Search Recent Home Sales In Your Neighborhood:

Want to know what your home is worth?  Our office offers a wonderful tool used to search your local area's court records, and finds recently sold/purchased homes close to your address.  This will never replace a full Comparitive Market Analysis from a professional Realtor, but can give you some ideas what your neighborhood values are.  You'll see a map, and homes around you (with addresses and details). Just click the link below and a-house-comparing you will go!

http://www.inclineluxuryrealestate.com.preview.z57.com/hvalue.shtml

With the coming of the season; so comes the fun! We are just entering our white wonderland here at the gorgeous peaks of North Lake Tahoe. Diamond Peak, Mt. Rose Ski Resort, North Star at Tahoe; they are all firing up their chair lifts and getting you thrill seekers on peaks of the gorgeous mountains that encompass the locals here.

Local news reports Sierra storms will deliver over 30" of new snow through Thursday evening to the Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts. It doesn’t get any better than the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. With record breaking snowfall, the lakes majestic beauty, and more ski resorts and terrain than any other North American destination; why wouldn’t you want to be a local? Thrill seekers, nature enthusiasts, and everyone in between FIND YOURSELF HERE!

Are first time home buyers fearing the worst?

The past few years home buyers were coming out of the wood work looking to purchase. Mostly first time home buyers. What has really changed? Interest rates are now the lowest they've been all year, there is inventory galore, sellers are eager................. So what is stopping people from buying?

Fear. Fear that things may get even better? My opinion is that things are pretty darn good now. Waiting may or may not be a good option for people. Once everyone figures out that now is the time to buy everything will change once again. They say it's either a buyer's market or a seller's market, not both.

Winter at Lake Tahoe

With an average annual snowfall of over 600 inches, 12 world class alpine ski resorts, and the largest concentration of ski resorts in the country, Lake Tahoe winters are the whitest and brightest in North America! Come discover what the locals know: any activity, from backcountry skiing to snowshoeing, shopping to gaming, hot-tubbing to dining, is best in North Lake Tahoe because our winter wonderland is blessed with more than 274 days of sun annually. Read on and see that our options for Lake Tahoe winter entertainment are more than diverse – they are unique and infinite and need only one element to make them complete: YOU. Whether you’re seeking face shots off-piste on one of our twelve alpine ski areas, (seven of which are accessible via the Interchangeable Lift Ticket), enjoying the silent serenity of the Sierra’s cross-country trails, or showing your kids how to put the finishing touches on a snowman, you'll see we have everything you need to make this Lake Tahoe vacation pure perfection. Cruise our website for details on all of the activities and opportunities North Lake Tahoe has to offer during this winter season.

Check out the local ski resorts of North Lake Tahoe Right Now!

Squaw Valley

Northstar-at-Tahoe

Alpine Meadows

Diamond Peak

Fun Facts

If we were to drain Lake Tahoe, how many years would it take to refill naturally? Who used to play poker at one of the Lake’s wealthiest East Shore estates? What famous author accidentally set a forest fire at Lake Tahoe? Read on for these answers and for more intriguing facts about Lake Tahoe.

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Lake Tahoe was originally named “Dao w a ga” by a Washoe tribe of Native Americans. Pioneers who arrived later mispronounced the name as “Da ow,” which eventually evolved into Tahoe. “Dao w a ga” originally meant Edge of Lake. Throughout history, Lake Tahoe has been called by many names, including Lake Bigler after the California governor, Bonpland after a French botanist and Mountain Lake, until 1945, when Lake Tahoe became its official name.

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Donner Summit, just West of Truckee and home to Sugar Bowl Mountain, holds the record for the United States’ snowiest April. On April 1, 1880, a storm cycle dumped 4 feet of snow on the Sierra Nevada west slope within 24 hours. A massive snow slide near Emigrant Gap buried Central Pacific Railroad’s tracks under 75 feet of snow, ice and rock. For the rest of the month, storm cycles continued to flow in, dropping a total of 298 inches on the Sierra Nevada, the most April snow anywhere in U.S. history.

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Although discovery of gold in the South Fork of the American River in 1848 was the initial draw that caused western-bound pioneers to pass by Lake Tahoe, by 1858 a new resource had been identified within the Lake Tahoe Basin: timber. From 1858 until 1890, extensive logging in the Lake Tahoe basin removed nearly all of the area’s forest. The timber was used to support the underground workings of the Comstock mines. The area is still recovering from that massive deforestation to this day.

