Submitted by IVCBA member, David Vomund of Vomund Investments

A strange thing happened after the Federal Reserve lowered interest rates in September.  Mortgage rates rose.  In fact, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is higher now than when the Fed lowered rates.  I’m not surprised.  Let me explain.

When I watched the news covering the Fed’s rate cut there was near universal belief that mortgage rates would fall.  National and local news reporters said so, too.  Upon hearing this I told my wife that rates were going to go higher.  Why?  I’ve learned that when everyone expects something then the market will almost always go in the opposite direction.

The market is a discounting mechanism.  It doesn’t price assets based on what is happening today.  Instead, it reflects what is expected to happen.  The Fed had already signaled that they were going to cut rates so they fell long before the Fed meeting.  In May the 30-year mortgage rate was 7.2 percent.  By the time the Fed cut rates in September mortgages had dropped to 6.1 percent.  Now they are 6.9 percent.  This paradox is why there is the saying, “buy the rumor, sell the news.”

What many people don’t understand is the Fed doesn’t control mortgage rates.  The Fed controls short-term interest rates, which is why money-market rates have dropped and are still falling after the Fed’s second rate cut.  Mortgage rates, however, follow long-term rates.  Long-term rates are determined by the market and reflect expectations for inflation and deficit financing.  If a Fed rate cut is seen as inflationary then long-term rates and mortgage rates will rise even as short-term rates fall.

Where will mortgage rates go from here?  There isn’t a consensus.  Famed investor Paul Tudor Jones believes increased government spending will be inflationary and that, combined with a ballooning national debt, will push rates higher.  That would be a problem for bonds, which is something we’ll need to closely watch. 

  Others believe mortgage rates will trend lower, but not to the 3 or 4 percent rates of the recent past.  Rates settling in the 5.5 to 6.0 percent level seem likely.

If you are looking to refinance a mortgage, I suggest using no-closing-cost refinancing.  You accept a slightly higher mortgage rate but don’t pay any closing costs.  Then whenever rates fall you can refinance again knowing that it is only costing you time and effort.  After all, no one really knows how far mortgage rates could fall.  

David Vomund is an Incline Village-based Independent Investment Advisor.  Information is found at www.VomundInvestments.com or by calling 775-832-8555.  Clients hold the positions mentioned in this article.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  Consult your financial advisor before purchasing any security.

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/07/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – For the second time, Alexis Hill has beat Marsha Berkbigler for the County Commissioner, District 1, seat, according to unofficial results. 

Incumbent Hill received 24,567 votes or 56.18% of the vote, according to unofficial results listed on Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar’s website on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 12:39:53 a.m.

Berkbigler, a former 8-year County Commissioner, earned 19,159 votes or 43.82%. 

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Submitted by IVCBA Member PTSD NOW! 11/06/2024

PTSD NOW! has funded mental fitness/ resiliency training for more than 2500 men and women serving in Nevada, Arizona, Vermont, and Connecticut.

With your continued support, we continue to work to bring mental fitness training across the United States. In addition, we continue to provide direct therapy for active duty, reservists and veterans at no cost to them. Since 2021, we have committed over $500,000 to support the men and women in need.

These same individuals, in all likelihood, would not have received any counseling without the financial support of PTSD NOW!

Today, as we look at the conflicts around the globe, the issues we face have only been compounded! Conflicts continue in Ukraine and the Middle East and Gaza have spilled over to Lebanon and now Iran. The future for our service men and women is very uncertain with many National Guard personal currently being deployed to the region for assignments.

Our hope is that Veterans day will not be just another day but rather remembering the commitment and sacrifice of those who serve and have served We take for granted the men and women who protect our nation will always be ready to respond, when called to duty. We simply assume they will stand up and give their lives to protect us and our freedoms.

Unfortunately, in many cases, when our soldiers return, they are not the same person as when they deployed. Many times they are changed and more often than not, it is difficult to return to the lives they once enjoyed before deployment. That is where we, PTSD NOW!, come into the picture. We provide the tools which are needed to build mental fitness and resiliency and if needed counseling and therapy .

We are very excited to be working with the National Guard identifying apps which can be provided to active duty and reservists to create connectedness along with a mental and physical checkin on a daily basis. This new technology is very appealing to the young men and women joining the service today. The confidentiality allows higher participation and a connection to those the soldier picks as their support group.

PTSD NOW! has made and continues to make a difference for those who serve, so please make a donation today so our work may continue.

Please mail a check today or donate online at www.ptsdnow.org

Craig W Rauchle

President & Founder

Chase Rauchle PTSD NOW!

www.ptsdnow.org

craig.rauchle@ptsdnow.org

Originally Published by the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 11/06/2024, Written by Brenna O’Boyle

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. – The trio with joint marketing efforts unofficially took all three Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID) trustee seats in the Tuesday, Nov. 5, election. 

