Category Archives: Lake Tahoe

bathroom remodel houston

How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Lake Tahoe?

Are you looking to make your home stand out among all other homes? If so, you have likely thought about remodeling your bathroom to meet current design trends. Remodeling your bathroom will not only help increase the value of your home but it will also be a more relaxing and serene place for you and your family. While remodeling your bathroom will cost money upfront it is a great investment because it will pay off in the long run. It can help you save money now and can also help you get more money when you sell your home. Here is everything you need to know about a bathroom remodel Houston.

Cost Of A Bathroom Remodel

If you are looking to get a bathroom remodel Houston you should get estimates from contractors and companies to determine how much they think a bathroom remodel would cost you. Recent statistics state that an average complete bathroom remodel is about 20,000 dollars. This may seem like a lot but it can range anywhere from about 6,000 to 50,000 dollars. The cost of a bathroom remodel can depend on various things like the following:

#1) Size Of Bathroom

One of the main factors that will affect the price of your bathroom remodel is the size of your bathroom. The larger your bathroom the more expensive it will be to upgrade and the smaller the bathroom the less expensive it will be to upgrade. The larger bathroom you have the more materials you will need to complete the job and the more time it will take to lay the materials. Therefore you will spend more on the cost of materials and installation if you have a larger than average bathroom.

#2) Upgrades

Another main factor that affects the cost of a bathroom remodel is the upgrades that you choose to get in your bathroom. There are endless style choices and designs features and that you can use in your bathroom. The higher quality and more unique choices you decide to get the more expensive it will be. Certain upgrades that you will need to consider installing are vanity upgrades, toilet upgrades, shower or tub upgrades, tile upgrades, and more. Each upgrade can cost a different amount of money so it is important that you set a budget for yourself and communicate regularly with your contractor to get the highest quality products for the most affordable price.

#3) Flooring Choices

There are several flooring choices that you must choose from when remodeling your bathroom. Certain types of flooring will cost more than others and this decision can affect the total cost of your bathroom remodel. If you are not worried about the price you can freely pick out any floors you want, but if you have a budget, like most of us do, you should ask your contractor for the different benefits of each type of flooring. Since you are installing this floor in your bathroom you will likely want to get a waterproof floor. Ensure that it comes with a warranty and is sure to not buckle or bend when hit with water.

#4) Lighting Choices

The lighting choices that you choose to use in your bathroom is another factor that may affect the cost. Typically a bathroom may only have one light already installed. If you want to install more than one light you will likely have an increased charge. If you have to run new wiring and new electrical connections the price of the remodel could go up. A simple change in a light fixture should not affect the total cost too much as long as you choose a standard light fixture and do not choose an upgrade.

Reducing Remodel Costs

The average cost of a bathroom remodel can get expensive. If you have a set budget in mind you may want to find ways to help reduce the cost of your bathroom remodel. You can work with your contracting company to determine if there are certain ways to help reduce the costs. Some simple things that you can do may include doing your own demolition, choosing simple and easy to install tiles, and purchasing new items off the clearance or sale racks. You may get lucky and find great products that were discontinued and are now on sale. Ask your contractor if they know of any products like this that can help you save money.

While the price of a bathroom remodels may scare some people into waiting to get started the best time to start a bathroom remodel is now. The earlier you do a bathroom remodel the longer you and your family can enjoy the benefits of a new bathroom. Once you have a new bathroom you can have peace of mind knowing that everything is new. You will also feel more serene and peaceful because the bathroom will reflect your style and your personality. Investing money now in your bathroom will significantly increase the value of your home in the future and help you sell your home much faster

Ways to Land Your Dream Government Relations Job in Lake Tahoe

A career in government relations is perfect for the person that loves the connectivity of public relations and the power of politics. If you’re hoping to launch a career in government relations, you’ll be facing some steep competition. Whether you’re aiming for a job at the local, state, or federal level, you’ll need to meet several requirements to start working in this industry. Consider the following tips to help you land the job of your dreams:

1. Bookmark Government Job Search Sites

As popular as government jobs are, there are many resources available to help you find a position you’re searching for. As you look for the right government relations position in Lake Tahoe, be sure to make use of government job search sites like usajobs.gov. This type of site lists various government job openings throughout the United States. On this site, you’ll find information about each position, like the minimum qualifications, application instructions, basic benefits, and duties.

