Lake County Real Estate Blog

Contra Costa Times
July 14th, 2008 6:50 AM

Vacation at Clear Lake a

snapshot of bygone

summer day

By Jenny Slafkosky

Special to Contra Costa Times

Article Launched: 07/13/2008 12:06:00 AM PDT

Around this time every year we start talking about

the lake.

"Who's going this year?" someone will ask, though

it's kind of a silly question. The same people go

every year.

For more than 40 years my boyfriend's family, along

with an extended network of friends, has been

making an annual summer pilgrimage to Clear Lake

to swim, boat, fish, barbecue and, most important,

spend time together.

It's a tradition that started when Ginny, my

boyfriend's mom, was a child and her parents

started taking the kids to the lake every summer. In

1978 Ginny started taking her own children to

Indian Beach resort in Clearlake Oaks, always staying

in Cabin 10. The family has been known collectively

as "Cabin 10" ever since.

When Ginny died two years ago, it was her specific

wish that the family continue going to the lake. The

truth is it's not something we'd ever miss.

"I can close my eyes anywhere and hear the sounds

of the lake," she wrote in one of the three thick

scrapbooks that hold the history of the family's lake

adventures. "The ducks, the birds, the waves on the

gravel, the docks creaking, the screen door

slamming, the trucks on the highway, the bell at the

little store, the jet ski motors — everything that is

tied up with the many memories I have."

I am a relative newcomer to the family, but like

everyone else who's stayed at Cabin 10, the place

has gotten under my skin. We daydream about

jumping in the water to swim off the heat of late

afternoon, or dozing on the dock while the waves

lap on the shore. We reminisce about the time our

friend Justin bought a six-foot-tall sculpture of a

hot dog (which he dubbed Hot Dog Man) on an

antiquing trip and about the time we had to rescue

the dog with a Jet Ski as she eagerly chased a duck

into the middle of the lake.

We bet on how many fish Boris will (or will not)

catch and how quickly we can knock Rachel and Ali

out of the towable inner tube as we pull it behind

the boat. We look forward to Indian Beach's weekly

potluck and pancake breakfast, and to seeing the

other resort regulars — families who, like us, have

brought children and then grandchildren back year

after year. In the age of jet-setting and package

vacations, going to the lake seems rare and special,

like a favorite snapshot of a bygone summer day.

We want the funk

While Clear Lake is known for its exceptional

natural beauty — it's California's largest freshwater

lake and a destination for bass fishing, birders and

rock collectors — parts of the county have a

reputation of being, well, funky.

Many Lake County resorts that thrived in the 1950s

and '60s fell on hard times as the family lake

vacation fell out of vogue in favor of more allinclusive

theme-park-oriented trips in the '70s and

'80s. In economic decline, the county gained a

reputation as depressed and deserted, a stigma that

it still struggles with today.


Posted by Travis Lipscomb on July 14th, 2008 6:50 AMPost a Comment (0)

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2004-2008 1st Quarter $ Volume Review for Lake County California Real Estate
July 8th, 2008 6:05 AM
 

Down, Down, Down or is it?
A quick analysis of the market shows a fall in the market with the bottom being the only end in site, however with further analysis you will see a whole other market.

 

 


Posted by Travis Lipscomb on July 8th, 2008 6:05 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Lake County California Sunset / CNN Article
July 7th, 2008 3:32 PM
Sunset

(Sunset) -- By the time we arrive at Ceàgo Del Lago Winery, on the northwestern shore of Lake County's Clear Lake, we've seen far more birds than people. Western grebes, thousands of them, bob peacefully until our boat gets directly in front of them. Then they dive upside down like toy ducks, showing their black-and-white behinds before disappearing under the surface.

art.lake.county.jpg
art.vineyards.jpg

Lake County, California, is a haven for water recreation.

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So when we pull up to Ceàgo, we're almost surprised to see a couple of bass fishermen casting right off the dock. People at last!

"Catch anything?" my husband calls out.

"Nah," says one, without looking up. His friend chimes in, "But at least it's a nice place to hang out." And then, gesturing to Ceàgo: "And the wine over there's pretty good too."

The scene sums up what's so nice about visiting Northern California's Lake County. Even with a burgeoning wine scene, Lake County is still first and foremost a haven of water recreation and summertime fun. If you're looking for the opposite of tony Napa, it doesn't get much more un-Napa than this.

