Lake Tahoe Transportation Plan Approved

If there is one topic that is always in the news in Truckee and Lake Tahoe, it’s transportation.  And with good reason.  As the world continues to discover the magnificence of living and working in the High Sierra, we all are more sensitive everyday to this trend’s impact on our environment.

As an architect firm that serves the Tahoe Basin and all the Counties within the High Sierra, we have seen what a few more cars can do on a busy day.

Thankfully, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and their Bi-State Compact Partners have just approved the new Regional Plan.  With the TRPA’s website, they offer a variety of excellent information that explains just what this document covers and the inpact it will have on our future.

Their website has a brief overview of that the Plan is in layman’s terms.  It notes:

The Regional Plan is a regulatory framework that includes several initiatives and documents. The Plan is meant to be updated every four years, in conjunction with an environmental evaluation report, so that the plan can adapt to changing needs, circumstances and emerging threats. Click on any of the components of the Plan below to find out more about each one.

To give you a quick overview, I have selected some highlights from their website at TRPA.org.  Feel free to click in read more of the specifics.

A new way forward for Lake Tahoe was approved in December, 2012 with an update of the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan. The updates encourage greater private-public partnerships and created incentives for property owners to make Lake-saving improvements to their home or business. Use these fact sheets for an overview of the focused updates that went into effect in February, 2013.

The California State Resources Agency submitted a letter to state leaders affirming that the 2012 Regional Plan Update is consistent with the requirements of the Bi-State Tahoe Regional Planning Compact.

The Bi-State Compact requires TRPA to create a Regional Plan to establish a balance, or equilibrium, between the natural environment and the human-made environment. The Plan emphasizes an improvement in the quality of development in the Region and in the quality of the natural environment. The Compact was written and signed by the states of California and Nevada and ratified by the U.S. Congress. The original compact was signed in 1969 and substantially revised in 1980 to give the Agency more regulatory powers and more specific environmental targets, called Thresholds.  In 2013, the states initiated the process to revise the Compact again to solidify the new direction.

For more details, follow these links below.

Regional Plan By-The-Numbers

Regional Plan Fact Sheets

Regional Plan Fact Sheet (Spanish)

Making Tahoe Bikeable/Walkable

For over 30 years, our architect firm that serves Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Carson City has been providing our clients with up-to-date information about the region in all capacities.

Whenever you have questions about building codes, county regulations, environmental codes, and more, please contact me at any time.  I am always happy to share our insight.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Lake Tahoe’s Real Estate Market Still Breaking Records

As our architecture firm in Incline Village, NV, continues to experience one of our busiest years on record, the real estate marketing throughout Lake Tahoe is echoing the same.

Within a recent Luxury Market Report published by Chase International, the statistics continue to tell the tale of 2020 and how the world seemed to find our piece of paradise, purchase property, and call the High Sierra “Home Sweet Home.”

When you follow this link you can read the entire Lake Tahoe Real Estate Report  at your leisure.  To save you time, we have captured some of the report’s highlights:

Now that 2020 is in the books, it’s time to take a closer look at how the luxury real estate market is performed in 2020. WOW, is the response! The market has been explosive in Lake Tahoe properties sold over $1 million for a total of 722 units. Leading the way, South Lake Tahoe, CA witnessed a whopping 121% increase in properties over $1 million, followed by West and North Shore which recorded a staggering 113% with East Shore a close 96% increase. Incline Village was up 83%. These numbers are historic because, as of June 2020, the entire market was down across the board. We have not seen such a vigorous market swing in a short period of time in recent history.

Here are some regional stats about real estate sales in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and the greater Reno/Carson City area:

  • The highest home sale within the entire region sold for $38 million and is located on Lake Tahoe’s East Shore.
  • The North and West Shores led in lakefront sales with 21 closed transactions in 2020 verses 14 the year before.
  • In Incline Village, where our architecture firm is based, recorded 16 lakefront properties sold verses just four in 2019.
  • Over in Truckee, where we have designed a considerable amount of mountain estates, that region recorded 503 properties that sold over $1 million each, with the median price stated at $1,650,000.  Remarkable to say in the least.  The report also noted that Martis Camp, where we have designed several homes for our clients, continues to be the most affluent community in the Northern Region of the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area.

And, just over the eastern crest of Lake Tahoe, our friends at Clear Creek Tahoe Development were all a part of the Carson City’s astounding real estate sales.  The Luxury Report published by Chase International quoted:

Carson Valley has seen the most tremendous growth in 2020 with a 183% increase of units sold over $1 million. 65 homes in 2020 over a million versus 23 in 2019. The highest priced property sold in the Carson Valley was $12 million with the second at $6,950,000.”

To see all the statistics about how real estate faired over the past year, dive deeper into Chase International’s Spring/Summer Real Estate Report right here.

And for more information about the neighborhoods, home developments in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and Carson City, feel free to reach out to Borelli Architecture at any time.  We have designed a significant amount of homes in the region and have the personal insight to share with you.

