Dickson Realty – March 2015 Newsletter
News You Can Use Truckee | North Lake Tahoe
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter
Closing costs can be confusing, which is why we work with Title companies who will be with you every step of the way through your transaction to keep you informed.
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter Home Projects Only a Professional Should Do It’s easy for homeowners to get caught up in the world of Pinterest and do-it-yourself blogs. While unique, custom projects can be a great way to personalize or spruce up your home, some projects are better left to professional contractors. Next time a friend has a brilliant idea to attempt one of these projects on their own, let them know why some things are best when left in the hands of pros. 1. Tree Removal Whether it’s cutting down an overgrown tree or digging up a giant stump, this project can be an accident waiting to happen, especially if the tree is close to your house. Working from a height of 10 or 15 feet with large power tools can be dangerous enough, but add the factor of falling branches, and the risk of injury or damage to your car, house, or telephone lines increases even more. Removing a stump can be risky, too, as roots growing close to water or electrical pipes can cause serious damage as they are pulled up or moved. 2. Electrical and Plumbing Work Not only can messing up electrical work in your home create much more serious issues, you also generally need a permit and inspection to do this kind of work. Bigger plumbing problems and projects like installing a shower or sink should only be attempted by professionals. Incorrect installation or repair can lead to damaged pipes or waterlogged walls, along with other expensive issues.
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter 3. Removing a Wall It may seem like a good idea to knock down a small wall in your house to open up the kitchen or create a bigger living room, but it isn’t as easy as it may appear. If the wall is load-bearing or supports any part of the house, or if it holds electrical or plumbing, you could cause serious damage to the structure of your home. Popular Mechanics recommends consulting with a building engineer before attempting to knock down a wall. A building engineer can give you advice on the best way to remove the wall and let you know if any special permits are needed. 4. Flooring Homeowners might want to call a professional if they plan to rip up carpet or lay new tile. You might not know what’s underneath your carpet and if the subfloor is damaged or rotten, you could wind up spending thousands in extra costs just to repair it. Laying tile is another delicate and very precise project—if the tiles aren’t cut perfectly, laid completely straight, or if one of them cracks, you may have to start all over. If you’re not experienced in flooring, it may be best to leave it to a flooring expert. Written by Realty Times Staff
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter
Interesting stats on the Baby Boomer generation’s real estate realities
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter Dickson Realty website honored by Leading RE Companies of the World Did you know? Dickson Realty has been awarded the Website Quality Certification (WQC) from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® , a global network of 500+ real estate firms which presents the certification to member companies that demonstrate best practices in website design and Internet communications. Dickson’s website, dicksonrealty.com, earned the certification after achieving high marks on a range of criteria, including usability and performance, design and content, interactivity, customer service and Internet lead management, search engine optimization and mobile. The website was evaluated by Virtual Results, LLC, a real estate internet and social marketing firm that was selected by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) to evaluate participating member websites for the program. Created by LeadingRE in 2009 to recognize member websites that combine high standards for design, technology and service, the criteria for the WQC are updated annually to reflect the latest in internet marketing strategies. The WQC is an optional program available only to firms affiliated with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and requires re-certification every two years. The WQC is an optional program available only to firms affiliated with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and requires re-certification every two years. The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter Structuring your offer for success: All Cash vs. Financing According to RealtyTrac, home sales to all-cash buyers dropped to four-year lows in 2014. This is great news for those that need to finance a home. Yet we in the Tahoe/Truckee market are still seeing sellers believing cash is king. So the questions in this market are: How do you compete on a cash offer if you have no cash? If you have cash how can you do delayed financing to take advantage of the great rates? Two strategies are explained below.
To compete against cash buyers the following strategies seem to offer success: 1. Make a strong offer; listen to your agent as they will be the best source to guide you through this process. 2. Have a strong documented pre-approval letter with a good local lender who has a solid reputation for getting deals done accurately and quickly. If you have cash but you still want to take advantage of current low rates (below 4% in many cases on 30 year fixed loans) then consider a cash-out refinance at close (also called delayed financing). To get set up for delayed financing, make sure you are fully approved with a lender, including complete document review – this will set you up for success after the sale. Most lenders will allow you to take out 75% of the equity and no more (depending on loan size).
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter 1.
Make sure your cash is documented. Getting pre-qualified will include being told to document your source of cash. Most lenders will ask you to show where the cash is coming from and show that you have had access to it for 2 full months/bank statements. Knowing what the lender will need is very helpful to give you peace of mind in knowing you can make a cash offer and have the money put back in your account quickly.
