Here's the latest stats for the current period as compared with year over year stats.
 
1) We have seen 1 year of "year over year" increases in pending sales and
 
2) we are finally we are seeing the units solds category increase (year over year).
The prices have undeniably declined at approx 20-25% since the peak in May of 2006-
Will they go lower, perhaps some, probable. But we are near or at the bottom of this market cycle as demonstrated by the increases in pending and closed escrows.

3) Inventory has stayed relatively stable, another good sign of recovery as we have no new development to effect the supply and demand ratios. I won't go so far as to thank TRPA for their building restrictions, but at this juncture it is a good dynamic (certainly the environmental consideration is a good thing).
 
I'm hearing from investor/ buyers that they are looking to real estate to diversify their ( diminished albeit) financial portfolio and real estate is becoming once again the preferred vehicle; enjoyment of use, income and deductibility.
 
I would encourage investors and buyers to consider their long term life style investment, family enjoyment and I hope they will consider Lake Tahoe Rea Estate.
 

Best Wishes,

Deb Howard
Deb Howard & Company
Lake Tahoe's Real Estate Resource
866-542-2912 toll free
530-542-8657 fax
deb@realtordeb.com
www.realtordeb.com
3599 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Ste A
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Originally Posted by Deb Howard
on 6/9/2008 11:16:31 AM

While Tahoe has been a popular destination of International visitors and investors historically, it is becoming ever more so based on a few things that I have observed
in addition to my notes on the NAR DC visits;

1) globalization and immediate access to information expanding the exposure of our resort market to the international market,
2) access to resorts (you can get here from there)
3) Desirability of 4 seasons resort,
4) As said earlier - Values! safe investment, enjoyment, weather and good exchange rates are driving a lot of new interest.

The move up market of existing foreign investors is another market we are experiencing.
Antidotally I have a couple who are from Singapore who are looking to upgrade from a vacation income property they already own here in Tahoe to another larger grander property to retire to 6 month out of the year. (check on guest/foreign homeowner visitor visas, another good topic to investigate). Water, views, floor plan to accommodate entertaining their friends from around the world and located in a safe or gated community are their top criteria. They also bring with them a whole host of friends and family that will join them in investing in Tahoe.
More to follow.

Deb Howard