Friday, November 25, 2011

Thanks And Gratitude For This Time Of Year

Thanks And Gratitude For This Time Of Year (edit/delete)

Thanks And Gratitude For This Time Of Year
Lisa wetzel and Jim valentine Thanks And Gratitude For This time Of Year
Thanks And Gratitude For This time Of Year! It’s time for thankful reflections of gratitude. We are thankful for the continued ultra low interest rates that are enabling many to buy a home. We are thankful for Confident Buyers and Realistic Sellers. Real estate Agents that are helping Buyers and Sellers gain perspective to navigate these challenging times and not whining as they help them accomplish their goals.

We are thankful for the opportunity that young families can achieve and enjoy the American Dream of home ownership due to today’s low prices. For the amazing loan programs available that allow for a magical buying experience. The fine standards of practice in the Northern Nevada real estate industry including escrow officers, lenders, inspectors, as well as Agents. Together we have a wonderful service oriented community of true professionals that help and protect the public as they should. We are grateful to have such quality professional peers to work with.

Give Thanks Carson Valley Land  lisa Wetzel and jim ValentineWe are thankful for the scenic beauty and wonderful people of our communities. The life enhancing opportunities available for our children such as Pop Warner football and cheer leading and the many other superb youth organizations filled with great civic-minded volunteers. We are thankful that the Youth are still and always important in our communities, and that Values are respected and a way of life for most. We are thankful for our many Seniors that stay active in the community and impart their experience and wisdom so we don’t lose our way.


The plentiful water we had this year is cause for thanks. The Valley was green well into Fall, and the crops abundant. We are thankful for the many community events where we play and celebrate together. That we can enjoy free concerts and movies in the park, parades, Wine Walks, and more communal activities where we visit with friends and make new ones. That people still stop to help one another. People still say hello to strangers with a smile. Drivers are courteous – let you in rather than cut you off. The right to vote and the many freedoms we enjoy in this great country of ours.


Our Advice: We are especially thankful for the incredible strength and support of our amazingGive Thanks Carson Valley Land  lisa Wetzel and jim Valentine community as we suffered the passing of a loved one this year. We are eternally grateful for the love we needed and received during this incredibly trying time.

Be thankful for your health, your family and your community. Be thankful for the strength and understanding to carry on when you have a hiccup in the well-being of one of the above. Be thankful for the ability to learn the lessons coming to you during such times, and the good that will result. Every cloud has a silver lining … every cloud.

Be an example of gratitude and be thankful for what is … not resentful for what isn’t. The real estate market is what it is today, not what it was yesterday, or what it will be tomorrow. Be thankful you can establish your priorities and keep the reality of real estate challenges you might be encountering in perspective – its only money and, thankfully, you can get that back. You can’t get back health and the time with your family so keep both strong and plentiful and be thankful that you can.

Maintain a grateful awareness year ‘round and you’ll find much sweetness in your life. These are the good old days!


When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com


Here are a few of our recent blog posts ... please enjoy!


What am I Really Thankful for?


The Unsinkable Volunteer Spirit in Northern Nevada Equals A Continued Demand In Our Local Real Estate Market!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Think Of Selling When Buying A Home

Think Of Selling When Buying A Home (edit/delete)

Think Of Selling When Buying A Home

Think of Selling when you are buying a homeYou’ve negotiated a great price on a home and you’re ready to buy … Stop and Think Of Selling When Buying A Home. It has everything you want right now in a home, but is it a good investment? To be a good investment, it should not only serve your wants and needs well while you live in it, but it should also be something that makes financial sense when you sell. As you find and buy a home you should always think about how you are going to get out of it. Will it be relatively easy to sell when you are ready to sell it?

Regardless of your intended holding period
, it is very important to analyze the saleability of yourLisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine Sold Carson valley Real Estate home before you buy it. Many folks retiring to our area figure they are buying their last home. When the subject of resale comes up they laugh it off as unnecessary. Things ... we call it "Life" ... happen, however, and resale must always be considered regardless of current intentions. Even if you aren’t subject to moving because of employment circumstances any more, there are many other factors that can come in to play, i.e.- health, family, personal interests, etc. that can necessitate an unexpected move.