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“I heard a shout from Johnny, and looking up I saw that my fire was galloping all over the premises! Johnny was on the other side of it. He had to run through the flames to get to the lake shore, and then we stood helpless and watched the devastation.” This description of setting a forest fire on the shores of Lake Tahoe was written in Chapter 13 of Mark Twain’s novel, Roughing It. Twain goes on to describe having watched the fire “surging up adjacent ridges—surmounted them and disappeared in the cañons beyond…flamed out again, directly, higher and still higher up the mountain-side” from Lake Tahoe. Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) had gone west to avoid the Civil War.

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Fleur de Lac, a West Shore residence, served as the site of a Mafia family’s home in the Godfather Part II. This walled compound of multi-million dollar condos at Tahoe Pines was originally a 16-acre mansion constructed as the private residence of Henry J. Kaiser in 1935.

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Lake Tahoe is fed by 63 streams and 2 hot springs. According to research, with a volume of 39 trillion gallons of water, if the Lake was ever drained it would take around 700 years for the hot springs, snowmelt and precipitation to fill it again entirely.

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In 1904, an influx of vacationers and year-round residents brought about the election of Robert M. Watson as North Lake Tahoe’s constable. The jailhouse at the time was in such disrepair that Watson allowed the prisoners to sleep in his kitchen. In fact, it is said that no prisoners ever inhabited the original prison. Watson was known around town as a friendly, kind-hearted man whom all the local young people referred to as “Grandpa.” The Constable who succeeded Watson built a new jailhouse into the side of the hill leading down to Commons beach. This building, which offered prisoners a view of the Lake, still stands.

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The 1960 winter Olympics at Squaw Valley were the first Games to be held in the Western United States. There were many other “firsts” that occurred that year: these were the first games to be televised, the first time computers were used to tabulate results, the first time a woman took the Olympic oath on behalf of all the athletes, and the first time all competing athletes were housed under one roof. This was also the first time the U.S. won a gold medal in ice hockey. In midst of the Cold War, all of America held their breath as they watched the United States Olympic hockey team defeat the Russians to win the Gold with a close 3-2 victory.

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In 1939, eccentric George Whittell finished building an estate in Zephyr Cove known as the Thunderbird Lodge. He occasionally hosted high-stakes poker games there, and participants included National Baseball Hall of Famer Ty Cobb. Although in his later years Whittell preferred not to socialize much (he built a 600 ft tunnel on the Thunderbird Lodge premises so that he could pass from the main residence to the boathouse unseen), he did host Cobb, Howard Hughes and others for poker games in his Card House.

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

More fun facts about the Lake.

• Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the U.S. with a depth of 1,645 ft (501 m)
• At its longest and widest, Lake Tahoe measures 22 miles (35 km) by 12 miles (19km)
• The shoreline circumference of the lake is 72 miles (116km)
• The average surface elevation is 6,225 ft (1,897 m) above sea level
• Lake Tahoe is 2/3 in California and 1/3 in the state of Nevada
• There are 63 tributaries draining into Lake Tahoe with only one outlet at the Truckee River in Tahoe City.
• The sun shines at Lake Tahoe for 75% of the year, or 274 days.
• At lake level, annual snowfall averages 125 inches. At alpine skiing elevations, the snowfall averages 600 inches per year.
• At the surface, Lake Tahoe’s water temperature varies from 41 to 68 degrees F. Below a depth of 600 to 700 ft, the water remains a constant 39 degrees.
• If you were to pour Lake Tahoe out onto an area the size of California, the water would still be 14 inches (36 cm) deep.
• The amount of water in Lake Tahoe (39 trillion gallons) is enough to supply each person in the U.S. with 50 gallons of water per day for 5 years.
• The amount of water that evaporates from the Lake each day (330 million gallons) could supply a city the size of Los Angeles for 5 years.

90 Ways to Sell Your Home Faster and for More Money!

Repairs-

1. The rule of thumb is, if something needs repair, fix it! There are probably many things in your home that you have simply become used to over time, things that you have been promising yourself that you will attend to. Well, now is the time. The buyer will mentally add up the cost of repairing all those minor flaws and end up with an amount that is generally much higher that what it would cost you to do the repairs.
2. Check all walls for peeling paint and loose wall paper.
3. Large repairs: In today’s climate of open disclosure and vigilant professional home inspections, the rule is “Treat a buyer as you would yourself.” Repair any problems with major systems or offer an allowance for the buyer to make repairs after closing. Always disclose anything that you know about the property. Having been a consumer yourself, you know that buyers will more readily make a purchase decision with someone they can trust.

