As a luxury destination and strong investment market, Lake Tahoe’s appeal remains robust. For 2025, low inventory is expected to drive competition and sustain strong pricing, particularly in high-demand segments like lakefront and luxury properties.
The Lake Tahoe real estate market remains dynamic as we close out the year. Here’s a snapshot of current market conditions across key areas:
These numbers reflect a mix of opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers. If you’re considering entering the market, now is a great time to discuss your goals with a real estate professional who understands Tahoe’s unique market.
Winter Selling in Lake Tahoe: A Unique Opportunity
Selling your home in the winter might seem like a challenge, but in Lake Tahoe, it can be a strategic choice with great potential. With fewer listings on the market, your property has a better chance to shine, standing out to serious buyers who are actively searching during this season.
Winter buyers are often highly motivated—they may need to relocate quickly, are eager to secure a vacation property, or want to settle into their new home before spring. Additionally, Lake Tahoe’s winter charm works to your advantage. Showcasing your home’s cozy interiors, stunning snow-covered views, and features like fireplaces or heated floors can create an irresistible appeal.
If you have been considering selling, winter might just be the ideal time to make your move. Let’s discuss how to highlight your home’s best features and attract the right buyers in this unique season.
Ready to make the most of Lake Tahoe’s winter market? Contact me for a personalized consultation and discover why winter might be the perfect time to sell.
Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the Los Angeles fires. To all Angelenos impacted—families, neighbors, first responders, pets, and wildlife—our thoughts are with you during this incredibly trying time.
For our Tahoe community, we recognize that many of you are second homeowners with properties or loved ones in the Los Angeles area. If you’ve been directly impacted, please know that our support extends to you as well. The strength and resilience shown by our communities remind us that we are stronger together.
In the spirit of unity, we’ve compiled essential resources to assist those affected and to help those who wish to contribute to relief efforts:
Emergency Updates and Safety Tips
Ready LA: ready.lacounty.gov
Stay informed on evacuation orders, safety tips, and emergency alerts.
Cal Fire: fire.ca.gov/incidents
Track fire updates, containment progress, and safety guidelines.
The terms buyer’s market and seller’s market are essential in understanding the dynamics of real estate. They influence everything from pricing and competition to how quickly homes sell. Let’s break down what these markets mean and how they affect buyers and sellers.
What Is a Buyer’s Market?
A buyer’s market occurs when there are more homes for sale than there are buyers actively looking. This creates an oversupply, giving buyers the upper hand in negotiations.
Key Characteristics of a Buyer’s Market:
High Inventory: More homes available than interested buyers.
Longer Days on Market (DOM): Homes take longer to sell.
Price Reductions: Sellers may lower their asking price to attract buyers.
Fewer Bidding Wars: Buyers often have the luxury to negotiate better terms.
What Is a Seller’s Market?
A seller’s market occurs when there are more buyers than available homes. Limited supply increases competition, driving up prices and favoring sellers.
Key Characteristics of a Seller’s Market:
Low Inventory: Few homes available compared to the number of buyers.
Quick Sales: Homes sell faster, often within days.
Multiple Offers: Buyers compete, sometimes leading to bidding wars.
Higher Prices: Sellers can price their homes higher due to demand.
What It Means for You
If You’re a Buyer:
In a buyer’s market, take your time to find the right home and negotiate favorable terms.
In a seller’s market, get pre-approved, act quickly, and be prepared to offer competitively.
If You’re a Seller:
In a seller’s market, capitalize on demand by pricing your home competitively to spark interest and potentially multiple offers.
In a buyer’s market, invest in staging and pricing your home strategically to attract offers quickly.
Whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market, understanding the dynamics gives you the tools to make informed decisions. Partnering with a skilled real estate professional can help you navigate the market confidently and achieve your goals.
Winterizing Your Home for Comfort, Safety, and Value
We are well into the winter season here in Lake Tahoe, but it’s not too late to take steps to prepare your home for the colder months. Winterizing isn’t just about staying cozy—it’s also about protecting your property and adding value. Whether you’re planning to sell your home or have just purchased one, winterizing is a smart move that benefits both buyers and sellers.
What Does Winterizing Mean?
Winterizing involves preparing your home to handle the challenges of cold weather, such as freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. It includes tasks like sealing drafts, protecting pipes, and ensuring your heating system is in top shape.
Top Winterizing Tips for Every Homeowner
Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or homeowner preparing for the season, here are essential tips to winterize your property:
Protect Pipes from Freezing: Insulate exposed pipes and disconnect outdoor hoses.
Inspect Heating Systems: Clean or replace furnace filters and schedule a professional inspection.
Seal Gaps and Drafts: Use weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors.
