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Dave Westall

KSL and East West Partners are Teaming Up to Persue Real Estate Opportunities

04-07-11
Dave Westall

East West Partners and KSL Capital Partners have announced that they will be teaming up to work on real estate development opportunities and acquisition opportunities, not only in Lake Tahoe but throughout the United States.

KSL Capital Partners purchased the Squaw Valley USA ski resort in December of 2010 from the Cushing family who developed the ski resort in the 1940's and opened the resort in 1949. Shortly after the acquisition KSL announced that they would be spending $50M on capital improvement projects with a focus on infrastructure, Village amenities, and culinary services.

East West Partners are know in Tahoe for their development of Old Greenwood, Gray's Crossing, The Village at Northstar, Northstar Highlands, and the Ritz Carlton. These 2 Colorado based companies have worked on many projects over the years, most notably the at the Vail and Beaver Creek resorts. It would appear that once again they will be working on another potentially lucrative real estate development opportunity right here in Tahoe.

"The partnership will be actively looking for existing and new development opportunities in first-class mountain, beach, and second-home resort real estate markets, seeking to capitalize on recent distress in these markets. Specifically, the partnership is targeting projects in need of completion, preferably ones with associated development opportunities".

In the above quote I find the line that states "targeting projects in need of completion" to be the most intriguing due to the fact that the Village at Squaw was only partially completed (Phase 1 and Phase 2) with 3 additional buildings yet to be constructed. The completion of the Village was said to be halted due to water rights issues, which could have possibly been resolved over the years. Fortune Magazine's April issue cover article is titled "The Return of Real Estate", I guess KSL and East West feel that this is the time for more real estate development in Squaw Valley.

Who knows what's in store for Squaw Valley, but it appears that in the coming years there will be a significant construction of some sort. Rumors have also circulated about the possibility of KSL purchasing the Alpine Meadows ski resort and connecting the 2 resorts creating a mega resort. Maybe this is the next project after the completion of the Village at Squaw. What I do know is that Squaw Valley is changing, for better or worse. Get ready, as it's sure to be a wild ride.

Lake Tahoe Homes For Sale, 492 Club Drive

11-16-10
Dave Westall

492 Club Drive
Tahoe City, CA 96145

Offered at: $499,000

492 Club Drive represents a great opportunity to own a remodeled single story 4 Bed/2Bath/2 Car garage home that is located just 3 lots away from Paige Meadows providing direct access to endless recreation. This house also backs to 2 California Conservancy lots providing a private wooded setting that is very desirable in the Lake Tahoe real estate market.

The kitchen was recently remodeled and features vaulted pecky cedar ceilings, custom low voltage lighting, hand scrapped hardwood floors, granite slab countertops, knotty alder cabinetry, a breakfast bar with seating for 4, and high end stainless steel appliances. The kitchen and living room are open to each other creating a social great room that is sure to be the center of numerous memorable gatherings.

The Club Drive residence features a newer 50 year architectural composite roof, newer vinyl windows, and last week the house received all new frieze carpet, the interior walls were painted, and the entire house has been professionally cleaned. With all the updates and remodeling this house shows well, it's light and bright, and is ready for a new owner to enjoy.

This property has extensive landscaping featuring flower beds, shrubbery, specimen trees, rockery, and a great lawn area creating a one of a kind setting that will help you relax and enjoy. With a large deck and lawn area the backyard of 492 Club Drive is the perfect place to entertain guests or let your children play. The best part is that the subject property backs to 2 California Conservancy lots providing added privacy that you will surely enjoy.

Click here to view the listing for 492 Club Drive

Click here to search the entire N. Lake Tahoe/Truckee MLS

Remodeled Lake Forest Glen End Unit, Priced to Sell!

10-26-10
Dave Westall

3101 Lake Forest Rd #141

3101 Lake Forest Rd #141
Tahoe City, CA 96145


Listed at: $329,900

3101 Lake Forest Rd #141 is a must see remodeled end unit Townhome that is priced to move quickly! If you have been looking for townhomes and condos in Tahoe City or the North shore of Lake Tahoe I'm sure you have noticed that a majority of the inventory is disappointing due to poor unit location or due to the fact that most units for sale have not had any updates since the 1980's. My new listing is a must see and will surely be a hit with its fantastic upgrades Lake Forest Glen Condo for salecoupled with an amazing complex location.

This Lake Forest Glen unit has an awesome location adjacent to a grassy common area for added outdoor enjoyment, and is just a quick stroll across the parking lot to the 2 HOA swimming pools, 4 tennis courts, and children's gymnasium. The Lake Forest Glen complex is located on the Lake Side of Highway 28 which will allow you to easily walk within minutes to the Skylandia Beach for immediate access to Lake Tahoe. Lake Forest Glen is also located just off the Tahoe City Bike Path which provides biking and walking access from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley or down the West Shore to Tahoma!

