Tag Archives: Mammoth Lakes Real Estate

Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

If you are looking for something do to this weekend then, be sure to check out the Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center. Escape to the serene tree-lined trails of Mammoth’s scenic Lakes Basin for an unforgettable experience. Nineteen plus miles of freshly groomed skating, classic and snowshoe trails await cross-country skiers and snowshoers of all abilities. In the tranquility of the backcountry, only the sound of winter birds and your own locomotion fills your ears as the bustle of town dissolves.

Visit Mammoth Mountain’s official website for additional information. Come and experience the Sierra in a way few others do!

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash

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The Top 3 Current Real Estate Trends

If you are thinking about buying or selling your home, paying attention to current market trends can help you sell your home for the best price, or find the perfect home for your budget. Here are a few market trends we see this year that could help you decide to buy or sell.

Low Inventory

This is a pro for home sellers but may be a struggle for home buyers. Low inventory means that there are fewer homes currently on the market. For home sellers, this could mean getting top dollar for your home since there is little competition. For home buyers, this could mean sellers may be less willing to accept offers below asking price, and several buyers may be interested in the same property, driving prices up.

New Home Sales

According to census.gov, new residential home sales are on the rise. This may mean your home may compete with new builds for home sellers if you are located near a new development. You may have to re-evaluate your listing price to stay competitive with the market. This could mean that building a new home may be your best option for home buyers due to the low inventory of existing homes. When building a new home, make sure you look at several different home builders to see what is standard for a new build. Not all homes offer the same standard options. Some builders may quote you a low base price but charge extra for upgrades such as hardwood flooring, granite countertops, and even landscaping. Some home builders may have a higher base price, but these “upgrades” are already included in their base package.

Remote Work

Working from home may affect a buyer’s decision to work further from home and might decrease the desire for homes located in major metropolitan areas and increase home sales in smaller suburban areas. For home sellers, this could mean reduced interest in your listing if you are trying to sell in a major metropolitan area but could mean increased interest if you live in a surrounding suburb. For sellers, if moving closer to a city center isn’t an issue, you may find that the pricing in these markets is better, and sellers are more willing to negotiate. On the flip side, if you are looking to move to a city suburb, you might find competition higher in these areas.

If you are a buyer or seller, make sure you do your market research before making a big decision to ensure you are making the right decision. Now may be the time for you to make a move, or you may want to wait for a rise in inventory. Either way, it is best to check the market temperature before you decide. Give me a call today, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home and/or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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Your Home, Your New Year’s Resolution

Every new year, many of us commit to better health and wellness, but what if this year we reserve not just be better ourselves but also better our homes. By contacting your local real estate agent, perhaps you can make real estate-based resolutions and maybe even stick to them this year.

Now that we have entered the winter months, your realtor will advise you to get that to-do list out of the drawer, dust it off, and start crossing off some of the items listed. And because it has been in hiding since spring, you should walk back through your home with your list, noting any small things that could turn into big problems. Be sure to check everything, from cracks in the ceiling to regular maintenance items should be attended to. Scan all of the walls, floors, ceilings, appliances, doors, and windows. Not only is aspiring to accomplish all of the items on your to-do list an excellent New Year’s resolution, but it will also remove the monkey that has been hanging on your back since spring.

Another resolution for 2021 that your real estate agent would recommend that you look into is any home renovation you have been longing to execute. If you have coveted an updated kitchen, bathroom, or something else, make it your goal to accomplish the task in the upcoming year.

Regardless of the remodel, focus on energy efficiency. 2021 will be the year of supporting the “Go Green” concept. You can achieve this by merely replacing incandescent light bulbs with more efficient fluorescent or LED’s. Or go big by replacing any home appliances with energy-efficient versions.

Even though a full remodel will not be suitable for everyone, you can perform something more financially manageable, such as tiling your kitchen backsplash or applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls. Any of these renovations will ultimately add value to your home and are resolutions that can easily be accomplished.

Lastly, your realtor may suggest that you resolve to make extra mortgage payments. Maybe you cannot afford to double the payment, but perhaps you could add a small amount of money each month for the next year. Paying extra money towards your mortgage now saves you big money later. Your real estate agent will be able to provide you with the information of how much savings your resolution investment could pay off in the long run.