There were three open seats on the five-member board. 

Mick Homan, a retired Procter & Gamble executive with more than 35 years of financial leadership experience, received 3,165 votes or 25.17%, according to unofficial results listed on Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar’s website Wednesday, Nov. 6. The site automatically refreshes and was last updated at 12:39:53 a.m

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Imagery by Tahoe Daily Tribune

Submitted by Lake Tahoe School, 11/05/2024

Over the past few months, I have learned so much about Día de los Muertos and for that, I am very grateful. I learned that different cities, states, towns, and countries all celebrate the Day of the Dead a little (or a lot) differently, I have learned that people see it as as celebration of the people who have passed, and their journey from the afterlife, and most importantly, I have learned the deep involvement of this holiday in Latin American culture.

I didn’t only learn about Day of the Dead though, I learned about my family, specifically my great grandmother whom I loved very much. I learned about her passions, what she loved and cherished, and what she devoted her life to, and that information is incredibly valuable in holding onto the memory of her. After this project, I see Día de los Muertos as a wonderful holiday; one that I am incredibly happy to have been a part of. I think it is so important to value the passed, and this day is such a joyous and celebratory opportunity to do just that.

Submitted by TRPA, Written by Victoria Ortiz 

Last week California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) discovered golden mussels that could significantly damage the ecology of waterbodies in the Bay-Delta near Stockton, California. Lake Tahoe is now on high alert, according to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). It is the first time the species has been detected in North America.

“While this discovery is concerning because of the proximity to Lake Tahoe, our watercraft inspection program is robust and we will continue our existing protocols to prevent its spread to the Lake Tahoe Region,” said Dennis Zabaglo, aquatic invasive species program manager at the TRPA.

TRPA and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District lead Lake Tahoe’s Aquatic Invasive Species Program in collaboration with more than 40 public and private partner agencies. Established in 2008, the program’s mission is to prevent, detect, and control aquatic invasive species in the region to protect Lake Tahoe’s fragile ecosystem.

Under the Lake Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, every motorized watercraft is inspected, and if need be, decontaminated before launch. Non-motorized paddle craft can also opt for a free inspection at any regional inspection station. Since 2008, staff have inspected 113,000 boats for aquatic invasive species, which can have devastating environmental and economic impacts.

“This news underscores the importance of the program. Now more than ever non-motorized paddlers, kayakers, and even beach goers must learn how to Clean, Drain, and Dry their gear through the free Tahoe Keepers program before launching anywhere in the region,” said Zabaglo.

The golden mussel, which is native to rivers and creeks of China and Southeast Asia, was likely introduced via international shipping, as boats are one of the largest potential sources of spread of aquatic invasive species in the Western U.S. This species is known to have similarly negative ecological and recreational impacts as quagga and zebra mussels, both of which have never been detected in Lake Tahoe.

The California Department of Water Resources is preparing a rapid response that includes additional monitoring to determine the extent of the population and managing potential vectors. 

To learn more about how to Clean, Drain, and Dry and for more information about aquatic invasive species, visit TahoeBoatInspections.com. For the latest updates on the golden mussel, visit the CDFW Aquatic Invasive Species webpage.

Image: Golden Mussel shells collected in October 2024 at a water quality station at Rough and Ready Island near Stockton in San Joaquin County, California, USA. Photo credit: Elizabeth Wells, Ph. D. (DWR)

The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program is implemented by 40 public and private partner organizations, including federal, state, and local jurisdictions, research partners, public utility districts, and private marinas. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District lead the program in collaboration with the public and private partners. The program’s mission is to prevent, detect, and control aquatic invasive species in the Region so that future generations can enjoy Lake Tahoe. For additional information, contact Victoria Ortiz, Community Engagement Manager, at (775) 589-5281 or vortiz@trpa.gov.

Originally Published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 10/29/2024, Submitted

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. –The Incline Village Community Hospital (IVCH) Auxiliary announced its annual Holiday Gift Shop Sale. From November 11 to 15, visitors can enjoy discounts on a variety of gifts, holiday décor, and unique finds. 

The shop is open Monday thru Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will be offering 25% off all merchandise. All proceeds support the Auxiliary’s mission of enhancing patient care by funding hospital programs and scholarships for students entering the medical field. The sale offers a wonderful opportunity to shop locally while supporting community healthcare.

The Gift Shop is located inside the Incline Village Community Hospital at 880 Alder Ave., Incline Village. For more information, contact Jill Warner at jwarner@jwarner.co

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Photo: Tahoe Daily Tribune