Sierra Resort Real Estate Blog

Nightly Rentals vs. Long Term Rentals

  

A hot topic in many cities are nightly rentals. Almost all buyers ask if properties in Mammoth Lakes can be rented out as a nightly vacation rental. The general rule of thumb is that condos can be rented out on a nightly basis, but single-family homes have to be rented out long term (30 days or longer). There are a few exceptions to this rule in each category, but not too many. The very large custom homes along Little Eagle ski run (Juniper Ridge) were built in a zone which allows nightly rentals, along with another development closer to the Village called Graybear. Both have large single-family homes which can be rented nightly, but they sell between $3-5 million so they are not affordable to many people. On the flipside, there are a couple condo complexes built around 2006 or 2007 that were built for workforce housing which do not allow nightly rentals. They intent was to keep them affordable for full time residents with low HOA’s and few, if any, amenities. Other than that, all other condos can be rented on a nightly basis. Multi-Family properties, like a duplex or fourplex can not be rented out nightly, only long term.

Over the years there has a been a few times the nightly rental rules were challenged. A few years back there was a vote that did not pass which would have allowed single-family homes to become nightly rentals. In the past few months there have been talks of the Mammoth Lakes Town Counsel placing a ...

NextHome Mammoth Lakes Achievement Awards

Buyer’s, Seller’s, and window shopper’s alike can tell you that 2021 was a whirlwind of a year in terms of the real estate market.  If you were lucky enough to purchase a property then congratulations on winning the property.  If you sold a property then congratulations on getting multiple offers and most likely selling above asking price. & If you’re still looking then, you know what they say, the best time to buy real estate was yesterday.

No one could have guessed that the housing market would have changed so drastically as a result of covid-19 but this market is showing to be the new normal.  NextHome Mammoth Lakes had another record-breaking year and we have graciously been presented with 6 awards for the 2021 fiscal year.  As a brokerage we have seen another statistically impressive year and we’d love to share some of our 2021 accomplishments.

  • Locally Ranking #2 Top Producing Brokerage in the area for another year in a row.
  • Transacted 208 sales sides.
  • Produced $129,074,202 in volume sold.
  • Totaling a 27.5% sales volume increase from the previous year.

Once again, it brings us great pleasure to congratulate 5 NextHome Mammoth Lakes agents that have received top producing awards.

CONGRATULATIONS,

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Commercial Flight Service Moves to Bishop

BIH AirportAfter commercial flight service at Mammoth Yosemite Airport came to an abrupt stop in March of 2020, speculation of a re-opening at this same location was up for debate.  It has been a long-awaited transition of moving the flow of visiting air passengers to the Eastern Sierras down to an entrance point holding a lower elevation, where the weather is more stable and the air field is more accessible.

United Airlines in conjunction with the Town of Mammoth Lakes & Mono County tourism proudly wrapped up 2021 with the introduction of commercial flight service into Bishop, California.  This rumored air service commenced and the future plans for the Eastern Sierra Regional Airport in Bishop, California are big, bold, and on the rise.

Starting in December of 2021 United Airlines offered direct flights to and from Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), & Los Angeles (LAX) International Airports. Extending a seat of enjoyment on the Canadian Regional Jet with choices from first class, premium, economy, & basis economy seating.  These flights are scheduled to continue through the end of March 2022.  United expects to offer a limited summer flight schedule for 2022 with service to and from San Franciso (SFO) and will pick back up again for the winter service of 2022/2023.  Stay tuned and up to date with the latest air schedule at United.com

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The Other Side of Winter in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is known as a huge winter destination for die-hard skiers and snowboarders. However, if you happen to be someone who comes up in the winter with your family and you don’t want to go skiing on the mountain there is an abundancy of other fun activities.

