About 4 years ago I became involved in social media through Twitter. On Twitter one of the first persons I met was a blustery, humorous and seemingly likable guy named Clint Miller. His hashtag was @theRealClint. In February of 2011, Clint became aware that he had contracted testicular cancer and he was determined to fight the disease. In support of him, a lot of his friends in social media (980 to be exact) joined him on his Facebook page. There I got to know all about testicular cancer and how devastating it is if it goes undetected, for sure enough Clint had found out too late about his situation and the big “C” had spread to his brain.

Over the course of the year, through the magic of Facebook, we were able to follow his trials, tribulations and even his victories (small as they were). His sense of humor buoyed all of us up even in the face of the inevitable.

This past Saturday (December 17, 2011), I attended Clint’s funeral — streamed online from the Lutheran Church in Lolo, MT. How sad to see his small son speaking from the pulpit about how his Daddy had left him a talking book, so he would always remember his voice. But also, how wonderful that the internet was able to provide all of us (his friends from as far away as Ireland) in his support group the opportunity for such a cathartic event. We all needed it. We will miss Clint profoundly.

RIP Clint Miller — Thanks for your friendship.

Citing the concern over the slipperiness of the road, the Truckee Police Department put the kibosh on the race on Thursday afternoon.  Sorry everyone — a lot of disappointed runners out there.

I’m going to try to make it around the lake tomorrow without slipping — by myself — not in a race — if you would like to join me, be there at 10:30 am.

Since its origination about 3 years ago, the paid parking in downtown Truckee has continued to be a contentious matter.  The tourists don’t like it because it is confusing and expensive, the locals don’t like it because they have never had to pay to park and now they are incensed by the requirement.  Downtown employees are stymied by the pay-to-park situation and how that affects their bottom line.  Well, over the past year, the town and the townspeople have been carrying on discussions and it seems that they have reached agreement on several new policies that will take effect on November 14, 2011.  They are as follows:

1)  2 hours of free parking at the Beacon gas parking;

2)  free overnight parking at the Beacon parking lot (6pm to 10 am) — awesome idea for those who find themselves having to take a taxi home after socializing;

3)  revised, easier to understand labels on the current parking meters;

4)  downtown will carry a flat rate of $1.50 per hour; Jibboom and West River Streets’ flat rate will be $1.00 per hour;

5)  when using a credit card with the meter, there will no longer be the $2 mimimum;

6)  no more parking at the Old Assumption Catholic Church lot;

7)  downtown employees will be allowed to park for free all day with free employer distributed permits.

According to the article in the Sierra Sun, these changes are temporary and will not become permanent until everyone is satisfied that they will work.

I just had the opportunity to speak with Brent Armstrong of North Tahoe Fire District.  This Fire District is on the warpath to avoid experiencing another year where propane leaks cause fires and possible loss of life and injury.

Apparently in 1983 there were some code changes that required retrofitting the propane tanks but over the years, and with the introduction of natural gas to our area,  the importance of complying  lost its sense of urgency and some tanks have slipped through the cracks.

In an effort to put some teeth into compliance, North Tahoe Fire has set a deadline of  November 1st for the Alpine Peaks and Ward Canyon areas.  What this means is that anyone who is not in compliance by that time will not be able to have their tank filled.   The remainder of their district will be taken in a sort of grid like pattern until all homes are covered.  If you live in the Northshore, you can contact Brent at armstrong@ntfire.net or (530) 583-6911 for more information.  Or you can check it out here.

If you are the owner of a home ANYWHERE in the Truckee-Tahoe-Donner Summit area that has propane service, be sure to contact your local fire district and your propane supplier to make sure you are in compliance with the current code.  It is the ONLY safe way.

“Per California SB183, approved & listed carbon monoxide detection devices are to be installed in existing single family homes by July 1, 2011.  CO (carbon monoxide)  detectors are required for homes that have fossil fueled appliances (wood or gas fireplaces, gas or oil furnaces/water heaters, kerosene heaters & gas ranges)  and/or with an attached garage.  All other dwelling units (apartments, hotels condominiums, etc.) must comply by January 1, 2013.  In my opinion, if you live in a home, condo, etc. with any of these appliances or attached garage, you should have at least one CO detector installed.

CO detectors shall be installed at every level in the home, including basements, and shall be centrally located outside of sleeping areas.

In existing construction, CO detectors can be battery powered or may be a plug-in type with battery back-up.  New construction, or remodels that have access to permanent electrical wiring, shall be hard-wired with battery back-up plus be interconnected so that when one alarm sounds, they all do.  Combination smoke alarm/carbon monoxide detectors are available – these units should be considered if your existing smoke detectors have more than 10 years of service (the National Fire Protection Agency recommends replacing smoke detectors with more than 10 years of service).

