January’s Local Market Snapshot

LAKE TAHOE BASIN REAL ESTATE

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.

📞 Let’s Chat! Call me at 650.290.3008
📧 Email me at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
🌐 Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more 

Winter Selling is Just as Good as Spring

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.

📞 Let’s Chat! Call me at 650.290.3008
📧 Email me at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
🌐 Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more 

 

Coffee Talk | For Lake Tahoe Homeowners Affected by L.A. Wildfires

Tax Relief Options for Los Angeles Properties Affected by Wildfires

As wildfires continue to impact Los Angeles and surrounding areas, many homeowners face the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering. For Lake Tahoe homeowners with properties in Los Angeles, understanding available resources and relief options is critical. The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office offers valuable tax relief programs to help property owners navigate these challenging times. Below, we’ve outlined the key options available and how they may apply to you.

1. Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief

If your property has been damaged or destroyed by a calamity such as wildfire or flooding, you may qualify for property tax relief. Here are the details:

  • Eligibility Requirements:
    • The property must be damaged or destroyed by a calamity, with the loss exceeding $10,000 in current market value.
    • An Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (ADS-820) must be submitted to the Assessor’s Office.
    • The application must be filed within 12 months from the date of damage or destruction.
  • Benefits:
    • You may receive a reassessment of your property’s value based on its post-damage condition, potentially reducing your property tax liability.

For more information and to download the application, visit the LA County Assessor’s Disaster Relief page.

2. Proposition 19: Disaster Relief Transfer of Base Value

If your property was substantially damaged or destroyed by a Governor-declared disaster, Proposition 19 provides additional relief:

  • Key Features:
    • You can transfer your property’s tax base to a comparable replacement property within the same county or in another California county.
    • This allows you to maintain your lower tax base, even if you move to a new property.
  • Eligibility:
    • The replacement property must be comparable in value and purchased or built within a specific timeframe. For detailed guidelines, visit the Prop. 19 page.

Additional Resources

For further guidance or support, consider these resources:

  • LA County Assessor’s Office Contact Form: For personalized assistance, use the Contact Form.
  • California Board of Equalization Disaster Relief Website: Additional tools and resources are available at boe.ca.gov.

Recovering from a disaster is never easy, but these programs can help ease the financial burden.  Together, we can weather this challenging time and work toward rebuilding stronger communities.

📞 Let’s Chat! Call me at 650.290.3008
📧 Email me at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
🌐 Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more 

 

Heartfelt Support for our L.A. Friends

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.

Evacuation Shelters and Assistance

Air Quality and Health

  • AirNow: airnow.gov
    Monitor air quality levels and take precautions for sensitive groups.
  • Wear N95 masks outdoors and use HEPA filters indoors to protect against hazardous smoke.

How to Help

 

Coffee Talk | Leveraging a Worldwide Audience

Global Reach That Sets Us Apart

Your home deserves more than local exposure. With our global reach, we connect your property to buyers across the world, ensuring it stands out and attracts top offers. 

  • Access to 550+ top-tier brokerages in over 60 countries through the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®.
  • Exposure to high-net-worth buyers via Luxury Portfolio International®, the largest global network of independent luxury brokerages.
  • Exclusive advertising and public relations opportunities through Mayfair International Realty, which includes premium placements like Country Life magazine in the U.K.
  • Exclusive member of REALM®,  a collective of the most accomplished real estate agents worldwide. My affiliation with REALM® opens up a world of opportunities for you. Ask me why.

With these connections, your property is marketed to an extensive international audience, ensuring maximum visibility and success.

Ready to Get Started?
Whether this is your first time selling or you’re a seasoned homeowner, having a trusted expert by your side can make all the difference.

📞 Let’s Chat! Call me at 650.290.3008
📧 Email me at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
🌐 Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more 

 

Real Estate 101 | Buyer’s vs. Seller’s Market

What You Need to Know

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.

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

Design Trends | Paint Colors that will Dominate 2025

Painting your home in carefully chosen colors before listing it can be a cost-effective strategy to boost its marketability and value. As we dive into the new year, design leaders are setting the stage for the hottest paint trends. Think warm, earthy, and moody hues to brighten or refresh any space in your home for a stylish update.

The Biggest Paint Color Trends of 2025, According to Design Pros

By 

It’s that time of year when design industry leaders unveil their forecasts for the hottest upcoming trends — and that includes paint colors. With minimalism on its way out and joyful, personalized interiors taking over, designers are leaning toward warm, earthy and moody colors. That means shades like deep purple, cocoa brown and sunny yellow are showing up in interiors. The new year is a perfect time for a fresh coat of paint, so why not try one of these trendy hues? They’re perfect for the living room, the kitchen space, you name it.

We asked 14 interior designers to share their predictions for the biggest paint color trends of 2025. While certain timeless shades will never go out of style (think warm whites), designers say they are loving bold colors this year. (Indeed, we’ve been noticing so many shades of red!) We’re seeing a lot of inspiration pulled from 2025’s Colors of the Year, too, like Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon Slate and Pantone’s Mocha Mousse.

READ MORE

 

Coffee Talk | Seasonal Home Maintenance Tips

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:

  1. Protect Pipes from Freezing: Insulate exposed pipes and disconnect outdoor hoses.
  2. Inspect Heating Systems: Clean or replace furnace filters and schedule a professional inspection.
  3. Seal Gaps and Drafts: Use weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors.
  4. Clean Gutters and Check Your Roof: Clear debris to prevent ice dams and repair damaged shingles.
  5. 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!

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

The Q Take | Record Market Growth in 2024

Real Estate Market and Trends

View Full Market Report

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.

JUST SOLD | 11260 Alder Drive, Truckee

JUST SOLD | REPRESENTED BUYER

11260 Alder Drive, Truckee, California

7 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 3,492 SF

Sale Price $1,615,000

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.

For more information on Truckee properties, contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group.