[laptop-accessibility] United Built Homes, Lake Tahoe Real Estate - An Investor's Gem

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United Built Homes, Lake Tahoe Real Estate - An Investor's Gem

You may know that South Lake Tahoe has become one of the country?s most
popular resort destinations. But have you thought about it as an investment
opportunity? Even in a challenging real estate market, South Lake Tahoe
reigns as one of California?s top-advised real estate investment areas.

In Lake Tahoe?s vibrant real estate market, inventory is approximately twice
that of 2005. Median home prices are slightly lower and sellers are
negotiating more than ever. It?s a buyer?s market!

Adding to the lure of the area, word is spreading that South Lake Tahoe?s
next redevelopment phase is underway and gaining national attention. Most
important, though, is the enthusiasm following Vail?s purchase of South
Tahoe?s Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. It?s almost certain that today?s lower
values will not last long.

The following reasons are why Lake Tahoe real estate is primed for
investors.

1) Large Inventory = More Buyer Options. As of August 26, 2007, there were
586 single family residences for sale with 56 currently in escrow. This
inventory is considerably higher than the 366/96 reported in August, 2005
(although slightly less than the 594/46 reported August 31, 2006).

2) Affordable Prices. Affordability is South Lake Tahoe?s charm. When
compared to other international resort areas, South Lake Tahoe?s median home
price of $463,000 is a fraction of those found in Aspen, Colorado
($1,199,700), Vail, Colorado ($791,000) Park City, Utah ($605,000), and our
neighbor Tahoe City ($1,001,500.) Likewise, when compared to California?s
median home price of $586,030, South Lake Tahoe?s property values are
absolute bargains?with the lake, mountains, blue sky and pristine seasons as
bonuses.

3) Buyer?s Market = Negotiation Leverage. Supply, demand, and consumer
confidence have played an immense role in buyer negotiating strength. As is
common in the South Lake Tahoe real estate market, when summer begins to
wane, sellers become more anxious to sell. In a nutshell, they want to close
escrow prior to the first snowfall. As long as inventory is up (more homes
for sale), there?s more room for buyers to negotiate the sales price and
other accommodations. As an example of this type of leverage, during 2005,
the average home sold for approximately 98.5% of the list price. Today, the
average home is selling for 95.8% of the original list price.

4) Expansive Redevelopment. Following many years of planning, dreaming and
hoping, the next phase of South Lake Tahoe?s redevelopment phase is
underway. Rundown motels, shops and similar structures have been demolished
to make way for future developments. Some examples of future developments
include a 71,000 square foot convention center and two hotel-condominiums
featuring boutique shops, entertainment and proximity to nearly all that the
South Lake Tahoe Stateline area. Developers are anticipating this project to
bring in approximately 180,000 visitors a year.

The Time Is Right to Invest In South Lake Tahoe Realty

South Lake Tahoe?s real estate values have generally escaped the dramatic
declines that have so adversely impacted various regions of the state
throughout the years. According to Leslie Appleton-Young, chief economist
for the California Association of Realtors?, ?With credit drying up in
recent weeks, we expect further weakness in sales over the next few months?.
She continued by adding that the sales declines will be driven by both
tighter underwriting standards due to the sub-prime mortgage crises and the
adverse psychological impact of news and information regarding increases in
foreclosures and mortgage defaults.

At the same time, a door seems to have been opened in South Lake Tahoe.
According to a recent article in Inman News, one in five economists surveyed
predicted a "meaningful" recovery in U.S. housing markets before the second
half of 2008. About 38 percent expected a recovery in the second half of
2008, while 42 percent said housing markets won't turn around until 2009 or
later. Our recommendation is to take advantage of the opportunities that
will be presented within the coming months.

For us personally as well as professionally, we have found that owning Lake
Tahoe real estate is a far more enjoyable way in which to watch your
investments grow when compared to other options. When given the choice of
sitting on a lake beach and swishing down world-class ski slopes vs. pulling
out our hair out watching the stock market, our choice is clear.

 Theresa Souers, one of Lake Tahoe's "Ten Most Influential Women" and South
Lake Tahoe's 2006 Realtor of the Year, is founding partner of The Pinnacle
Real Estate Group, your one stop shop for Lake Tahoe real estate
investments.
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