Buyers today have many buying opportunities, and must be selective. Some ultra low price opportunities are not really the best long term purchase. If a property has location, floor plan, or floodplain problems today, it will still have the same problems when it's time to sell it. The attractive low price relative to the market today will be as low, or lower, when the market gets more competitive. The converse is true. A quality home will always be preferred over inferior properties, and has a better chance for
appreciation, and will sell quicker.

When predicting future saleability there are many things to consider
. Look at the street. Does everybody take care of their property? Is it a neighborhood in transition? Up or down? Are there any physical characteristics of the neighborhood to be concerned about including busy roadways, noise or odor from neighboring business operations, etc.? Are new subdivisions being planned in the community that will compete for future Buyers? Are you going to correct existing deficiencies or make other changes that will affect value during your ownership? If you buy a home with a one car garage, one bathroom, or other similar sale-stifling characteristics you must plan to fix them or your resale will be adversely affected.


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine Sold Carson valley Real EstateOur Advice … Stop and Think Of Selling When Buying A Home!

Always think of selling when you buy a home. If you are getting the deal of the decade on a home there might be a reason. Is it the biggest on the block? Is it functionally or otherwise obsolete? Is something changing in the neighborhood that will decrease, or increase demand, thus value? When selecting a home, make sure you know what’s going on in the neighborhood, how that home compares to the neighborhood, and how the neighborhood fits in to the community overall. With that perspective you can proceed comfortably with confidence. Your agent should help you with this very important assessment as you prepare your offer. It can have a direct impact on the price you offer – up or down.

As you enjoy the euphoria of finding a great home, be sure your agent looks in her crystal ball. In a perfect world you will live in your home in accordance with your intentions, but if something changes it is good to be prepared.


When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our recent blog posts ... please enjoy!

What am I Really Thankful for?


The Unsinkable Volunteer Spirit in Northern Nevada Equals A Continued Demand In Our Local Real Estate Market!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Beware! ... Some The Oldest Tricks In The Real Estate Book

Beware! ... Some The Oldest Tricks In The Real Estate Book

Every profession has its tricks. We’re not talking about tricks to make things smoother, rather the tricks that prey on the unsuspecting public. The Real Estate Profession is no different, in fact is renown for having a plethora of unscrupulous people taking advantage of the good name made by the hardworking honest Professional Real Estate Agents. The amazing thing about tricky people is that they seem to use the same old tricks and the public continues to fall for it. Here are some of “The Oldest Tricks In The Real Estate Book”.

Beware! ... Some The Oldest Tricks In The Real Estate Book “If you list with me I have a Buyer for your home.” Does that Agent not have a Buyer if they don’t list with her? What does that tell you about the Agent? If she truly had a Buyer that she thought the home was perfect for wouldn’t she show it to the Buyer because it is the right home for them? By not showing them the home for her own personal reasons is she really working for that Buyer? The reality is that 99.9% of the time there is no Buyer, just an empty promise.

Occasionally an Agent will say he can sell your home for much more than anybody else says they can, another old trick. This sounds great of course, more money. The problem is that market is what market is. Though some Agents get consistently higher prices for properties than others due to skill we aren’t talking about that here. We are addressing the situation where one Agent will list the property $50,000 more than everybody else said it was worth.

What follows one of three things:


1. He works you over week after week to get a price reduction until you eventually get to the price point where it will sell… having lost a lot of time and even money if you end up following the market down during the lost time.

2. The property doesn’t sell and you have to start over with a new agent only your property is now shop-worn.

3. The property sells, but won’t appraise for the new Buyer. You end up capitulating on the price and you’ll never know if the Agent that listed too high spoke behind your back to manufacture the sale situation.

Buyers can get duped by only being shown select homes. The trick here is to show a high priced listing to compare the home he is going to sell them to… often the Agent’s own listing. This is harder to do these days with the amount of information on the Internet, but it is still something to be aware of. If truly working for the Buyer the Agent will present everything that meets the Buyer’s criteria regardless of who the Listing Agent or Seller is.