Failure to comply with with the new law can receive a fine up to $200.00.  However, residents will receive a notice of 30 days to correct any violation before they will be fined.

See the California Health & Safety Code Sections 13261 & 17926 at <http:/www.leginfo.ca.gov/index.html> for information on the law.  If you have questions, please contact your local building department.”

George Wolf
NEV-CAL Home Inspections  866 263-8225

When contacted today on the availability of these funds David said that the program is still active and ready to go.  So far only one business has made application.  Contact David at 530 582-2910 or by e-mail at dgriffith@townoftruckee.com to get in on the offering.  Opportunity knocks for those who are awake enough to hear it!!!

Additionally, the Town has resolved to make the permit process for this type of endeavor much simpler, vowing to process tenant improvement plan check applications for existing commercial buildings in three business days.  According to Community Development Director John McLaughlin: “We want to be part of the solution to grow our local economy and work in partnership with the business community.”  The Town’s building counter is open Tuesday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm and there is no appointment necessary to submit plans.

If you are interested click here to read more information about applying for this and other related loans.

Most often now the private auction is used as a tool by banks who have had to purchase the properties that they held loans against at trustees sale.  After they take the property back, the bank typically lists it on the multiple listing service with a local (sometimes not so local) real estate agent.  If the property does not sell, then some  banks employ the assistance of a private auction house such as Williams & Williams.  This marketing tool works well for the banks because they can lower the price of the home since they generally will not be paying anymore than 1-2% to a real estate agent who helps a buyer.  Some buyers will decide to skip the buyers’ agent altogether, thus lowering the overhead further for the bank.

One of the problems with this type of sale is that there is no “inspection contingency” period.  When a buyer and/or his/her agent put in a bid — be it on line, pre-auction or at the physical auction itself — they best be prepared to buy that house no matter what.  The auction house does offer to hold the house open for a couple of hours prior to the auction and if you employ a buyer’s agent, the auction house will give your agent that lockbox code so you can go inside the house and inspect but there is no formal “inspection” period and no opportunity to present the seller with a “request for repairs” as is typical in a standard transaction in California.

Each auction house handles their auctions differently so if you want to participate, you best be sure to read the fine print — usually published under “terms and conditions.”  There is no arguing with the auction house, either you play by their rules or you don’t play at all.  The good news is that you can get a super bargain by using this tool.  The bad news is that if you aren’t careful, you could “get what you paid for.”

We currently have a client who is involved with us in this Auction process.  There is a “physical” auction in Truckee for the home he wants but he has decided to place a pre-auction bid, which is just another story.

One of the things you can count on if you are involved in this real estate business is CHANGE!!  First there was the short sale, then REO sales and now this Auction sale.  If we don’t keep up with the changing market — we may as well get out.  Never a dull moment.

The full-service luxury hotel at the base of Squaw Valley Ski Resort was built in 1993 but in 2005 it underwent a $53 million resort-wide renovation transforming hotel rooms and suites into 238 beautiful condos with luxurious finishes and extraordinary views.  March of 2005 was the launch of sales for the newly converted condos at which time nearly 70% were sold as fee simple ownership. After a short break the remaining units became available and currently the re-sale market offers a selection of units for sale. Condos include one, two, and three bedroom suites with lock off ability to independent bedroom suites for separate renting. 2 story penthouse units are located on the 8^th & 9^th floors providing fantastic views of the Squaw Valley Ski area. RSC as we refer to it, offers an incredible list of amenities:

• True Ski-In, Ski-Out with direct access to Squaw Valley USA, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics
• Ice Rink and Cross Country Skiing
• Full Service Spa, Gym & Fitness Center
• Hot Tubs, Saunas and Heated Swimming Pools
• 18 Hole Championship Golf Course
• Tennis Courts, Hiking & Biking Trail Access
• Convention, Private Party & Wedding Facilities
• Restaurants and Shopping Promenade
• Concierge Service & Valet Parking

Resort at Squaw Creek property management will handle the rental of units, and it seems that the Resort does a good job as 90% of owners participate in the rental program. $4.4 million is spent annually in marketing to bring in seminars and conventions to augment the shoulder seasons.

With the economic downturn, financing of these “condo-hotel” type properties became non-existent limiting most sales to all cash deals.

Please contact us for a list of available units or if you would like more information about the Resort at Squaw Creek.