The fun center of the wine country

Two-and-a-half hours north of San Francisco and two hours northwest of Sacramento, Clear Lake has long been party central for college kids drawn here for water-skiing, boating and concerts at Konocti Harbor.

Though that element certainly still exists, now there are also a few very sophisticated restaurants and hotels (the Blue Wing Saloon and the Tallman Hotel, most notably), as well as 10 or so worthwhile wineries. Among those is the only boat-in winery we've ever heard of. (Travel planner: Hotels, restaurants, wineries)

Getting there

To get to Lakeport from San Francisco, take U.S. 101 north to Hopland, then head east on State 175.

Explore by boat: Disney's Boat Rentals is family-operated, and one of several boat rental outfitters in town. Ask for directions to Rodman Slough and Ceago Del Lago Winery. From $145 for 3 hours; 401 S. Main St., Lakeport; 707/263-0969.

Arrive by plane: San Francisco Seaplane Tours -- hourly departures whisk you from Mill Valley to Ceago Del Lago Winery in 35 minutes. Reservations required; call for prices; 242 Redwood Hwy., Mill Valley; 415/332-4843.

It's a concept we can't resist. Roy Disney, of Disney's Boat Rentals, sets us up at the boat launch in Lakeport, instructing us to head east first to "the Narrows," where the north arm of the lake connects to the south arm, before the lake gets choppy. He tells us how to use Mt. Konocti -- the once-active volcano that looms several thousand feet above the lake -- as a landmark, and invites us to call his cell phone if we lose our bearings.

Though it's still morning, we're dying to check out Ceàgo -- we'll have just a sip, we rationalize. We head north toward the lake's western shore, passing Clear Lake State Park. We briefly consider stopping here for a hike (the park has boat access as well), but decide against it, figuring that today should be all about boat rides and decadence.

A few miles northwest of the park, we glimpse the dock of Ceàgo, looking like an arm outstretched in a gesture of welcome. After we've chatted with the fishermen, we tie up the boat and walk up the dock into a Mediterranean-style garden that could easily be mistaken for one beside Italy's Lake Como.

A lavender-lined path leads through gardens framed by olive trees. In front of us is a courtyard where a fountain burbles and festive music plays. People come and go in and out of a tasting room tucked into a series of hacienda-style buildings. The place feels more like a spa than a winery -- and in fact, it will eventually be both, Jim Fetzer tells us.

Fetzer, whose family produced an annual 2.5 million cases of wines in the 1980s and '90s, discovered Lake County as a teenager, when his father used to take him on grape-buying trips.

After the Fetzer family sold the company and the name, Jim bought a 163-acre piece of prime lakefront property in the then not-so-nice town of Nice (pronounced like the city in France) and set about creating the county's first resortlike destination. He plans to break ground on the spa as well as a restaurant in two to three years.

"Lake County could be the fun center of the wine country," Fetzer says, gesturing out to the lake, where a seaplane is floating, flanked by a group of teenagers sunning themselves on inner tubes. After calling out a welcome to the group -- which, it turns out, is celebrating a birthday out here on the lake -- Fetzer tells us about the seaplane access he's just created, and the ferry system he's working on putting in place.

He talks about Lake County's clean air (the best in the state, he claims), the lack of fog, the tremendous birdlife. "Being on the lake, making wine, it doesn't get much better," he says.

On the way back to Lakeport, at Fetzer's urging, we stop at Rodman Slough, a wetlands preserve just a few miles west of Ceàgo. We kill the engine, and slowly, an Audubon scene comes to life before our eyes: A great blue heron stands stately in the tule reeds; a grebe dives for its prey. I say that I can't believe all the birdlife here.

"Why not?" my husband replies. "It's a pretty nice place to hang out."

By Amy Wolf Sunset Magazine


Posted by Travis Lipscomb on July 7th, 2008 3:32 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Quagga Mussel
July 7th, 2008 3:29 PM

Beginning July 1st, 2008 Lake County residents will pay $10 for each invasive mussel sticker issued. They will receive a red sticker from any of the many locations throughout Lake County, including the Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce. Each applicant must provide either their boat registration showing that they reside in Lake County, or a PG&E bill showing that they own a home in lake county to receive the resident sticker. Visitors will need to bring their registration along with $10 for each watercraft.

For up to date information on how to assist in containing the spread of the Quagga and Zebra mussels, please go to: www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels.


Posted by Travis Lipscomb on July 7th, 2008 3:29 PMPost a Comment (0)

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Porsche 914 EV Project
June 24th, 2008 10:30 AM

Well the project continues.

