Reno Tahoe Real Estate News

Get Home Information Via Text While Sitting In Front of the House

Amy Shocket — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:38:17 +0000

You are sitting in front of a listing wondering what the price is, how big it is etc. The flyer box is empty and you can’t reach the agent on the phone. You’re frustrated. Nof if you’re sitting in front of a listing that offers information via Text Messaging. Text messaging is exploding throughout America. As a buyer you demand the information on the property to educate yourself prior to interacting with the seller. I am using Goomzee, a technology that allows me to deliver information directly to the buyer while they are sitting in front of my listing. A simple sign rider directs the buyer where to text. Instantly the buyer receives the most important details along with pictures of the property. The buyer is also given my contact information to schedule a showing if they want to see more. Buyers love it, sellers love it and agents love it. The information is shared quickly. Not to mention it’s GREEN. No paper flyers. A definite win-win.

WHAT’S HAPPENED TO INTEREST RATES?

Lil Schaller — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:26:18 +0000

One year ago, the interest rate on a 30-year fixed conforming and FHA loan was 4.875%, an incredibly low rate. However, the rate for those same loans today stands at only 5.125%, a mere ¼ point increase. With the 7.5% decrease in median home value in Truckee for homes in the conforming price range in the past year, Buyers are still ahead if they purchase today.

Jumbo loans are a different story. One year ago, a 30-year fixed jumbo was 7.875%. Today, it’s 5.75%, a 2.125 point drop. The median price of homes in the jumbo arena dropped over 6%, so with both interest rates and value of those homes down, Buyers can buy much more than they could have a year ago. So those who decided to “wait and see” made a good decision.

HOWEVER, neither the interest rates nor the home prices will stay this low. We certainly hope that Buyers trying to outsmart the market won’t be left out in the cold. Literally.

State of the Real Estate Market, Lake Tahoe/Truckee, California

Lil Schaller — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:48:31 +0000

With a new decade just begun, it’s interesting to look back at where we’ve been these past 10 years. In 2002, there were 1023 single family homes sold in the Truckee/Lake Tahoe area, with a median price of $397,500. By 2006, we reached the peak of market value, at a median price of $680,000. Now, at the end of 2009, we’re down to a median price of $512,000, a total decrease of 25% in median value from the high in 2006, yet a 29% increase since 2002. However, this year has also seen an increase in number of homes sold (787), up 20% from the low in 2008 of 655.

In looking at the Tahoe Donner subdivision in Truckee, which comprises the largest percentage of the sales in the overall area, the statistics are similar. In 2002, there were 302 single family homes sold, with a median price of $495,000. The highest median market value was reached in 2005, at $765,000. At the end of 2009, the median price is at $568,500, again, a 25% drop since the high in 2005, yet still a 29% increase from where we were in 2002. And similar to the picture for the entire area, the number of homes sold in 2009 in Tahoe Donner (225) was up 16.5% from 2008.

During the past year, we’ve seen our share of distressed properties come on the market, although not near as many as many areas of our state and country. Of the 787 single family homes that sold in 2009, 127 (16%) were foreclosures and 85 (11%) were “short sales”. We currently have only 23 foreclosure properties active on the market (3% of the total inventory available), and 102 “short sales”, comprising 14%.

As we look towards this new decade, we’re excited about the opportunities in our industry that will hopefully allow many more buyers to realize their dreams of home ownership, be it here in our mountain paradise, or wherever their dreams may take them.

Humane Society Needs your Donations

Claudia Byrne — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:39:04 +0000

The Nevada Humane Society is in desperate need of clean blankets (no stuffing), towels and sheets for the kennels. Some of the dogs are sleeping on pieces of plastic. If you have items to donate, please drop off at the following Dickson Realty locations from 9:00-5:00 Monday-Sunday through January 31, 2010. For more information on other items needed, please visit http://www.nevadahumanesociety.org/involved.htm

Thank you, the members of our wonderful community, for your support and concern for the animals we all love.

1030 Caughlin Crossing
Reno, NV 89519
(775) 746-7000

500 Damonte Ranch Parkway Ste. 625
Reno, NV 89521
(775) 850-7000

4870 Vista Blvd.
Sparks, NV 89436
(775) 685-8800

Effective Multi Tasking

Nancy Fennell — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:00:15 +0000

I have been reading a lot of the research about the effects of multi tasking… texting while in meetings, texting while talking on the phone, etc. None of the research is too promising but I found a great way to multi task today.

I went to the new Fast Smog at the corner of MaeAnne and McCarran, directly behind Big O Tires. It took me less than 30 minutes to get my smog test done, get my car registered and donate to my favorite school. That 30 minutes also included travel time from Caughlin Ranch. Jeff Sallan, owner of the new Fast Smog donates part of his proceeds to the school of your choice. Mamie Towles has been our Dickson Realty Caughlin Ranch Adopted School for many years so that part was easy. I love doing business with good community neighbors. So if need to have your car registered and smogged, go visit Jeff at Fast Smog.

2009 has been a year to remind us of the important things in life.

Amy Thyr — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:29:18 +0000

Over the holidays we hope you. . .

Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a love letter. Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Apologize if you were wrong. Try to understand. Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate. Be kind; be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once again.

Best wishes to you and your family from all of us at Dickson Realty.

