Pro-snowboarder Nick Visconti, Tahoe Donner resident, (okay he still lives at home with the family and I!) has been invited to participate in ESPN sponsored X-games which will be held in Aspen, Colorado January 26. You can watch him live on TV January 26^th, airing on either ABC or ESPN. Shaun White is also invited, what’s up with that?

 Check out the following link for Winter X Games invited athletes, you’ll need to scroll down:  ESPN

It’s not very often that you graduate from College one month (UNR this month) and participate in the Winter X Games the next!!!  Not to mention he has a humble approach to life and the blessings that keep being placed in front of him . More about Nick; http://nevadasagebrush.com/blog/2011/11/29/unr-snowboarder-grad-to-be-ready-to-shred-x-games-16/

Today, December 1, 2011 the number of homes sold in Tahoe Donner year to date is a parity to last year.

 There are100 homes available or for sale in Tahoe Donner, down from 123 as last reported. Furthermore, 90 of the homes offered for sale are standard sales, 4 of the available properties are offered as short sales and 6 REO’s, (Bank owned properties). Also, 21 single family homes are currently in escrow or pending sale. There are another 16 short sales pending bank approval. Moreover, pending sales range in price from $279,000 to $849,900

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Moreover, year to date 197 homes have close escrow compared to the same period last year were 197 home sales were consummated, (it’s not a typo, the number is exactly the same)!

Home site sales continue to disappoint; with 54 home sites available, currently there are no home sites in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $49,000 to a high of $499,000. Of interest; 16 lots have closed escrow year to date at prices not seen since the late 90’s. Moreover, during the same period last year, the year to date sales amounted to 18. Lot sales this year have ranged in price from a low of $47,500 to a high of $127,000.

There are123 homes available or for sale in Tahoe Donner, down from 135 as last reported. Furthermore, 107 of the homes offered for sale are standard sales, 10 of the available properties are offered as short sales and 6 REO’s, (Bank owned properties). Also, 22 single family homes are currently in escrow or pending sale. There are another 11 short sales pending bank approval. Moreover, pending sales range in price from $279,000 to $1,143,000.

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Moreover, year to date 177 homes have close escrow compared to the same period last year were 178 home sales were consummated.

Home site sales continue to disappoint; with 58 home sites available, currently only 1 home site is in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $49,000 to a high of $499,000. Of interest; 14 lots have closed escrow year to date at prices not seen since the late 90’s. Moreover, during the same period last year, the year to date sales amounted to 17. Lot sales this year have ranged in price from a low of $47,500 to a high of $127,000.

There are153 homes available or for sale in Tahoe Donner, up from 142 as last reported. Furthermore, 140 of the homes offered for sale are standard sales, 10 of the available properties are offered as short sales and 3 REO’s, (Bank owned properties). Also, 29 single family homes are currently in escrow or pending sale. There is another 12 short sales pending bank approval. Moreover, pending sales range in price from $299,000 to $1,299,000.

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Moreover, year to date 133 homes have close escrow compared to the same period last year were 135 home sales were consummated.

Home site sales continue to disappoint; with 58 home sites available, currently only 2home site are in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $49,000 to a high of $525,000. Of interest; 11 lots have closed escrow year to date at prices not seen since the late 90’s. Moreover, during the same period last year, the year to date sales amounted to 16. Lot sales this year have ranged in price from a low of $47,500 to a high of $127,000.

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Moreover, year to date 67 homes have close escrow compared to the same period last year were 75 home sales were consummated. The number of homes sold in Tahoe Donner year to date is approximately 10% below the same period last year. However, I believe this epic winter impeded sales on a short term basis.

Home site sales continue to disappoint; with 49 home sites available, currently only 1 home site is in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $59,000 to a high of $525,000. Of interest; 6 lots have closed escrow year to date at prices not seen since the late 90’s. Moreover, during the same period last year, the year to date sales amounted to 11. Because there were only six sales, here’s the pricing; $55,000, $55,900, $65,000, $70,000, $70,000 and $127,000.

Sales Statistics
for NEVADA County CA
Realist’s most recent recording date for this county is 05/25/2011

Single Family Residence
Time Period        Number of Sales       Median Sale Price
Apr 2011              115                               $225,000
Apr 2010                97                               $288,000
Mar 2011             131                               $239,000
Mar 2010             120                               $317,500
2011 YTD            528                               $250,000
2010                  1,346                              $295,000
Condominium
Time Period        Number of Sales        Median Sale Price
Apr 2011               5                                   $206,000
Apr 2010             11                                   $315,000
Mar 2011            11                                   $345,000
Mar 2010               8                                  $296,250
2011 YTD            27                                  $329,000
2010                   105                                 $307,500

Buyers may someday ask you: “Is this home powered by Android?”