Our Advice: The oldest tricks are still used because they work. There are many consumer protection laws but it is hard to prove that you were duped by a tricky unscrupulous Agent so it is best to be aware. The facts are what they are – no glossy talk will change reality. Don’t let the strength of your desires cloud your reasoning. You should have enough information to make an informed decision, not an emotional reaction. Don’t believe someone can accomplish something that the industry can’t – they can’t either. This doesn’t include specialty properties or insight, but that must be specifically explained. A professional Agent will help you understand
Beware! ... Some The Oldest Tricks In The Real Estate Book what and why they said something so you get a true perspective and understanding of the market and how you fit in. Tricky Agents are few, the vast majority of Agents being very professional.

Professional Agents work hard for you to accomplish your goals without chicanery, or tricks.

Beware! ... Some The Oldest Tricks In The Real Estate Book



When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com


Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!

Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Monday, October 17, 2011

Changes In Nevada Seller’s Real Property Disclosure

Changes In Nevada Seller’s Real Property Disclosure

Changes In Nevada Seller’s Real Property Disclosure

New disclosure regulations and a new version of the Seller’s Real Property Disclosure form (SRPD) became Changes In Nevada Seller’s Real Property Disclosureeffective in Nevada on October 1st. The SRPD form used in most residential real estate transactions has several noteworthy changes. The first is on page one of the four page form where the option of a Seller declaring exemption per terms of NRS113.130(2) has been removed. In its place are options to declare the type of Seller, i.e.- Bank (Financial Institution), Asset Management Company, Owner-Occupier, or Other and a blank to fill in.

Also added on page one is the following statement, “Systems and appliances addressed on this form by the seller are not part of the contractual agreement as to the inclusion of any system or appliance as part of the binding agreement.” Yes, it sounds confusing to us as well. If an item like a hot tub isn’t included it would seem logical to mark the N/A option, Not Applicable. If you are including the item then it is part of the agreement regardless of what this
new clause is trying to say.

Another new disclosure clause is pretty self-explanatory, “Has property been the site of a crime involving the previous manufacture of Methamphetamine where the substances have not been removed from or re-mediated on the Property by a certified entity or has not been deemed safe for habitation by the Board of Health?” This information can be vital to a Buyer’s decision making process, from price offered to rescission options.

The last SRPD detail change is the addition of a question asking if the property is subject to a Private Transfer Fee Obligation. A Private Transfer Fee Obligation is as an obligation created by a declaration, covenant, or any contractual agreement or promise, whether or not recorded, that requires the payment of a private transfer fee to the declarant, or other specified person, or to his or her successors or assigns, upon a subsequent transfer of an interest in the real property. The most recent Nevada Legislature deemed that Transfer Fee obligations violate the State of Nevada public policy by impairing the marketability and transferability of real property and by constituting an unreasonable restraint on the alienation of real property. Good to know if you have one.

Two important legal changes appear in the law portion of the SRPD. The first says that a purchaser of residential property may not waive their disclosure rights and a seller may not require a purchaser to waive any of their rights. This had become a prevalent practice with so bank owned properties and is no longer allowed.

The second change addresses property sold by foreclosure. Now, in addition to existing disclosure requirements for any defects known to the Trustee and beneficiary of the deed of trust, they must now provide the contact information of any asset management company who provided asset management services for defect repair or replacement whether or not the efforts were done to completion.

Lisa Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine RE/MAX Realty AffiliatesOur Advice: Sellers - always, always, always…“when in doubt disclose”. Buyers, be sure to read the SRPD. There are legal rights available to you if the Seller doesn’t provide a disclosure, or is fraudulent with what they do or don’t disclose. Penalties can be up to three times damages you incur. Don’t simply rely on a Seller’s disclosure efforts.

Buyers and Sellers have a responsibility to disclose and investigate the property that is the subject of their transaction. Do your part.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com


Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Saturday, October 1, 2011

If the Listing Agent is 450 Miles Away … Run … Do Not Walk … To the Next Listing! (edit/delete)

If the Listing Agent is 450 Miles Away … Run … Do Not Walk … To the Next Listing!

