Lisa's Blog

Fourth of July in Carson Valley

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:05:28 -0500

When I first moved to the Carson Valley I found it difficult to figure out where the hot spots were to go to fireworks and picnics. Everybody, share your favorites, and those who read this post will enjoy. So far, my favorite place for fireworks is Nevada Beach, on the East shore of Lake Tahoe. We stay all day and barbeque. At night, you can turn in to the radio for a synchronized broadcast, and watch fireworks, first in the sky and also reflecting off the lake. PRETTY!!! What's your favorite?

Browsing for homes

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:54:43 -0500

If you are currently researching the web for homes for sale in the Carson Valley area, Gardnerville, Minden, Genoa, or Stateline Nevada, I want you to visit my website and browse the entire Northern Nevada MLS. It's super easy and you can save your searches to look at later or sign up for notices when something that matches your criteria becomes available for sale. Check it out. www.prunevada.com/lisav

Carson Valley Days Tacos- $No Dollars

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 26 May 2009 22:10:30 -0500

I just noticed a "ratings" link on my home page for this blog. I will be looking further into this suspicious looking page, but hope that all those in the Gardnerville, Minden, Carson City who have worked with me in the past would rate me well. Here is a little incentive: On the Friday night of CARSON VALLEY DAYS I am hosting a Taco Bar at my centrally located home. (See my blog: "Carson Valley Days" for more info. Come have a taco (or ten) before you hit the Carson Valley Days Street Party in Downtown Gardnerville. If free tacos aren't enough to gain some attention, I don't know what is, because tacos are good. And if you are planning on missing Carson Valley Days, you are planning on missing OUT!

By the way, Gardnerville offers an excellent Farmer's Market at Lampe Park, located on Waterloo Lane every Wednesday morning from 9 am to 1 pm. When you are cruising through town don't forget to make a stop and pick up some extraordinary fruits and veggies and browse those hard working local vendors. My personal favorite: Carson Valley Honey. Take a teaspoon or so a day and loose those seasonal allergies. They even have bees wax lip balm and hand cream. Worth every penny!

Carson Valley Days is Coming!!

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:26:30 -0500

The most exciting time of year for Gardnerville and Minden residents is approaching! Carson Valley Days is a community event that dwarfs even the traditional holidays for families and children of the area. During this weekend long festival the entire community comes out to play. There is something for everyone. Below I have posted a list of the 2009 Carson Valley events. A tip of advice for anyone traveling to the area that weekend: plan not to use Highway 395 for the first half of the day on Saturday. And lets all remember that this community and everyone in it is very special- so let's protect everyone by remembering to be safe. Please DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE and watch out for little ones at the events. It's our whole town's responsibility to make this celebration a safe and enjoyable one! See you here!

It's pretty in Gardnerville.

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:09:05 -0500

If you have visited Gardnerville/Minden Nevada or you live here, then you may know the drastic difference in property appearance from winter to spring. I am excited as a Realtor at the moment to see property looking a lot more attractive with green lawns and blooming trees recently. A reminder to agents working in 4-season climates: get out there and take new listing photos now that the snow is gone. A snowy picture in the spring time makes a listing appear out dated and drab. Show off the landscaping and sunshine!

New office

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:30:16 -0500

I am pleased to announce that I am all settled in and ready to work at Prudential Nevada Realty in Gardnerville. I am so enthused to be back at what I like best, and that is selling real estate. My profile here has been fully updated. Watch the newspaper for my press release. Watch the roadsides for my listing signs.

Leap of Faith

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:52:03 -0500

I am gong to be completely honest and bare all here for a minute. I left real estate in late December, checking out an opportunity in the corporate world in exchange for a steady salary and benefits. You know what happened? It didn't work out. I was a little disappointed at first, but truthfully: I don't want to be limited to what a company is going to pay me in salary and have no way to earn more money. I like practicing real estate because HOW HARD YOU WORK ACTUALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN HOW MUCH YOU EARN.

I am in the process of returning to real estate. People are still talking about how horrible the market is and how awful the economy is. But guess what? My business doesn't depend on market conditions or the economy. My success depends on one thing: my work. It's the same for every agent.

I learned a lot from leaving real estate and coming back again. I learned what other people think of Realtors. I learned what makes the biggest impacts on a Realtor's reputation to consumers and what are wastes of time. I learned that I am too controlling to work where business management isn't part of my job. I learned that if you want everyone you know to suddenly approach you for real estate help, just stick your license on ice for a few days.