The ability to control a home via smartphone may not be too distant in the future, experts say. Google is setting the way for home owners to use its Android software to control everyday household items, everything from turning on and off the lights, the dishwasher, a lamp, and more.

Google’s Android@Home software would be built into appliances and light bulbs so it can wirelessly communicate with Android devices. For example, LightingScience this year released LED light bulbs that can connect with Android devices to turn off the lights without having to get up to flip the switch. Google also introduced the Open Accessory toolkit, which will help developers create other everyday household items that are compatible with Android devices.

“Everything should be Android-ified,” says Andy Rubin, head of Android. “We should just take it to new levels. It’s no longer something that people will go to the store to buy and then bring to their home or bring to their office. It’s something that will actually bridge those things.”

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Moreover, year to date 56 homes have close escrow compared to the same period last year were 60 home sales were consummated. The number of homes sold in Tahoe Donner year to date is slightly below the same period last year. However, I believe this epic winter impeded sales on a short term basis.

Home site sales continue to disappoint; with 42 home sites available, currently only 1 home site is in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $64,000 to a high of $525,000. Of interest; 5 lots have closed escrow year to date at prices not seen since the late 90’s. Because there were only five sales, here’s the pricing; $55,000, $55,900, $70,000, $70,000 and $127,000.
Sales Statistics
for NEVADA County CA

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Moreover, year to date 44 homes have close escrow compared to the same period last year were 42 home sales were consummated, basically a parity to last year.

Home site sales continue to disappoint; with 40 home sites available, currently1 home sites are in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $69,000 to a high of $525,000. Of interest; only 6 home sites have close escrow this year.

Spring Market Conditions Bode Well For Buyers
Optimism about the housing market isn’t quite sweeping the nation, but Americans remain sold on the value of home ownership at a good time to be bullish about buying a home.

With home sales and prices still falling, the spring could shape up as an opportune time to make a deal.

The housing downturn hasn’t shaken consumers’ resolve to consider home ownership an integral part of an American Dream, even among home owners with homes that have lost value.

The eighth quarterly “Allstate-National Journal Heartland Monitor Poll: The American Dream” revealed that nearly nine out of 10 homeowners say they would buy their same homes again.

Among those with homes with lost value, the same percentage said they would buy their home again. Also, seven of 10 Americans say they would advise a friend or family member to buy a home as a long-term asset. The spring could be a good time to take that advice.

Existing-home sales, completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dropped 9.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.88 million in February from 5.40 million in January. February 2010 sales were 2.8 percent below the pace in February 2010, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

The slow sales pushed the median price down to $156,100, the lowest level since February 2002, setting the stage for spring bargains.

Some experts say the housing market is years away from a full blown recovery and the home buyer tax credit is kaput. However, improvements in employment and manufacturing and other economic sectors, bargain home prices and affordable interest rates could light a fire under buyers who’ve been sitting on the fence.

“Housing affordability conditions have been at record levels and the economy has been improving, but home sales are being constrained by the twin problems of unnecessarily tight credit, and a measurable level of contract cancellations from some appraisals not supporting prices negotiated between buyers and sellers,” said Lawrence Yun NAR chief economist.

The Allstate survey of 1,000 Americans also found:

· Buying a home was the best investment among 24 percent, behind “investing in retirement savings” (38 percent), but ahead of “saving money in the bank” (20 percent), and “investing in the stock market” (6 percent).

· A majority, 58 percent of those who believe the housing crisis will remain a serious problem would still recommend buying a home.

· Americans are evenly split on whether the federal government should continue policies to encourage home ownership at the same level (46 percent) or scale them back because they cost too much (46 percent).

· More than half of Americans (52 percent) blame the housing crisis on banks and lending institutions for misleading borrowers and approving bad loans, while 32 percent blame people who bought homes and took out mortgages they couldn’t afford, and only 12 percent blame government policies that encouraged too many people to try to own their own homes.

“Owning a home continues to be the bedrock of the American Dream – even as incomes are down, jobs are scarce and families struggle to make ends meet,” said Thomas J. Wilson , Allstate chairman, president and chief executive officer.

“Homeownership is viewed positively by the vast majority of Americans as both a place to raise a family and a sound investment,” he added.

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Moreover, year to date 22 homes have close escrow compared to the same period last year were 21 home sales were consummated, basically a parity to last year.