Cleaning-

4. Every area of the home must sparkle and shine! Each hour spent will be well worth it. Would you rather buy a clean car, or a dirty one? Would you hurry to buy a pair of shoes with mud on them?
5. Clean all windows, inside and out. This helps make the house sparkle.
6. Clean all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs. Clean and polish linoleum, tile and wooden floors.
7. Clean and polish all woodwork if necessary. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath cabinets.
8. Clean and polish all light fixtures.

Neutralizing-

9. Be cautious about selecting colors when painting or replacing carpeting. Your objective here is to make your home appeal to the largest possible buying segment. Ask yourself, “How many of the available buyers would be able to move into your house with their furniture and not have to replace the carpeting?” Position your home on the market to be as livable to as many people as possible and allow the buyer to mentally picture the home as theirs.
10. Forget your personal taste. The “market” is always demand driven! The average buyer will have a hard time looking beyond blue carpeting and bold wallpaper. Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones. Two coats of white paint may be the best investment you ever made.

Space Management-

11. Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious a feeling as possible. Consider removing furniture from rooms that are crowded. If necessary, store large items.
12. Pack up all collectibles, both to protect them, and to give the room a more spacious feel. Leave just enough accessories to give the home a personal touch. Dispose of unneeded items.
13. Remove all clutter and make it a habit to pick up clothing, shoes, and personal possessions each day for possible showings.
14. Empty closets of off-season clothing and pack for the move. Organize them to demonstrate the most efficient use of space. Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible.
15. Use light to create a sense of space. All drapes should be open. Turn on all of the lights throughout the home before a showing, and be sure to replace any burned out light bulbs.

Atmosphere-

16. A Clean smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer’s mind. Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc., that may have adverse affects on potential buyers. Remember that some people are much more sensitive to odors than others. Smokers rarely notice the odor of tobacco that fills their homes, and pet owners may be oblivious to objectionable doggy odor.
17.  You can use products like carpet deodorizers, air fresheners, and room deodorizers; but the best strategy is to remove the source of the smell rather than cover it up.
18. Unfortunately, often the only way to remove the smell of pet urine from flooring is to rip up the carpeting and padding and replace them. If this is preventing the sale of your home, don’t hesitate to make this investment.
19. If smoking and cooking odors have permeated your home, have your carpets and furniture cleaned, and air out or fry-clean your drapes.
20. Mildew odors are another no-no. Don’t allow wet towels to accumulate in hampers or dirty laundry to pile up in closets.
21. Once offensive odors are removed, consider adding delightful ones. Recent studies have shown that humans have strong, positive responses to certain smells. Cinnamon, fresh flowers, breads baking in the oven are all excellent ways to enhance your property for sale.

Staging-

22. Study magazine ads or furniture showrooms to see how small details can make rooms more attractive and appealing. The effect of a vase of flowers, an open book on the coffee table, a basket of birch logs by the fireplace, etc., can make the difference in a room.
23. The use of a brightly colored pillow in a wing chair or a throw blanket on a couch can add dimension to a sterile room.
24.  Soften potentially offending views, but always let light into your rooms. Replace heavy curtains with sheer white panels. Never apologize for things you cannot change. The buyer will either decide to accept or reject the property regardless of the words you say. Just present the home in the best way possible with complete honesty.
25. Go through your photo albums and select pictures of your house and yard during all seasons. If hung at eye level in a well-lighted area, the pictures will speak for themselves and give you yet another selling edge.
26. Take advantage of natural light as much as possible by cleaning windows, opening shades and drapes, etc. Add lamps and lighting where necessary. Be sure that all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs.

The Exterior-

27. Color has the power to attract. A tub of geraniums, a pot of petunias, or a basket of impatiens on the front steps is a welcoming touch.
28. If you are selling during the winter months, consider using a wreath of dried flowers on the front door.
29.  If you have a porch or deck, set the stage with pots of flowers and attractively arranged furniture.
30. Check to see that all doors and windows are in good working order. Give special attention to your home’s exterior doors and front entry. Clean and paint doors if necessary. Remember, first impressions are likely to color the remainder of the house tour.
31. Wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked window panes.
32. Screens should be free of any tears or holes.
33. Inspect all locks to ensure that they are functioning properly.
34. Check for loose or missing shingles.
35. Invest in a new doormat that says “Welcome.”

The Yard-

36. Make sure the yard is neatly mowed, raked and edged.
37. Prune and shape shrubbery and trees to compliment your house.
38. Consider adding seasonal flowers along the walks or in the planting areas. Plop the plants into a well-places wheelbarrow, an old fashioned washtub, or what have you. Such standbys as nasturtiums, petunias, impatiens, and verbena are easy to maintain if you only remember to water the regularly. Try a row of sweet smelling alyssum to line a short sidewalk or pop in some perky dwarf marigolds to from a cheerful oasis of color in your yard.
39. It is important to devote at least one area of your yard to outdoor living. Buyers will still recognize a scene set with picnic table and chairs and respond positively to it. Cover your picnic table with a fringed, red-and-white checked cloth set out some plates and glasses bring out the barbecuing equipment, and buyers will almost smell the hot dogs cooking.

