Furthermore, 75 of the homes offered for sale are standard sales, 4 of the available properties are offered as short sales and 3 REO’s, (Bank owned properties). Also, 28 single family homes are currently in escrow or pending sale, this is an encouraging number for this time of year, remember because we are tourist driven we cycle different than most metropolitan areas. There are another 7 short sales pending bank approval. Moreover, pending sales range in price from $238,900 to $1,275,000.

Some perspective on Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 212 homes close escrow in 2011, compared to 2010 were 223 sales consummated, 2009 saw 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Year to date 84 single family homes have closed escrow in Tahoe Donner, compared to the same period last year were 57 homes traded hands; that’s a 47% increase in sales year to day, yea!

Home site sales see slight improvement; with 40 home sites currently available, only 3 home sites are in escrow or pending sale. Also, 16 home sites closed escrow in 2011 compared to 21 sales in 2010 and12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $58,000 to a high of $379,000. Of interest; pricing on the lots which did close escrow in 2011 were at prices not seen since the late 90’s. Year to date 9 home sites have closed escrow compared to the same period last year were only 5 sales consummated.
Sales Statistics
for NEVADA County CA
Realist’s most recent sale date for this county is 04/16/2012

Single Family Residence
Time Period        Number of Sales        Median Sale Price
Mar 2012             172                                $268,000
Mar 2011             132                                $239,500
Feb 2012             105                                $210,000
Feb 2011             106                                $260,000
2012 YTD            478                                $240,000
2011                  1,594                               $250,000
Condominium
Time Period        Number of Sales        Median Sale Price
Mar 2012              8                                    $192,000
Mar 2011             11                                   $345,000
Feb 2012             5                                     $261,000
Feb 2011             2                                     $477,500
2012 YTD            19                                   $240,000
2011                     89                                   $230,000

Furthermore, 58 of the homes offered for sale are standard sales, 4 of the available properties are offered as short sales and 2 REO’s, (Bank owned properties). Also, 29 single family homes are currently in escrow or pending sale, this is an encouraging number for this time of year, remember because we are tourist driven we cycle different than most metropolitan areas. There are another 8 short sales pending bank approval. Moreover, pending sales range in price from $292,352 to $1,275,000.

Some perspective on Tahoe Donner market conditions: Tahoe Donner had a total of 212 homes close escrow in 2011, compared to 2010 were 223 sales consummated, 2009 saw 225 homes close escrow, compared to 2008 in which only 193 sales were consummated. Year to date 62 single family homes have closed escrow in Tahoe Donner, compared to the same period last year were 45 homes traded hands; that’s a 37% increase in sales year to day, yea!

Home site sales continue to disappoint; with 37 home sites currently available, only 2 home sites are in escrow or pending sale. Also, 16 home sites closed escrow in 2011 compared to 21 sales in 2010 and12 home sites which closed escrow in 2009. Currently, the pricing for available home sites run from a low of $58,000 to a high of $379,000. Of interest; pricing on the lots which did close escrow in 2011 were at prices not seen since the late 90’s. Year to date 6 home sites have closed escrow compared to the same period last year were only 5 sales consummated.

Sales Statistics
for NEVADA County CA

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.