I have located the Porsche 914 and purchased. The car is great handles well, is zippy and just over all fun to drive. I located a car that hadn't had a lot of body work done on it. I wanted to make sure I wasn't purchasing a rust bucket. The car is very sound and only has a few minor dents that will be easy to pop out. I have chosen a color, tangerine orange.

Next phase is to sell my 05' Toyota Tundra Limited 4wd quad cab. It is blue booked at $26,000 and I have it for sale at $20,000. Hopefully it will sell soon and I can utilize the funds to convert the car.

If you have an EV project and would like to share it please post a comment by clicking below on post a comment.


Posted by Travis Lipscomb on June 24th, 2008 10:30 AMPost a Comment (0)

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How to hold Title in California
June 24th, 2008 9:50 AM

Here is a chart on how to hold title in California.

Community Property Joint Tenancy Tenancy in Common Tenancy in Partnership Title Holding Trust Community Property Right of Survivorship
Parties Only husband & wife Any number of persons can be husband & wife Two or more persons or entities Only partners (any number) Individuals or groups/partnerships or corporations Only husband & wife
Division Ownership & managerial interests are equal Joint tenants have one of the same interest Ownership can be divided into equal or unequal interests Ownership interest is in relation to the partnership Ownership is personal property interest/can be divided into # of interests Ownership and managerial interests are equal
Title Title is in the community/each interest is equal Only one title to the entire property Each co-owner has a separate legal title to his or her undivided interest Title is in the partnership Legal and equitable title is held by the trustee

Title is in the community Each interest is separate

Possession Both co-owners have equal possession Equal right of possession Each co-owner has a separate legal title to his or her undivided interest Equal right of possession but only for partnership property Right of possession as specified in the trust provision Both co-owners have equal possession
Conveyance Real property requires written consent of the other spouse & with separate interest cannot be conveyed except upon death Conveyance by one co-owner without the other breaks his or her joint tenancy Each co-owner's interest may be conveyed separately by its owner Any authorized partner may convey whole partnership property from partnership purposes Designated parties within the trust agreement authorize the trustee to convey property. A beneficiary's interest in the trust may be transferred. Real property requires written consent of other spouse, an with separate interest cannot be conveyed except upon death
Purchaser's Status Purchaser can only acquire title of community; cannot acquire a part of it Purchaser will become a tenant in common with other co-owners in the property Purchaser will become a tenant in common with the other co-owners in the property Purchaser can only acquire the whole title Purchaser may obtain a beneficial interest by assignment or may obtain legal and equitable title from the trust Purchaser can only acquire whole title of community; cannot acquire a part of it
Death On co-owner's death, 1/2 belongs to survivor in severalty. 1/2 goes by will to descendant's devisee or by succession to survivor On co-owner's death the entire tenancy remains to the survivor. This right of survivorship is the primary incident of joint tenancy On co-owner's death his or her interest passes by will to devisee or heirs. No survivorship right On partner's death his or her partnership interest passes to the surviving partner(s) pending liquidation of the partnership. Share of deceased partner then goes to his or her estate Successor beneficiaries may be named in the trust agreement, eliminating the need for probate On co-owner's death the entire tenancy remains to the survivor. Subject to the same procedures as property held in joint tenancy
Successor's Status Devisees or heirs become tenants in common Last survivor owns property in severalty Devisee or heirs become tenants in common Heirs or devisees have rights in partnership interest but not in specific property Defined by trust agreement, generally the successor becomes the beneficiary and trust continues Surviving spouse owns property
Creditor's Rights Co-owner's interest may be sold on execution sale to his or her creditor. Creditor becomes tenant in common Co-owner's interest may be sold on execution sale to satisfy creditor. Joint tenancy is broken and creditor becomes tenant in common Co-owner's interest may be sold on execution sale to his or her creditor. Creditor becomes a tenant in common Partner's interest may not be seized or sold separately by his or her personal creditor but his or her share of profits may be obtained by a personal creditor. Whole property may be sold on execution sale to satisfy partnership creditor Creditor may seek an order for execution sale of the beneficial interest or may seek an order that the trust estate be liquidated and the proceeds distributed Property of community is liable for debts of either which are made before or after marriage; whole property may be sold on execution sale to satisfy creditor
Presumption Strong presumption that property acquired by husband and wife is community Must be expressly stated Favored in doubtful cases except husband and wife cased interest Arise only by virtue of partnership status in property placed in partnership A trust is expressly created by an executed trust agreement Must be expressly stated
 

Posted by Travis Lipscomb on June 24th, 2008 9:50 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Simplify'em
June 16th, 2008 12:28 PM

New free property management software!

