How to Be a Savvy Buyer
By
Rick Raduziner

Truckee Home and Building Show Magazine 2003

Maybe you have been thinking its time to make a change from your current home or you are a first time buyer to the Truckee/Lake Tahoe region.Whatever the case may be, when you are on your property hunt you will be making serious decisions. These decisions will have a long term effect on the future enjoyment of yourLake Tahoe/Truckee experience. There are currently many hundreds of homes and the choice can become overwhelming.

Employ a local Realtor who knows the market, listens and understands your needs. Set parameters for yourself. Narrow your search to perhaps 6-15 properties. How big of a house do I want? Where is my ideal location? Do I want to be in a forested setting or how about a great mountain view? Does it have to be recent construction or is an older home okay? These are just a few of the issues you decide on while formulating your goals and objectives. Inevitably the buying decision has an emotional element. Does the house feel good? Does it meet my expectations.

A savvy buyer needs to have a practical perspective. Perfect does not exist. Perhaps 80-90 percent the housing requirements will suffice.

Be a Savvy Buyer in the Sierra Nevada Area

Natural Ambient Light-- Natural light is a very personal component of a home. Houses with a south, southwest or west exposure receive more natural ambient light than those with an east or northern exposure. Massive south facing windows potetially can capture to much light. The Tahoe summer sun can make the temperature in the house uncomfortable as well as fade furniture, photographs, natural wood floors and more.

Up-Sloping Lot-- A substantial Birds Eye view may be part of the allure for this kind of lot. Many of these homes have a reverse floorplan where the main living areas and kitchen are on the second story. People and cars from the street below can not easily see in through the windows. An up-sloping lot means an up-sloping driveway. If the driveway is facing south, southwest or west it will get maximum sun and help melt away the snow in winter. Up-sloping lots often mean stairs up to the house. You could be hauling those groceries up a flight or two. Exterior activities on the property can be limited do to the severity of the slope.

Down-Sloping Lot-- Magnificent views can be obtained from a down-sloping lot. Often properties have a level driveway. Once again, the reverse floorplan is popular. Great rooms and the master bedroom can be located on the top floor and the lower level may have a walkout feature to the backyard. The severity of the slope can limit outdoor activities.

Level Lots-- If stairs are out of the question, outdoor activities are important and easy entry into and out of the garage are important to you, then a level or gentle sloping lot may be desirable. If the lot is heavily treed expect to be challenged in the natural ambient light category.

Snow Shedding-- In the winter we get a lot of snow. Think about how the snow melt is going to effect your enjoyment of the home. Does the roof shed right onto the driveway? How about the entry? Will the lower windows on the north side of the house need to be boarded? In the Sierra Nevada it typically freezes at night and thaws during the day. With an asphalt roof you will get a perpetual drip from the roof eve and the water will freeze on the ground at night. Asphalt roofs tend to hold the snow. If it is a metal roof, the snow tends to continually shed or creep down. Sometimes a metal roof will literally avalanche creating a dangerous situation if it is releasing onto a walkway, deck or driveway. If you are buying in the summer, always consider snow shedding issues.

Newer Homes--Newer homes have the latest building codes implemented into the design and construction. Newer homes roof typically carries ahigher snow load.roof shoveling has never been a popular sport. Insulation is substantial. Appliance, material guarantees and contractor guarantees are a plusin a new home. New homes have a low maintenance factor and help give the absentee owner Piece of Mind. If you are purchasing a new home, prior to completion, make sure you have agreed upon all the material and labor specifications. Customizing the home to your tastes by negotiating the finish materials such as the flooring material, tile, stains and paints makes it your home.

Older Homes--All homes requires more maintenance as they age. When viewing an older home think ahead 3-7 years. Is the roof at or near the end of its life? How about the kitchen appliances? Is the exterior ready for paint or stain? How about the interior? How old are the furnace and water heater? This list goes on and on. Take this into consideration in your purchasing decision and plan ahead for future expenses.

Inspections Reports--. A physical inspection report by a licensed California general contractor and a structural pest control inspection is a great place to start. Additional inspections may be prudent from trade specialists such as an electrician or roofing contractor. The more knowledge you have about the condition of the home you are buying, the greater your perspective and confidence in your decision.

The Savvy Buyer understands their home selection is a highly personal and emotional purchase. It will pay dividends with enjoyment and appreciation.

Rick Raduziner is the Broker/Owner of Mountain High Real Estate. Rick has been representing buyers and sellers in the Truckee/Tahoe region for over 14 years. Rick can be reached toll free at 888-303-5566. Search his website for all available properties at www.realtorfortahoe.com