Tahoe City Condo for saleAlong with a great unit/complex location my listing has been completely remodeled! The previous owners installed Hickory Hardwood flooring in the living room and dining area, ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathrooms, and newer plush carpeting in the remaining living areas. Unit #141 also features a newer asphalt composite roof that was installed by the HOA, vinyl dual pane windows, recessed lighting, and a pine trim and door package creating a space that is light, bright, durable, and ready for years of enjoyment!

One of the most expensive and notable upgrades in Unit Lake Forest Glen Condo for sale#141 is the kitchen remodel which was tastefully completed featuring granite tile countertops, beautiful hickory cabinetry, modern stainless steel appliances, and an amazing custom hickory pantry/laundry area. This kitchen is sure to be the social center for all gatherings and I'm sure many lasting memories will be created in this wonderful space.

If you hLake Forest Glen, Tahoe Cityave been looking for a Tahoe City Condo/Townhome that is remodeled, has a great complex location, and is within close proximity to Lake Tahoe, downtown Tahoe City, Alpine Meadows, and Squaw Valley, than this is the unit for you! I would love the opportunity to discuss this property with you in more detail or take you out for a tour, so please feel free to contact me anytime.

Click here to view the MLS listing for 3101 Lake Forest Rd #141

Click here to search all Lake Tahoe and Truckee real estate listings


Best regards, Dave

N. Tahoe Lakefront MArket Analysis Q4 2010

09-29-10
Dave Westall
The North Lake Tahoe Lakefront market has been very active in 2010 and as of 9/29/2010 we have had 13 Lakefront Sales and currently there are 8 Lakefronts in escrow! It is very realistic that 2010 will see over 21 Lakefront sales and that is if there are no other escrows opened in the next 2 months which is highly unlikely. North Lake Tahoe hasn't seen this level of Lakefront activity since 2005 and we are on pace to outdo those numbers.
In 2009 there were 11 Lakefront sales which the market has already eclipsed this year and there is a strong possibility that the sales volume will more than double the 2009 numbers. It appears that the North Lake Tahoe luxury real estate market has reached a point where buyers feel comfortable with the current pricing which is resulting in higher sales volume. Buyers that are shopping for Tahoe Lakefronts see pricing that is down 20-30% from the peak of the market (2006) which has created a level of comfort amongst these savvy buyers. The overall Lakefront inventory is still very high, currently we have a 2.25 year inventory of Lakefronts which is a bit concerning, but buyers are using this to their advantage and creating amazing opportunities.
With a multi-year inventory of Lakefront real estate, buyers have a choice and are not limited to a few homes in a given price point. Instead, buyers are able to choose amongst locations from the Gold Coast of the Rubicon to the gated community of Brockway Springs which is very exciting because in the past, price would dramatically limit a given buyer to a specific area of the lake.
View Tahoe Lakefront Homes by Price:

The strongest segments of the Tahoe Lakefront market are estate quality properties, parcels that are set back from the highway, and deep water properties. Inversely we are seeing weakness in the market when Lakefront properties are located close to the highway, shallow water properties, or when there is a lack of uniqueness with a given home. Lakefronts that do not have private piers or limited lakefront amenities are seeing higher levels of price reductions and have significantly longer marketing times. Like I said earlier, buyers have a choice and they are choosing the best lakefront properties available with the best pricing.

I have created the chart below to show you a 5 year historical analysis of the North Lake Tahoe Lakefront market. From this data you can see that sales volume (Purple Line) has been sliding since 2005 but has been on a slight increase since 2008. Based on the current closed sales and the current level of pending sales it appears that we are about to see a spike in sales volume which will most likely result in a spike in Average and Median pricing.
When you look at the Average price (Grey Line) you will notice a spike in 2008 which is mostly due to a record sale of a fabulous West Shore property which sold for $20M. If you were to remove this record sale the average price for 2008 would have been $4.9M which would have been seen as a slight dip in the timeline. Overall the average price has been tracking in a fairly stable range but the overall volume has suffered since the height of the market in 2006.
The Median price (Maroon Line) has been tracking in a fairly stable range with a dip starting in 2008. Although the Median price may increase slightly over the remainder of the year it will most likely still fall short of the 2009 numbers. The lower median price is partially due to the fact that in 2010 we have seen a higher level of entry level/tear down Lakefront sales then in previous years.
Lakefronts are very unique properties and no two are alike. Factors that can effect pricing are lot size, topography, proximity to the highway, piers/buoys, lake frontage, as well as the overall quality of construction and size of the residence. In any given year we can have an outlying sale that skews the data so it takes a trained eye to review sales and come to conclusions about where the Lakefront market is and where its going. My numerous years of appraisal practice and business background help me to draw educated conclusions about the Tahoe Lakefront market and I am more than happy to discuss my findings or any other segment of the Tahoe/Truckee real estate market with you.
Best regards, Dave

Memorial Day Weekend in Lake Tahoe!