This software is easy to use and is a snap to setup.

If you want we will set it up for you.
Just contact travis@lakeinvestment.com

 

What's being said about Simplify'em....

"The product is amazing! Your site is easy to use... I have saved $6004 in taxes for two properties.Great product, thanks for putting it out there"
-Robert Kelly, Real Estate Investor and Associate Broker

"..found it (DeferEm.com) quite useful in completing IRS Form 8824 (for 1031 exchange). Appreciate your application."
-R. E. Greenberger, Attorney, American Bar Association

"..it was very easy to use.. it would be a no-brainer at $97, no
thinking involved."
-Raymond Young, CPA

"..looks great.. job well done. I'm going to invite my CPA to try
your product."
-Anonymous
 
Forbes.com
Whether you do taxes yourself or use a tax pro, you should at least
consider accelerated depreciation, particularly now that software
makes tracking and calculations easier.

Chicago Tribune
"It (DepreciateEm) can save you thousands of dollars..."
-Gail MarksJarvis, Your Money columnist

WebCPA
Like-kind exchanges of real estate are getting a lot of play these days, but the accompanying paperwork is so fiendishly complicated that it may make you wish you'd built a new building instead. Single-handedly. In the dark. TRex Global's free online application Defer 'Em aims to take the pain out of the paperwork, with guided assistance.

 


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Lake Investment Top Real Estate Web Site
May 28th, 2008 8:44 AM

LakeInvestment.com makes top real estate website with the top real estate website company. The Median score for Alamode Xsites siting at 145 LakeInvestment.com comes in at 673 .

The score means a lot to the team at Lake Investment as we want to be the premier lake county website. By being the best in the nation we have reached this goal. Now we plan on keeping at the top. We are proud to be the top and a role model to the rest of the Realtor/ Real Estate community as what a website can be.

We pledge to continue to be innovative and add to our website. Giving you the buyer or seller the tools you need to make the right decision.

When it comes time to buy or sell in Lake County we will be there for you from the beginning to the end.

If you are looking at Real Estate outside of Lake County we will put you in touch with an expert that we have screened to make sure that you get the same service we would give you in Lake County California.


Posted by Travis Lipscomb on May 28th, 2008 8:44 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Advisory Committee
May 16th, 2008 10:58 AM
Travis Lipscomb joins the Shoreline Communities Advisory Committee. If you live in Upper Lake, Nice, Lucerne, Glenhaven or Clearlake Oaks; your comments and suggestion are appreciated.

Posted by Travis Lipscomb on May 16th, 2008 10:58 AMPost a Comment (0)

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Green Future for Commercial Buildings
May 16th, 2008 8:31 AM
Daily Real Estate News  |  May 15, 2008


WASHINGTON — Climate change is in the political crosshairs, with presidential candidates on both sides of the aisle advocating policies to reduce greenhouse emissions, particularly carbon dioxide.

That could mean big changes for commercial real estate, since buildings account for 29 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions, said Andy Ehrlich, senior vice president of B&D Consulting, a national advisory and advocacy firm based in Washington, D.C.

He spoke to commercial practitioners at Wednesday’s Commercial Legislative and Regulatory Subcommittee at NAR’s Midyear Meetings.

Congress has already created an agency in the U.S. Department of Energy to evaluate ways in which commercial buildings could reduce emissions and save energy. In addition, a proposed bill (S. 2191) would require commercial buildings to reduce energy use by 30 percent beyond the standard currently espoused by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). After 2019, standards would get even tighter.

The bill would also offer incentives to states to update their building and energy efficiency codes.

The goal of the legislation, according to Ehrlich, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately two-thirds by 2050. Most scientists estimate that this level of reduction would be sufficient to prevent significant climate change, said Ehrlich.

Even without regulation, higher fuel prices and growing tenant demand are greatly increasing the demand for green buildings in the U.S., said Ehrlich. While green buildings account for only about 2 percent of new commercial construction today, he estimated that by 2010, that percentage could increase to as much as 10 percent of new construction.

“There’s no perfect bullet to reducing green house gases; we’re all going to have to take part, including the owners and managers of commercial real estate,” he concluded.

— By Mariwyn Evans for REALTOR® magazine online

Posted by Travis Lipscomb on May 16th, 2008 8:31 AMPost a Comment (0)

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