Search through this information to find the right position for you in government relations. Review the salary range, and location carefully to make sure you’re the right fit for the job.

2. Choose Positions That You’re Qualified For

Many government relations jobs require several years of experience in communications or a similar field. While recent graduates can certainly get a position in this field of work, it’s important to take into consideration the specific qualifications each employer is searching for. Experts like David Urban remind applicants to carefully review the qualifications in each job announcement against their level of training, experience, and background. In a government relations job, agencies are hoping to find an applicant that meets all of their requirements, so keep this in mind.

3. Don’t Forget Any of the Details

When applying for a government job, every aspect of your application will be carefully scrutinized. If you leave an application incomplete or are missing key pieces of information, you’ll lose out on a potential interview. Whether you’re completing your online job application or updating your resume, remember that the details are key. Recruiters are searching for an applicant that goes above and beyond with their letters of recommendation, resume, writing samples, transcripts, and any additional supplemental materials.

As you focus on crossing your “T’s” and dotting your “I’s” in your applications, always adhere to all deadlines. Likewise, if you’re given a specific timeframe to apply by, make sure you turn your application in before the deadline.

4. Ace Your Interview

If you’ve been granted an interview after applying, you’re in the running to land a Lake Tahoe government relations job. Though you’ve been shortlisted out of the many applicants that have applied, you still need to wow the interviewer before you can secure the position. Make sure your interview goes as smoothly as possible by arriving early, asking questions, coming prepared, and dressing in a professional manner. Experts like David Urban recommend that applicants prepare a short speech about why they’re the perfect fit for the job.

Working in government relations can be an exciting career for the right person. As you continue the application process for your future government relations job, be sure to keep this guide in mind.

Colony Associates Discusses if You Should Finance Your Lake Tahoe Trip Via Credit Card

MarketWatch found that 75 percent of Americans have, at least once, put their vacation on their credit card. They also found that Americans were more interested, on average, in saving for a vacation than saving for retirement or a home. The average vacation cost was over $1,1,00. The majority of the respondents to the survey do not budget for a vacation.

Colony Associates is often asked by customers if they should use their credit cards to fund their next vacation. The answer is that it is great to use your credit card for your vacation if you can pay the entire balance at the end of the month. Otherwise, it is a bad idea.

What is Wrong With Credit Card Usage?

High Interest: Credit cards can be a great way to track your spending, if you pay off the balance in full each month. The problem is that many Americans are stuck in what they believe is an endless debt loop. They cannot pay off their credit cards because the average interest rate on consumer credit cards is over 20 percent.

Over-Extended Credit: MarketWatch also warns that consumers who carry high credit card balances can also harm their ability to get other credit they need at beneficial interest rates, such as mortgages. Also, borrowers who are over-extended in their credit may not get their application for an apartment approved.

Banks and other lenders look at a borrower’s credit utilization ratio as one important factor in credit worthiness. If a borrower utilizes too high of a percentage of the total credit lines they have been extended, they are considered not a good credit risk. This leads to borrowers either being turned down for loans or having to accept high interest rates.

Over-Estimation of Travel Rewards: A study conducted by Nerdwallet found that many Americans overestimate the travel rewards they will receive from their credit cards. Many people also do not take into account the interest they are paying and weigh that against the benefit of the travel reward. They warn consumers not to get into high-interest credit card debt in order to earn travel rewards.

Other Solutions

Save Automatically for Your Vacation

There are so many great consumer debit cards out there that allow you to place some money from your paycheck into your account automatically each month. One of the better products is American Express Bluebird. It is a debit card that allows you to automatically deposit your paycheck each month into it, just like a bank account. A savvy consumer can choose the best of these debit cards and use them to automatically sock away money for vacations, rainy day expenses, annual bills, etc.