Clean Gutters and Check Your Roof: Clear debris to prevent ice dams and repair damaged shingles.
Prepare Outdoor Spaces: Cover patio furniture, drain irrigation systems, and stock up on de-icers.
Final Thoughts
For sellers, it’s a chance to showcase a well-maintained property that’s ready for its next owner. For buyers, it provides peace of mind and a head start on maintaining your new home.
If you’d like more tips or guidance on preparing your home for the winter market, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you make the most of your property this season!
The Lake Tahoe luxury market experienced significant growth in 2024, highlighted by record-breaking sales and strong demand. A landmark transaction set a new benchmark for the Tahoe Basin, reflecting the appeal of the region’s high-end properties. While some areas saw substantial increases in activity, others faced slight declines, all underscored by a persistent inventory shortage driving prices upward. Despite these challenges, property values remain stable, supported by sustained buyer interest.
For more information on Lake Tahoe properties or questions on the real estate market, contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group.
Courtesy photo: Elder Group Tahoe | Chase International
Historic downtown Truckee is one of Tahoe’s most livable and loved communities. With an adorable downtown, great shopping and delicious dining, you’ll love living here. Lake Tahoe is 20 minutes away or, just minutes from downtown, you’ll find Donner Lake with its public docks and beautiful mountain setting. Not only is Truckee just 30 minutes from Reno on I-80, but it’s also a hub of outdoor activities all year long with access to world-class ski resorts, hiking trails, mountain biking, mountain climbing and watersports just minutes from the heart of downtown. With luxurious enclaves in the Martis Valley, local resident communities like Glenshire Devonshire and Sierra Meadows, condominiums sprinkled throughout the area and homes along the Truckee River, Truckee has properties for everyone. Picture yourself walking to Truckee Thursdays, buying local produce at one of the Farmers Markets, rocking out at Music in the Park, or biking the Legacy Trail.
What could be more perfect than a town on the shores of Lake Tahoe? The majority of condos and homes here are either on the North Shore or the West Shore of Lake Tahoe separated by the “Y” intersection of Highways 28 and 89 in Tahoe City making it the hub many communities in both directions. Both areas have fantastic benefits – the West Shore tends to have a slower pace and miles of trails and the North Shore tends to be sunnier and has spectacular beaches. The areas around Tahoe City have offerings like classic old Tahoe condos and homes, new mountain modern single-family homes and luxury enclaves with unparalleled amenities and private beaches. So, whether you’re looking for a private beach and pier, a pool for the kiddos, a classic Tahoe cabin or a small condominium to use as a basecamp, Tahoe City has you covered.
Tahoe Swiss Village is a family-friendly community built as “an Alpine community in the Swiss tradition” and is located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. The 80-property community offers a variety of property types and includes access to their private lakefront beach area. The developer’s Swiss vision included streets named after famous mountain passes in the Swiss Alps like Simplon, Furka and Grimsel. Both Homewood and Sunnyside are nearby for dining and services. In the summer, be sure to catch a sunset from Sunnyside’s gorgeous outdoor seating or, better yet, from Tahoe Swiss Village’s private beach.
For more information on West Shore properties, contact Amie Quirarte.
In the first three quarters of 2024, all micro-regions saw an increase in the number of single-family homes sold year over year. However, while the slight uptick of homes sold is promising, the overall sales volume sits at around half the number of homes sold in the 2020 peak, and well below the average number of homes sold in the past decade. Lower sales volume is partially driven by overall inventory being down from the peak sales volume years.
In the Tahoe Sierra MLS, supply is down 33% from 2019. Median price remains robust, with Truckee reaching an all-time high ($1.3M) and both Incline Village & Crystal Bay, and the Tahoe Sierra MLS matching their 2022 record highs ($2.5M and $1.25M respectively). Lakefront activity has been notable, with sales volume increasing 67% year over year. Median price of lakefront sales stands at $8.2M. The high lakefront sale was 859 Lakeshore in Incline Village, NV for $47.5M.
Now, as we head into the fourth quarter, where the season change typically slows down Lake Tahoe real estate, sellers become more motivated and buyers who have waited may find their opportunity to pounce. As we transition into 2025, the uncertainty surrounding the election will be behind us, and the anticipated decline in interest rates is expected to boost sales activity, driving prices even higher. If you are a buyer and have a property in your sights, make a move now for the best deal.
The Q Take
The year-over-year rise in home sales is positive, but overall volume remains well below peak levels, largely due to reduced inventory. Strong median prices in Truckee, Incline Village, and lakefront areas show market resilience. As we approach the slower fourth quarter, motivated sellers could offer good opportunities. With potential rate cuts and post-election clarity expected in 2025, buyers should act now to secure the best deals before prices rise further.