Hope that helps but if you have any questions please give us a call or send us an email to Team@TheRiceConwayTeam.com. 530-582-9991 www.TheRiceTeam.com
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter
A knowledgeable Realtor can make all the difference in the home buying process. They are here to answer your questions and guide you through the transaction. Make sure to utilize them.
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter March EVENTS 1 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 4 Ladies Night Out Bunco Bash 6-8pm North Tahoe Event Center 8318 N. Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, CA This year's event benefits the Gen Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center, Wylie Animal Rescue Foundation and the Children's Organ Transplant Association. May purchase tickets in advance with cash or check at the following locations: Incline @ Bar Bar Bar 760 Mays Blvd Kings Beach @ Rockwood 8636 N Lake Blvd Tahoe City @ The Store 351 N. Lake Blvd Truckee @ Truckee Visitors Center 10065 Donner Pass Rd Information: Carol King 530-546-7542 The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter 6 First Fridays Historic Downtown Truckee, 5:30 - 8 pm Most of downtown’s unique shops, boutiques, art studios, and eateries will keep their doors open later and offer special promotions, activities, demonstrations, food and beverages, music, and more! Participating shops and restaurants will display First Friday Flags so the public will know where the fun is. Information: www.historictruckee.com 8-14 XC Ski Junior Nationals Auburn Ski Club, Donner Summit This is the pinnacle of U.S.A. competitive cross-country skiing. This annual event brings together more than 400 of the top 14 to 19 year old athletes to compete on a national stage, and for many, is the first big step of a journey that will lead to international and Olympic competition. Information: www.xcjuniornationals2015.com 14 Pain McShlonkey Classic Squaw Valley USA Dress up in your most outrageous ski duds and come out to Squaw Valley for a day full of belly laughs, camaraderie and philanthropy in celebration of legendary skier Shane McConkey. Festivities include the Extreme Small Mountain Invitational and a downhill race, where pros and amateurs battle it out on snowblades for the highly coveted Golden Saucer trophy and ultimate bragging rights. Information: www.squaw.com The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter 19-22 U.S. Biathlon Nationals Auburn Ski Club, Donner Summit The U.S. Biathlon Association (USBA) National Championships will be held at the Auburn Ski Club (ASC). USBA will bring the best biathletes from the U.S. for three days of competition on the challenging ASC trails. Biathlon combines the physical test of cross-country skiing with the psychological demands of rifle marksmanship. With its origins dating back to hunting and military campaigns in snow covered regions, biathlon is today the most televised winter sport in countries like Germany, Austria and Russia and a popular worldwide Olympic sport. Information: www.auburnskiclub.com 20-22 Tahoe WinterWonderGrass Squaw Valley USA Music, Brews, Mountains. Mixing the finest ingredients of the North Lake Tahoe lifestyle and delivering an authentic batch to local music enthusiasts and the global winter audience. Lively national, regional and local bluegrass and acoustic roots music, California craft beers, wines, spirits and warm local food. Special guest entertainment by Sam Bush. Other entertainment includes Trampled by Turtles, Greensky Bluegrass, Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers, The Infamous Stringdusters, Elephant Revival, The California Honeydrops, Dead Winter Carpenters, Brothers Comatose. Information: http://www.winterwondergrass.com/winterwondergrass-tahoe/ The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter 22 Taste of Truckee, Tahoe Donner Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center, Truckee, CA 12pm – 3pm $35 adults; $20 for ages 13-17; $14 for 12 and younger (price includes a free trail pass and rentals). On-snow gourmet food tasting event – ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and connoisseurs of good food. Beginners can rent skis or snowshoes at the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area and get a few free pointers from their experienced instructors before heading out to eat. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to our local Tahoe Food Hub. Information: www.tahoedonner.com 29 Tour D'Euer Tahoe Donner Cross Country 8am – 10am for tour; BBQ to follow at 11am onward $25 adults; $20 under 18 ($18/$15 for season pass holders) Celebrate spring with this 20-plus-year Tahoe Donner XC tradition of touring the Euer Valley and re-fuelling at the Cookhouse. Delicious BBQ and live music will take place at the new cross country facility from 11 a.m. Get ready to party! Information: www.tahoedonner.com The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440
Dickson Realty’s March 2015 Newsletter 29 – April 3 TOCCATA's 10th Season WinterFest 10th Annual Presentation of J.S.Bach's St. Matthew Passion Various locations $40; $15 Youth/Students ; $25 Seniors Information: http://www.toccatatahoe.com/
The Dickson Truckee Team 11836 Donner Pass Road | Truckee, CA 96161 | 800.541.4440