05-26-10
Dave Westall
May 26, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend in Tahoe

In Tahoe we have been experiencing one of the wettest springs I can remember as it has been raining and snowing every week with temps that feel more like Autumn. With over 550 inches(45.8 feet!) of snow this winter the mountains are still packed with snow which should lead to the lake rising 3 to 5 feet, a reduced fire season, and one of the best wildflower seasons we have seen in years. I have been watching the weather like a hawk and this weekend we should see temps return to normal just in time for the holiday weekend!

Memorial Day weekend in Tahoe signals the start of the summer as people start to launch their boats, the restaurants have deck opening parties, and the summer events and music schedules fill up. This weekend will be no exception and the Tahoe Hole in the ground Tahoe mtn bikingproprietors have come together to make this weekend one of the best ever. Outdoor enthusiasts will be overwhelmed with options this weekend as you can mtn bike in Truckee, ski corn in the mountains, the bike path is now open, and the lake is prime for kayaking, paddle boarding , and boating. _______________________________________

Events and Music

MAY 27-31 (Thursday-Monday)
OPENOpening Day on Lake TahoeING DAY ON THE LAKE The West Shore Association celebrates Opening Day on the Lake, the official start of the boating season, with deck opening parties, museum and historical tours, live music, standup paddleboard relay and demos, and sea plane splash-in. Visit www.tahoewestshoreassoc.com

MAY 28 (Friday)
DECK OPENING PARTY Sunnyside Resort hosts its annual Deck Opening Party starting at 11:30 a.m. with a live band and raffle.

PIER OPENING PARTY Chamber’s Landing hosts its annual Pier Opening Party from 5 p.m. until closing.

MAY 29 (Saturday)
PATIO OPENING PARTY Bridgetender at the wye hosts a Patio Opening Party at 4 p.m.

MAY 29-30 (Saturday-Sunday)
HOME & BUILDING SHOW The 18th Annual Truckee Home & Building Show and Regional Green Building Symposium will be held at the Truckee High School. $6 admission benefits local schools. Free parking. (800) 758-1528 or www.truckeehomeshow.com

VALHALLA RENAISSANCE FAIRE Live theater, jousting, singing, dancing, storytelling, feasts, merchants, sword fighting and more at Camp Richardson Resort. (415) 354-1773

MAY 31 (Monday)
PADLake Tahoe PaddleboardingDLEBOARD DEMO Stillwater Standup Paddleboard and West Shore Sports host a free Standup Paddleboarding Demo from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Obexer’s Marina.

SEA PLANE SPLASH-IN Mike Brown Seaplane Splash-In hosted by EAA Chapter 1073 at Obexer’s Boat Company from 10 to 11 a.m. There’s a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Obexer’s General Store, with the Fly By Finale from 1 to 1:30 p.m.

Complete Event Schedule

Tahoe Music Schedule

Reno Music Schedule

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Tahoe Real Estate Update

The real estate markets in N. Lake Tahoe and Truckee are very active going into the summer selling period. We have seen the most activity for distressed (REO/Short Sale) listings along with well priced properties. The sub $400K market is the most active but we are also seeing movement in the upper end of the market as well. Since January we have seen 4 Tahoe Lakefront sales ranging in price from $2.1M to $5.5M and currently there are 3 pending sales including a $16.9M listing!

The Tahoe markets appear to be strengthening as there are fewer distressed listings than a year ago and the current supply of inventory is lower than demand which should help bring some stability into the market. Along with a stronger supply curve we are also lucky to have interest rates that are hovering around 4.7% for a 30 yr fixed rate loans. These rates may not last through the summer making for the perfect time to take advantage of the market! Feel free to contact me anytime to discuss market conditions and Tahoe real estate .

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Thinking of Selling?

If you are thinking about selling your Lake Tahoe or Truckee real estate than we should talk. Currently inventories are low and there are many qualified buyers looking for homes in Truckee and Tahoe. I have an extensive marketing plan that will help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar! By utilizing the latest e-marketing techniques and social media I will get your property in front of qualified buyers 24/7 and get it sold!

Check out these PDF's
Dave Westall's 7 Point Marketing Plan

How to Sell your Home in the Current Market



Featured Listings!

2101 Scott Peak Pl Alpine Meadows
$234,900

deck view 3.jpg

I just listed this awesome Alpine Meadows View condo featuring 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath and views of White Wolf and the back side of Kt-22 from almost every room. Click here for more information.

975 The Drive Tahoe City, CA
$350,000

975 The Drive

Vacant Land
+/- .34 Acre
Level Topography Close to Tahoe City
887 IPES
29% Coverage
Very Buildable

Click HERE
for more info!
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Please contact me for additional info on these listings or to find out about other Tahoe/Truckee opportunities.
530-448-9882

Search the entire Truckee and N. Lake Tahoe MLS!

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