The weather today in Incline Village, located on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Tahoe, isn’t quite golf weather (rain and snow showers today and in the forecast for the next day or two) but, the schedules are out for the opening of the Championship Golf Course and the Mountain Course.    See below for details.Incline Village Championship Golf Course

DRIVING RANGE NOW OPEN!

Course Opening May 20th (weather permitting)
A classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design. Completely renovated in 2003, this classic design golf course features distinctive design and the most beautiful views imaginable.  Voted Best in State List by Golf Digest Magazine and Best Courses to Play in 2010 by Golfweek Magazine, this course deserves your attention.

Incline Village Mountain Golf Course 

Opening Date May 28th (weather permitting)

An amazing mountain layout with old growth trees and elevation changes, this 18 hole Incline Village golf course is fun and affordable. Tee times are usually not a problem so go ahead and give us a call or book online. You can play this Lake Tahoe golf course in 3.5 hours and be back with the family to enjoy the rest of your day.

Featured Property of the Month on the Schwartz-Stanton Group Blog is 671 Fairview Boulevard located in Incline Village on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Spectacular panoramic views of Lake Tahoe dramatize the captivationg mountain backdrop of this Incline Village home.  Located on a 1.2 acre street-to-street lot, privacy surrounds you.  Designed with elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, this 5,720+ square foot home has it all including 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a gourmet kitchen with stunning lake views, 3 car garage, and a private master suite on a separate level with a gas appliance fireplace with granite tile surround and a fabulous master bath with steam shower, Jacuzzi tub and large master closet.

Adding to the home is the expansive lake view deck (approximately 1,000 sq. ft.) with wet bar that opens from the dining and kitchen area.  The panoramic views of the lake from the deck are breathtaking.  This home is must see.  List Price:  $3,950,000.

To learn more about 671 Fairview or other Lake Tahoe properties please give Schwartz-Stanton Group, Coldwell Banker Incline Village Realty,  a call at 800.520.7358.

  
345 Country Club Drive
Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Offered Exclusively by Schwartz-Stanton Group
Coldwell Banker Incline Village Realty
$3,295,000

The architecture of this exquisite home is distinctive, combining the best of classic Tahoe mountain with the sophisticaiton of French Normandy.  This like new home offers stunning golf course views with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths in 4,235+/- square feet of living area.  The graceful stone turret entry and foyer features a striking slate floor and a magnificent, old-world crystal chandelier. You’ll be struck by the awe-inspiring living room and formal dining area with its wall of windows that look at the unparalleled beauty of the golf course. In addition, there is a massive and dramatic floor-to-ceiling split granite fireplace and the entire remainder of the first floor is Amish hand-hewn hickory plank flooring creating a feeling that is elegant yet cozy.

Other interior features include a spacious epicurean kitchen that looks onto the golf course with slab granite countertops and center island, a grand master suite offering breathtaking fairway views, 3 substantial guest suites and a loft/office/den with superb golf course views.

The exterior of the residence features exceptional landscaping that is given prominence by native granite boulders used for terracing, steps and accents as well as an array of professionally designed, installed and automatically irrigated trees, plants and tidy areas of lawn that discretely harmonize with the native 30-50 foot pine trees on the property.

Designed with a decorator’s eye, this home embraces the best that Tahoe has to offer.

Contact Schwartz-Stanton Group at 800.520.7358 for learn more about this exceptional Lake Tahoe residence. 

Schwartz-Stanton Group, Coldwell Banker Incline Village Realty, is pleased to introduce you to The Ridges at Hunter Creek.  This development is an intimate enclave of wilderness home sites that have been set aside within a gated community nestled in the Sierra Foothills in Reno, Nevada.   This unprecedented collection of 90 home sites commands panoramic views from the Sierra Mountains to the west, the Toyaibe National Forest to the south, Peavine Mountain to the north, and the lights of downtown Reno to the east.

Unspoiled nature is at your doorstep in a setting that feels secluded but is only minutes from downtown Reno.  Careful architectural controls will ensure the enduring beauty and quality of the community with a European feel.  This community has been developed with a particular attention to access the magnificent surround forests and mountains through a system of hiking trails developed in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the Washoe County Park and Recreation Department.  For your estate, you would hike all the way through Lake Tahoe Natural Forest unfettered by man-made barriers.

Estate lots range from one to eight acres.  Contact Schwartz-Stanton Group at 800.520.7358 for more information.

All of Us at Schwartz-Stanton Group Wish You a Very
Happy New Year
and May 2010 Bring You Much to Celebrate.