DICKSON REALTY BROKER KANE SCHALLER NAMED REALTOR OF THE YEAR

Amy Thyr — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:09:26 +0000

Kane Schaller, broker and co-owner of Dickson Realty Truckee, was named the 2009 Realtor of the Year by the Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors. The selection is based on Schaller’s outstanding business achievements, his ability to provide trusted leadership by promoting professionalism and ethics and his local involvement designed to ensure a vibrant community.

“Receiving this award is truly an honor and having my mother, who was the 2008 Realtor of the Year recipient, present this recognition makes it even more special,” Schaller said. “This award also reflects on the entire Dickson Realty Truckee office and what we’ve accomplished this year in working with our clients and providing a competitive edge for buyers and sellers allowing all of us to excel in today’s market economy.”

Schaller is a graduate of University of California, Los Angeles where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. Returning to his hometown of Truckee, Calif., after graduating, he joined Schaller Family Real Estate after obtaining his agents license in 2001. Schaller received his broker’s license in 2004. As an active community member, Schaller serves as the community service chair for Truckee Noon Rotary, the program chair and president-elect for the Lake Tahoe Music Festival and is involved with the Tahoe Forest Hospital Leadership Council and Truckee Unified School District Advisory Council.

For more information on Dickson Realty Truckee, visit online or call 530-587-7444.

DICKSON REALTOR RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO HER COMMUNITY AND HER INDUSTRY

Amy Thyr — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:40:57 +0000

While the real estate market continues to struggle, one local realtor managed to shine in 2009. Amy Shocket, REALTOR® with Dickson Realty, was recognized by both the Reno Sparks Association of REALTORS® and the Northern Nevada Women’s Council of REALTORS® this year.

The Reno Sparks Association of Realtors (RSAR) presented Shocket with the Matt Gibbons Memorial Award at their annual dinner this past November. The award was in recognition of her service to RSAR, her high ethical standards, professional accomplishments and volunteer service to the community.

Shocket was also honored by the Northern Nevada Chapter of Women’s Council of REALTORS® last month. During the group’s annual installation of new officers, Shocket was named the 2009 Member of the Year. The award recognizes an outstanding member who has exhibited dedication and service to the chapter.

A truly committed professional, Shocket has earned numerous professional designations during her career including Accredited Buyer Representative, NAR’s Green, and Certified Residential Specialist. She is a Graduate of the REALTOR® Institute, Performance Management Network, and Nevada Association of REALTORS® Leadership Academy. To better serve her customers during these challenging times, Shocket earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation and became a member of the Nevada Association of REALTORS® Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce.

Originally from Southern California, Amy Shocket has been a Sparks resident since 1995. She is very active in the local real estate community, currently serving on the RSAR Board of Directors, as chair of the RSAR Education Committee and is a former president of the Northern Nevada Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors. Shocket is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS®.

You may contact Amy Shocket by phone, (775) 815-7627, by e-mail, amyshocket@sbcglobal.net, or by visiting her web site Reno-SparksRealEstate.com

The 12 Days of Green Christmas

Amy Thyr — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:43:55 +0000

On the first day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
An eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the second day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the third day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the fourth day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the fifth day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Five vegan cookies,
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the sixth day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Six frugal and green gift ideas,
Five vegan cookies,
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the seventh day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Seven beauty ingredients to avoid,
Six frugal and green gift ideas,
Five vegan cookies,
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the eighth day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Eight Seven homemade ornaments,
Seven beauty ingredients to avoid,
Six frugal and green gift ideas,
Five vegan cookies,
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the ninth day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Nine ways to go organic on a budget,
Eight homemade ornaments,
Seven beauty ingredients to avoid,
Six frugal and green gift ideas,
Five vegan cookies,
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the 10th day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Ten tips for a natural lifestyle,
Nine ways to go organic on a budget,
Eight homemade ornaments,
Seven beauty ingredients to avoid,
Six frugal and green gift ideas,
Five vegan cookies,
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the 11th day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Eleven natural holiday cards,
Ten tips for a natural lifestyle,
Nine ways to go organic on a budget,
Eight homemade ornaments,
Seven beauty ingredients to avoid,
Six frugal and green gift ideas,
Five vegan cookies,
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

On the 12th day of green Christmas (or non-denominational winter holiday of your choosing),
my true love e-mailed to me
Twelve ideas for stretching a tank of gas,
Eleven natural holiday cards,
Ten tips for a natural lifestyle,
Nine ways to go organic on a budget,
Eight homemade ornaments,
Seven beauty ingredients to avoid,
Six frugal and green gift ideas,
Five vegan cookies,
Four aromatherapy mood menders,
Three strings of LED lights,
Two reusable shopping bags,
And an eco-friendly Christmas tree.

By Jana Ballinger

Red Light Green Light

Amy Thyr — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:16:11 +0000

Christmas lights on the house, in the window, on the tree. Everwhere you look, but what about the energy consumption? Green Home, a pioneering outfit that’s run out of a basement in San Francisco’s working-class Richmond District, offers a good array of LED Christmas lights that saves energy (and money). Bulbs are available in both traditional (starting at $12.50) and globe styles (starting at $15) from Green Home.

While LED string lights use much less electricity, reduce pollution from power plants and last longer, they stay cooler. And though they cost more than traditional strings of lights up front, the electricity savings easily make up the cost difference within a season or two. Green Home claims claim that LED lights are about 60 times as energy efficient as their conventional counterparts.

Environmental Defense also maintains a good site, complete with a link of retail outlets that vend LED holiday lights.