So, this year, instead of purchasing an expensive diet plan, you are sure to bail on by March, commit to improving, maintaining, and paying more towards your real estate investment. Call your realtor today and make them aware that your New Year’s resolution for 2021 is going to involve your home. He or she will be your best asset in determining where to focus your attention and money.

People so often fail to uphold their New Year’s resolutions. By involving your home in making your resolution decision, you are sure to be more likely to succeed in the expectations you set for yourself. You will also be making your home a safer, more appealing, and energy-efficient environment.

If you are ready to talk about applying a strategy to your long-term real estate goals, contact me today so we can determine how to make the most of the current real estate market for you. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Brokers License #01264041

Photo by Jan Antonin Kolar on Unsplash

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6 Tips for a Fast Winter Sale

Selling your home in the middle of winter doesn’t need to be more stressful than listing it in the spring or the summer. Yes, in the winter, your yard is brown and lacks color, and you have fewer hours of daylight for showings. However, not everyone has the luxury of picking the season to place their home on the market. And you may find it to be surprising, but winter does have its real estate advantages and can be a great time of the year to sell your home. The following is a list of tips to follow for a fast winter sale.

Team up with experienced help. Call your local real estate agent first and foremost. Joining forces with a professional is paramount. Your realtor comes equipped with years of experience, knowledge, and familiarity in winter home sales.

Price your home accordingly. The first few weeks of your home being on the market are the most crucial. Therefore, your initial list price should be your final price. A property that sits while the seller shaves bits and pieces of the price off becomes stale. Your realtor will perform a Comparative Market Analysis, providing you with an ideal list price.

Acknowledge your timing. The busiest time for home sales is in the spring and summer. Consequently, off-season listings can get a lot of attention. If your home is well-maintained and you are willing to price it right, realtors will often urge their clients to list in the winter, as the competition is much slimmer.

Prepare for the house hunters. De-clutter the inside of your home and warm it up. Warm and cozy should be your main objective. Utilize all-natural light, start a fire, and have music softly playing in the background. Outside, keep all ice, snow, and/or other winter hazards at bay. If a buyer cannot safely make it into your home, it won’t sell.

Take pride in your ownership. When showing your home, ask potential buyers to remove their shoes or slip into provided shoe coverings. By indicating that you take pride in your home’s smaller areas emphasizes that you must also take care of the large-scale areas. The buyer immediately acknowledges that they have entered a well-maintained home.

Consider your area and use the season to your advantage. In colder regions, a fresh layer of white snow can very nicely accent your home. And the barren trees can even work to your advantage. With the obstruction of trees in bloom out of the way, beautiful views open up. Remove Santa and his reindeer following Christmas but allow the wreath to stay hung on the front door. In the warmer regions of the country, winter is an ideal time to be showing your home. The snowbirds have all flocked to your neck of the woods, adding the naturalist qualities homebuyers are often looking for.

We must all face the facts. Winter is one of the four seasons. But the real estate market does not recognize it as any different from the other three seasons. Call me today to get started in pricing, preparing, and advertising your home for sale. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home and/or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Jessica Johnston on Unsplash

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Home Selling Tips

Are you thinking about selling your home? Even if you were actively involved in the home buying process, the home selling process might be vastly different from the paperwork involved to the way you need to prepare for the selling process. Below are some tips for sellers that will prepare you for your pending transaction.

The greatest number of showings will occur within the first few weeks of marketing, so being fully ready for visiting buyers on day one is critical. Online listing information tends to drive many home showings today. With an increasing number of buyers plugged into online databases, the moment a new home appears on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), interested buyers will want to see it.

Ensure your home is free of clutter and personal items, such as family photos, for showings, and real estate photos. Online images are the first impression of your home for potential buyers, and you want to put your best foot forward. Bear in mind that how your home is styled can make a tremendous difference in how quickly it sells. Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home. One of the best ways to facilitate that is to make your home as anonymous as possible by purging clutter and personal items. You may also find it helpful to remove large furniture pieces to make your home appear more spacious. Ensure your agent uses a professional real estate photographer, and you give them a clean canvas to work with. Twilight photography is also a great way to set your listing apart. Check with your agent to see if they offer this service.