Jim Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part Two)

Within my most recent news posts, I started to share some top tips on how to decide what kind of home you want to build.  And within that story I promised I would continue to share additional idea on how to get started to build a home.  So here are more tips from our architecture firm in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and North Lake Tahoe, CA.

What is your budget?  Depending on where you have purchased your property, the costs per square foot will vary – a lot!  Check with your real estate agent for comps on home building prices.  With the recent pandemic, we have seen a tremendous rise in interest in building a home in Nevada (Carson City in particular).  Construction costs are increasing with the demand.

Who will finance the project?  If you need to secure a loan you certainly need to research a lender before the shovel goes into the ground.  Be sure to shop around and when you have made your decision, be sure to have your lender offer a pre-approval so you can get started sooner than later.

What is your timing?  Mirroring my last statement, as the world discovers the benefits that come with living in Nevada, and/or the High Sierra, our general contractors have not been this busy in a long time.  The sooner you can work with an architectural firm like ours that services Nevada and California, the better.

How familiar is your home designer to your home’s environment?  Just because you have a final drawing does not mean you are done.  Within our firm that designs mountain and golf course homes in Lake Tahoe, we offer a list of additional services that come with the pleasure of living in a resort area.  Those services include:

  • Site Planning
  • Space Planning

How familiar is your architect to local building regulations? When one has selected to build or remodel a home within the High Sierra and its surrounding counties, there is a lot more to the building process that meets the eye.  For over 30 years,our  Borelli Architecture team has remained on-top of the environmental and county regulations.  Within our services, we also offer professional assistance with the following projects:

  • Permit Processing Assistance
  • TRPA Feasibility Studies
  • Contractor Selection and Bidding Assistance
  • Construction Administration Services

Will you need an interior designer to help you design the inside of your home?  Our team offers the professional assistance of Kelly Borelli Interiors located in Incline Village, NV on Lake Tahoe’s North Shore. Kelly Borelli Interiors has been providing exceptional design services for resort homes and commercial clients in for over 20 years. From practical design for the Lake Tahoe Lifestyle to the most contemporary California seaside estate, Kelly works with each of her clients in conjunction with our own design team, to discover that perfect, personal touch that each client should expect and every home deserves.

In closing, if you have any questions whatsoever about how to get started, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.  We look forward to helping you design your dream home.

 

 

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

 

 

Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build (Part One)

One of my friends has recently purchased a lot at Gray’s Crossing in Truckee.  And throughout the entire process, he continued to reach out to our architecture firm that designs homes in Truckee and Lake Tahoe for advice on the ‘next steps.’  I thought you might appreciate this blog about the “Top Tips on How to Decide What Kind of Home You Want to Build” as the subject is fresh in my mind.

Research first.  Designing and building a home is more than how many bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. that you want or need within this significant investment.  As the old saying goes:  Your Home is Where Your Heart Is.  This classic statement identifies the fact that in addition to yourself, there may be others that have input as to what their desires may be.  When all is said and done, it should reflect the lifestyle that works for all involved.

What style do you like?  For this particular property, Borelli Architecture certainly will recommend that the home takes advantage of its golf course setting.  And with that said, we’ll be sure there is plenty of room for the golf cart in the garage!  As Gray’s Crossing is also within a mountain community at a higher elevation, we will include the appropriate standards for heavy  and take the weather into consideration as well to take advantage of the sunshine at the same time.

What key attributes does your ‘dream home’ really need?  Lots of windows to take in those golf course views?  And expanded porch for summertime entertaining?  How about ‘open space,’ privacy, and in today’s virtual world, how many ‘office spaces’ or ‘small classroom areas’ do you need? A mud room? We say ‘yes’ to that all the time as when one lives in Truckee, the community just begs for all to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Think about the ‘not so obvious.’  What kind and how much storage area do you really need?  Does every bathroom need at tub? How about all those skis, snowboards, snowshoes, and golf clubs … do you want a special place within the home or garage to store your year-round toys?  And what about boat storage?

Think about the future, a lot!  Our friends are just about to retire and plan on living the rest of their life here in the High Sierra. One of their main goals is to build a split-level home that has a lower level that includes a guest suite, small kitchen, and recreation/living area.  This concept works well today for extended company and will be ideal when and if they ever choose to have live-in help.

So that is a start.  In my next news post I’ll be providing more advice about the steps one needs to take when deciding to build a home.  In the meantime, if you are interested in buying a lot at Gray’s Crossing, here are a few nice options.  And be sure to click back into my last posts in January to learn more about land and property for sale in Truckee, Lake Tahoe, Carson City and beyond.

 

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Where is There Land for Sale to Build a Home in Carson City and Genoa?

(Photo courtesy of Clear Creek Tahoe)

Within our last news article we showcased some of the ideal Lake Tahoe communities and resort developments that still have land and lots for sale in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe.  Today, we’re taking a look ‘over the hill’ where there are many new home developments that offer outstanding amenities in addition to spectacular views of the Sierra and vast ranch lands.

We’ll take you on a tour now of the home and golf course communities that offer property for sale.