If You Are Already Over-Extended

If you already have indulged in vacations that dug you into a debt hole, you need to take the time to create a budget and see where you can reduce expenses in order to start paying down the debt. Also, you need to reduce your interest payments.

There are two good ways to reduce interest payments on your debt:

Zero-Interest Credit Cards: If you have good to moderate credit, you can get a credit card that will provide you an interest rate of zero percent for 12 to 18 months. This is a good option if you can pay down the debt during that introductory, interest-free period.

Personal Loans: If it will take over a year or so to pay down your current, high-interest credit card debt, you can take out a personal loan from a company like Colony Associates. These loans tend to have low interest rates and longer payment periods. They allow you to make one monthly payment on all of your debt and provide a definite debt payoff date.

Colony Associates advises consumers to have a budget for vacations, just like any other yearly expense. If you are already struggling in high-interest credit card debt, call them today for solutions

Daniel Doyle Pleasantville Shares Why Lake Tahoe Is The Perfect Escape For Photographers

Daniel Doyle Pleasantville is a renowned photographer who has traveled the world, but there is one place that he recommends more than any other. Lake Tahoe is a stunningly beautiful location that has everything a photographer could want!

Easy to Access

Lake Tahoe is located on the border of California and Nevada. It is extremely easy to access from any major airport. After flying into Reno, Nevada Lake Tahoe is only about an hour’s drive away. There are many great hotels and houses for rent there, no matter if you’re traveling on your own or with friends or your entire family.

Affordable

While Lake Tahoe is a tourist location, it is relatively well-priced for a visit. You always have the option of renting a house or a space with a kitchen and cooking your own meals. There are also lots of mid to low-priced drinking and dining establishments around the lake. This is partially because there is a large population of locals who work at the various outdoor facilities. Ski bums, hikers, bikers, and all kinds of outdoor guides populate fun and affordable nightlife establishments. This means that you don’t have to spend a fortune eating out or having fun. The locals are also very friendly and love Lake Tahoe, so they’re almost always willing to discuss great spots around town for shooting pictures.

Varied Terrain

Dan Doyle Pleasantville has found that the thing that makes Lake Tahoe one of the best places to shoot is the incredibly varied terrain in and around Lake Tahoe. The lake itself offers wonderful vistas of boats and water. There are also mountains, valleys, prairies, bike trails, stunning cliffs, and there are plenty of local spots that lend themselves to terrific photographs. There is also an incredibly colorful and fun local community of outdoors people that lend themselves to wonderful photographs.

Great Place to Visit All Year Round

Lake Tahoe might be known for its great skiing and winter activities, but Daniel Doyle Pleasantville recommends visiting in the summer, spring, and fall as well. The beautiful mountains are simply stunning at any time of the year. Not only that, Lake Tahoe has so many activities to photograph all year round! The skiers and snowboarders that populate the area in the winter are wonderful fodder for the sports photographer. There are so many different ski resorts to visit! There are even Olympic training sites, as well as former Olympic sites to discover. In the summer there are stand-up paddleboarders, kayakers, hikers, bikers, and swimmers to photograph! Dan Doyle Pleasantville has also found that Lake Tahoe is a wonderful place for portrait photography. The many families, and interesting people, combined with the stunning natural beauty of the area can make for incredibly beautiful portraits!

History

Lake Tahoe and the surrounding areas are also packed with so of the most interesting indigenous and American history in the United States; and all in one place! Driving about 45 minutes outside of Lake Tahoe will deliver you to the site of the infamous Donner Party. There is a beautiful lake there with many lovely natural history features, as well as several memorials and historical monuments about the Donner Party.