Price your home competitively at the outset. Additionally, be aware of how buyers search for homes. Search parameters matter, particularly when it comes to price ranges. Lowering the listing price by even $5,000 could open up your home to far greater exposure. Online searches rarely, if ever, permit buyers to structure their price range requirements. Instead, they select from preset choices. Because of this, even a small price change can create a huge impact. For instance, a home listed at $255,000, as opposed to $250,000, could easily miss out on many prospects. Preset price search ranges typically benefit those who price at cut-off points. Thus, consider adjusting the price by as little as $5,000 to add many interested buyers to the mix. Since exposure to the maximum number of buyers increases the odds of success, keeping this pricing tip top-of-mind is extremely important.

Keep in mind that the style of your home could appeal to multiple demographics. For instance, the average starter home might appeal to first-time homebuyers and empty-nesters interested in downsizing. Likewise, a house with a bonus space could appeal to multi-generational home buyers or buyers looking for a home with office space or potential for an income suite.

Coupled with these helpful tips and your Realtor’s guidance, home sellers should find the selling process more efficient with greater odds of success at top dollar! If you have any additional questions or concerns about selling your home, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home and/or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image by Gino Crescoli from Pixabay

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Winterizing Your Home

The winter season is upon us, so now is a great time to address winter maintenance before the weather makes even the simplest of repairs significantly more difficult. Winterizing your home in advance of the changing seasons ensures that you aren’t having to make any repairs during the winter months or having to suffer without necessary conveniences.

Furnace Inspection and Routine Maintenance

Several routine maintenance tasks can be performed on your furnace by you, the homeowner. Such tasks include changing the air filter and making sure any flammable objects have been removed from around the furnace unit itself. You can also go around the house, ensuring that all of the vents are unobstructed from furniture, clutter, etc. Air needs to be able to circulate efficiently throughout your home. For the next steps in warranting your furnace is safe and in its best operating condition, you must call on a professional. A certified and licensed heating expert will assess the unit’s blower belt and motor, assuring that they do not need any repair before taking on the winter months. All are preventative measures taken to avoid fire and alleviate the opportunity for poisonous gases to enter your home. Hiring a licensed heating professional is pivotal in the assurance that your furnace is safe and sound working order before entering the winter months.

Addressing Your Windows and Doors

Begin by checking all of the weather stripping around your windows and doors for any signs of air leaks or drafts. Replace any stripping that has been pulled loose or is showing signs of wear. Even the smallest of crevices creates a passage for cold air to enter or warm air to escape. Finally, inspect the actual glass of the windows and doors for cracks or breaks. If necessary, replace the glass. Winter’s cold air drafts entering your home leads to money exiting your wallet.

Fireplace and Chimney Preparation

A cheap chimney sweep fireplace cleaning professional can be found in cities nationwide. The chimney professional will clean out your fireplace and chimney of any creosote and soot build-up. Creosote can catch fire from the sparks flying upward while burning. The mortar in the bricks surrounding the chimney will also be closely inspected for cracks or holes. If found, these cracks and holes must be repaired by a professional bricklayer, as they too can be a source of fire.

Exterior Detail

Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles. Replace or repair as needed to prevent water leaks when the freezing rain or snow begins to melt. Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris, and inspect that they are fastened securely to the house. Be sure the downspouts extend at least five feet away from the home to inhibit ponding around the foundation. Lastly, close all vents and openings around the foundation, or crawl, to keep unwanted intruders from finding refuge for the winter.

Congratulations! Your home has now been winterized. Taking preventative action in the fall is your best line of defense against winter. Instead of hastily thumbing through the phonebook on a Sunday afternoon in mid-January, you can sleep warmly in the comfort of knowing your home is safe and protected.

Anytime you need a recommendation for a home professional to assist you with something big or small around your home, give me a call. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home and/or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Jessica Johnston on Unsplash

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Eastern Sierra Dark Sky Festival

The Eastern Sierra Dark Sky Festival is this Friday, October 16th through Sunday, October 18th, at the Whitmore Recreation Area. Enjoy a weekend full of Stargazing with giant telescopes, astronomy lectures, nighttime photography workshops, vendors/booths, giveaways, food trucks, beer, wine, and more!

Daily and All-Weekend Passes are available, and you have the option to camp onsite in a SHIFTPOD, bring your camper van or RV and park in the parking lot, or reserve a room at the Sierra Nevada Resort, Snowcreek Resort, or your other favorite accommodations.

