Category: Lake Tahoe News

Coffee Talk | Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips

Posted on by Liza Muhl

Winterizing Your Home for Comfort, Safety, and Value

We are well into the winter season here in Lake Tahoe, but it’s not too late to take steps to prepare your home for the colder months. Winterizing isn’t just about staying cozy—it’s also about protecting your property and adding value. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or have just purchased one, winterizing is a smart move that benefits both buyers and sellers.

What Does Winterizing Mean?

Winterizing involves preparing your home to handle the challenges of cold weather, such as freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. It includes tasks like sealing drafts, protecting pipes, and ensuring your heating system is in top shape.

Top Winterizing Tips for Every Homeowner

Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or homeowner preparing for the season, here are essential tips to winterize your property:

  1. Protect Pipes from Freezing: Insulate exposed pipes and disconnect outdoor hoses.
  2. Inspect Heating Systems: Clean or replace furnace filters and schedule a professional inspection.
  3. Seal Gaps and Drafts: Use weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors.
  4. Clean Gutters and Check Your Roof: Clear debris to prevent ice dams and repair damaged shingles.
  5. Prepare Outdoor Spaces: Cover patio furniture, drain irrigation systems, and stock up on de-icers.

Final Thoughts

For sellers, it’s a chance to showcase a well-maintained property that’s ready for its next owner. For buyers, it provides peace of mind and a head start on maintaining your new home.

If you’d like more tips or guidance on preparing your home for the winter market, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you make the most of your property this season!

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

JOIN US | Farm-To-Table Dinner for Hunger Relief + Giveaway

Posted on by Liza Muhl

Please join us for a magical evening as we host our inaugural Blue Harvest dinner at Dancing Pines in beautiful Sierraville, California. As a passionate supporter of Sierra Community House, this local organization is dedicated to empowering our community through family strengthening, crisis intervention, hunger relief, and legal services. This event will raise money towards hunger relief in our community. The cost of one ticket feeds a family of four for two months.

Blue Harvest Farm to Table Feast

Sunday, August 25th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Blue Harvest Tickets Here

Enjoy a five-course meal crafted by the acclaimed local chef, Meredith Miller Elliott. Indulge in exquisite wine pairings, including the coveted Forlorn Hope, and mingle with local farmers and winemakers in an intimate setting. It’s a celebration of community, sustainability, and compassion!

To show our appreciation and gratitude for your continued support of my business, we’re having a giveaway! Reply back to this message, and you’ll be entered to win ONE FREE ticket to the event. Feel free to share this opportunity with your friends and family, and join us for a wonderful farm-to-table feast!

With gratitude,

Amie

Summer’s Ultimate Playground

Posted on by Liza Muhl

Bring on the Summer fun! Lake Tahoe is often described as the Jewel of the Sierra Nevada, and it’s also the ultimate playground for summer. The stunning natural beauty, outdoor activities, ideal climate, and vibrant community provides a unique lifestyle offering a fulfilling and enriching environment.

The lake’s vibrant cobalt blue and crystal clear waters is a scenic wonder. With the favorable winter season we received through early spring, we were treated with higher-than-average water level. As of June 2024, the lake’s elevation is near the maximum legal limit of 6,229.1 feet​ per the USGS Water Data. Lake Tahoe remains a cherished natural wonder. It’s no surprise our beautiful lake is one of the most recognizable Alpine lakes.

For more on Summer’s Ultimate Playground and things to do in Lake Tahoe, click here for our summer issue.

A Special Message from Tahoe Fund and League to Save Lake Tahoe

Posted on by Liza Muhl

Breaking News! A Big Leap Forward for Upper Truckee Restoration – Tahoe Fund
 

Dear Friends,

We are writing today with monumental news! With support from the Tahoe Fund and the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the California Tahoe Conservancy is purchasing the Motel 6 property and surrounding 31 acres that sit within the Upper Truckee River watershed next to Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe.

Long before environmental regulations were created to avoid such travesties, the motel was built in the middle of Tahoe’s largest marsh ecosystem, grossly impacting the native habitat and clarity of the Lake. It has long been a goal of both of our organizations and many agencies in the Basin to see this development removed from these sensitive lands and the wetlands restored to their function as a natural pollution filter for the Lake.

The property is being purchased with funding from the Conservancy, the California Wildlife Conservation Board, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and our two organizations.

The first step will be to secure the property and prepare for removal of the motel. Over the next few years, planning work will commence on the restoration of the lands.