It closed!

Thanks to the Real Estate gods and a very patient buyer … our, “Must Close in 30 Days” Bank Owned Houses for sale in Carson city NevadaHome in Carson City, Nevada finally crawled to a screeching close 89 days after our offer was accepted.

  • Nothing from the initial showing to the final close was user friendly in this transaction!
  • No Code! Can’t get into the house because no one at the “Service Number” knows the procedure and the Listing agent doesn’t belong to our MLS so he doesn’t need to comply with our Lock Box standards. How hard is it anyway to put the code into MLS? We made three trips to see the house before we got in!
  • Next … the pleasure of presenting the offer on a special website that doesn’t function and won’t update.
  • Goody … A listing agent, 450 miles away, who has no idea what is going on because everything is handled through a “Servicer” 3,000 miles to the east of both of us.
  • Every phone call to the listing agent is answered by an obnoxious voice mail that gives me 49 steps to solve every problem except the one that I’m actually calling about.
  • A "Never Ending" three week procedure to turn on the utilities so that we can get the inspections that we only had 7 days to complete in the first place.
  • Extension #1 … Need to extend the closing due to the giant "Pad Lock" on the Garage door to “Secure” the property. No one remotely connected to the “Lock” has a clue to the location of the key. My solution … I cut it off! Three week extension done!
  • Extension #2 … Seller fails to send the Power of Attorney to the Title Company so that the new lender will approve the loan! Two weeks of intense email and phone communication to get this accomplished. The “Servicer” actually called me one morning to inquire … “Why is the Buyer not ready to close?
  • DUH!!! The Buyer is NOT the problem!
  • Loan Approved! Yeah! Almost!
  • Buyer’s lock is ticking. They are anticipating a wonderful “move in” experience ... finally! Docs are signed, funding is poised … All we need is the Seller’s Escrow instructions and deed!
  • Drum roll please! … We Wait … and We Wait … and We Wait!
  • Extension #3 to our 30 Day Close! No Docs! … No Close!
  • Two days after the second 10 extension expired we got a email from the Servicer that the “Closing Documents” had been sent and that we should expect them the following Monday. (Kind of a "Fib") ... to put it nicely ... they were never sent!
  • Surprise … not really … On Thursday of the following week ( three days after our extension EXPIRED) we finally got a tracking number for Fed Ex that showed the closing docs were picked up THURSDAY Morning for Friday delivery (not to mention 3 days past our expired extension)! Ok, as Long as they get here we can live with that!
  • Friday … full of anticipation after 89 days of trying to buy a house with a 30 day close … the Fed Ex Arrives … the deed arrives … the escrow instructions … DO NOT ARRIVE!
  • OMG!
  • Another flurry of frantic emails and phone calls! How the heck can we close without the escrow instruction? Well … due to the herculean efforts of a fantastic Escrow Officer, Rischell Thompson of First American Title … we got them via email, we closed, and the Buyers got their house!


My final email of the day from the listing agent … “The Signed Extension for Closing This Home Next Week Attached."

Give me a break! We deserve battle pay! Our business has gone beyond reality to insane.

If the Listing Agent is 450 Miles Away … Run … Do Not Walk … To the Next Listing!


When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

The Zeal Of The Deal in Real Estate (edit/delete)

"The Zeal Of The Deal in Real Estate"

Buying or selling can be exhilarating, we call it “The Zeal Of The Deal in Real Estate”.

Certainly, most residential transactions contain emotion in copious quantities. It is important that "The Zeal Of TheThe zeal of the deal in Real Estate Deal in Real Estate" not impact the participants in a negative manner. Who are the participants? ... The Buyers, Sellers and Agents. If emotion clouds reason bad things can happen.

The agent should always protect the customer/client regardless of how fast or slow things are moving. The Agent shouldn’t get emotionally involved in the transaction and is there to guide everyone to a smooth “landing”, close of escrow. Unfortunately, sometimes they get excited about selling something and caution is thrown to the wind.