Home site sales saw modest improvement; with 41 home sites available, currently 2 home sites are in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $69,000 to a high of $525,000. Of interest; 3 home sites have close escrow this year, what’s interesting is the low sales price of the three; $55,000, $55,900 and $70,000 respectively.

Housing Affordability Reaches 20 Year High

Housing affordability is higher today than it has been for decades. What does this mean for today’s buyer? It means now is the time to buy. According to the latest National Association of Home Builders Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) data, “73.9% of all new and existing homes sold in the fourth quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400.”
“This report shows that housing affordability at the end of 2010 was at its highest level since we started computing the HOI,” said Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. “However, while this is good news for consumers, both home buyers and builders continue to confront extremely tight credit conditions, and this remains a significant obstacle to many potential home sales.”
Are you looking for the best of the best when it comes to affordable markets? Indianapolis-Carmel, Indiana, is a great place to start. It was ranked as the most affordable housing market in the entire country. Ninety-three percent of homes sold in the city were affordable to households earning to area median of $68,700.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA, was ranked as the least affordable city in the country. Only 45 percent of homes were affordable to families making the median household income of $84,200.

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Moreover, year to date 9 homes have close escrow compared to the same period last year were 10 home sales were consummated.

Home site sales saw modest improvement; with 38 home sites available, currently 2 home sites are in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $69,000 to a high of $525,000.

Sales Statistics
for NEVADA County CA
Realist’s most recent recording date for this county is 01/25/2011
Single Family Residence
Time Period        Number of Sales        Median Sale Price
Dec 2010            134                                 $271,000
Dec 2009            145                                 $340,000
Nov 2010            101                                 $339,000
Nov 2009            113                                 $300,000
2010 YTD        1,346                                 $295,000
2009                 1,294                                 $329,250
Condominium
Time Period        Number of Sales        Median Sale Price
Dec 2010            14                                   $235,000
Dec 2009              7                                   $365,000
Nov 2010              6                                   $272,000
Nov 2009            11                                   $362,000
2010 YTD          105                                  $307,500
2009                   107                                  $317,000

What’s Driving Buyers To Buy Homes?

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that “affordability” is the top reason for home buying in 2010.
That makes sense, especially in unstable market conditions. Buyers, as always, are looking for a bargain but, more than ever, they’ve been enticed by low home prices and low interest rates, according to a survey by Weichert Realtors, Inc.

The survey gathered information from 1,261 of the company’s customers who bought homes between July 1 through December 31, 2010.
What about pride in homeownership? it appears that buying a home because they didn’t want to rent, was not the driving force. Instead, it came down to price. This differs from survey results five years ago when respondents (26%) said, “the desire to own their home and stop paying rent” motivated them to buy, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Another influencer was the desire for more living space. According to the Wall Street Journal the survey reported that 28% of the respondents said, “they bought a house because they wanted more living space or a larger property”. However, 11% of those surveyed said that “potential financial growth” motivated them to purchase a home. This response is similar to the answers received in the survey’s first year (2005) when respondents answered the question, “What motivated you to purchase your home at this time?”

A sharp drop (12%) was reported by respondents who said they bought a house in 2010 due to relocation. The figure was the same as 2009. However, it’s a decrease from 20% in 2008. Real estate experts believe that buyers are still motivated by the potential financial growth, but indeed a good value in the form of low interest rate and discounted home prices is the driving force these days. So, if you are listing your home for sale, focus on value. Detailed marketing materials that showcase your home’s amenities, walking-distance retail outlets, and neighborhood parks and schools will also help create value.

Don’t underestimate the importance of valuable upgrades such as new appliances, water heater, solar panels, green technology, smart wiring for commonly used technology, and, of course, any energy-saving lighting and/or heating/air conditioning systems that you might have installed.
Light up your house as much as possible when showing or holding an open house. Even if you typically keep the shades drawn, open them up, turn on light fixtures and, if you have skylights, make sure they’re clean.

Value increases for buyers the more they can see themselves living in your home. So, make it cozy, comfortable, and attractive. In the bathrooms, hang color-coordinated towels; some fresh flowers in a vase. And if the walls are scuffed, try using a Magic Eraser. If that doesn’t work, touch up the paint or paint the entire bathroom.

In the dining room or the kitchen, set the table. But don’t overdress the table. Too much stuff on a table makes it look crowded, small, and can be a turn-off.
Remember, selling your home is about creating value for buyers. That means how you live in your home may not be the way you show your home. You may have to put away a lot of the clutter such as trinkets, family photos, pet toys, electrical cords, kids’ toys, and anything else that is personal to you. By doing this you’ll create a greater chance of buyers viewing your home as theirs. And that’s value.

