Jill Stanton-bricker

The # 1 reason real estate agents & Brokers get into trouble is by representing "out of the area" that they specialize in. Please utilize a reputable agent in each of the areas you are considering. If you truly trust one of them I'm sure they would be happy to assist in setting up a referral to the other area(s) to someone within their network. In my town of South Lake Tahoe, Ca., home rental vs. vacation rental comes up a lot. Generally, you can make more $$'s on the vacation rental route here, if it is marketed & set up properly. There is nothing better than a solid responsible month-to-month tenant, on the other hand, that you know is taking good care of your home! Both Florida coasts are beatiful & desirable for long-term real estate investment. I hope for the best in your Florida real estate endeavors.

Jill Stanton-Bricker
RE/MAX Realty Today
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
530.318.7212 - Tue May 6 2008, 15:07

My favorite top 2 South Lake Tahoe vacation rental companies inventory may be checked out athttp:// www.tahoeaccomodations.com andhttp:// www.tahoelodging.com. There are also quite a few options available athttp:// www.vrbo.com. VRBO (vacation rental by owner) has some nice properties, but please double check to make sure they are compliant with the City of South Lake Tahoe, Ca. Vacation Rental Ordinance.....they must be registered properly! Id also advise to check out the "by owners" home insurance...there are different requirements for vacation renters to be covered! Have a great mini-vacation! I hope we have our usual PERFECT weather for your group that weekend! - Tue May 6 2008, 14:04

p.s., vacation rentals are a dime -a dozen here, most of them are on a property management program moreso to comply with IRS regulations than to generate income...there are more than enough to go around...book early to ensure a fabulous vacation...the lakeviews & killer locations go 1st! If you are considering a vacation rental investment you must go super small or super big to make a buck! We have a surplus of 2-3 bedroom homes. A studio, 1 bd, loft does well as does a 4 BD + home with extra amenities such as hot tub, boat dock, pool table, easy access to parks, tennis courts, pool, etc....
the # of rentals will remain steady, but will be competing with more timeshares, quarter shares & Redevelopment rooms as they continue to build...rents should also remain the same as last year with a small inflationary adjustment up...(gotta try to recoup visiting the gas pump somehow, right?)... - Tue May 6 2008, 13:37

If you haven't already bought a second Lake Tahoe home/vacation investment there is no better time than now!

WHY? Top 10 Reasons:

1. Interest rates are still at historically low levels. Buyers are taking advantage of this & buying, which is helping stabilize the surplus of homes. What an awesome time to be a buyer!!!

2. The Conforming loan rate cut-off is now based upon 110% of the median price, setting all of El Dorado County at $580,000, thus giving buyers MORE buying power at lower rates, BUT ONLY through the end of this year unless further legislation is passed! Take advantage of this opportunity now!

3. There is no crystal ball to predict the future, but, we may be "at the bottom" of the market now. There are currently deals priced at fair market values of 3-5 years ago! There are a small handful of bank owned/foreclosed properties, but not many, in the Lake Tahoe area. Eventually, God-willing & with a successful Presidential election, real estate prices will normalize & then continue through a regular cycle.

4. For quality of life & a quality lifestyle investment, Lake Tahoe is an ideal choice for not only Northern California buyers, but any one in the World! Approximately 80% of the Lake Tahoe home owners are secondary/investment purchases. Could this many people be wrong?

5. Lake Tahoe continues to advance, redevelop, grow & offer a true World-class tourist destination all while being environmentally conscientious & guided by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency.

6. For my job security! Kidding, actually, I always advise clients to think through how long they plan to hold a Lake Tahoe property! Timing is everything! If you intend to keep your Tahoe home for at least 2-5 years or more, NOW may an ideal time for you to buy. Historic statistics have revealed an approximate doubling in California real estate prices every 10 years for the LAST 100 years! What goes up must come down...& vice-versa! Tahoe vacation homes are a pretty solid long-term investment.

7. Lake Tahoe is a dream come true for many investors who utilize tax-deferred exchanges! What a beautiful place to "plunk your money down" for a while! Whether you are an avid skiier, boater, hiker, biker, casino gambler or someone who just appreciates the peace & quiet of the National Forest setting Tahoe is situated in, now is an ideal time to invest!

8. Location!

9. Location!

10. Location! - Tue May 6 2008, 13:25