South Lake Tahoe, CA Market Statistics
- All Sales in the last 365 Days
- Absorption Rates - Last 365 Days
- All 2011 South Lake Tahoe, CA Sales
- All 2010 South Lake Tahoe, CA Sales
- All 2009 South Lake Tahoe, CA Sales
- All Current Escrow - South Lake Tahoe, CA
- Al Tahoe, CA
- Bijou, CA
- Black Bart, CA
- Christmas Valley, CA
- Gardner Mountain, CA
- Heavenly Valley, CA
- Highland Woods, CA
- Meyers, CA
- Montgomery Estates, CA
- Pioneer Trail, CA
- North Upper Truckee, CA
- Sierra Tract, CA
- S. Lake Tahoe Condos, CA
- The Tahoe Keys Condos, CA
- Stateline Area, CA
- Tahoe Island Drive, CA
- Tahoe Island Park, CA
- The Tahoe Keys, CA
- Tahoe Paradise, CA
- Y Area, CA
Stateline, NV Market Statistics
- All Sales in the Last 365 Days
- Absorption Rates - Last 365 Days
- All 2011 Stateline, NV Sales
- All 2010 Stateline, NV Sales
- All 2009 Stateline, NV Sales
- All Current Escrow - Stateline, NV
- Cave Rock, NV
- Glenbrook, NV
- Hidden Woods, NV
- Kingsbury (Lower), NV
- Kingsbury (Middle), NV
- Kingsbury (Upper), NV
- Lakefront Properties, NV
- Round Hill, NV
- Skyland, NV
- Summit Tahoe Village (Condos), NV
- Lake Village TownHomes, NV
- Zephyr Heights, NV
Stat Counter
Archive for December, 2009
The Truth about “Featured” Listings
December 28th, 2009 categories: Buyers Report, For Buyers, For Sellers, Lake Tahoe Real Estate, South Lake Tahoe, CA, Stateline, NV
It’s Probably Not What You Think.
(We originally posted this on February 9, 2008. We've brought it back because of our next post, which will feature an extraordinary listing opportunity.)
We see them all the time. Online they’re everywhere, and in real estate print advertising too. But has one ever really considered what a “Featured” Listing is? What it really means? The process of how they happen? We thought it’s worth exploring… because featured listings are a dime a dozen and usually have about the same value as fools gold.
The idea behind the “Featured” listing, you know, what one is supposed to represent, or have you believe, is that it is something special. Like it’s a super star of a house, or a breathtakingly good deal. But are featured listings true celebrities of the real estate realm?
While sometimes they can be star material, it is exceptionally rare. Most of the time featured listings are not; there is nothing special about them at all. Advertising fodder, that’s what they are. And below B-movie grade at that.
Featured Listings on Websites in General :
One finds featured listings most often on real estate websites. They’re on brokers sites, on individual agents sites, and featured listings are also found on well known search sites, such as Realtor.com. So lets see what it takes to get a listing featured on each.
Featured Listings on Broker Sites :
- Some brokerages have them, ours doesn’t.
- Featured Listings on a brokers site are only listings that the brokerage has.
- The brokerage may specifically select their exclusive listings that they want to feature.
- Or the brokerage may get an automatic feed from their MLS (multiple listing service) that randomly selects homes listed by the brokerage only.
- Other than being able to demonstrate to a seller that their listing is “featured”, there is nothing else special about it.
Knowing this, if you were a real estate agent, would you pay special attention to a featured listing on a brokers site? We don’t. It’s in overall market knowledge, and searching out the details, where the nicest houses and the best deals are found.
Note: Make sure you read about Agent Behavior further below!
Featured Listings on Agent Sites :
- Most agent websites have them, our blog doesn’t.
- Featured Listings on an Agent site are only the listings that the agent has.
- The Agent’s listings are selected at random by an automatic feed from the MLS (an “IDX” feed).
- It is not possible for this automated selector to pick specific listings that the agent has, or the nicest house, or the best deal…etc.
- Other than showing a seller that their listing is “featured”, there is nothing else special about it.
- What’s special about the feature is nothing more than “these are all of my listings.”
- Featured Listings an an agent’s website therefore only means “these are mine.”
Again, if you were a real estate agent, would you pay special attention to a featured listing on another agents website? (This is important as it ties into normal agent behavior as discussed below.)
The Well-Known Real Estate Search Sites : (such as Realtor.com)
Many of the national real estate search sites have featured listings.
- Realtor.com is one of these such sites (they call it “Featured Homes”).
- There are Featured Listing “slots” available for each real estate market across the country.
- These Featured Listing slots are sold to an Agent for a monthly fee, but on an annual contract.
- There may be multiple featured listing slots for each market:
- South Lake Tahoe, CA has 16 of these slots.
- Stateline, NV has 8.
- The monthly cost varies by market area:
- It costs approximately $330 per month per slot for South Lake Tahoe, CA.
- It costs about $250 per month per slot for Stateline, NV.
- We had up to 3 such slots for featured listings on both sides of our market for the last 3 years.
- That cost us about $900 a month during that time.
- We have not had one phone call, or email, or Buyer contact us from any of it.