READ MORE
Click on the map to see the acquisition location.
Credit: California Tahoe Conservancy

This is fantastic news! Restoring sensitive marshland is a significant environmental achievement. Marshlands play a crucial role in filtering pollutants and providing habitat for a wide range of wildlife, and enhance the quality of life for our communities. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of the agencies involved, and indeed a major win for the lake and its surrounding environment. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this happen!

If you have plans to visit Lake Tahoe, please do not hesitate to reach out. I would be more than happy to give you a tour and help you explore our diverse neighborhoods.

Price Reduction: 1635 Cedar Crest Avenue

Posted on by Liza Muhl

PRICE REDUCTION

1635 Cedar Crest Avenue, Tahoe City, California

4 BR | 4 BA | 2218 SF

Listing  Price $1,380,000

This is an as-is sale. Please contact listing agent for more details. Located just a few blocks from Lake Tahoe Park, the private HOA beach and recreation area, this home is your idyllic west shore retreat. The attached living space/kitchenette/bathroom has a separate entrance, and can be closed off from the main home. This extensively remodeled home has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a separate living area, and ample space for you and all of your visitors. The fully fenced backyard and large deck allow maximum optimization for your outdoor time, no matter what the season.

For information on properties on the West Shore of Tahoe, contact Amie Quirarte.

2023 Lake Tahoe Ski Report Opening Dates

Posted on by Liza Muhl

Let the Ski Season Begin

The Lake Tahoe 2023/2024 ski season is nearly here! Early storms are getting us excited for the winter to come. While ski resort opening dates are always subject to weather and conditions, it sure does give us something to look forward to. So get your skis waxed and your gear ready, because the ski season is around the corner and powder days are ahead!

Opening Days Announced!

Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe: November 10

Northstar California: November 17

Heavenly: November 17

Boreal: November 17

Palisades Tahoe: November 22

Tahoe Donner XC: November 24

Sugar Bowl: November 24 – Celebrating 85 Years!

Soda Springs: November 24

Tahoe City Winter Sports Park: November 24

Diamond Peak: December 7

Tahoe Donner Downhill: December 8

Homewood Mountain Resort: December 15

Granlibakken: December 15 – Celebrating 99 Years!

JUST SOLD: 144 CHIPMUNK STREET, UNIT 3

Posted on by Liza Muhl

JUST SOLD | REPRESENTED SELLER

144 Chipmunk Street, Unit 3, Kings Beach, California

3 BR | 3 BA | 1688 SF

Sale Price $2,175,000.00

Working with a buyer to find and purchase a property is an honor in itself, but when that same buyer enlists your expertise to sell that same property, it is the highest form of a compliment you can receive in this business. It means you have earned their trust, and that is something we don’t take lightly.

This fully remodeled 3-bedroom, 3-bath condo is located in the charming Brockway Shores lakefront complex with only 33 units. Open concept design with two ensuite bedrooms and two sunny decks. The spacious primary bedroom opens to a private deck with direct access to Lake Tahoe. Amenities include a private beach, pier, and HOA buoys. Congratulations to the new owners who will no doubt enjoy this spectacular unit and breathtaking lake-views!

For information on North Shore properties, contact Amie Quirarte.

Join us for Spooky Saturday in Kings Beach, hosted by Amie Quirarte

Posted on by Liza Muhl

Spooky Saturday with Sneaky Creatures

Sponsored by Amie Quirarte

at Tahoe Backyard

8428 Trout Avenue, Kings Beach

Saturday | October 28 | 3PM – 6PM

Detalles del evento Sábado Escalofriante en español

‘Tis the season! There are not enough words to express my gratitude for the community I live in. The longer I am here, the deeper and stronger my relationships and connections become. In appreciation for all the community support I’ve received for my real estate business over the years, I am hosting a FREE event at Tahoe Backyard in Kings Beach.

Good vibrations, dancing and delicious food will be served by Man Wielding Fire at only 50 percent. It is my pleasure to sponsor the other 50 percent along with live music by Sneaky Creatures. Spread the word and bring a friend along with you. Costumes are encouraged.

We hope to see you there!

Your Summertime Guide to North Lake Tahoe

Posted on by Liza Muhl

NORTH LAKE TAHOE SUMMER EVENTS LINEUP

 

FREE WEEKLY MUSIC AND EVENTS | ALL SUMMER LONG, VARIOUS LOCATIONS

North Tahoe is home to an incredible lineup of free weekly events:

TAHOE CITY SOLSTICE FESTIVAL | JUNE 8-18, TAHOE CITY

To celebrate the kickoff of summer, this 10-day Solstice Festival will bring together artisan food and wine, acclaimed musicians and artists, and the celebrated shops, restaurants and galleries that reside on Lake Tahoe’s Tahoe City & West Shore.