Exclusively listed with Schwartz-Stanton Group of Coldwell Banker Incline Village Realty, Red Cedar Estates #19 is a perfect Tahoe getaway or year-round home.  This unit offers fantastic lake views and has the convenience of condominium-style living with the luxury of being a free-standing home.

The are 4 bedrooms and 3 baths in 2,272+/- square feet with lake views from every level.  The living room has a wood burning fireplace with a natural stone surround, 2 and a half story high cathedral ceiling and large picture windows that show off the beautiful views of the lake.  All new appliances were recently installed in the kitchen and there is an area for formal dining as well as space for informal gatherings.

The master suite is on its own level with great views of Lake Tahoe and trees.  The lower level has a full bath and lake views making it a perfect and private fourth bedroom suite or, you could turn it into a game room, office or exercise room.

2 lake view decks, one car detached garage and a gated and controlled access round out the features of this exceptional condominium.  List Price: $874,000

For information on this Red Cedars Estates #19 or any other Lake Tahoe property, please give Schwartz-Stanton a call at 800.520-7358 and visit www.ssgtahoe.com

Everyone at Schwartz-Stanton Group wishes you a very happy holiday season and best wishes in the New Year.

Condo purchases have been on the rise offering an appealing alternative to traditional home ownership. Though condos have conventionally been the choice of singles, retirees and couples without children, today there are a growing number of families in the mix – making this an important category of properties in many real estate markets across the U.S.  Condo ownership offers a number of unique benefits. But it’s not for everyone. While condos may provide access to certain amenities as well as limit the time spent on upkeep, there can be certain restrictions – few of which are experienced by owners of single family homes. So it’s important for any prospective buyer to learn the primary differences between condo and traditional home ownership. Considering the facts in relation to your goals will help you determine the right choice for your lifestyle today and in the future.

Location and Lifestyle: Two of the most important factors in determining what type of home is right for you are location and lifestyle. If you are looking to move to an urban environment where single family homes are scarce, a condo could be a good choice. In such markets, condos are always in high demand and appreciation often matches the best single family homes. Additionally, if you live a busy life and can do without a large yard, a condo might be ideal – given that it eliminates the need for yardwork and outdoor chores. While most families with young children prefer single family homes for the added space, condos often provide amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and large open areas to help families relax and play.

Terms of Ownership: Nearly all of the differences between houses and condos stem from the types of ownership each entails. In the simplest terms, owners of single family homes are entitled to exclusive ownership, while most condo owners are subject to certain forms of shared ownership. Exclusive ownership allows homeowners to alter their home and surrounding property in nearly any way, with the exception of local building codes that may prevent certain home additions and other large-scale renovations. Condo owners are not always allowed to make such radical changes to their property.

The Condo Board or Association: When purchasing a condo, owners are subject to the rules and regulations of the condo association or board. Typically composed of fellow residents, this governing body collects dues from condo owners to conduct ongoing maintenance of shared areas and perform any unexpected repairs. As part of the agreement with the condo board, new owners will be informed of what types of changes can be made to the interior and exterior of their property.

Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions: If you are thinking about purchasing a condo, it is important to read the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) before making a commitment. These documents include all the rules condo owners must follow and can vary widely between complexes. If you have indoor pets or other specific needs, make sure these are addressed in the CC&Rs to prevent any unwanted surprises. If you don’t understand any part of the CC&Rs when purchasing a condo, go to the director of the condo association for clarification.

To make the most informed decision between a condo and a house, all prospective homebuyers should reflect on their own lifestyles and priorities and how they relate to the different types of property ownership. While there may be many differences between owning a house and a condo, the goal is always the same – finding the right fit for your family.

Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC

If you are thinking about selling your home, you may want to start thinking about home inspections.  As most inspections thoroughly check the home’s infrastructure, foundation and roof, most real estate experts recommend that you look for problems before putting your home on the market. Though older homes might have more concerns, homes of all ages and types should be given a checkup by homeowners prior to entering the market. This article describes the most common problems found by home inspectors and offers some tips on how your home can pass its eventual inspection.

Plumbing
If you know that you will be selling your home, you should try to repair all plumbing leaks as soon as possible. Besides checking for leaks throughout the home’s plumbing system, a home inspector will also check the water pressure by running multiple faucets and flushing toilets. In some cases, an inspection may also include a check of the septic system. If you have experienced drainage problems in your home, you may want to consider contacting a professional to check the septic system prior to the home inspection. Heating and Cooling Systems
As there are many types of heating and cooling systems, there is no standard test for home inspectors. However, regardless of what type of heating and cooling systems your home utilizes, you should try to ensure that everything is working properly prior to the home inspection. You may also want to consider having your heating and cooling units serviced prior to selling your home.