Today, January 3, 2011 there are 90 homes available or for sale in Tahoe Donner. Furthermore, 74 of the homes offered for sale are standard sales, 12 of the available homes are offered as short sales and 4 REO’s, (Bank owned properties). Also, 14 single family homes are currently in escrow or pending sale. There are another 8 short sales pending bank approval. Moreover, pending sales range in price from $345,000 to $899,950.

Some perspective to Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 222 homes close escrow in 2010, basically a parity to 2009 were 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated.

Home site sales saw modest improvement; with 38 home sites available, currently 3 home sites are in escrow or pending sale. Also, 21 home sites closed escrow in 2010 compared to 12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $64,500 to a high of $525,000.

Sales Statistics
for NEVADA County CA Realist’s most recent recording date for this county is 12/21/2010
Single Family Residence

Time Period        Number of Sales        Median Sale Price
Nov 2010             101                                $339,000
Nov 2009             113                                $300,000
Oct 2010              124                                $277,500
Oct 2009              146                                $330,000
2010 YTD            1,282                             $296,750
2009                     1,294                             $329,250
Condominium
Time Period        Number of Sales        Median Sale Price
Nov 2010             6                                     $272,000
Nov 2009             11                                   $362,000
Oct 2010              8                                     $262,500
Oct 2009              13                                   $390,000
2010 YTD            96                                   $313,500
2009                   107                                  $317,000

Sleepy Housing Market to Awaken in 2011

The housing market will remain in hibernation this winter and, without the benefit of a federal home buying tax credit, keep snoring right on through the spring, according to two recent studies.

However, by the third quarter of 2011, pent up demand could stir the market from its slumber and generate a modest, groggy recovery.

During its recent NARdigras 2010 Realtor Conference and Expo, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) forecast an “uneven recovery” next year.

“Existing-home sales have shown some improvement, but the foreclosure moratorium is likely to cause some disruption and contribute to an uneven sales performance in the months ahead,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist.

“Tight credit and appraisals coming in below a negotiated price continue to constrain the market. Nonetheless, there appears to be a pent-up demand that eventually will be unleashed as banks resolve their issues with foreclosures and the labor market improves,” Yun said.

Likewise, the recent Fiserv Case-Shiller Home Price Insight” reported that the home buyer tax credit delayed the housing market’s slide to the bottom, and that will put off the recovery until late 2011.

Fiserv and Moody’s Economy.com expect that home prices will drop over the next four quarters in nearly all metro markets, before prices have a shot at stabilizing by the end of 2011.

“Some of the largest declines in prices will occur in markets that had strong spring and summer 2010 price increases,” said David Stiff, chief economist at Fiserv. “This is because the home buyer tax credit delayed the correction in home prices that is necessary to return housing affordability to its pre-bubble levels,” Stiff added.

According to NAR, Existing-home sales, down 21.2 percent year-over-year in the third quarter this year, are forecast to drop 24.7 percent in the last quarter this year. The declines reflect the absence of the federal home buying tax credit, available this time last year, NAR said.

Next year, expect smaller sales declines of about 7 percent during the first two quarters, before sales begin to rebound with a near 26 percent year-over-year increase in sales, according to the forecast.

“We’ve added 30 million people to the U.S. population over the past 10 years, but sales are where they were in 2000, so there appears to be a sizable pent-up demand that could come to the (housing) market once the economy gathers momentum,” Yun said.

Yun said existing home sales will rise from 4.8 million this year to 5.1 million next year while housing starts are expected to rise to 716,000 in 2011 from 598,000 this year. Housing starts bottomed out at 554,000 in 2009.

The boost in sales and starts is related to favorable growth in the Gross Domestic Product. NAR says it should grow 2.0 to 2.5 percent over the next two years. A projected and much needed 1.5 million additional jobs over the next two years will push the unemployment rate down to 8 percent by 2013, but it won’t return to a normal level of about 6 percent until 2015.

Mortgage interest rates are at record lows now, but by the time housing market recovery is under way, they are expected to rise, creating an average 4.9 percent next year, Yun said.

Median prices for existing homes, nationwide at $177,100 in the third quarter this year (down 0.6 percent a year ago) are expected to continue to decline to $165,900 into the first quarter 2010, before managing $178,900 by the third quarter next year, an expected peak for the year.

New home prices, $218,000 in the third quarter, 2010 (up 2.5 percent from a year ago), are expected to continue rising each quarter in 2011 and peak out at $224,300 in the fourth quarter.