I am very excited about returning to the profession I love most. I will keep you posted on where I'm at in the next week or so. Fellow agents: I missed ya!

Gardnerville, Minden, Genoa photos

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:40:25 -0600

Are you looking to learn more about life around the Carson Valley? While I have an extensive collection of photos from around town in Gardnerville and Minden and the out laying areas, I thought you might like to take a look at what the other locals have to share. Our local paper is called The Record Courier, and on their site, under the tab "Photos & Videos" you can enjoy a vast collection of uploaded scenes from Northern Nevada. You will gain insight on the terrain and views as well as community events and activities. Don't be suprised when you see the smiling residents of Gardnerville and Minded, we are all happy to live in Douglas County!

Gardnerville/Minden Home Prices

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:44:17 -0600

Something to consider:

Home prices in the Carson Valley (Gardnerville, Minden, and Genoa) are now as they were in 1996. You can buy a single family home for the same amount of money you could have back in 1996!

This news, along with the fact that interest rates on new home loans are rather low, gives all the reason you need to decide to become a homeowner now.

If you aren't sure if Gardnerville or Minden is right for you, contact me for a free relocation package. I will send you a package highlighting the community events of Douglas County, demographic information, climate information and recreational opportunities.

~LISA VOCELKA
(775) 450-4513

Put the kids to work

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:30:35 -0500

Recently I put my kids to work. I took home a monthly newsletter and let them stick it in the envelope, add a business card, affix a label, stamp, and sealing sticker, and put them in the mailbox. They felt so proud to be helping mommy!

Another way they have helped before is placing flyers in the boxes on my signs. I just pull up to the sign and out they go, to put the papers in the box. I tell them, "Good Job! You helped sell the house!" (Even though we all know flyers don't sell houses, they only appease sellers ;) )

I belong here!

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:26:16 -0500

Goodie, I found a single parents blog in Activerain. I'm Lisa, I'm a single mom (Sophia is 9, Olivia is 7). I became a single mom in 2006, two years after getting my real estate license. In 2005 I had received recognition as Rookie of the Year with my brokerage. Off to a great start right? Sure, but then at the hight of my divorce case (fun times), real estate came to a screeching hault. I waitressed at a friend's restaurant to make ends meet (well, not really, still had to beg, borrow and steal), and I had never waitressed before. Then, I did something really drastic I think to keep myself in real estate. I met a fella at the restaurant who needed an assistant. I didn't really want to be an "assistant", afterall, I am a professional in my own right. But the fact of the matter is this: Single parents working off commissions have a huge struggle. What if i didn't sell a house for 5 or 6 months? Who would pay my rent? Where would I live with my children?

I signed up to assist our regional Associations current president, which I have some to find out is a very rewarding experience. Here's the scoop:

I get to do everything I always did as a stand-alone agent.

I get a pay check every other friday, and bonuses on transactions i originate.

I get free education and mentoring. (You wouldn't believe how much I have learned!)

I work while my kids are in school, and schedule other times to my "business partner". (I am a business partner, not an assistant!!)

Sure, I still have to take down phone messages, and organize files and stuff a few envelopes. But, i also get to network, make contacts, list and sell property, etc etc. The best part about this move in my business is: I am home with my kids every night. And by that, I mean I am in OUR home, that I pay for, consistently, no matter how many homes we sold since whenever. Security is awesome.

I do plan to return to working solely for commissions again, but I had to get on feet after my divorce first. It is surely possible to sell just a few homes in a year and make it, but you have to have some surplus first. For those of you out there who are carefully budgeting each commission and every moment of your day in order to be the best parent you can be, good job. Real Estate is an awesome career for single parents.

Carson Valley Home Sales Looking Good to me

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:04:22 -0500

Here is a Carson Valley Update for everyone! Surely you have seen all the news about "Short Sales" and Bank Owned properties. Bill Driscoll wrote a very interesting article about purchasing such properties and you can view it at www.nevadaappeal.com. Here are some stats I looked up just today. For the Zip Code 89410 only, there have been some changes from the 2nd quarter of 2008 to now the 3rd. In the 2nd quarter, the zip code 89410, which includes downtown Gardnerville and Minden and some rural areas in the southern part of the county, had a total of 29 sales. 34% of those sales were either short sales or bank owned. The average asking price to sale price ratio was 95% (That is- houses went for about 95% of what they were on the market for). The average sale price then was $279,000. BUT NOW, in the 3rd quarter of 2008, we have had more sales (36), and less short sales or bank owned properties selling (only 22% out of all residential sales). The average asking price to sale price ration dropped a little, to 91%. But hey, the average sale price went up to $414,000!! I think we can credit that to the fact that more properties with acreage sold in the 3rd quarter than did in the 2nd quarter. More sales were in rural areas where custom homes are built on larger lots. I am excited as it looks like now we have more sellers and buyers working together without the drama and headache of short selling and foreclosure, and our higher end inventory seems to be moving. Yay 89410!!