TAHOE CITY FOOD & WINE CLASSIC | JUNE 10, 1-4 PM, TAHOE CITY

Enjoy a lakeside stroll downtown while tasting delicious wines and beverages paired with scrumptious bites from acclaimed North Lake Tahoe restaurants and caterers. The Classic is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Tahoe City Downtown Association.

TAHOE JOY FESTIVAL | JUNE 11, 12-5 PM, TAHOE CITY

Celebrate the local music and art community during the family-friendly Tahoe Joy Festival. During this free inaugural event, enjoy regional musicians Peter Joseph Burtt & the King Tide, Matt Axton & Badmoon and Jenni & Jesse of Dead Winter Carpenters, as well as youth performances, vendors, artists and food trucks. The festival benefits the Tahoe Truckee School of Music and the Tahoe City Downtown Association.

BROKEN ARROW SKYRACE | JUNE 16-18, PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY

The three-day racing event consists of eight iconic distances (plus a kids’ race) that showcase the beauty of Lake Tahoe. Designed in the vein of the classic European Skyraces, the Broken Arrow Skyrace represents a unique style of mountain running characterized by off-trail climbing on steep terrain with massive amounts of vertical gain and loss at altitude.

CRYSTAL BAY CASINO CONCERTS | JUNE 29-NOV. 4, CRYSTAL BAY CLUB CROWN ROOM

Ben Bailey, known as TV’s Cash Cab driver, will bring his comedy act to Crystal Bay Casino on June 29. Other acts scheduled to appear during the summer and fall include: Led Zeppelin cover band Zepparella on July 1; Tainted Love on July 22; Petty Theft on Aug. 26 and more.

LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL | JUNE 30-AUG. 20, SAND HARBOR BEACH, NEAR INCLINE VILLAGE

The festival’s 51st anniversary season is headlined by productions of the wild musical comedy, Little Shop of Horrors; and Young Shakespeare’s entertaining adaptation of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, As You Like It. In addition, the festival’s Showcase Series will feature performances by orchestras, tribute bands and more from July 21-Aug. 21. This stunning venue is a favorite among visitors and locals alike.

CLASSICAL TAHOE | JULY 9-AUG. 17, INCLINE VILLAGE

Experience a summer of wonderful music by the lake on the Sierra Nevada University campus. The Classical Tahoe Ricardi Pavilion is the site of outdoor orchestra, jazz and chamber music concerts by some of the leading classical musicians. Children will delight to the sounds of the Family Concert and Music Makers Faire, held from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 30, with proceeds benefiting the festival’s educational programs.

GAMBLER’S RUN MUSIC FESTIVAL | JULY 14-16, CRYSTAL BAY CLUB CROWN ROOM

Fancy a unique blend of music, mountains and gambling? Twenty bands are scheduled to perform at Crystal Bay Casino’s inaugural three-day festival. Move to the quirky tunes with artists such as Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Shovels & Rope, SunSquabi and Big Sam’s Funky Nation heading the lineup.

LAKE TAHOE REGGAE FESTIVAL | JULY 22-23, PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY

Enjoy a dozen-plus band performances and more at the 6th annual Lake Tahoe Reggae Festival. Among the scheduled bands are Rebelution, The Expendables, Pipe Down, Pepper, Stick Figure, Iya Terra and Claire Wright.

LAKE TAHOE DANCE FESTIVAL | JULY 26-29, VARIOUS VENUES

A highlight of summer in Tahoe City has become the Lake Tahoe Dance Festival, known for bringing first-rate artists from around the world. The 11th annual outdoor dance festival is a presentation of the Lake Tahoe Dance Collective and offers main-stage performances, audience participation demonstrations, meet-the-artist talks and more.

49TH ANNUAL LAKE TAHOE CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE | AUG. 11-12, HOMEWOOD

Widely regarded as North America’s premier wooden boat show, Concours d’Elegance will feature the world’s best antique and classic utility boats from various manufacturers. The event benefits the Tahoe Yacht Club Foundation to help preserve the environment and history of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

BREWS, JAZZ AND FUNK FEST | AUG. 12, 2-8 PM, THE VILLAGE AT PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY

At the Brews, Jazz and Funk Fest, you can sip on a wide array of tasty beers from more than 10 different breweries, as well as enjoy an incredible lineup of music on multiple stages from ALO, Monophonics and Sal’s Greenhouse. All proceeds from the event benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe.