One of my favorite activities is to go cross country skiing which honestly, if you can walk, then you can do it. Many people go up to Tamarack Lodge at the top of Lake Mary which is also run by Mammoth Mountain. It can be a fun day and daily tickets are inexpensive, starting about $28 plus the equipment rental fee. Grab a map from the hut where you rent gear grab and wander through the trail system. However, if you want to save some money and really have a nice quiet time, head to the Shady Rest near the entrance to town on the free groomed trails. You can rent cross country gear at Kittridge for about $17 a day, then park near the visitor’s center, or the Shady Rest parking lot. From those points you can access and relatively flat, groomed, cross county trail system. The Shady Rest parking lot is also the launching point for the snowmobilers who use the trails on the opposite side. This entire area is also the best place to walk your dog in the winter or summer which you can do on either of the trail systems. Tip: when it is a complete white-out snowstorm, try, Shady Rest as it can be quiet and stunning. You will be down under the trees which act like a barrier, and it can look like a magical winter wonderland.

Another fun thing to do in the winter is ice skating. Of course, there is the ice-skating rink in town, but have an adventure...

Mammoth Creek Park's Newest Addition

Mammoth Creek ParkMammoth Lakes is a playground for most with terrain for all different kinds of activities.  No matter what season you choose to visit there will always be a full list of outdoor adventures just waiting to be had. In addition to our beautiful natural-terrain we use as our backyard, the town of mammoth lakes is proudly building a new indoor multi-use and recreation zone facility located just past some of our favorite restaurants on Old Mammoth Road at Mammoth Creek Park - West.

This sleek and modern prefabricated tensile sprung facility will span approximately 40,000 square feet and will soon become the home to many indoor events, activities, and future memories.  As this will be a year-round facility the anticipated winter activities will give the locals and visitors in Mammoth Lakes a new recreation space for après ski.  Just because the ski lifts stop running that doesn’t mean your fun in this winter wonderland has to end.

This new multi-use facility will house an Olympic size ice rink for about half the year and intends to include winter activities including but not limited to: Ice Skating, Figure Skating, Hockey leagues, Broomball, Curling leagues, Birthday Parties & Special Events.

In the summertime and warmer months of the year this multi-use facility will transform into a recreation zone and intends to cover the ice rink with what are commonly known as sport tiles.  Some of the summer activities will include but not be...

To update, or not update, your vacation rental property?

Snowcreek condo

Now that you finally have a vacation property in Mammoth Lakes, do you update it, or leave it in it’s dated condition? If you plan on renting your property on a nightly rental program then updating it will generate more bookings and income than properties that are not updated. Vacationers are tired of paying high prices for a rental that is old, smelly and outdated. An updated property does not need to be entirely remodeled with expensive finishes and furnishings. A remodeled condo just needs to have some of the basics to make it an enjoyable experience for the renters. A few updates can go a long way to enhance the appeal of a property. Updating the flooring, furnishings, paint and appliances can go a long way in changing the look and feel of a property.

The first and easiest is to install new flooring throughout. Most owners are smartly using the new LVF products which is a luxury vinyl flooring that comes in a massive array of wood-like colors and plank sizes. The best part about this flooring is that it is waterproof, and if a water intrusion happens it can be removed and reinstalled. It is also scratch and dent resistant making it a very durable flooring. Another benefit with this flooring is that it can be installed in kitchen and bathrooms making a nice seamless look throughout. Although, it is still ideal to have tile or stone at the front door, or any door leading to the exterior the LVF can be used if needed.

The next item which can change the overall appearance of a property is fresh paint. Fresh paint in combination with the flooring will drastically change the look and feel of...

Best Time to Buy Real Estate

Best Time To Buy Real Estate in Mammoth Lakes, CA

  • "When is the best time to buy real estate?"
  • "Is Mammoth Mountain a good place to invest in real estate?"
  • "What is the real estate market like right now?"