Red Flags for Sellers

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:39:06 -0600

This weekend an interesting issue came to my attention. I am motivated to share the details with sellers of real estate, especially those who are represented by agents. There seems to be a misconception about the benefits of having a Realtor represent a seller during the sale of their property. Yes, our job is to market your home for sale using many resources, network with other agents seeking a buyer for your home, help you determine appropriate asking price and provide you with information that will enable you to make decisions on selling your property. There is also another part of our job that is perhaps the most valuable: using our expertise in the profession of real estate to provide you with peace of mind that all necessary paperwork and negotiations are handled in your best interest.

Here is the event that brought this concept to mind for me and made me realize that I must get the word out to sellers that we are the experts and you hired us for a reason:

When I was a rookie agent I answered a paper ad that read something like: "Looking to buy a home in this area ASAP, please call 555-555-5555". The person who answered the phone was enthused and asked questions that would lead to them determining whether I was a seller of a home and how desperate I was. As soon as they found out I was an agent offering services, they hung up.

A client of mine recently answered the same type of ad, hoping that the prospective buyer would come to town and view the property. Here are the red flags: the buyer would not leave contact information that could passed on to me, the agent. (They had a motive to deal with the seller and the seller alone). The buyer showed up without setting an exact time so that I could be present for the showing.(Allthough they stated to the seller they would like to meet me they did not provide a way to do so). The buyer came in a business suit and portrayed themselves as a business person,( surely knowing better than to approach a represented seller directy, and poised to intimidate the seller). The buyer made the seller think they were ready and willing to write an offer, but because I was not there they couldn't do it. (Pressuring the seller to make decisions quickly). The buyer told the seller they had other homes to look at anyway. (How many other people were they visiting today without the use of an agent?) The buyer refused to contact me or my office about the listing.

Sellers beware! You should not let anyone in to see your home if they refuse to contact your agent. Not only is this a safety issue, but it terribly affects your negotiation position. Furthermore, you are at risk to make critical mistakes in disclosures and contracts should this person succeed in swindling you. Sellers want to sell their homes, and scam artists know that. The truth is there are people out there fishing for sellers who will agree to make a contract with them without the advice of their agents. These people are looking for an easy target. They are in it to make a profit, at your expense.

My question to my seller client was this: "And when this person said they were going to see other homes now, do you think they were going to contact agents or drive around and approach other sellers with signs in their yard and not talk to their agents?"

If you have a Realtor, let them take care of your home sale. It is what you hired them to do. An honest buyer, one who is definately a possible sale, will talk to your agent. Here is my suggestion: If someone approaches you directly about the sale of your home, hand them your agent's business card and explain that ALL showings must be made through your agent. If they are really interested in purchasing your home and not scamming you, they will call the lsiting office.

SNAR Luncheon going to be a BLAST

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:07:50 -0600

Attebtion Sierra Nevada Association of Realtors members and Affiliates:

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON @ THE CARSON NUGGET

Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2007 at 11:30 am.

PROGRAM: Affiliates Holiday Program & A Festive and Fun Luncheon!

Reservation required by dec. 3, $16 at the door.

Call 775-885-7200 or 775-588-6363

SEE YOU THERE!!

Douglas County Update

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:31:01 -0500

DOUGLAS COUNTY MARKET INFORMATION

This topic is important to you whether you are buying or selling in teh Carson Valley area. If you are buying, it is helpful to know what the average time on the market is and whether or not it is still abuyer's market, to help with your negotiation standpoint. If you are a seller, knowing about market time and average prices helps you understand what to expect out of your real estate agent now and what expectations you may have that aren't realistic. Everybody is happier when they are well informed!!

Here is some data about Douglas County in the past 60 days:

57% of Residential listings have expired, that is they were on the market for a time specified in the listing agreement with the Broker and did not sell. 35% of Residential listings have sold, this is consistent with the last market update I did. The average time on the market for those listings that sold was 151 days.