True story we saw happen recently … Sellers and Agents ... hoping against hope ... for eight months that an escrow will close even though the “Buyer” never even put up an Earnest Money Deposit, no less prove ability to fund. Everyone involved in the transaction was so afraid to press the “Buyer” to perform in their zeal for the million dollar deal. The "Buyer”, and we use the term loosely, refused to perform the minimum contractual requirement! Handwriting on the wall … It all ended up being all for naught. Of course … It didn’t close.

Sometimes the “Zeal” in a deal is to Kill It! This can result in a party wanting out so bad that mistakes are made during the rescission process. Whether the Agent or Buyer is the driving force, pressure to effect the cancellation can result in the unnecessary forfeiture of the Earnest Money Deposit. Take the time to explore the options and minimize risk before you take action. Understand the consequences of your action. Sometimes just the language you use will be the difference between keeping or losing thousands of dollars. Pay attention!

It isn’t always speed that causes mistakes in judgment or practice. We once had a building over 100,000 square feet with a sales price over $3 million close in five days. Things can happen quickly, and often that is the best way to get a great price, but they must happen correctly. Don’t “assume” … you know the definition of that … things will work out right. If there is work to be done after the close of escrow make sure there is someone responsible for performance and that there are consequences for non-performance. Often in the excitement to close, things are promised and/or overlooked, but when things calm down after the close their relative importance can be different for the promise maker and the the new home buyer who is counting on that promise!

Experience is Priceless Lisa Wetzel and Jim valentineOur Advice: Zeal can be good – things get done, but don’t get overzealous to the point of compromising your wants, needs or integrity. All the paperwork must be in order, signed correctly, and in a timely manner. Keep your cool and work through the process. Every transaction has a “punch list” that should be completed for that type of transaction, i.e.- inspections, estimates, survey, etc. If you miss a step understand why you are doing so, what the consequences are, and make an informed decision on moving forward, pausing, or otherwise. Each situation is unique and its circumstances will dictate the course of action required for you to achieve your objective. No matter how bad you want to close a sale, it must be right for you and yours, very little can justify compromising or risking your peace and prosperity. Stay focused and make sure the right thing happens when it should and your zeal will be justly rewarded.

Be enthusiastic, but don’t let anybody’s “Zeal For Their Deal” blind you. You may be paying an exorbitant price for a long time if you do. The price can be financial, emotional or legal, but not what you bargained for.

"The Zeal Of The Deal in Real Estate"

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Friday, September 23, 2011

Fifth Annual Sierra Lutheran Falcons Fundraiser at the Minden Food Company

Fifth Annual Sierra Lutheran Falcons Fundraiser at the Minden Food Company (edit/delete)

Fifth Annual Sierra Lutheran Falcons Fundraiser at the Minden Food Company.

The Minden Food Company again hosted the annual wine tasting fundraiser for the Sierra Lutheran Falcons basketball team. Held in the middle of the street outside theFifth Annual Sierra Lutheran Falcons Fundraiser at the Minden Food Company Minden Food Company restaurant, the event has become a highly anticipated time to see old friends and catch up. Each special event in our small town draws its own crowd and this one is always special, the old guard.


In addition to the Minden Food Company prepared taste treats served by roaming “waiters”, basketball players, there is live music, authors signing their books, art for sale, and other appropriate vendors. The time of year is perfect for an outdoor event, not too hot or cold.

The event is symbolic of the coming together of the many passions of Alan Reed. Alan is the coach of the Sierra Lutheran Falcons basketball team, having been a standout at Douglas High and played college ball. He is the owner of The Minden Food Company, and he likes an occasional class of good Cabernet Fifth Annual Sierra Lutheran Falcons Fundraiser at the Minden Food CompanySauvignon. This event is the culmination of all three passions. Alan is everywhere visiting at the event, making sure that everyone is having a good time.

It is another one of those fine Carson Valley events that gets many out of their routine to participate in and experience a nice evening. What a fun way to support the youth of our community.
Tickets are limited so be sure to get yours early next year wen they become available for the Sixth Falcons Fundraiser.

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Doing The "Walmart Wait" in Carson Valley, Nevada.