These are all commonly asked questions I recieve on a daily basis. The answer lies between the mountains in the Eastern Sierras. Since the early 2000's, Mammoth Mountain and surrounding areas have been a getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Growing in popularity, Mammoth Lakes has become the number one ski destination in California. Right now, the market is hot with dvelopment reaching new hieghts in the Inyo-Mono area. Despite lots, home and condos being bought up, Mammoth has managed to maintain the old-school ski town feel it is best known for. For Mammoth Mountain, the best time to buy real estate is NOW. Looking at a history of market prices and returns on investments, Mammoth is the best unknown secret in California for investment properties and the perfect getaway. 

If you are interested in purchasing investment properties to list on rental platforms like VRBO or AirBnB, call us now and let us help you find the perfect home or condo. 

Happy skiing, we can't wait to hear from you!

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2018 Mammoth Mountain Pond Skim

The 2018 Pond Skim at Mammoth Mountain was a blast! Every year at Canyon Lodge closing day the annual Pond Skim attracts some crazy people in crazy outfits and is fun for the whole family. Contestants line up to take their shot at crossing the 100ft pond on skis or snowboard. Don't worry just because Canyon Lodge is closed, Mammoth Mountain will still be open for some great spring skiing. When you live in Mammoth, Life is always good! Let me, #MaggieLarsonMammoth help you pursue your dream of owning your own home in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Check out all the properties available for sale and my luxury long term rentals on my website. Happy Spring.

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Fishing in the Eastern Sierra may make you want to buy a home here!

Fishing in the Eastern Sierra may make you want to buy a home here! 

Fishing in the Eastern Sierra is world class. If you are an avid fisherman looking to live where you can do what you love, contact Maggie Larson Mammoth with Resort Property Realty to find out just how close you can live to the action. Real estate in Crowley Lake, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, June Lake, Lee Vining and Bridgeport all offer incredible fishing opportunities. So if you want to be close to the hot spots purchase your next home from Maggie Larson Mammoth. Eastside hot spots include the Lower Owens River, Upper Owens River, Hot Creek, Crowley Lake, Convict Lake, The Mammoth Lakes Basin, June Lake, Gull Lake, Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Rush Creek, Virginia Lakes and Bridgeport Reservoir. Call (855) GO-MAGGIE for more information on real estate in Mammoth Lakes and the entire Eastern Sierra!

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5 Must-Know Tips Before You Power Up The Pressure Washer

5 Must-Know Tips Before You Power Up The Pressure Washer in Mammoth Lakes, CA

5 Must-Know Tips Before You Power Up The Pressure Washer

It’s the time of year when we start fantasizing about backyard picnics and BBQs in gorgeous weather. If your fantasy involves clean patio furniture and a grime-free deck, you’ve probably considered doing some power washing. Before you get started, here are some things you need to know.

1. Power and pressure washing are not the same thing.
Power washing and pressure washing both use streams of high pressure water to clean surfaces. However, power washing uses a heating element and pressure washing does not. Knowing which option to use can help you get a better clean and avoid damaging your property.

Power washing is the heavier duty option. Use it for large areas like extra-large driveways, hard surfaces that can stand up to the heat, and to get rid of extreme mold, moss, grease, and dirt.

Pressure washing is safer for surfaces. Use it when you have a smaller area like a deck, patio, or driveway to clean or if you need to clean softer surfaces like tile, wood decks, and siding. Pressure washing is also safer on masonry, concrete, and brick.

2. Sometimes you shouldn’t do either.
Power and pressure washing are effective because they’re very strong cleaning options, but they may be too strong for some objects and parts of your home. Anything painted, asphalt roofing, laminar sandstone, stained wood, and anything old will probably be damaged or destroyed if you try to pressure or power wash them.

3. All cleaning solutions are not created...

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your New Home in Mammoth Lakes, California


Home Maintenance Checklist – Spring Cleaning Tips

Below is a home maintenance check list offering spring cleaning tips and advice to get your home’s systems in good working order for the upcoming warmer months.