There is a total of 728 homes on the market currently in Douglas County. 186 of those came onto the market in the past 60 days. There were 65 sales in the past 60 days. If this sounds dishearteing to you as a seller, cheer up over this: MLS listings continue to sell at an average of 94% of asking price. This is excellent because even in a seller's market we see an average sale to list price ratio of the mid nineties. This tells us that Realtors are assisting sellers in pricing their appropriately and that when an offer is made, our negotiation skills are standing strong.

It is a great time to buy with so much to choose from on the market today. A great time to buy makes a great time to sell.

Big House, Little Price

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:44:03 -0500

Attention home buyers in Minden Nevada! Do you have too many people in your little house? Do you need more land for your horses, or vehicles, an RV? I have a great home for you. 1307 Dennis street is in the Johnson Lane area of Minden, Nevada. It has over 2700 square feet of living space- with a HUGE family room, 4 bedrooms plus an office, 2 workshops not included in square footage, extra storage, a grand formal dining room, and a whole acre of land. Ready for horses. Sounds expensive right? Because it is so big? It is priced at $459,000. This house looks brand new because of all the remodeling and additions. Take a look. If you like what you see on this link, call me. I will gladly meet you at the property and open it up for you to see in person. Just copy and paste this link in your browser and enjoy!! http://tours.vtshowcase.com/nopop/VTS118735

First Time Home Buyer Opportunity

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 16:37:15 -0500

Thanks to the recent changes in the Mortgage Industry (the tightening up on criteria for sub-prime loans and for 100% financing), some of you first-time home buyer hopefulls might have lost your confidence that you can buy a home in the Gardnerville, Minden, Carson Valley area right now. Maybe you have been told that you must first take care of some credit issues, or that you do not make enough. Maybe you qualified but you can't make the payments on 100% financing because Mortgage Insurance was too high. If this describes you, I have a Douglas County home that is SO EASY to buy, and with all the ammenities you are surely going to want to buy it. Consider this: with seller financing available, you don't need a loan for 100% of the purchase price if you have no cash down. If you qualify for about 80% of the price, you can then finance the other 20% through the seller. (Subject to sellers approval of terms and buyer's credit). So, take a look at this opportunity, perfect for a first timer with no money down. Visit http://tours.vtshowcase.com/nopop/VTS118785. Just highlight it here, copy and paste it into your browser. You will see a virtual tour of a home you gotta see to believe! It is available to buy right now in Douglas County, in the north Minden area, or very very south Carson City. By the way, the agents are friendly and ready to help you out. You can call me or Bill and get started right away. If this one just is not right for you, I bet we can find the one that is. Stop spending so much time glued to your monitor and make one phone call to get it done. We are waiting to hear from you!

Consumer Quotes

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:10:05 -0500

CONSUMER QUOTES

Here are some quotes I hear from buyers, sellers, and do-nothingers in the community. They aren't funny, unless you are a real estate professional. Now, I'm not poking fun at those who are trying to educate themselves on the market and the buying and selling of homes and finding information in all the wrong places. I just hope that my fellow Realtors will read this and then make an effort to educate their clients so they don't go on thinking this way, and I hope that buyers and sellers will read this and call me for the answers if they read a line they might have recently said themselves. Some of these maybe agents have said. It's OK people, we are here to help.

"I know my home is priced just fine because the same kind of property, 500 miles away, sold for that price only 3 years ago".
"The market has come down like 40%, so I think writing an offer on a property at 60% of asking price is giving me a good chance at getting that property."
"I'm going to sell my house within the month using no other method but a yard sign, even though professional agents in my area who utilize every tool available are seeing their listings sit for an average of 120 days."
"Agents only want your money. The next thing you know, they haven't sold your house and they walk away with thousands".
"Agents only want your money. I think it is better to deal with the seller's agent so they can pay for it."
"The market is slow and business is hard to come by, so I am not going to invest any money into making my business in real estate thrive right now".
"I'm not negetive about the market, I know my house is going to go up in value over the next ten years. That is why I'm pricing it $100,000 over market now."
"I'm going to wait until home prices come down and interest rates do too, and there are more houses on the market to choose from".

Here are the facts: Sometimes we get information from newspaper articles, TV, the guy down the street. Sometimes they are right, sometimes they are wrong. The people to turn to for advice in real estate are the people who do it for a living. They aren't going to mislead you because that doesn't make them any money. Educating you and working together with you toward a common goal is what makes agents money, and for me, it is what makes me happy.