- We have since canceled each our slot as its annual contract expires.
- One is still running (in South Lake Tahoe, CA).
- It too will be cancelled when that contract expires (Realtor.com refuses to cancel it until then).
- The only benefit we ever got from Featured Listings here was to out it in our listing presentation.
- Sellers liked the idea of the “increased” exposure they would get for their house.
- But the increase exposure has produced nothing of consequence over time.
- And we now disclose that to all of our Sellers that… because it’s the truth.
ABOUT AGENT BEHAVIOR… and Featured Listings :
It’s important to know this and understand what it means: about 85% of all Home Sales are sold by an agent other than the Listing Agent.
- That’s right! 85% of home buyers have their own agent.
- 80% of all home shoppers start looking first on the internet.
- When they find something they are interested in, Buyers then contact their Agent.
- The Agent then starts looking for the client.
- Because real estate agents understand what a featured listing actually means, they rarely if ever (we never do) look at them.
- The bottom line is featured listings do not sell houses.
Featured Listings in Print :
They are essentially the same as featured listings on an Agent website.
- They are always a listing that the advertising agent has.
- They make the Seller happy of the house that is featured.
- They are also used by the agent to promote getting other listings.
- Other agents rarely ever pay any attention to them (most never do).
- There’s usually little that’s special about any of them, other than that “this is mine”.
- And they do not sell houses either.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
How Many Bald Eagles are around Lake Tahoe?
December 28th, 2009 categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Lake Tahoe Beauty, Lake Tahoe Real Estate, South Lake Tahoe, CA, Stateline, NV
Here’s Your Chance to Help Count Them
The U. S. Forest Service is looking for volunteers to participate in an annual mid-winter bald eagle count from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 8.
The count is part of the National Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey that will be used to generate an estimate of bald eagle populations across the United States.
There are 26 stations located around the Lake Tahoe Basin that the Forest Service would like to fill as soon as possible.
Participants must contact Rena Escobedo at (530) 543-2733 or rescobedo@fs.fed.us no later than Monday to volunteer.
Source: Associated Press via Tahoe Daily Tribune
Bald Eagle image by Steve Noble
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Your House… from Different Points of View
December 27th, 2009 categories: About Us, For Buyers, For Sellers, Lake Tahoe Real Estate, South Lake Tahoe, CA, Stateline, NV
Seeing is Believing? It Just Depends.
The value of a house depends on the eye of the beholder. More often than not, one person will see value different than another.
As much as we try to give the most objective information possible about home values, we realize human nature is more swayed by emotion that fact.
The amusement that follows came to us in an email from a good friend, Marty Potnick.
We hope you find as much fun as we did below.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
Is the U.S. Economy Slowly Gaining Steam?
December 27th, 2009 categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Lake Tahoe Real Estate, National real estate news
A steady, but unspectacular expansion.
The Washington Post article actually says the US economy is slowly gaining steam. Perhaps it’s the use of the word "steam" that gives us caution.
In our opinion, until the US employment rate drops meaningfully, any modifier to describe the economy would have to be less than that which connotates "heat."
Here’s a few bullet points found in the article which came out a release by the U.S. Commerce Department:
- Americans’ incomes and spending levels rose in November.
- Data released Wednesday ssuggest the economy has continued a steady but slight expansion.
- Personal income rose 0.4 percent, the fifth straight month of increase.
- Consumer spending rose 0.5 percent.
- These numbers were lower than expected, but still suggest Americans were becoming more confident.
- When adjusted for inflation, the gains are less impressive.
- Some economists say the nation will likely emerge from its deep downturn slowly.
(article here)
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
South Lake Tahoe, NV Townhomes and Condominiums: Lake Village
December 26th, 2009 categories: Condominium Reports, For Buyers, For Sellers, Lake Tahoe NV Statistics, Lake Tahoe Real Estate, Lake Village, Nevada Neighborhoods, South Lake Tahoe Statistics, Stateline, NV
Final 2008 and Current Real Estate Activity: Lake Village townhomes & condominiums, Stateline, NV area of South Lake Tahoe.
We’ve just updated all Lake Village (NV) townhomes and condominium real estate activity in the Stateline, NV area of South Lake Tahoe, including all 2009 sales, current escrow and all active listings. Please note “Lake Village (NV)” found in our left sidebar.
2009 Lake Village townhome or condo sales, here.
Current Lake Village, Stateline, NV townhome or condos in escrow, here.
Current Lake Village, Stateline, NV townhome or condos listed, here.
Also note that we have added information about distressed sales to this report so that you can easily determine if a house is bank owned, a short sale or not. This can also be found in the "special conditions" column on our neighborhood spreadsheets.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
South Lake Tahoe, NV Townhomes and Condos: Summit Tahoe Village
December 26th, 2009 categories: Condominium Reports, For Buyers, For Sellers, Nevada Neighborhoods, South Lake Tahoe Statistics, Stateline, NV, Summit Tahoe Village
Current Real Estate Activity: Summit / Tahoe Village Condominiums, Stateline, NV area of South Lake Tahoe.
