Incline Village Real Estate Blog

Showing homes and sharing her vast Tahoe housing market expertise is all in a day’s work for Chase International real estate agent Lexi Cerretti. Not surprisingly, the producers of HGTV’s “My House is Worth What?” deemed her the perfect person to appear on a soon-to-be-aired episode shot in Incline Village.

Dubbed “The Lessons of Real Estate,” the episode, which was filmed in April, chronicles home owners who wish to cash-in or at least make sure they don’t cash-out in today’s market. The home of

InclineVillage couple, Ross and Sarah McMahan, who recently put in a large master addition over their garage, was featured on the first of two episodes that Cerretti worked on.
“Filming was really fun,” Cerretti said. “In all, I loved working with the crew and it was really fun for me to showcase my expertise in helping homeowners make the most of their most prized possession – their home.”

According to Pie Town Productions segment producer Holly Schwartz, each episode involves plenty of research and scouting. Like many modern day hook ups, Schwartz discovered Cerretti at through her website. The two shared email communication, which led to telephone calls and ultimately an audition.

“We are looking for real estate experts who have a strong presence and knowledge of their market,” Schwartz said. “They should be confident judging homes and letting homeowners know the expected return on investment. On top of that they have to have good communication skills and lots of energy.”

Cerretti said she learned a great deal about the in and outs of television while filming the Incline Village episodes.

“A lot goes into filming,” she said. “I had to have all the data in mind as I put on my TV personality; exaggerating gestures and really hitting home the pluses and minuses of each room.”

Cerretti noted that Chase International’s image and broad exposure in Tahoe helped add to her credibility. In preparation for the shoot, Cerretti studied reports on actual remodels done in the Incline area and how they influenced the market value.

“It was really time consuming, but nice to see that the HGTV producers want real data to support the values and gave credence to what improvements really do add the most to a home,” Cerretti said.

The first Tahoe “My House is Worth What” episode is set to air on Sept. 2 at 11 p.m.; then it will re-run regularly. People can also log onto HGTV.com to check on future airings.

Headquartered in Lake Tahoe, Nevada since 1986, Chase International has eight offices in the region (Zephyr Cove, Glenbrook, Incline Village, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Truckee, South Lake Tahoe and Reno) and one in London. Chase and its exclusive affiliations handle a large share of the nation’s property.

Currently Chase International has one of the top five most expensive properties ever listed in the nation – Tranquility located at Lake Tahoe, for $100 million.

With a staff of more than 140 professional Realtors® boasting an array of industry certifications and the highest volume per sales agent in the area, Chase International successfully represents homes at all price levels. For more information about Chase International visit http://chaseinternatonal.com

August 14-25 New Market Activity
16 new single family homes were listed in Incline Village since August 14, along with 7 condos and 5 townhomes. There are 22 pending sales including 11 homes, 4 town homes and 7 condos. 9 sales closed (1 home, 2 town homes, 4 condos, 1 lot and 1 investment property) and there were 39 price changes!

803 McCourry is one of the lowest priced homes in Incline, and on a .413 acre lot. 929 Dorcey is nicely remodeled with southern exposure and 921 Michael is newer construction on a great cul-de-sac. 864 Ophir Peak is just 2 blocks from Lakeshore, nice location. 678 14th Green was just re-listed, newer construction near the golf course. 568 Putter has great development potential with 6814 sq ft coverage and 300+ ft on the Championship Golf Course! 449 Fairview is a good buy for lake views on the Eastern Slope, in nice condition- similar sales in this price range and location support it.

821 Golfers Pass is newer construction close to the Mtn. Course, while 573 Tyner has lovely lake and mtn views. 585 Ponderosa is new construction, close to the lake and low elevation, while 721 Cristina has a nice yard adjacent to forest service. 460 Tuscarora is a great buy for new construction, panoramic lake views and 6,040 sq ft! Radiant heat, smart home mngt, two lawn terraces on a cul-de-sac. Inquire about getting IVGID privileges by purchasing a non-buildable Incline lot.

For more bargains, view my Incline Village Best Buys.

Incline Village Homes for Sale
803 McCoury $499,000 low price!
929 Dorcey $797,000 
433 Winding Way $799,000
327 Winding Way $950,000
921 Michael $998,000
864 Ophir Peak $1,150,000
678 14th Green $1,210,000
568 Putter $1,295,000 golf course building opportunity!
547 Lantern $1,300,000
449 Fairview $1,395,000
821 Golfers Pass $1,395,000
573 Tyner Way $1,795,000
585 Ponderosa $2,350,000
721 Cristina $2,950,000
460 Tuscarora $2,950,000
439 Driver $3,499,000

Incline Village Town Homes for Sale
722 College, Incline Crest #99 $337,000
599 Crest Lane, Incline Crest #19 $419,995
1367 Tirol Dr. $599,000
1401 Tirol Dr. $1,075,000
101 Red Cedar #13 $1,425,000