The Driveway-

40. The driveway is no place for children’s toys. Not only are such things dangerous, but the clutter is unsightly.
41. The surface of your driveway should be beyond reproach; after all, it’s one of the first things a buyer will see when he drives up. Sweep and wash the driveway and walks to remove debris, dirt and stains. Repair and patch any cracks, edge the sides and pull up any weeds.

The Front Entry-

42. Study your entry hall and ask yourself what kind of impression it makes of your home. Dried flowers or a small plant can make a striking focal point on a hall table any time of the year.
43.  Virtually any entry hall will benefit from a well-places mirror to enlarge the area.
44. Your entry hall’s flooring will be observed carefully by the prospective buyer. Make sure the surface is spotless and ass a small rug to protect the area during showings.
45. The entry hall closet is the first one inspected. Make it appear roomy. Add a few extra hangers. Hang a bag of cedar chips or a pomander ball to give a pleasant, fresh scent. Remove all off-season clothing.

Living Areas-

46. Sweep and clean the fireplace. Place a few logs on the grate to create an attractive appearance. You are welcome to have a fire going to showings during the winter months, it creates a great atmosphere.
47. Place something colorful on the mantel, but don’t make it look like a country craft store.
48. Improve the traffic by removing all excess furniture. Have easy traffic flow patterns. Be sure that all doors open fully and easily.
49. Draw attention to exposed beams or a cathedral ceiling with special lighting. Be sure to remove any cobwebs and dust.
50. Remove oversized television sets if they dominate the room. If necessary, substitute with a smaller one until you move.

The Dining Room-

51. Set the scene by setting the table with an attractive arrangement. Add fresh or silk flowers as a centerpiece.
52. Visually enlarge a small dining area. If your dining table has extra leaves, take one or two out. Consider placing your dining table against the wall. Remove any extra “company” chairs. Consider putting oversized pieces in storage until your house is sold.

The Kitchen-

53. Avoid clutter! Clean counters of small appliances and store whenever possible to maximize the appearance of work space.
54. Check the counter top around your sink, and remove any detergent or cleanser, etc., that may be cluttering the area.
55. Sinks, cabinets, and counter tops should be clean and fresh.
56. All appliances should be absolutely clean, bright, sparkling and shiny!
57. Clean off the top of the refrigerator! If you must use that space for storage, use baskets and bowls to camouflage the items kept there.
58. Set the scene with an open cookbook, a basket filled with fruit, a basket of silk flowers, or a ceramic mixing bowl and wire whisk.
59. Create the aromas associated with happy homes! Bake some cookies from premixed, refrigerated cookie dough, start baking a loaf of bread dough, or pop a frozen apple pie in the oven.
60. In the heat of summer, place a bowl of lemons or limes on the counter to provide a fresh and pleasant aroma.
61. Clean and organize all storage space. If your cabinets, drawers, and closets are crowded and overflowing, buyers assume that your storage space is inadequate. Give away items you don’t use, storing seldom-used items elsewhere, and reorganize the shelves. Neat, organized shelves and drawers look larger and more adequate for prospective buyer’s needs.
62. Large, cheerful kitchen windows are an advantage and should be highlighted as a special feature of your home. Take a critical look at the window treatment; is it clean, sharp and up-to-date? Do the curtains need washing or the blinds need cleaning? Would the window area look better without any window treatment?
63. If you have a counter top eating area, set two attractive place settings with coordinating napkins and placemats, and place cushions on the stools.
64. Set the table for an informal meal with bright placements and a generous bowl of fruit as a centerpiece.

Laundry Room-

65. Add a fresh coat of paint or put up a cheerful wallpaper.
66. Organize all closets and storage space.
67. Remove all dirty laundry. Keep current with you laundry or store all dirty laundry in a closed container.
68. Clean and polish the washer and dryer.
69. Consider adding an attractive, coordinated throw rug.
70. Make certain the stairs are safe! Stair lighting should be more that adequate, stair must be clutter free, stair railings tight and secure, and runners or carpeting tacked securely. Remove any items from the surface of the stairs and store elsewhere. Check the condition of the walls, and paint or re-wallpaper if necessary.
71. If the stairs are a focal point of the main living areas, carefully choose accents to improve the visual appeal. If you have a wide, gracious staircase, emphasize this feature by hanging a few pictures along the wall. Draw attention to a handsome lighting fixture by polishing the brass and dusting each small light bulb or crystal prism.