No matter what kind of photography you are looking to practice, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to visit. People, animals, sports, and anything else that you are looking to photograph will all be there for the shooting in Lake Tahoe

3 Reasons Why Lake Tahoe is The Perfect Place to Vacation if You Want a Celebrity Sighting

Where are all the celebrities spending their vacation? If you want to live the good life, then simply emulate the celebrities. They know the best restaurants, vacation spots and brands. That is why we purchase so many of the products and services that they endorse. 

For decades, Lake Tahoe has become a meeting place for the movers and shakers of the world, including Trent Dilfer and Annika Sorenstam today, but in the past was home to Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Cher. Discover 3 reasons why Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to vacation if you want a celebrity sighting. 

Natural Beauty: Lake Tahoe

Nestled between California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is at the center of numerous national forests and national parks, including Eldorado, Tahoe and Yosemite. The land is pristine, beautiful and undisturbed by modern urban life. You might even see the American Black Bear ambling through the trees. 

1. Remote Getaway

Lake Tahoe is off-the-beaten path. So, unless you were planning on vacationing there, it is unlikely that you would drive by Lake Tahoe. This remote location allows celebrities to unwind and relax amongst the well-to-do. 

This beautiful lake is 22 miles long by 12 miles wide for a total of 191 square miles. It is officially the largest alpine lake in North America, only behind the Great Lakes in terms of volume. Lake Tahoe is also the second deepest lake in the United States at 1,645 feet. 

2. Five Star Hospitality

Guests can enjoy five-star accommodations at Lake Tahoe luxury hotels. For a 4-diamond resort, you might want to stay at the Hyatt Regency near Incline Village. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Lake Tahoe has earned the coveted AAA 5-diamond mountain resort designation. Enjoy the sun rising and setting looking out your floor-to-ceiling windows; each room has its own fireplace to create some romantic moments. 

The Resort at Squaw Park was the location for the 1960 Winter Olympics. You can relive memories of world-class athletes at this full-service resort. And, the Tahoe Mountain Resorts Lodging has a gondola in the lobby. 

3. World Class Skiing

When America wanted to show off its winter sports to the world, it choose Lake Tahoe for the 1960 Olympics. Besides world-class skiing, you can also enjoy hiking, biking and scuba diving. In fact, the area’s Flume Trail has been rated as one of America’s Top 10 Trails by Mountain Biking Magazine. 

So, when all is said and done, celebrities can relax, unwind and even get in shape. The locals know how to take good care of tourists. Make sure to bring your camera to take great selfies with the stars. 

Will You Spot Celebrity Wood Harris at Lake Tahoe?

You might have seen accomplished actor Wood Harris on The Wire, Empire or House television shows. He also played Little Duke in both Creed movies. In 2017, Mr. Harris was executive producer of the Akil the Fugitive Huntertelevision show. 

Or, if you want to learn more about this rising star, you can visit the Wood Harris Instagram page at Noblewood. But keep it real. And, check out the plaque reading – “I’ll be nicer if you’ll be smarter.”

4 Things to Know About Getting Divorced in Lake Tahoe

Getting a divorce in Lake Tahoe can be a challenging thing for couples who no longer wish to be in a relationship. There are many things that divorcees must consider before pursuing a legal divorce. This time can be incredibly emotionally trying and frustrating consider the number of steps that have to be taken in order to successfully become divorced. Fortunately, we have some information from a Tampa divorce attorney that will help clarify the entire process. Here are 4 things you need to know about getting a divorce in Lake Tahoe 

The Waiting Process 

There is a six month waiting period that must be taken in order to successfully become divorced from someone else. This time is necessary in order to make a divorce final and can cause a lot of strain for individuals wishing to end their relationship immediately. It should also be noted that the waiting period doesn’t begin whenever you file your petition. It only begins whenever an individual is served with a summons to appear in court. This is important information that any individual looking to get divorced needs to know before they file. It will take time for this process to resolve itself and patience is required to make it through this. 

Parents Must Agree on Visitation Rights 

It is important to understand that parents must agree on who will get to have visitation rights for their children. Unfortunately, some parents are not amicable enough to figure this process out on their own. They have become spiteful of each other and do not wish to cooperate. Both parents will need to receive child custody recommending counseling if this scenario unfolds. A counselor will then evaluate the situation and make a decision that is based upon the best outcome possible. However, this can be taken further into the Family Court Services if there are problems that need to be considered. 

