reed…

Bear cans and defensible space were the two primary concerns of residents who turned out for a neighborhood meeting this week.

South Lake Tahoe has divided the city limits into six areas, even though there are really 20 distinct neighborhoods. This was the fifth meeting of residents since last fall. Here is the neighborhood map.

The idea is to revitalize the neighborhoods with a little help from the city and the bulk of the effort coming from residents.

“You can tell when folks come to the meetings they are tired, but they have some hope left,” Tracy Franklin, the city’s marketing and outreach coordinator, told Lake Tahoe News after the April 17 Neighborhood Service Team meeting that includes Tahoe Keys, Tahoe Island, Tahoe Valley and Gardner Mountain neighborhoods.

While the areas are large to begin with, the future may call for breaking them into the 20 smaller neighborhoods.

The definition of the teams is, “It is a group of neighbors working together for the good of all, with a common vision, goals and objectives. A Neighborhood Service Team makes decisions on common problems within a community by sharing ideas and solutions.”

Tracy Franklin leads a community neighborhood meeting at Tahoe Valley Elementary School. Photo/Kathryn Reed

At this particular meeting garbage bears, overgrown lots, and graffiti were the major topics by the residents.

Franklin followed up with information for the meeting attendees who provided their email address. It had contact info for the fire department — (530) 542.6162. That’s who to call regarding defensible space.

And she checked in with South Tahoe Refuse about getting a group deal on the bear-resistant cans that come with a lid that screws shut.

Franklin’s email said, “A marketing campaign could be launched in town to get local residents to sign up for the purchase of their bear can(s). South Tahoe Refuse was contacted regarding this idea and STR does not purchase the containers. It was suggested that local hardware store vendors be contacted to discuss the potential of purchasing bear containers. Currently the bear containers are sold in town for $99 each. It would be ideal to try and reduce the cost to $50-$60 per can. A volunteer is needed to head up this effort.”

Jim Marino, capital improvement manager for the city, spoke about the roadwork in the neighborhood that will start in July. Venice Drive from Tahoe Keys Boulevard to Aloha Drive will be like new by the end of summer. Work on it will be after the bulk of the tourists have come to town, but it could be torn up for a month.

“The roads in this town are simply sitting on native material,” Marino explained.

Fill was brought in by the Dillingham Corp. in the 1960s when the Tahoe Keys was built.

“Traffic in town this year will be a mess,” Marino said. The city, Caltrans and South Tahoe Public Utility District have projects on the books.

The city expects to go out to bid on Tuesday for its road projects, with possible awarding of a bid by the City Council on June 19 and construction starting in July.

In the state streets – to the right of Keys Boulevard when entering off Highway 50 – an asphalt rubber seal will be applied with the intent it will give the roads another eight to 10 years of life.

This neighborhood group, likes others before it, agreed to a neighborhood cleanup day. It will be June 2. Caltrans donates the bags, CalStar donates plastic gloves, the city has a jug of water, residents do the sprucing up. The California Conservation Corps often helps as do various nonprofits. Franklin drives a pickup to haul away the debris.

A Tahoe Keys Property Owners Association employee said all residents are invited to the June 23 Tahoe Keys Garage Sale at the parking lot of the homeowners association as well as the June 25 5:30pm Lawn Care and Water Conservation program at the TKPOA office.

Here is a list of future : neighborhood meeting dates

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 533.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

How Does a Seller Get the Highest Price for Their Lake Tahoe Property?

wjohnson — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:31:33 +0000

Wally's Sold Listing

In today’s Lake Tahoe real estate market, buyers are looking for the best bargain…value, and are being very selective, even though inventory is not very high. So when selling your property and wanting to get the highest price possible, the property needs to look special, clean, and first impressions are extremely important. The following are a few ideas you can take advantage of to present your property to the best of its potential.