And agents? The market is tough, sales are down, the public is freaking out. This is no time to give up, no time work less, no time to pinch your pennies. Invest in your business, get your systems in place, do a little foot work, knock on some doors......wait a minute- enough encouraging the competition. Working hard works for me. SO, get out there and show my listings.

Douglas County Update

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:17:14 -0500

As for Statistical reporting, some very interesting numbers:

In Douglas COunty since January there have been 1,385 properties listed for sale. 449 of those sold for a selling ratio of 32%. 26% of those listings expired. Currently there are 772 homes on the market, with an average time on the market of over 170 days.

Sounds discouraging, right? At least for local agents and sellers it might. But WAIT! the sale price to list price ratio remains strong at 96%! Last week there were 11 total residential sales and those sales included low end properties, middle end properties and one over 1 million. The average sale price in our county this year has been $391,000.

So, if you are a local agent whining and crying about "no business" and "dire times", stop it. Just get out there and work because there is business to be had, it is simply going to the agents who continue working in a slow market and work even harder than before.

Some news for consumers out there who may be interested in Douglas County:

The Slow Growth Initiative has come upon us. 371 building permits will now be issued each year in Douglas County, and no more. That does not mean you cannot buy land here and build, it means you should check into getting your building allocation permit before you agree to close escrow on a property. That way you know when you can build before you buy the property. Contact Bill Driscoll or me at RE/MAX (775) 782-8777 to prepare your offer on Vacant Land. We will show you how to make your purchase contingent upon your ability to build. You couldn't play it any safer than that. The plus side of it: Gardnerville/Minden is going to stay cute and quaint, and sufficiently populated for such a pretty little valley. Check out Nevada Appeal newspaper on the web for letters from the members of our community to the editor regarding views on this subject.

What is wrong with these buyers??

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Thu, 24 May 2007 12:38:21 -0500

Lately I have pondered exactly what went wrong with some of my recent buyers that did not turn into a closed transaction. I had a buyer who demanded many hours of work from me where I called many other agents to find the perfect seller financing situation. I found the right property and the right seller financing after days of research. An offer was made. negotiations took place. An appraisal came in low. Still, the sellers will willing to accommodate the buyers needs at the buyers request to lower the price and take a larger interest on the seller financing. But, even with all the accommodation, the buyers turned out to feel too stressed out by all the back and forth and withdrew their offer completely. Worst of all they told the title company that they fired me, and the title company was first to ear about that while I continued working, looking for the sellers from heaven once again. My conclusion on these buyers is: I should have asked, "If we find the perfect house, and the perfect financing, and everything goes better than we can even begin to expect in the negotiations, are you going to buy that home?" Their answer might have been, "Well, it depends on my mood and how stressed out I feel that day". I would know to say, "no thank you then".

I had some buyers who were looking at many homes and making low offers. The low offers were justifiable considering the condition of the homes and the falling market values in the area, and also their financial situation was that which required such strong negotiation. We found the house. We were ready to go. Whack! The buyers decided it was time to move to California for a job transfer and they already had a Realtor in that area. Again, I did the work and did not receive a commission. I should have asked, "Do you have any other plans regarding your living situation? Are you sure you want to reside in this area?" They might have answered, "Well, we are looking at the possibility of a job transfer. Can you get us an agent there too just in-case?"

Another recent buyer I worked with had me show them 6 homes, 3 of those twice. We found the right home. He said he was very close to writing an offer. After a weekend went by I called and said, "Should I set some time aside for you this afternoon or tomorrow to write an offer?" He replied, "Well, I am much too busy with my work over at least the next two weeks. I won't have time to get things worked out with my bank or be concerned with home buying until later this month." I explained that home he chose may not be available come that time and suggested we stop looking at homes until he is ready to purchase. I should have asked, "If we find the right place when we look today, will you be submitting an offer within the next few days?" He might have answered, "No, home buying is low on my priority list right now and magazines and e mails from you would suffice for now while I get a feel for what is available."

The common thread here is this: I should have asked questions that would allow me to evaluate the amount of work I should be doing for these clients. Perhaps the best question to ask before going out to show homes is this: "If we locate the perfect proeprty for you that fits all you want and need, and it is the right price, are you going to write an offer on it now?" If the answer is anything but "Yes", we agents have to step back and determine what must be done ahead of time to bring our buyers into the position to buy before we put the work of showing homes into the relationship.

What is a click

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Wed, 09 May 2007 00:47:47 -0500

Bet ya looked at that twice! I am asking what a "Click" is is the stats part of my profile. I love seeing how may times my blogs have been viewed, but what does a click mean? What is the difference between a click and a view???