Assets Must Be Divided Properly 

Assets will need to be divided among the divorcees whenever they decide to get a divorce. This means that property, assets, and even finances must be properly divided. Normally, an attorney is involved in this process. They will help divvy up the assets and come to an agreement with both parties. However, this process has left some divorcees without much left over from the divorce. It is important to consider your legal options during this time to ensure that you receive a fair amount of the assets that you and your ex-spouse worked to receive. 

Child Support 

An ex-spouse may be entitled to child support depending on various factors. Income is a major aspect that is used to determine the court’s ruling on this action. More often than not, the ex-husband is required to pay child support for children in a divorce. However, some claim that this situation is unfair and punishing at times. This is a legal battle that requires the sharpest minds like a Tampa divorce attorney that you can trust. You want to ensure that you do not receive the short end of the stick in this exchange. 

Divorces Can Be Tough 

No one expects to get a divorce. We marry our spouses expecting to be with them for the rest of our lives. Unfortunately, 40% to 50% of marriages end in divorce in America. This is a disheartening fact that can persuade many people to not get married in the first place. Regardless of this fact, you want to find the best legal representation to help you during this time. A Tampa divorce attorney is your best bet on the frontlines of the legal system. Use this guide to help inform yourself of the divorce process in Lake Tahoe to give you a fighting chance in court.

Things You Should Know When Buying A Home In Lake Tahoe

Buying a home is a vital decision that you must pursue after considering factors that might bring about problems after you have occupied. Many new buyers rush into paying their new home without conducting due diligence and this is what often leads to a series of court cases that come up later due to issues they could not spot while buying. Apart from the physical inspection of the premises, you need to go deeper into knowing the history of ownership of the property to get the assurance you are paying for what will benefit you. Here are top things you need to know before buying a home in Lake Tahoe.

Don’t commit before getting a pre-approved loan

Those who rely on a mortgage are supposed to understand what they are entitled to before going out house-hunting. If you don’t want to find yourself at the whims of salespersons who come with financing proposals, apply for a pre-approved loan from a lender. This is to avoid some of the enticements that are thrown your way by salespersons, which later turn to toxic loans. Also get information from experts like Nationwide Debt Reduction Services, who can advise you on matters about loans. When it comes to repayment you should not plunge yourself into depression because of unmet debts, so just consult professionals like Nationwide Debt Reduction Services to ensure the decision you make is appropriate.

Get good faith estimates

Another area buyers fail is when it comes to getting estimates. Any failure to get good faith estimates translates to making a decision that is not founded on facts, and such are the mistakes that come to haunt you later while repaying debts. When a buyer goes for good faith estimates, it is the only time they are able to get the right financing. As explained by legal statutes, mortgage lenders are required to offer buyers good faith estimates in three days of offering a loan. This is a document that breaks down the credit into various component costs. Most importantly, the annual percentage rate and APR of the loan is clearly shown.

Don’t be reluctant to negotiate terms

It is surprising to realize that many new homebuyers don’t negotiate terms. Some of the reasons they give include that they don’t want to appear disagreeable or confrontational, which beats the idea that negotiations are not about being hostile. When pursued professionally, negotiations work in buyers’ favor. It is about getting the best deal, and you have to remember that sellers will ways quote a price that is slightly above what they are willing to release the property at.

Consult about builder’s reputation

Before you append your signature, you need to understand more about the builder. Speak to several neighbors to get opinions that should help you evaluate the suitability of the builder to sell to you a home. Ask to know if they had any problems and if any how they responded to it. You might be the next victim to a similar problem and if the builder is not responsive this might mean incurring losses.