Curb appeal is most important because your property’s first impression will leave everyone to want to see what’s inside. Clean up the yard, especially the front. Mow the lawn if you have one. Trim trees and bushes, clean all decks, rake leaves and pine needles. If your property doesn’t have any landscaping, plant some colorful, fresh flowers. If the house has an old, unappealing front door, either paint or replace it. Refurbish decks if they look worn out.
Inside the house, clean up the clutter, organize and get things off the counter tops especially in the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms, have the carpets professionally cleaned, plus put away all personal belongings and family pictures. You want potential buyers looking at the house, not your stuff. This way they can picture their belongings being in the house and making it their very own home.
Do some painting inside and out. This one thing alone can make a major difference, especially if your house is looking a little tired. Use neutral colors which will appeal to the majority of potential buyers.
Spruce up the kitchen and all bathrooms with updated sinks, faucets, and fixtures. If toilets are old, replace them and make sure they’re secured to the floor. Make sure all plumbing is sound with no leaks or loose fittings.
Lighting: replace all the old, outdated fixtures, especially in the dining room and outside of the house.

These ideas will take some effort and a little bit of money and your Lake Tahoe real estate will ultimately sell faster and at the highest price possible.

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

Lake Tahoe Real Estate: A Reality Check for Buyers

wjohnson — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:51:10 +0000

If you’re like most people who are looking for real estate these days in the beautiful Lake Tahoe basin, you want a great deal. Well, the good news is that there are outstanding values to be found in today’s current listings. Right now prices have adjusted down to 2002 levels so coupled with interest rates at historic lows, Lake Tahoe real estate is the most affordable it’s been in many, many years. Plus most smart sellers have realized that in order to sell their property relatively quickly, they need to price their property accordingly.

However, their are two main challenges that many buyers will face right now and are very important for a smart buyer to know before they start their search for that special Lake Tahoe real estate.

First, inventory or how many properties are on the market right now is very low. As I’m writing this post today, Apr. 10, 2012, there are just 215 current single family listings on all of the South Shore, California side.

Second, because of the low inventory and the unquestionable fact that everyone wants to pay the lowest price possible for the best property possible, sellers are often times getting multiple offers and getting their properties in escrow rather quickly.

Just today one of my clients asked me to check on a listing I had sent him a few days ago. So I called the listing agent as I always do to confirm the Active status I saw on the MLS, and she told me that she was just sitting down with her seller to go over which of the 8 offers they would accept that they had received over the last few days…not just 2 or 3 but 8!

So if you’re looking to buy real estate right now in Lake Tahoe, please realize that even though their aren’t as many buyers out there as usual, the ones that are actively searching for property in one of the most beautiful places in the world, are most likely looking at the same property you are. If you find the one you really like and fits what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate…do your homework on the property and put in your offer now!

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

Tips To Prepare Your Lake Tahoe Real Estate for Sale

wjohnson — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 21:12:49 +0000

Lake Tahoe Sunset

I like these tips for sellers because most people don’t know what it takes to have their house stand out from all the others on the market or in a particular neighborhood. In today’s competitive real esate market, whether it’s in Lake Tahoe or anywhere else in the country, buyers are being extremely choosy. So a seller’s property really needs to give the buyers multiple reasons to purchase other than just the obvious…price.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

By: G. M. Filisko

Published: February 10, 2010

Working to get your home ship-shape for showings will increase its value and shorten your sales time.

1. Have a home inspection

Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. For $250 to $400, an inspector will warn you about troubles that could make potential buyers balk. Make repairs before putting your home on the market. In some states, you may have to disclose what the inspection turns up.

2. Get replacement estimates

If your home inspection uncovers necessary repairs you can’t fund, get estimates for the work. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and the repairs. Also hunt down warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for your furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items you expect to remain with the house.

3. Make minor repairs

Not every repair costs a bundle. Fix as many small problems—sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, dripping faucets—as you can. These may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression your house isn’t well maintained.