Doing The "Walmart Wait" in Carson Valley, Nevada.

walmart is coing to Gardnerville nevadaWalmart is coming to our small town. We have a big one and a nearby Costco at the north end of the Valley, about 15 miles north of Gardnerville, and one in Carson City, about 8 miles north of that, but they are building another down our way.


Rumors abound about a construction start date, but so far all that has been done is offsite and some onsite improvements. Every 6 weeks, or so, there is an article in the paper giving a status update on the permit draw and estimated start date.

So how are the local merchants preparing?
The oldest Raleys in Gardnerville Nevadagrocery store in Carson Valley, Raley’s, has done an extensive remodel, both interior and exterior. New façade, new floor, ceiling, display cases and lighting. There are even three different types of check out available now. You can check yourself out, get in a line and unload your own basket, or get in another and have the checker unload the basket for you.

There’s a new hardware store in town that has taken the expansion route. They have expanded their showroom several times over the past few months and added substantial inventory. Their inventory is such that they will have good separation from what is typically offered at a Walmart store.

The cost savings is substantial on many items when shopping at a Walmart. It used to take a contemplated decision to determine if it was worth a trip to the store. Would the travel expense be justified by the savings. Now, however, Walmart is bringing the savings to the Carson Valley residents. They will be in our backyard staffed by neighbors and friends. Hard to say, "no".

Each time we’ve had a new store come in to our tiny community the old stores have made adjustments to compete, including reducing their pricing. It is disappointing to see that they can not only survive, but thrive with the reduced pricing. What were they doing to us all those years? Competition is good, capitalism at its finest.

We will support the businesses that support us, our youth sports, and our community. Thus the hardware store will be unnamed as they were reluctant to help a local youth sports program.

Too bad ... a small town is like a large family!

When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

Here are a few of our blog posts ... please enjoy!


Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Lost Our Mobile Mouse Traps ... "Mouser" To The Rescue!

Lost Our Mobile Mouse Traps ... "Mouser" To The Rescue!

Lost Our Mobile Mouse Traps ... "Mouser" To The Rescue!

Lost Our Mobile Mouse Traps ... "Mouser" To The Rescue!We lost two of our mobile mouse traps this year and have been surprised at the consequences. Our two best mousers, Chester and Stash, so named because he had a bright orange mustache, both passed at ages 19 and 17. After missing the kitty offerings at the backdoor … vole and mouse remnants … we started finding other “gifts” in the form of little black pellets.

The combination of changed weather, and lack of outdoor cats created an amazingly fertile rodent situation. The alfalfa fields had voles like never before, and mouse sightings in the garage were soon common place. We missed our old cats and their contribution to the household!

The rodent population reached a point where action was necessary. A dozen traps and high body count later we are getting a handle on the garage situation just ahead of the winter months when many rodents try to move inside.

We also took the best step – we got a new mouser. His name is “Mouser”, and he’s a definite keeper. He has big paws to grow in to, and a great disposition. He is currently assimilating in to the household, getting to know the dogs and other cats. He is holding his own, eating with the dogs and getting his own sleeping spot on the bed.

He is very curious about the garage, even made a couple of breaks into it over the past week. Mouser is destined to a great existence – the best of both worlds. He’ll have all the time in the garage and fields that he wants to hunt, and will undoubtedly spend his sleeping hours on a soft pillow somewhere in the house. Chester used to sleep everywhere – in the chicken coop with the chickens, on top or underneath things – was flexible, curious, and interactive with his world.

Mouser seems to have much of the same personality and came to us the same way … a rescue. He could be a 20 year cat – we hope so the more we get to know him.


When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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When it comes to choosing professionals to assist you with your real estate needs ... Experience is Priceless! Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine, CDPE, SFR, RE/MAX Realty Affiliates, 775-781-5472 carsonvalleyland@hotmail.com, www.carsonvalleyland.com

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Lisa Wetzel and Jim Valentine are the authors of this blog. Lisa, Jim and Jessie are experts in Carson Valley , Carson City and the tri-county area of Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call our team anytime at 775-781-5472 or 775-781-3704. To Search for Homes go to: Carson Valley Listing Book or visit our website at www.CarsonValleyLand.com