1. Have your air conditioning system professionally serviced.

2. Change/clean HVAC air filters.

3. Clear debris from around the outside air conditioner and remove the cover if applicable.

4. Inspect windows and doors to make sure they function properly. Replace if necessary.

5. Check putty around window panes and weather stripping around windows and doors. Fix as needed.

6. Check window and door screens and replace or repair as needed.

7. Check locks, latches, and hinges on your doors and windows. Replace or repair as needed.

8. Trim back trees and shrubs as needed to eliminate over hanging branches and improve curb appeal.

9. “Open” your pool for the swimming season. Make sure your pump and filtration systems work effectively and that your chemicals are balanced.

10. Pressure wash your home’s exterior and apply touch up paint as required to address paint failure.

11. Remove leaves, small branches and debris from gutters, downspouts and down-spout extensions so that water properly drains away from your home.

12. Look for sagging or otherwise damaged gutter components and repair if necessary.

13. Check all smoke alarms and C/O ( Carbon Monoxide ) detectors.

14. Turn on water to outdoor faucets. Turn on irrigation system, check sprinkler heads and make needed repairs.

15. Test all...

Buy A Second Home In Mammoth, Enjoy Everything Life Has to Offer

Buy A Second Home in Mammoth Lakes, and Get The Best of Both Worlds! 

There is no doubt that surfing and sunsets are a big reason why many of us have a home in Southern California. That, despite the traffic, noise, pollution, and crowded population we can still find beauty in nature. The Eastern Sierra offers everything you love about Southern California without the downsides! The summers here offer mild-warm temperatures to escape the heat and the winters bring a whole new range of sports and outdoor activities. Owning a second home in Mammoth Lakes, is truly living the dream.

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Mammoth Mountain All Season Destination

Mammoth Lakes is the premier destination in California for numerous mountain activities including skiing, hiking, biking and much more. 

Mammoth Lakes

The Mammoth Lakes Basin is located on Lake Mary Rd, just past the Village at Mammoth. This area features 5 main lakes that can be accessed by car in the summer. In the winter these lakes become much more isolated and can only be reached by x-c skis or snowshoes. It is an 8 mile round trip to see all 5 lakes. The groomed side of the trail requires a Mammoth Mountain x-c pass, however you are free to adventure on the ungroomed path adjacent to the ski trail. The main lakes featured on this trail are Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Mamie, Horseshoe Lake, and Lake George. However, there are several other lakes you can explore into the backcountry, experience required. During the summer time this area is a family friendly campground with summer activities like fishing, boating, sup boarding, and hiking. Be sure to keep your food in bear safe containers. "Don’t Feed Our Bears” “Pack it In Pack it Out”

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Mountain Bikers Tips For Beginners

Whether you are a complete beginner when it comes to bike riding or are a competent road cyclist, this guide will help explain to you the techniques which are required when it comes to mountain bike riding in Mammoth Lakes, CA . Mountain biking does require some different skills than those used when cycling on the road, especially if you have just purchased a folding mountain bike.

Seat Position Adjustment

?When it comes to your seat position, it is important that it is correctly set, as this will allow you to have the correct body position when both climbing and descending a hill.

?Climbing

?When it comes to climbing a hill, your seat should be at the perfect height to allow you to pedal at the highest efficiency. The way in which you can check that you are at the correct height is by having your pedal at the bottom; your whole leg should be slightly bent. The ideal leg extension is around 80-90 percent, as this will allow you to have the most powerful and efficient pedal

Descending

?When going down a hill, it is best to have your seat a few inches lower than the height you had it set at when climbing. With a lowered seat, it means that you have an overall better control of the bike and gives you a boost in confidence when you descend steep sections. Using trial and error will be the best way to find the best height which feels the best to you.

?Braking

?This may sound like one of the easiest of tips, but it is essential to know how and when to brake to ensure that you feel both comfortable and confident when riding.

?How You Should Brake

?When you brake, it should be done in a controlled...