For Sale By Owner

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 08 May 2007 22:32:00 -0500

Dear For Sale By Owner:

I am going to start a For Sale By Owner page on the internet, just for those of you who have added your property to my For Sale By Owner Inventory. For those of you owners still selling your homes alone, you might be wondering what I am talking about. I visit For Sale By Owner properties in the area and take notes and pictures. Then, I put the information in a folder and present it to my buyers who seem to be looking for a home like that one. If I bring a buyer to the owner, the owner has agreed to pay my commission for the buyer, that is- they only pay the buyer's cost, still no seller's costs. They still saved 50% off a real estate agent's commission, I look great to the buyers who may have overlooked the property had I not done the research, and the sellers just might spread the word. It's a win win situation for everyone involved, and that makes me feel good.

If you are going to try selling your home yourself for awhile, and you are in the Carson Valley area, let me give you a hand. There is no cost and no obligation. If you want to sell the house to the buyer I find for you, the buyer might ask that you compensate me as their agent. If I never find a buyer, no worries. In the mean time, you can call me for paperwork questions, miscellaneous services etc. All I really ask is that if you do decide to list with a broker eventually, you'll call me. So, why not call now and get a jump start on getting that home of your's sold?

(Most serrious buyers have hired an agent. Agents will see the listings on the MLS and show them. But this agent, would like to see your home and show it first.)

Sincerely,

LISA COELLLA

Buyer's agent

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 08 May 2007 22:18:37 -0500

Local and out of the area real estate buyers start here!

Aren't you glad you stumbled across a direct connection to an agent who can work for you at no cost to you on the Internet today? My contact information is up to date and I am just a call away, ready to show you homes, handle your paperwork and negotiate your transaction. The next step to your move is to call me. Stop searching the Internet and getting nowhere by contacting the seller's agents on each property. Don't drive around looking for signs in the yards of homes for sale. And definitely don't go it alone when it comes to negotiation. Would you feel more comfortable about the home buying process if you had done it more than once or twice? SURE YOU WOULD! It's what I am a professional at, so let me help. I will save you money.

Home Sale Stats

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Fri, 04 May 2007 15:54:53 -0500

Dear Homebuyers and Sellers:

Douglas County has experienced a reduction in home sale activity over the last year like everywhere else on the map. Many sellers in the area are fustrated by legnthy times on the market and guess who they blame about that?? Buyers however, are basking in the glory of having the upper hand when it comes to negotiations realizing that they are few and far between at this time and can afford to let a home go over price as there are plenty of listings to choose from.

Some recent home sale stats in this community are following:

In the past 30 days there have been 158 new residential listings in Douglas County. 41 homes sold in that same time frame. That is 27% sold.

24% of residential listings expired from the market- that is their listing contract with their agent's ended, making the agents look like they could not do the work when in reality they did the work of baiting the hook and casting the line, but there simply were no fish to bite. The average amount of time a home spent on the market was 130 days before being sold.

The average listing price of homes in Douglas County over the past month was $548,000. Don't let that turn you first timers away, or those of you who have mouths to feed and jobs to work, because there are plenty of homes available in this county under $300,000. The average sale price in the area was $431,000.

Remember my name when you get curious about Douglas County Nevada. I can bring you the information you need if you want to relocate to Northern Nevada. I can sell homes in Douglas County (Gardnerville/Minden), or Carson City, Lake Tahoe (on the Nevada Side) and sometimes I am even willing to venture out to Lyon County (Yerrington, Smith Valley, and Dayton). I would be excited to get your call and ready to work one on one with you. Also, for another tip: call me if you are buying or selling ANYWHERE in the USA....I have a great network of qualified professionals in your area too.

Carson Valley Information

Lisa Vocelka (Realty Executives Nevada's Choice) — Tue, 01 May 2007 12:25:02 -0500

I have posted a link on my blog to the Carson Valley Visitors Authority under "Carson Valley Information". Carson Valley includes both Minden, Gardnerville, and the very historical town of Genoa. Every day I am in awe at the views of the Sierras and the Valley. The mountains never look the same from one day to the next. If you ever plan to come and visit I reccomend the Springtime or the Fall because the seasons of change around here are stunning. If I didn't live here I would come for vacation.

Many of you have probably heard of the famous photographer Ansel Adams. A good portion of his photography is of the Sierra Mountain Range surrounding my area. He called the Sierra's the "Range of Light" because he found that in his photos of the geography he could see both the darkest nooks and the brightest lights in a single shot.