Visit the official event website to purchase your tickets today and enjoy the fantastic nighttime sky views from the high elevation of the scenic Eastern Sierra.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Vincentiu Solomon on Unsplash

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Mammoth Alpine Trampoline Club at Snowcreek Athletic Club

If you are searching for indoor activities for the family then be sure to check out the Mammoth Alpine Trampoline Club at Snowcreek Athletic Club. This facility features five world-class professional trampolines that are available for anyone age 6 and over with an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) membership. Go to AAUsports.org to become a member for a small annual fee, and register under the Mammoth Alpine Trampoline Club.

Positioned in two rooms on the bottom floor of Snowcreek Athletic Club, one for recreational bouncing and one for classes and elite aerial training with an automated harness, MAT offers sessions and classes for everyone. The trampolines are buried in the ground and surrounded by safety pads.

Trampolining is a great way to condition your body for a variety of snow sports including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, visit the Mammoth Trampoline Club official website and get ready for winter.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Denis Tuksar on Unsplash

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Want to Increase Your Net Worth? Buy a House

Financial security is important to all of us. You may think about it from the perspective of being able to take care of your family or the freedom to retire at a younger age or even just the comfort of knowing you have the security to care for yourself. Whatever your reason for wanting financial security, there are several ways to increase your net worth and bring you the financial peace you are looking for.

Make more money. This may mean getting a second job, furthering your education to get a better job or asking for a raise if you have been in your current position for a while and have a good performance record.
Spend less money. When you cut your expenses, you will be able to pay off debt faster and increase your savings. This will work two-fold to increase your net worth.
Buy a house. Almost annually, a study is done to show the comparison between the net worth of homeowners and renters. A recent study revealed homeowners are worth more than 46 times more than renters. Why is this so? There are a couple reasons to consider. Homes are likely to appreciate while your mortgage stays the same. Over time, your home is very likely to appreciate in value. Even during an economic downturn, decreased values are most often temporary and will begin to rise again before too long. When your home value rises, your mortgage still stays the same. When the value of your rental rises, your landlord is likely to raise the amount of your rent to compensate for the change in value.

Another thing to think about is that when you pay your mortgage, you are able to recover most of that money (and sometimes even more due to appreciation) when you sell your home. When you rent a home, the money you spend can’t be recovered when you move out of your rental. You have just helped the landlord increase their net worth. Owning a home acts as a forced savings plan since you must pay your mortgage to keep the bank from foreclosing on you. With each month and year, you pay your mortgage, you are growing your equity in your home. Over time, your equity increases, and you are able to take advantage of that equity when you choose to sell your home. Assuming the value of your home has increased while you owned it coupled with your equity, you can see a nice return on homeownership with a little time.

Statistically, this makes a great case for homeownership but only you can decide what is right for you. If you don’t plan to stay in one area for a long time, this may not be the best time for you to buy a home. If you do plan to stay in one place for a while, it might be a good time to consider buying a home while increasing your net worth at the same time. If you have any additional questions or concerns about buying a home, I will be happy to answer any questions you may have, help you to find your dream home and/or determine the value of your existing property.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Image by Nattanan Kanchanaprat from Pixabay

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Bodie State Historic Park

The Bodie State Historic Park is open from 9 AM to 6 PM to active recreation with restrictions in place to encourage social distancing. Historic town core accessible for outdoor self-guided tour only.

Did you know that Bodie Ghost Town is the largest unrestored ghost town in the West? Bodie produced gold and silver from 1877 to 1888, and the town grew to 10,000 residents. Once notorious as the wildest town in the West with its saloons and gambling houses. The town is now preserved as a California State Historic Park with weathered buildings, a museum, mine tours, and a visitor center.

Visit the official website for directions and hours of operation. Don’t miss your chance to visit this one-of-a-kind attraction.

Nancy Davidson
Mammoth Village Properties
760 937-2301 mobile
nancy@mammothcountry.com
www.MammothCountry.com
CA Broker’s License #01264041

Nancy Davidson is your ultimate real estate resource for Mammoth Lakes, CA and The Eastern Sierra. Visit my website for detailed information regarding today’s real estate markets.

Photo by Eniko Polgar on Unsplash

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