Truckee Newsletter - August 2014

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Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter Home, Sweet, Home It’s official! Dickson Realty has moved in to our new state of the art office at the corner of Northwoods and Donner Pass Road. Without skipping a beat, Truckee Movers packed up our old office and set us up the next morning in our new one. They’ve been great – and we’re thankful for their help. And a special thank you to Lillian Richards, the smiling face that greets you when you enter our office. If all roads lead to Rome, then all questions seem to lead to Lillian. She’s been a real trooper these past two weeks and we could not have made it without her!

While we are anxious to show off our new building, we are still unpacking and getting procedures down. All our Truckee agents are now together where we used to have to be in two buildings - and more agents have joined the Brokerage, so there is a learning curve for all of us in the new building. We plan to have a Grand Opening, probably in September, and look forward to seeing you then. We will keep you posted!

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter “Back to School” Issue!

Whether you are lamenting, or celebrating, summer is beginning to wind down and the school year is looming on the horizon once again. Schools within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District start on Wednesday, August 28.

As the previous chart indicates, many buyers take school district boundaries into consideration when choosing a home. Perhaps you are one of them. We’re blessed with a vibrant school district in our area with many choices for our students – from the traditional to the less so. Many positive changes have taken place over recent years, with more to come. Our students have steadily seen improved test scores on statewide exams over the last four years. Challenging academic programs are being implemented to prepare them to compete for colleges and careers.

One item of note is a bond measure that will be on the upcoming ballot on November 4th. Measure U is a local bond measure that if passed by a simple majority, will provide local funding to improve Truckee schools that, by law, must stay here in our area and cannot be taken away by the State.

After the past year of evaluating input from students, parents, teachers, staff and community, the District has identified the top priorities for our schools and where the Measure U funds be focused: • • • • • •

Upgrade existing school building systems and utilities (plumbing, electrical, heating and ventilation) Update technology infrastructure and 21st century learning Improve performing arts, multipurpose, food service and physical education facilities Modernize and reconfigure classroom and lab buildings Construct new classrooms, science labs, and career technical education facilities Improve outdoor learning and exterior play spaces The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter Measure U cont.

• •

Upgrade student safety and campus security Improve student and district support facilities

Annual audits and an independent Citizen’s Oversight Committee will help ensure funds are spent efficiently and as promised. And it is mandated that no money raised through the Measure can be used for salaries or pensions for teacher, administrators or staff.

As a property owner in the District, this measure will mean an additional $48 per $100,000 of assessed (not market) value annually. The assessed value of a home is determined each year by the County Assessor’s Office, but is generally based on the original purchase price of the property, rather than its current market value. Measure U will cost the typical homeowner approximately $162 per year.

Whether you might be in favor of this measure or against it, we encourage you to find out more about it. One way is to email our Superintendent, Robert Leri at rleri@ttusd.org or call him at 530-582-2550. Check the local papers in the coming weeks and regardless of how you feel, make sure to vote! Exercise your constitutional right and be an informed citizen. You can register here if you have not already done so.

Information about our District and the schools within it can be accessed via their website.

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter When is summer officially over, anyway?

Wednesday, August 20 – Forest Charter School first day of school Monday, August 25 – Squaw Valley Prep first day of school Wednesday, August 28 – Tahoe Truckee Unified School District first day of school Monday, September 1 – Labor Day Tuesday, September 2 – Custom Learning Academy first day of school

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter Speaking of Education‌ The Excellence in Education Foundation is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance public education within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District to strengthen the learning experience for students.

Excellence in Education Foundation was founded 25 years ago as a business/education partnership. To that end, the Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors partners each year with the Foundation, and local exclusive home development, Martis Camp, to offer a luxury home tour benefitting the foundation. Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 24.

Spend the day exploring six one-of-a-kind custom homes in beautiful Martis Camp and help raise money to benefit local schools during the 6th Annual Excellence in Education Home Tour.

This year's tour offers examples of cutting edge architecture and building as well as creative and contemporary interior design and landscaping ideas. Visitors on the tour will view open outdoor living areas featuring fire pits, outdoor kitchens and heated patios, furniture built-ins that masterfully seclude the kitchen appliances and SmartHome Technology. The tour runs from 10am - 4pm. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 the day of the event, and can be purchased online here.

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter ALL ABOUT LABOR DAY Labor Day in the United States is a holiday celebrated on the first Monday in September. It is a celebration of the American labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of their country.

Labor Day was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, who organized the first parade in New York City. After the Haymarket Massacre, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886, U.S. President Grover Cleveland feared that commemorating Labor Day on May 1 could become an opportunity to commemorate the affair. Thus, in 1887, it was established as an official holiday in September to support the Labor Day that the Knights favored.

Labor Day, New York 1882

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter WASHINGTON (Reuters) July 22, 2014 - U.S. home resales rose in August to their fastest pace in eight months, a signal that the housing market was pulling out of a slump.

The National Association of Realtors said on Tuesday existing home sales increased 2.6 percent to an annual rate of 5.04 million units.

That was above analysts' expectations and marked the third straight month the pace of home resales accelerated.

U.S. homebuilder stocks rose following the release of the data, with the Dow Jones index for home construction up 1.7 percent.

The U.S. housing recovery stalled in the second half of 2013 as interest rates increased and a dwindling supply of properties available for sale pushed prices sharply higher.

But mortgage rates have eased a bit in recent months and the nation's job market has improved, helping the market for homes.

May's rate of sales was revised upward to a 4.91 million unit pace from the previously reported 4.89 million unit rate.

In August, the average existing home sold after being on the market for only 44 days. It was the sixth straight month in which that rate had declined.