Have an independent professional to inspect the home

One of the mistakes many homebuyers make is assuming that because the home is new, there can be no flaws. The best thing to do is involve an independent inspector, who should review the overall structure of the home to unearth any flaws that should be addressed before you occupy. Don’t risk carrying along huge costs in repairs because you fear paying an independent professional a little sum to inspect the home on your behalf. You could even ask the seller if there are problems you will need to fix later.

John Ross Jesensky Praises Lake Tahoe Music Community

 

lake tahoe photoAs a dedicated musician, John Ross Jesensky understands just how powerful a community of musicians can be when they band together and unite under a common and important cause. This unique trait among musicians was evident recently when a favorite son of the Lake Tahoe community had to undergo surgery to repair a leaking aorta in his heart, which spurred those musicians who knew him, played with him or had merely heard of him to hold a benefit concert in his honor.

Perhaps the most powerful moment came when the musician for whom the benefit was held, Peter Joseph Burtt, defied the orders of his doctors to perform on stage and continue to do what he loved to do most by singing for the crowd gathered to offer their support. While that performance taxed his body quite a bit so soon after surgery, Burtt is now back to playing regularly and his band even has a new album scheduled to be released in the near future. As Jesensky points out, the support of the music community is incredibly strong and is always worthy of praise.

Dr. Sid Solomon Recounts Taking the Scenic Route to Lake Tahoe

It was many years ago, but Dr. Sid Solomon is still able to recall seeking just about any excuse to take a scenic drive up north on US Highway 1, following the plunging coastline of the Pacific Ocean and driving through the dense canopies created by massive redwood trees along the way. So when some friends suggested a trip up to Lake Tahoe for a long weekend, Dr. Solomon decided to jump at the opportunity to take the time-consuming scenic route on the way there.

According to Dr. Solomon, the scenery along the coastal highway was everything he imagined it would be and more, and the doctor made a few brief stops along the way, including one at Big Sur in which he was able to take a quick nap beneath a redwood tree that seemed to be growing even larger right before his eyes. Of course, the trip to Lake Tahoe took far longer for Dr. Solomon than it did the others, all of whom had long since settled in at the cabin in Lake Tahoe where they would all stay for the weekend.

While those extra hours spent getting there led to quite a bit of playful teasing at Dr. Solomon’s expense, the doctor so thoroughly enjoyed the lengthy route that he has, on occasion, taken the scenic route on subsequent trips to destinations that include Lake Tahoe as well as a number of other points that happen to be north of Los Angeles.

You can find out more on his LinkedIn page.

Skiers Heading to Lake Tahoe Can Expect Ideal Conditions and Affordable Options

With so many resorts surrounding Lake Tahoe, skiers and snowboarders alike are always thrilled to head to the idyllic locale for some snow-centered recreation. While the conditions tend to be consistently outstanding for winter sports of all kinds, the expected impact of El Nino should yield the kind of conditions that skiers and snowboarders are usually only able to dream of. Perhaps the most exciting aspect about the expected conditions is the fact that the wealth of Lake Tahoe ski resort options ensure that rates rarely become cost-prohibitive even under the most ideal seasonal conditions.

Skiers and snowboarders tend to be categorized as thrill-seekers who are willing to go to great lengths to experience things that would give most people a great deal of pause. Though it does seem to be accurate to say that these individuals are a lot like Ken Fisher in the way they think differently and share a tendency to perceive the world in a uniquely positive way, it is also true that skiers and snowboarders come from all walks of life and simply defy categorization. This is obviously a good thing, as it seems more realistic to say that, aside from skiing and snowboarding, the most commonly shared characteristic is a strong sense of individuality.

As the winter brings the kind of conditions that excite avid snowboarders and skiers, Lake Tahoe’s resorts will have to begin to prepare for a major influx of visitors to the area. Of course, it is not just the resorts that enjoy the presence of so many newcomers, as the locals have always welcomed visitors and often join them on the slopes during peak conditions. Even when the resorts all seem to be at full capacity, Lake Tahoe has maintained a reputation for providing an enjoyable atmosphere in which everyone is able to get the most out of their respective lift passes.