TAHOENALU FESTIVAL | AUG. 12-13, KINGS BEACH

The 17th annual TaHoeNalu Festival celebrates fun, family, friends and the Hawaiian spirit with an event that has grown from a grassroots dedication to the love of stand up paddleboarding to a multi-event festival. Novice paddleboarders and experts alike are welcome, with races, clinics, demos and a vendor village. There will also be live music, food and raffle drawings each day.

TAHOE CITY ART BY THE LAKE | AUG. 18-20, 10 AM-5 PM, BOATWORKS MALL, TAHOE CITY

Set on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, the 13th annual Tahoe City Art by the Lake gives visitors an opportunity to meet with more than 30 artisans showcasing a wide variety of arts and crafts, including photography, oil paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more. The event area offers a stunning view of Lake Tahoe.

TAHOE CITY OKTOBERFEST | SEPT. 30, 11 AM-5 PM, THE VILLAGE AT PALISADES TAHOE, OLYMPIC VALLEY

The fun celebration of beer, music, dance and food returns on Sept. 30. The traditional Oktoberfest event features authentic German beer and Bavarian music and dance, as well as games and live entertainment. Authentic brats and pretzels, European desserts and pastries, and root beer floats for the kids make this an excellent event for all ages.

For more information about North Lake Tahoe events and festivals, visit www.gotahoenorth.com/events.

Photo Credit: GoTahoeNorth

Changes to LLPA’s on May 1st

Posted on by Liza Muhl
BY EPHRAIM SCHWARTZ
Partner, Mortgage Consultant CMPS
O’Dette Mortgage Group
April 27, 2023

We’ve been getting a lot of questions about the new LLPA (loan level price adjustment) for Conforming loans and if people with worse credit will really get better rates than borrowers with excellent credit.  The short answer is NO, and your clients should never intentionally damage their credit.  Surprise, surprise, there’s some entirely incorrect information circulating that your clients may be exposed to.  Below is an explanation and FAQ’s:

What is changing?

Fannie May & Freddie Mac base pricing adjustments for credit scores & down payment are changing.  Borrowers with a lower credit score & lower down payment will not be as heavily penalized.  And, borrowers with best case scenario credit scores & down payment will receive less of a benefit than before.  So, the difference in rates between best case credit profile vs. lower credit score will be less significant.  These changes apply to every conforming loan funded by each & every mortgage company.

Does this mean borrowers with lower credit scores get better terms than those with higher credit score?

No.  People will still be in better position with a better credit & more down payment.   The difference between excellent & lower credit tiers will be less significant.

When does this go into effect?:

It’s been priced into rates for over a month now.  The May 1st date is when these adjustments go into effect for the mortgages purchased on the secondary market by Fannie/Freddie.   Banks knew this was coming, so these changes have already priced in and borrowers will not see any changes to rates over the next week, outside of the normal day to day bond/rate fluctuations.

What is the FHFA trying to achieve with these pricing adjustment? 

We all know Fannie/Freddie’s mission to increase access to affordable housing.  It’s always been their mission and it’s been a priority for the director of FHFA.   The new director of the FHFA has been vocal in disapproval of the solutions provided by Franny and Freddie and she thinks more is required of them to increase access to affordable housing, and she thinks this will help increase access to affordable housing.

Is this a good idea and will it work?:   We don’t like it but the whole world has to deal with it, so it is what it is at this point.  We do not see these pricing changes moving the needle in making homeownership more attainable for more Americans because even after these changes a borrower with low 600’s credit score is still better off going with an FHA loan, and those who have done a great job managing credit are stuck a hair worse pricing.  A better idea would be a campaign to educate people on how to manager credit; it’s not complicated and the information could be shared on something as simple as this one page I put together and have been sharing with clients for over a decade (see attached).   WE (all of us on the real estate community) continue to be the front lines in educating the public on all things related to buying, investing, & enjoying real estate.

Credit Health Tips

If you want to dig into the details, here are some example of scenarios that will be most affected: Attached is a matrix showing which scenarios have pricing improvements (green) vs. hits (red), relative to the old standard LLPA’s.

  • LTV’s in the 80% – 85% range are most significantly affected, so more borrowers in the ~19.99% – ~15% down might consider just doing 10%.
  • Cash-out refinances hits are mostly greater, unless you have top tier (>780) credit, or extremely low LTV (<30%).   So, cash-out refi is actually a scenario where if credit is >780, pricing adjustments have improved.
  • Price improvements for 2 & 3 unit properties.
  • Price improvements for low LTV investment properties.
  • Vacation Homes & Investment Properties essentially priced the same now.

LLPA Changes 2023