Mammoth Lakes Starwood Estates

Luxurious Starwood Estates in Mammoth Lakes, CA 

Listed below are all the luxurious homes currently listed in Starwood Estates.  This exclusive community located on the prestigious Sierra Star Championship Golf Course are some of the most desirable homes in Mammoth Lakes ranging from the low $1 million to $3 million plus.

www.MammothStarwoodEstates.com  

Although on the Sierra Star Golf Course the Starwood homes are conveniently located close to town on the 2 main cross sections of Minaret and Meridian Boulevard.  Located adjacent to the Starwood Estates is the coveted Bell parcel which is a meadow reserve and a safe haven for wildlife year-round.   Contact Maggie Larson Mammoth toll free at (855) GO-MAGGIE for more details. 

Preview all the listings in Starwood Estates:

http://www.sierraresortrealestate.com/mammoth-lakes-real-estate/starwood/

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Meb Keflezighi who trains in Mammoth Lakes qualified for his 4th Olympic marathon

Meb Keflezighi who trains in Mammoth Lakes , CA qualified this weekend for his 4th Olympic marathon.

Mammoth Lakes, CA is one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the world  yet for Meb Keflezighi Mammoth Lakes is home for optimum training conditions in the high elevations.  From San Diego, 40 year old Meb has 1 of the 3 spots for the Olympic Team.  Go Meb~

 

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Excellent conditions in Mammoth Lakes, CA for President's Week 2016

Excellent conditions in Mammoth Lakes, CA for President's Week 2016 means a high of 93% occupancy rate for the town of Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes, CA is booming and the conditions are amazing.  There have been so many blue bird perfect skiing days this year it's been incredible.  The snow is spectacular with a 9ft base, and the mountain is staffed and ready for you to come visit our world renown destination The Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort.  

This weeks occupancy rates:

https://gis.mono.ca.gov/apps/mlt/data/aggs/week/2016/2/12

Contact Maggie Larson Mammoth your Mammoth Lakes Residential Specialist for sales and long term luxury rentals toll free (855) GO-MAGGIE

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Maggie Larson Mammoth weekly featured listing in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Mammoth Lakes Real Estate - Take an old condo, remodel it head to toe, and you get KVE#220 This complex might not much to look at from the outside, but this fantastic 1-bedroom + loft, 2-bath unit is move-in ready with both a modern kitchen and bathrooms. Partial views of Mammoth Mountain, pool and spa onsite, easy parking, downtown location, plenty of room, tons of storage, and low HOA fees. What are you waiting for?

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Mammoth Real Estate for Lovers of Lavishness: Westin Monache Condos

Are you looking for a piece of Mammoth real estate that will put you in the heart of resort-style luxury?

Then you may want to consider filling out a change of address card that includes the words, Westin Monache. It’s a delightful condominium development within reach of the Westin Monache Resort’s finest amenities. And I do mean fine.

The renowned, Mammoth Lakes resort is recognized by world travelers for its signature Heavenly Beds® and Heavenly Baths®. If you haven’t traveled in style for awhile, please allow us to explain. Initially introduced in the late 1990s, the luxurious beds are manufactured by the well respected firm, Simmons. They feature thick, lush, pillow top mattresses with reinforced edges. And they come with a choice of either low or standard profile box springs.

As for the otherworldly baths, they feature therapeutic, spa-like, dual shower heads that offer phenomenal water pressure and a handful of powerful jets per head. They were custom manufactured for the hospitality chain in the early 2000s by the esteemed, centuries old, American firm,  Speakman® Company. And the good news is both the beds and shower heads are often included in Westin Monache condos.

In addition, Mammoth real estate owners that choose to make Westin Monache their homes have access to other, highly coveted, onsite amenities too. The long list includes a heated swimming pool, serene spa, workout room, concierge services and a restaurant. Known as the Whitebark, it serves breakfast and dinner daily. Plus, there is a fabulous lounge menu available too. Food you’re likely to encounter there are thick, all-natural elk rack...

Mammoth Lakes 'Propportunity' Vol 152

"Propportunity™" / prah-per-tue-ni-tee (noun):  A property priced well in today's market, offered by a motivated seller.

Ski In Ski out location in Mammoth Lakes

422 John Muir Road


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