Electrical System
A typical home inspection will check the electrical panel and circuit breakers that power your property for problems and test outlets throughout the home. The inspector will also check for ground fault interrupt outlets (GFIs) in the kitchen and bathrooms. Designed to automatically shut off power during a short circuit, these special outlets are an important safety feature for every home. If you live in an older home, you may want to have GFIs installed and have your electrical system checked before an inspection.

Roof and Chimney
A home inspection will check for weak or missing shingles and make an assessment regarding the quality of the roof. If any poor shingles are spotted, an inspector might check underneath to see if the building materials are damaged or rotten. To prevent a poor report, you should consider replacing bad shingles and having an expert check the overall quality of the roof.  The inspector will also check the chimney to ensure that the base of the chimney is watertight and that all bricks and mortar are in good condition. Prior to the inspection, you may also want to check to make sure the chimney is clear and that the fireplace is working properly.

Gutters
Prior to the inspection, try to make sure your gutters are clean and rainwater is able to flow without spilling over the sides. Also, downspouts should be pointed away from the house, as poor drainage is often the cause of mold and mildew problems.

Mold and Mildew
If you have seen mold or mildew anywhere in your home, you should consider contacting a cleanup professional prior to the inspection. Regardless of where mold and mildew are found in the home, it is important to both kill the fungus and fix the cause of the problem.  As homebuyers are becoming increasingly aware of the effects mold and mildew can have on a home, you might experience difficulty selling your home if you don’t take care of the issue. If you have a basement, take some extra time to check the walls and floors for signs of water damage.

 After the Initial Inspection
After the initial inspection, try not to be discouraged if the inspector finds a few flaws; very few homes are perfect and inspectors are trained to take note of every possible concern. Home inspections are designed to assess the working order of the home’s infrastructure and assure the buyer that home’s condition matches the details of the contract. In short, if you take care of the most important repair concerns before you try to sell, you will grant yourself a better chance of passing your home inspection.

 Courtesy of  Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC

Winter is fast approaching and if you’ve been watching the national news, it has already hit parts of the northwest.  Now is a good time to review some winter driving and safety tips to ensure you have a fun and safe winter season.  There is a lot of information available and a good resource is on www.weather.com. The following is some really good info found on the site.

Winterize Your Car
Driving in the winter means snow, sleet and ice that can lead to slower traffic, hazardous road conditions, hot tempers and unforeseen dangers. To help you make it safely through winter, here are some suggestions from the National Safety Council to make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared.

Weather
At any temperature — 20° Fahrenheit below zero or 90° Fahrenheit above — weather affects road and driving conditions and can pose serious problems. It is important to monitor forecasts on the Web, radio, TV, cable weather channel, or in the daily papers.

Your Car
Prepare your car for winter. Start with a checkup that includes:

* Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
* Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
* Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve.
* Inspecting the distributor.
* Checking the battery.
* Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth.
* Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line.
* Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner’s manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Necessary Equipment
An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have the tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk:

* Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
* Shovel
* Jumper cables
* Tow and tire chains
* Bag of salt or cat litter
* Tool kit
* Essential Supplies
* Be prepared with a “survival kit” that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use.

Essential supplies include:
* Working flashlight and extra batteries
* Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
* Compass
* First aid kit
* Exterior windshield cleaner
* Ice scraper and snow brush
* Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
* Scissors and string/cord
* Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy.

In addition, if you are driving long distances under cold, snowy, and icy conditions, you should also carry supplies to keep you warm such as heavy woolen mittens, socks, a cap and blankets.

If You Become Stranded…
Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.

To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.

If you are sure the car’s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.

To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and blankets to keep warm.

Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.

Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

Driving in Snow and Ice
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it. Don’t go out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared and that you know how to handle road conditions.

It’s helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you’re familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner’s manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

* Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
* Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
* Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
* Keep your lights and windshield clean.
* Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
* Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
* Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
* Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
* Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If your rear wheels skid…
* Take your foot off the accelerator.
* Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they’re sliding right, steer right.
* If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
* If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
* If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse – this is normal.

If your front wheels skid…
Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don’t try to steer immediately.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in “drive” or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck…
* Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
* Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
* Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
* Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
* Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
* Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner’s manual first – it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you’re in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.