Two Thirds all 2009 Sales are Distressed Properties.
We’ve just updated all Summit / Tahoe Village (NV) townhomes and condominium real estate activity in the Stateline, NV area of South Lake Tahoe, including all 2009 sales, current escrow and all active listings. Please note “Summit / Tahoe Village (NV)” found in our left sidebar.
2009 Summit / Tahoe Village, Stateline, NV townhome or condo Sales, here.
Current Summit / Tahoe Village, Stateline, NV townhome or condos in escrow, here.
Current Summit / Tahoe Village, Stateline, NV townhome or condos listed, here.
Also note that we have added information about distressed sales to this report so that you can easily determine if a house is bank owned, a short sale or not. This can also be found in the "special conditions" column on our neighborhood spreadsheets.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
A True Gift of Christmas for Me… and it came from Mom.
December 25th, 2009 categories: About Us
Thought, and goodness, is at the heart of the matter.
On this splendid, clear blue sky Christmas morning here in South Lake Tahoe, we’re finding reflection. And thoughts of tremendous gratitude.
It’s a late start for us, presents are sill under the tree. Christmas music is on, and its wonderful. A fire sparkles in the fireplace. Ours is a holiday of abundance. My head, and heart, feels right with the world.
Rather than thinking of what we have, symbolized by the wrapped surprises under the tree, thoughts this morning have been mostly for others, known and unknown. I donno why I dwell so much on that this morning, but that’s at the forefront of thought that I woke up with some hours ago.
Perhaps it was some years ago, on a Christmas morning where my mother made a comment, one that I’ve always remembered. We were talking about the weather. A big storm was crossing the country and mom said she felt bad for the children… because the storm would prevent them from the joy of playing outside with their new found Christmas toys.
It was a casual, passing thought she had, I realize, but one of true goodness. It resonated with me. A thought of care. I told myself one day I’d like to have a thought like that. I’d like to be that good.
Am thinking about Chandler this morning, a boy lost before Christmas. Am wishing his spirit peace, and his mother strength.
Am also thinking about the three children who lost their father last night in Little Rock. Our prayers are for them.
Am also thinking about all of the children across the country today who can’t go outside and play. Tomorrow though is another day, and am wishing the best joy possible for all.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
South Lake Tahoe, NV Luxury Home Listings Update: Lakefront Properties
December 25th, 2009 categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Lake Front Properties, Lake Tahoe Luxury Homes, Lake Tahoe NV Statistics, Lake Tahoe Real Estate, Luxury Home Sales, Nevada Neighborhoods, South Lake Tahoe Statistics, Stateline, NV
Current Real Estate Activity: Lakefront Properties and Luxury Homes in the Stateline, NV area of South Lake Tahoe.
We’ve just updated all Lakefront Properties (NV) real estate activity in the Stateline, NV area of South Lake Tahoe, including all 2009 sales, current escrow and all active listings. Please note “Lakefront Properties (NV)” found in our left sidebar.
2009 Lakefront Properties, South Lake Tahoe lake front estate Sales, here.
Current Lakefront Properties, South Lake Tahoe lake front estates in escrow, here.
Current Lakefront Properties, South Lake Tahoe lake front estates listed, here.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
South Lake Tahoe, NV Luxury Home Listings Update: Glenbrook
December 25th, 2009 categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Glenbrook, Lake Tahoe Luxury Homes, Lake Tahoe NV Statistics, Lake Tahoe Real Estate, Luxury Home Sales, Nevada Neighborhoods, South Lake Tahoe Statistics, Stateline, NV
Current Luxury Home Real Estate Activity: Glenbrook, NV neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe.
We’ve just updated Glenbrook (NV), a luxury home neighborhood in the Glenbrook, NV area of South Lake Tahoe, including all 2009 sales, current escrow and all active listings. Please note “Glenbrook (NV)” found in our left sidebar.
2009 Glenbrook luxury home sales, here.
Current Glenbrook, South Lake Tahoe luxury homes in escrow, here.
Current Glenbrook, South Lake Tahoe luxury homes listed, here.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
South Lake Tahoe, NV Real Estate Listings Update: Cave Rock
December 25th, 2009 categories: Cave Rock, For Buyers, For Sellers, Lake Tahoe Luxury Homes, Lake Tahoe NV Statistics, Lake Tahoe Real Estate, Luxury Home Sales, Nevada Neighborhoods, South Lake Tahoe Statistics, Stateline, NV
Current Real Estate Activity: Cave Rock, NV neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe.
We’ve just updated Cave Rock (NV), a luxury home neighborhood in the Glenbrook, NV area of South Lake Tahoe, including all 2009 sales, current escrow and all active listings. Please note “Cave Rock (NV)” found in our left sidebar.
2008 Cave Rock luxury home sales, here. (There aren’t any, yet!)
Current Cave Rock, luxury homes in escrow, here.
Current Cave Rock, luxury homes listed, here.
Also note that we have added information about distressed sales to this report so that you can easily determine if a house is bank owned, a short sale or not. This can also be found in the "special conditions" column on our neighborhood spreadsheets.
| Discussion: Please leave a comment.
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