Sardine Fire Lookout to Become New Rental
TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST
The Forest Service is requesting public comments on a proposal to charge a rental fee for Sardine Lookout in the Sierraville Ranger District in the Tahoe National Forest. The lookout would be the second available for rent in the Forest, the first being Calpine Lookout. The proposed nightly rental fee is $45, same as at Calpine. The Sardine Fire Lookout, built in 1935, is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lookout has two twin beds, a table, and fire finder pedestal, styled after originals from the Calpine Fire Lookout. There is a fire pit, picnic table, and accessible vault toilet. The area is very remote with tremendous views and solitude. Info: submit comments by Feb. 7 to Quentin Youngblood, qyoungblood@fs.fed.us, (530) 994-3401, ext. 6601; or to Tahoe National Forest – Sierraville Ranger Station, P.O. Box 95, Sierraville CA 96126
Tahoe Real Estate Sales Up 17 Percent in 2016
REGION-WIDE
Lake Tahoe real estate continued to strengthen last year, with sales volume jumping 17 percent from 2015. The increase is attributed to an 8 percent uptick in the number of homes sold, as well as a 12 percent rise in median home price, according to a year-end report released by Chase International. The number of homes sold for more than $1 million had a significant impact on volume, which increased 28 percent around the lake. The median price of a home in Lake Tahoe is $549,000.
The East Shore saw the biggest movement in sales, with a 65 percent increase in homes sold for over $1 million and an 11 percent increase in homes sold for under $1 million. Volume and units sold were up 52 and 26 percent, respectively. The percentage of homes sold over the million dollar mark was also up in Incline Village (35 percent) and South Shore (47 percent).
Tahoe City was the only area that saw declines throughout the year, with volume and units sold numbers down five and six percent, respectively. The most expensive area to buy a home is Incline Village, where the median price of a home rose 11 percent (to $1,016,500). The least expensive area to buy is South Shore, where the median price of a home is $415,500 (up 15 percent).
The sale of million-dollar homes nearly doubled in Truckee (up 95 percent) while volume jumped 48 percent and the number of units sold increased 19 percent. The median price of a home in Truckee rose 13 percent to $629,000.
The Tahoe area fared better than the national trend. According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales in 2016 were expected to close 3.3 percent higher than in 2015. Due to increasing mortgage rates and shrinking consumer confidence, only small gains are expected nationally in 2017.
Mountainside Closes $30 Million in Sales, Adds Amenities
NORTHSTAR
Mountainside at Northstar California closed more than $30 million in sales in 2016 with a sell-out of Phase One Stellar Residences and Home Run Townhomes. The development recently unveiled two new amenities, The Yoga Studio and Rendezvous Cabins. Yoga consultant Michelle Linane curated a program designed for residents at the studio and the cabins, which offer an outdoor experience with views of the Mount Rose Wilderness area, and are available via snowshoe in the winter.
The development also recently established the Mountainside Institute, which is dedicated to fostering opportunities for owners to collaborate and create, using the outdoors as a catalyst. A seasonal artist residency program launches in January, with noted artists staying on site for several weeks to create art and take part in the community. Landscape artist Zaria Forman will inaugurate the series, and will focus on the beauty of Antarctica on canvas, inspired by her time with NASA. Info: mountainsidenorthstar.com, (530) 550-2010