Clear Creek Tahoe

At the top of the list is Clear Creek Tahoe which we have talked about throughout the past two years.  Lots are continuing to sell and with homes being built year-round throughout their golf community.  At Borelli Architecture, firm in Lake Tahoe and Carson City and representing Clear Creek Tahoe, we spend a lot of time with our clients on site, so if you would like a personal tour, please contact us at anytime.

Canyon Creek Estates

Located at the base of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Range, Canyon Creek Estates  is just off of the Genoa Lakes Resort Golf Course. Each lot provides 360 degree views of the Carson Valley and beyond. All offer plenty of privacy and room to spread-out and enjoy life in this burgeoning community.

Douglas County Land for Sale

If you picture your dream home wrapped with lots of acreage and privacy, and positioned in the state of Nevada, the Carson Valley may be your next home sweet home.  Those who are already leaving the fast pace of city life and seeking a quieter pace  are finding the communities of Minden and Gardnerville, NV, an ideal spot to raise a family or retire.

Silver Oak Golf Community

On the north side of Carson Valley, Silver Oak Golf Course and community continues to expand with lots of property available on which to build your new home in our tax friendly state of Nevada.  This is a very convenient area to build a home as it’s a short, scenic, 20 minute drive to the south end of Reno and just a few more minutes to the Reno/Tahoe International Airport.  Throughout the expansive development are opportunities to hop on your mountain bike and head into the hills through the very popular Ash Canyon biking trails.

And that is just the beginning of the property and lots for sale in the Eastern Sierra.  When you are ready to investigate what it takes to build a home in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, or the Carson Valley, please reach out.  At Borelli Architecture, have been designing and remodeling homes throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area for decades and look forward to doing the same for you.

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com

775 831 3060

Where is There Land for Sale to Build A Home in Lake Tahoe?

Lake Tahoe in the Winter

With all the interest in moving out of the city and settling into a more peaceful environment, our architect firm in Lake Tahoe and Carson City is fielding calls everyday from new clients who want to build their dream home.  As a family who has lived in the High Sierra for over 30 years, we understand the draw of moving to the mountains.

To get you started, we are offering this two-part series that highlights our favorite resort developments that still have land and lots for sale in  Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, and Carson City.

Throughout the Lake Tahoe basin there are many lovely mountain communities that offer all the amenities one needs to live a good life.  Within these communities are resort developments that do have lots for sale.   Here’s the start to our two-part series. Just click into each neighborhood to find out more about home developments in Lake Tahoe.

In our next blog, we will include information on the popular Clear Creek Development, and other Nevada home developments (which offer excellent tax advantages) located just over the hill on the eastern side of the Sierra  .

Martis Camp, Truckee, CA

Forbes magazine once quoted that Martis Camp “May be the best private four-season community in the USA.”  Check it out their own description.

“Located midway between historic Truckee, California and North Lake Tahoe, Martis Camp is a 2,177-acre private, luxury community, which Barron’s ranked as Tahoe’s Best Place to Own a Second Home. Nice praise. But even more impressive are the plaudits of those critics whose opinions carry a lot more weight: your family.”

Lahontan, Truckee, CA

The developers say it best:  “Casual elegance finds its home at Lahontan.”  Their website does a nice job of describing what may be your next backyard.

Every one of Lahontan’s 906 acres is a spectacle of natural beauty. Your palette for creating a home here is made up of rock-faced ridges, springfed meadows, tall jeffrey, lodgepole and ponderosa pines, ridge tops with incredible panoramic views, green velvet valleys, and a breathtaking Tom Weiskopf golf course. There is also a reservoir that is the “town center” for Canadian geese, water fowl, and other wildlife. Beauty steals every scene here – and your heart. “

Northstar California

Located halfway between North America’s largest alpine lake, and the historic town of Truckee, California, Northstar still shines as another option for year-round recreation right out your backdoor.  Here’s a very brief description from their website.

“Hidden among the trees in the majestic Martis Valley in North Lake Tahoe, Northstar California welcomes friends and families looking to get more our of their mountain getaway. We invite you to discover what makes our resort unforgettable …”

Gray’s Crossing

If you love to play golf, you will love this home and resort development.  Our team at Borelli Architecture that designs homes in Truckee, CA, appreciates all that this development has to offer.  Here is how they describe the experience;

“Imagine a place to build that honors your wish list as well as your budget. A bright, airy spot with spectacular views. One that’s close to the trails, the slopes, and Lake Tahoe with a golf course, restaurant, and on-site fitness and pool facility. A neighborhood that offers beautiful aesthetics and thoughtful logistics. With values that still reflect a market over-correction, there has never been a more fortuitous time to invest. You could definitely call Gray’s Crossing “home.”

If you would like a personal tour of any of these resort home developments in Lake Tahoe, and others that I will be showcasing in my next News article, please feel free to reach out to Borelli Architecture.  We have been designing and remodeling homes throughout the Truckee and Lake Tahoe area for decades and always welcome the opportunity to share our insight.

Jim and Kelly Borelli
Borelli Architecture
Lake Tahoe / Truckee
jim@borelliarchitecture.com
775 831 3060