Incline Village Condos for Sale
872 Tanager, Pinebrook #49 $229,500
807 Alder, All Seasons #5 $319,000
333 Ski Way, Ski Way Ridge #259 $329,000
215 Lark Ct #3 $579,000
120 Juanita Dr, Northshore Estates #3 $849,000
929 Northwood Blvd, Third Creek #118 $1,045,000
400 Fairview, Bitterbrush #69 $1,045,000

Note that none of the listings above are my own, unless specifically stated. I know the market well and represent buyers in property sales. All information is provided by Incline Village MLS, data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

The reality of the home sales market is that 95% of mortgage payers pay on time and that 4 million homes of the 120 million homes owned in the US are at risk or foreclosure- that is 3%. Currently, 2% of US houses are in foreclosure, primarily in California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona. This would leave 1% of additional homes at risk of foreclosure. Since the bulk of the short term, low rate loans were issued between 2000 to 2004 for 3-5 year terms, the ramifications of increased rates should be realized for the majority of these loans by 2009.

Watch this visual breakdown of what portion of homeowners are actually in trouble in this Dennis Kneale Housing Crisis video from CNBC.com.

 Mortgage rates are also beginning to rise, and predicted to increase to 6.5% for a 30 year fixed conforming loan by the end of 2008, according to NAR. It seems as though buyers are starting to dip their toes back into the waters in some markets, as pending home sales rose 5.3% in June.

“Sales gains have been consistently strong in recent months in Sacramento, Calif.; Las Vegas; and Ft. Myers, Fla., where affordability conditions have greatly improved.  The pickup in contract signings appears to be broadening with many affordable markets in mid-America now showing year-over-year gains, including Columbus, Ohio; Charleston, W.V.; Oklahoma City; and Colorado Springs, Colo. Pending sales have fallen significantly in Texas markets and in the Pacific Northwest - two regions with very strong local economies.” Read more from NAR’s August report ending Home Sales Rise.

In talking with Bay Area real estate agents, news is that buyer activity has picked up recently. The second home market in Tahoe will likely lag behind the pickup in sales in California’s desirable Bay Area communities, but the large inventory and falling home prices are likely to peak buyer interest soon.

August 2-13 New Market Activity
10 new single family homes were listed in Incline Village since August 2, along with 6 condos. There are 23 pending sales including 9 homes, 5 town homes, 7 condos, 1 lot and 1 investment property. 4 sales closed (2 homes, 1 town home and 1 condo) and there were 32 price changes!

Two fantastic new listings in Lakeview Subdivision, both priced just under $1.5M are new to the market. Both located on Ophir Peak just 2 blocks from Lakeshore Blvd. and walking distance to both beaches, these homes are newer construction both with great features. 842 Ophir Peak is located on a creek with a great layout and 3 car garage. 834 Ophir Peak features 4,331 sq ft on nearly 1/2 acre and an open feel- this would be a great remodel!

Other great buys include a new listing at Third Creek priced way below market at $664,900, and see Bitterbrush #58 for spectacular lake views under $500k! 275 Deer Court is a notable town home with gorgeous landscaped grounds in a desirable association. For more bargains, view my Incline Village Best Buys.

Incline Village Homes for Sale
500 Pahute $675,000
145 Selby $970,000
119 Tramway $1,095,000
541 Skylake $1,350,000
842 Ophir Peak $1,490,000- hurry, an offer was made on Tuesday!
834 Ophir Peak $1,495,000
571 Putter $2,750,000
988 Tyner Way $3,050,000
300 North Lake Circle $6,750,000
570 Gonowabie $13,500,000

Incline Village Town Home for Sale
275 Deer Court $1,320,000

Incline Village Condos for Sale
321 Ski Way- Mt. Shadows Unit #84 $439,000
400 Fairview- Bitterbrush Unit #58 $485,000
688 Wilson Way Unit #4 $540,000
908 Harold- Fairway Pines Unit #21 $575,000
120 Country Club- Village at Incline Unit #58 $659,000
929 Northwood- Third Creek Unit #48 $664,900

Note that none of the listings above are my own, unless specifically stated. I am very familiar with the market and do represent buyers in property sales. All information is provided by Incline Village MLS, data is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

View all Boat Show Photos online.
A blue bird day Friday for the 36th Concours d’Elegance, Tahoe’s premiere classic boat show. featuring classic wooden boats from Gar Wood, Hacker, Chris-Craft, Riva, Century and the Thunderbird. Boats of the ’20s are featured as a marquee class this year.The 36th Annual Lake Tahoe Concours d’ Elegance began Thursday, August 7 with the “VIP Preview” Day and continues on Friday and Saturday, August 8-9.

Meet one of the original Riva owners, he purchased a 1951 Riva in Sausalito in 1975 for $5,000. “Another guy offered me $10,000 for it in the parking lot that day, I got a heck of a deal”. Many of these classic boats sell for up to $200,000 today.

Maintenance is the biggest issue. These mahogany and teak decks take a beating in the sun, and applying varnish and upkeep is a constant chore.

View all Boat Show Photos online.