Bedrooms-

72. Large master bedrooms are particularly popular among today’s home buyers. Make your bedroom larger. Paint the room a light color, remove one of the bureaus if the room is crowded, and minimize clutter to maximize spaciousness. Aim for a restful, subdued look.
73. A private bathroom off the master bedroom is a real sales plus. Decorate to coordinate with the color scheme of your bedroom, creating the “suite” effect.
74. Virtually all buyers are looking for a house with plenty of closet space. Try to make what you have appear generous and well planned. Remove and store all out of season clothing. Remove any items from the floor area. This will make a closet seem more spacious. Arrange all shelves to maximize the use of space.
75. Make sure all articles in the closet are fresh and clean smelling. When prospective buyers open your closet door, they should be greeted with a whiff of fresh smelling air.
76. Make sure all closet lights have adequate wattage and are operating. Add battery operated lights to those closets that lack them. Lighted closets look bigger, are more attractive, and allow buyers to inspect the interiors easily.
77. Take the time to explain the importance of marketing to your children. Encourage them to participate in preparing your home for showing, particularly the principal of appealing to the widest possible market segment. Ask your children’s cooperation in making their beds and picking up their rooms prior to showings. Consider promising a special reward if they will participate in your house selling goals.
78. Have them pack up any items that are not currently in use and dispose of unused possessions.
79. Remove any crowded, unusual, or personal wall hangings such as posters and store them until your home is sold.

Bathrooms-

80. Replace worn or dirty shower curtains, clean and repair caulking, and remove non-skid bath decals that are in poor condition.
81. Clear off countertops and store all personal care products out of sight.
82. Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly. Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or commercial products.
83. Clean and organize all cabinets and drawers. Don’t forget the medicine cabinet: dispose of old prescriptions, and polish the shelves. The same goes for the storage cabinet under the sink.
84. Remember to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Play down dominate colors with contrasting neutral colored towels and accessories. If your bathroom is mostly white or neutral colored towels and accessories. If your bathroom is mostly white or neutral, add a few cheerful accents of color: use towels in the popular new shades. Don’t hesitate to buy a few new towels and a rug; you’ll be taking them with you to your new home.
85. Scrub and wax an old floor. Cover the largest area you can with a freshly washed scatter rug.
86. Decorate and personalize to create a pleasing, individual look. Consider brining out your best towels and perfumed guest soaps. Add a plant for color and freshness.
87. A gentle hint of fragrance in the air if fine, but keep it subtle.

Garage-

88. Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains. Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles, etc. A clean, organized garage appears larger.
89. If the area is dark, add more light. If it is small and accommodates only one car, remove your car before the buyers visit. An empty garage looks larger. If you have a two car garage with very little extra room, remove one of your cars so that buyers can make their inspection in comfort.
90. Get rid of anything that you don’t plan to move to your new home. Place remaining stored material neatly in boxes, and position away from walls.

NORTH LAKE TAHOE

Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous result of cataclysmic volcanic and glacial master planning. Lake Tahoe’s North Shore, in particular, is a stunning 180 degree panorama that vividly narrates the impact of that ancient earth shaping.

North Lake Tahoe’s singular greatness draws not only pleasure-seeking visitors from the world’s nations, but also some of the planet’s foremost scientists and policy makers. Respectively, they journey to this only-of-its-kind place to understand its incredible blueness and to ensure that Lake Tahoe remains an icon of pure alpine perfection.

Whether you’re coming to study this fascinating mountain jewel on an academic level, or simply anticipating a few well-deserved days in its radiant light, we encourage you to explore our 11 neighborhoods and revel in the 180 degrees of fun you’ll find only at North Lake Tahoe.

How you control the Sale of your home:

There are four reasons a property sells: Location, Price, Condition, and your Realtor.

*Location

You have no control over the location of your home, but location helps determine value.

*Price

You control the price.  The right price can only be determined by a well-researched market evaluation. As a home seller, you should get a written or computerized market analysis comparing your home to similar properties.

*Condition

You control this also.  Your home’s condition is vital to a sale.  A clean, well-maintained home enjoys a competitive edge over all the other homes on the market.  You’ll sell faster and at a higher price if you “stage” your home to enhance its appeal.

*Realtor

The Realtor advises you on market conditions, pricing and staging recommendations, contracting, financing, appraising, and closing activities.  Just as you insist on an experienced well prepared doctor to treat your family, you want a realtor with a proven track record who does their homework representing you in the sale of your home.  This is the reason so many people choose Alvin’s Team.