"Things are flying pretty fast," said Lawrence Yun, the NAR's chief economist.

More homes also are being put on the market, keeping prices from rising as quickly and providing potential buyers with more choices.

The number of homes on the market for resale rose to 2.3 million in August, the highest level since August 2012 and 6.5 percent more than in August of last year.

The median price was $223,300. That was 4.3 percent higher than in August 2013 and the slowest pace of appreciation in more than two years.

(Reporting by Jason Lange; Editing by Paul Simao)

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter Requirements get tougher in August for those who had short sales Newest Short Sale Guideline Change: Fannie Mae will change their approval engine (DU) in August to require Short Sales to have happened 4 years prior. The current rule is 2 years, 20% down and a DU approval will allow a client to do a conventional loan.

Freddie Mac already requires 4 years from short sale, 20% down and a LP approval.

FHA –requires 3 years from short sale and FHA approval.

VA –requires 2 years and VA approval.

There are rules for extenuating circumstances that allow less time but at this point very few borrowers qualify under the allowable extenuating circumstances.

If you have any questions, please call the Rice Conway Team @ WJ Bradley at 530-582-9992. We do purchase and refinances throughout CA and NV.

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson August 2014 Newsletter August Events August 1 First Friday events Historic Downtown Truckee 5:30 – 8pm. Participating shops/ restaurants offer complimentary food, drinks and music.

Information: www.historictruckee.com August 1 -17 Lake Tahoe Summerfest Sierra Nevada College, Incline Village, NV Various days and times Renowned soloists from the world’s stages and the exceptional musicians of the Summerfest Orchestra led by Maestro Joel Revzen, these concerts are a destination for music lovers and Tahoe lovers alike.

Information: www.tahoesummerfest.org August 3 Sierra Senior Services Pancake Breakfast Sierra Senior Center, 10040 Estates Drive, Truckee 8 to 11am, $7adults/$3 kids A fundraiser for Sierra Senior Services Information: www.sierraseniors.org The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter

August 5 – every Tuesday through September Foothills Farmer’s Market Truckee Regional Park 8am – 1pm Information: www.foothillfarmersmarket.com August 6 – every Wed. until mid-August Concerts in the Park Truckee Regional Park, Amphitheater 6-8:30pm – All ages; Free (donations accepted) August 7 Truckee Thursdays Every Thursday in the Summer from 5:00 to 9:00pm, historic downtown Truckee turns into a Street Festival with live entertainment, beer garden, food, local artists, Farmers Market, unique gifts and KidZone activities for children.

Information: www.historictruckee.com

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter

August 8 & 9 Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance Obexer’s Boat Company, 5300 W. Lake Blvd., Homewood Now in its 42nd year, the Concours returns to Tahoe's West Shore where it began in 1972 as an informal gathering of Tahoe Yacht Club members' boats at Chambers Landing. Now drawing upwards of 5,000 spectators in recent years, the show is a judged event with boats, many dating back to the 1930s and earlier, rewarded for being restored to the authenticity and standard as they appeared when shipped from the factory.

Information: www.laketahoeconcours.com

August 8-10 Pacific Fine Arts & Crafts Festival Homewood Mountain Resort, 5145 W. Lake Blvd., Homewood Free The festival will feature more than 50 artists showcasing an assortment of collectable arts & crafts in a variety of media including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, woodwork, photography and much more.

Information: 530-525-2992

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter

August 9 & 10 Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest Village at Squaw Valley, 2-8pm Enjoy a great selection of beer for festival goers to sample and an incredible line-up of music both days. Make great summer memories tasting beers from over 40 breweries while supporting the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe. $5 entry donation. Beer tickets on sale for $4 each.

Information: www.squaw.com

August 16 & 17 Tough Mudder Northstar California Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.

Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world, and has raised more than $6 million for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Information: www.toughmudder.com

The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter August 16 Donner “Empty Museum” Party Donner Memorial State Park, 12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee 6-9pm A new, world class, visitor center is underway at Donner Memorial State Park and set to open this coming winter. The Sierra State Parks Foundation is holding a community party, before the interpretive exhibits are installed, to celebrate. Beginning at 6 pm, the evening will include a tour of the facility, chuck wagon dinner, live music and the building dedication by the Washoe Tribe Information: http://www.sierrastateparks.org/ August 23 Peaks and Paws Village at Squaw Valley, 11am – 7pm Enjoy exciting dog-themed entertainment, fun activities for the whole family, including your dog(s), educational seminars, adoptable dogs, wine & beer tasting, and music. Fun for the whole family...especially your four-legged family members!

Information: www.hstt.org August 23 & 24 Truckee Pro Rodeo McIver Arena 10500 Brockway Rd., Truckee Git yur spurs on with the 40th Annual Truckee Pro Rodeo. Ropin’, penning, rodeo queens – the works! A great event for cowpokes of all ages. $15 General (gate); $12 Presale/Online; $8 Students; Kids 5 and under FREE Information: www.truckeerodeo.org The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440

Dickson Realty’s August 2014 Newsletter

August 24 6th Annual Martis Camp Home Tour Martis Camp, Truckee 10am-4pm $40 in advance, $45 day of the event Spend the afternoon exploring one-of-a-kind custom homes in Truckee's Martis Camp and help raise money to benefit local schools via the Tahoe-Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation.

Information: www.exined.org/excellence-education-home-tour-2014

August 30 25th Annual Foam Fest Village at Squaw Valley, 1-6pm Sample more than 50 craft beers and enjoy rockin’ blues music, and a raffle with prizes such as season passes, skis, snowboard and winter gear. All while supporting a great cause – Disabled Sports USA Far West.

Information: www.squaw.com The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440