4. Clear the clutter

Clear your kitchen counters of just about everything. Clean your closets by packing up little-used items like out-of-season clothes and old toys. Install closet organizers to maximize space. Put at least one-third of your furniture in storage, especially large pieces, such as entertainment centers and big televisions. Pack up family photos, knickknacks, and wall hangings to depersonalize your home. Store the items you’ve packed offsite or in boxes neatly arranged in your garage or basement.

5. Do a thorough cleaning

A clean house makes a strong first impression that your home has been well cared for. If you can afford it, consider hiring a cleaning service.

If not, wash windows and leave them open to air out your rooms. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Wash light fixtures and baseboards, mop and wax floors, and give your stove and refrigerator a thorough once-over.

Pay attention to details, too. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, clean inside the cabinets, and polish doorknobs. Don’t forget to clean your garage, too.

This article came from the National Association of Realtors

REALTOR^®

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

Don’t Visit Lake Tahoe This Spring, Unless…

wjohnson — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:01:36 +0000

Unless you want:

* Beautiful weather…weather.com

* Best snow conditions of the season for skiing and riding….skiheavenly.com, kirkwood.com, sierraattahoe.com

* No crowds means few lines at area resorts, no waiting at restaurants, relaxed pace of life

* Fun, fun, and more fun!

* More family time…virtualtahoe.com

* Great time to find the best values for Lake Tahoe real estate…LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

Cream of the Crop Ski Real Estate in South Lake Tahoe

wjohnson — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:16:12 +0000

Happy Lake Tahoe Homeowners: The Walsh Family

If your’re a winter enthusiast who’s ever thought about owning real estate in one of the world’s best snow playgrounds, beautiful South Lake Tahoe, right now could be the perfect time to buy.

Whether your favorite mountain resort to visit is Heavenly, Kirkwood, or Sierra-at-Tahoe there are current real estate listings for every budget with great value…looking for a fixer upper near Heavenly Mountain Resort? How about a newer, custom Tahoe style cabin on the way to Sierra-at-Tahoe? Townhouse right in the middle of Kirkwood Meadows?

To help you get started with your search for that special Tahoe real estate geared toward your winter dreams, the following are current, partial lists of the Cream of the Crop for every budget:

Heavenly Mountain Resort Vicinity

On the Way to Sierra-at-Tahoe

809 Kekin St.

1631 Choctaw St.

1579 Grizzly Mountain Dr.

733 San Bernardino Av.

1781 Delaware St.

1200 San Diego St.

2297 Chiapa Dr.

Kirkwood Meadows

1120 Kirkwood Meadows Dr.

1511 Kirkwood Meadows #220

1360 Kirkwood Meadows Dr.

1400 Kirkwood Meadows Dr.

1200 Kirkwood Meadows Dr.

1215 Kirkwood Meadows Dr.

33877 Hawkweed Dr.

Want more Lake Tahoe real estate listings customised for your specific criteria? Click here.

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

Warning for Expert Skiers and Riders for ’11-’12 Winter Season

wjohnson — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:04:54 +0000

Listing at 1696 Sherman Wy.

As a courtesy to all expert skiers and riders for the 2011-12 winter season, I want to warn everyone about this last season and why you really shouldn’t come to the South Shore. It’s better to stay on the North side of the lake since that’s really where all the expert terrain is located.

During my morning hike this morning up Heavenly’s flat, intermediate Roundabout trail, today’s beautiful summer like day gave me a chance to reflect on the winter season that just ended at the Lake Tahoe Basin’s mountain resorts.

East Bowl

Sure, as most everyone knows by now, the entire Lake Tahoe area had a very good snow fall year with record amounts. As long as you know where to go, there were plenty of powder days, even great ones days after a storm. It seemed like even at Lake level we had mostly snow all season instead of the rain that we can get at that low elevation. There was at least six feet on the ground at my house at lake level.

Looking Down Gunbarrel

Howerver, this morning’s hike, without the snow coverage, really gave me a chance to see why like most mountain resorts on the South Shore, Heavenly is not, I repeat, not for expert skiers and riders. Heavenly is, just like all the rumours, an intermediate, flat mountain.

You can tell by these pictures what I’m talking about. Taken from the Roundabout trail at Heavenly, looking up at runs like East Bowl and Gunbarrel, these pics prove without a doubt that almost all their runs are just plain flat.

Plus look at the pics that show Heavenly’s tree skiing. Most of the trees are way too tight for thrilling, heart pounding excitement, and when they do open up, they’re spaced way too wide. It’s also obvious that since there are so many stumps and boulders on the terrain that it would take a lot of snow for waist deep powder day, which I’ve rarely had in my over 30 years of skiing Heavenly.

Too Wide Open, Flat

Yeh, Heavenly has the two canyons Motts and Killebrew marked on their trail map as Expert. But they’re way over on the Nevada side and take forever to get to on mulitple lifts and long cat tracks. Plus there’s a long, long trail at the bottom of Killebrew to get back to the lift…who needs that headache?

Oh, and sure now Heavenly’s management has opened designated gates to access the resort’s out-of-bounds expert terrain. Designated gates are just lame, right? Plus most people just get lost in this terrain and then have to spend thousands of dollars for helicopter rescue, so most experts I know don’t even bother.

Of course, if you want to really take risks, you can ride from the top of Milky Way Bowl and then eventually down to Foothill Drive for a 5,000 verticle run. But that’s a real hassle with having to do a car shuttle or thumb a ride, so no one I know wants that kind of hassle or risk.

So please, do yourself a favor next winter season and stay away from South Lake Tahoe’s mountain resorts. Most respectable expert skiers or riders I know go to Mammoth or Lake Tahoe’s North Shore resorts.

Sherman Winter 2011

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

One-of-a-Kind Properties

wjohnson — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:04:09 +0000

3779 Beach Rd., Tahoe Meadows

Every so ofter in the Lake Tahoe real estate market, a small number of very special, one-of-a-kind properties come on the market. Many times such as now, these kinds of properties are at the higher end of the price spectrum, highlighted by beautiful settings, custome construction, and spectacular views. Here’s the current list on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas: (even by some of the street names you can tell these are unique properties)

Complete list of One-of-a-Kind Properties in the entire Lake Tahoe real estate market

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com

Who Wants Newly Constructed Real Estate?

wjohnson — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:59:47 +0000

1863 Crystal Air Built in 2009

An initial consultation with your real estate agent should include many questions to determine what you’re looking for in Lake Tahoe real estate.

These questions will include, not limited to, the following:

* What style of house would you prefer? Contemporary? Tahoe cabin?
* Which neighborhood?
* Is a garage or carport important to you? (many properties in Lake Tahoe do not have them)
* How important is having a nice view, such as mounains or lake view, from the property?
* Would you prefer to be close to town and shopping or find a property with more seclusion perhaps in the
county?
* What kind of floor plan?
* Low maintenance yard or landscaped, one with lawn?
* Does the yard need to be fenced, possibly for pets?

The best question that any agent can ask about Lake Tahoe real estate may go something like this:

* Imagine we’re standing at the house and property that is the perfect Lake Tahoe real estate for you?
Describe to me, in as much detail as you can, what it looks like.

Here are some links to help gather more information when it comes to what can be done with Lake Tahoe real estate:

* trpa.org…Tahoe Regional Planning Agency

* tahoechamber.org…South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce

* el-dorado.ca.us…County of El Dorado

Many people tell me that they would prefer to have a newer constructed home with priorities such as all of today’s modern, energy efficient appliances, 30 year minimum composite roof, and possibly hard wood floors.

Following is a selected list of current real estate listings in South Lake Tahoe of newer constucted homes since 2008 in various neighborhoods:

Complete list of newer constructed homes in all of the Lake Tahoe Basin

Wally Johnson
DRE #01848595
cell: 530.277.5687
fax: 530.542.8657
Wally@WallyKJohnson.com
LakeTahoeBasinHomes.com
3045 Harrison Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150