Tag: California

The Off-Market Sale: When The Right Property Isn’t On the Market

Posted on by Liza Muhl

Off-Market Tahoe Home Sold in Dollar Point for $2.95M

148 Edgewood Drive, Tahoe City, California

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,289 SF

Sale Price $2,950,000

Late last year, I got a couple of calls from past clients who had received a call directly from a buyer looking to purchase a view property in Dollar Point.

This buyer was working with another agent at the time, but she had missed out on a few properties and felt like she needed to take matters into her own hands.

She identified the properties that would work, looked up the owners, and cold-called them directly.

In doing so, she ended up calling multiple clients of mine.

Every one of them sent her in my direction.

We met for coffee the next day.

The buyers decided they wanted to work with me, someone who could be more proactive in their search.

The Search

Once we started working together, I knew this would require a different approach.

The right property wasn’t sitting on the MLS waiting to be found.

I spent the next few months tapping into every resource I had: I called owners, called other brokers, and left no stone unturned as we searched for the perfect view property.

I found multiple homes off-market, but none quite fit the bill.

We kept our search going.

That’s an important part of representing buyers in a market like Tahoe.

Sometimes the property that checks every box requires a search beyond the properties currently available to the public.

That means knowing the neighborhoods. Knowing the properties. Knowing the owners and brokers. And being willing to make the calls.

Finding the Right Property

After rigorous outreach, I found the right property in May.

148 Edgewood Drive in Dollar Point.

It was an off-market opportunity that never hit the MLS.

I toured it on a Sunday afternoon.

The buyers were here in less than 48 hours.

Less than a week later, we were in escrow.

The property ultimately closed at $2,950,000, with me representing the buyers.

The Q Take

There is a particular kind of value in having an agent who knows where to look when the property you want isn’t publicly available.

This search took months.

It required persistence, relationships, outreach and a willingness to keep looking when the first opportunities weren’t the right ones.

For these buyers, the right home was ultimately found off-market, through the kind of direct outreach that happens well beyond an MLS search.

This is what it looks like when your agent knows the market inside and out, and is willing to do the work to prove it.

Who you work with matters.

Contact: Amie Quirarte

Founding Agent, SERHANT. Lake Tahoe
Founder, The Q Group

Mobile 650.290.3008
Email me at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more

A Case Study in How Luxury Tahoe Real Estate Can Actually Trade

Posted on by Liza Muhl

A Quiet Sale. Multiple Offers. A $2.05 Million Result.

113 Marlette Drive, Tahoe City, California

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 2,500 SF

Sale Price $2,050,000

The Value of a Quiet Market

There are moments in Tahoe real estate when the right strategy is knowing exactly how much of the market needs to see a property.

For 113 Marlette Drive in Dollar Point, I took the property to market quietly, working privately with a small pool of qualified buyers and their agents.

The response was immediate.

The property drew multiple offers before the broader market ever knew it was available. My seller closed at $2,050,000, with meaningful leverage throughout the process.

For me, this is a good example of how an off-market strategy can work when it is paired with deep local knowledge and the right relationships.

Knowing the Market, House by House

I have spent more than 12 years learning Dollar Point property values, house by house.

That experience matters because every property has its own story. Condition, location, improvements, timing and buyer demand all shape how a property should be brought to market.

And that is an important part of representing Tahoe sellers. Knowing who the property is right for can be just as important as knowing what it is worth.

The Q Take

Luxury Tahoe real estate does not always trade loudly.

Sometimes the strongest opportunity comes from knowing the market deeply, understanding the property honestly and having the relationships to connect the right buyer with the right home.

That is the value of experience in a market like Tahoe.

Who you work with matters.

Contact: Amie Quirarte

Founding Agent, SERHANT. Lake Tahoe
Founder, The Q Group

Mobile 650.290.3008
Email me at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more

Just Sold in Dollar Point: The Home That Started It All

Posted on by Liza Muhl

Home, Family, and a Relationship Built on Trust

39 Observation Drive, Tahoe City, California

5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,344 SF

Sale Price $2,785,000

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The Home Where Their Tahoe Story Began

Remember the story about the buyers who found their bigger home at 3365 Edgewater? Same family. Here’s the other half of it.

39 Observation was their first Tahoe home, the one my attorney connected us on years ago. It’s where they fell in love with this lake, this community, this whole way of life. And it’s the reason they eventually needed more room.

For this family, 39 Observation Drive was more than a home in Dollar Point. It was where their Tahoe story took root.

When It Was Time for the Next Chapter

Once they found the bigger house, it was time to let this one go.

They didn’t feel the need to interview other agents because we’d already built a relationship of trust and transparency. I was ready to go.

That trust matters, especially when selling a home filled with years of memories. There was already a shared understanding of their goals, their connection to the community, and what this home meant to them.

Three Times Representing This Family

This was the third time representing this family.

First, as buyers here.

Then, as buyers on the new place.

Now, as their listing agent, closing the chapter on the house that started it all.

The transaction may have been a sale, but the relationship behind it was built over years and multiple homes.

More Than a Transaction

Some clients you close a deal with. With others, you build a relationship over the years and multiple homes.

This family is the second kind, and I’m grateful for every chapter of it.

Congratulations to a family moving into their next chapter in Tahoe, while closing the door on the home that started it all.

Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply curious about today’s Lake Tahoe market, I’d be honored to help you navigate your next chapter. Let’s start the conversation.

Who you work with matters.

Contact: Amie Quirarte

Founding Agent, SERHANT. Lake Tahoe
Founder, The Q Group

Mobile 650.290.3008
Email at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more

Just Sold in Homewood: The Right Buyer for a Lake Tahoe Home

Posted on by Liza Muhl

A West Shore Dream Come True

250 Grimsel Pass Road, Homewood, California

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,814 SF

Sale Price $4,000,000

A Referral Started It All

You’ve heard every realtor (including me) in the history of real estate say how important referrals are to their business. Well, that’s how this story starts. With a referral.

But this referral came from an agent in Incline who is not licensed in California. Earning the trust of a client is one thing, but earning the trust of another top-producing agent in my same market is another. This agent sells extremely high-end homes and comes from deep-rooted experience. When he called and explained what the client was looking for, he told me I was the first person he thought of.

I immediately went to work. I was put in touch with the buyer, who is also very sophisticated in real estate, with a deep attachment to the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Both he and his wife’s family grew up with property in Lake Tahoe, both of them spending some of their most formative years here. After both of their families had to sell their properties, these two had always held onto hope they would be able to earn enough money to one day buy a place of their own.

Finding Their Way Back to the West Shore

These are some of the hardest-working people you’ll ever meet, and boy did they do it. They built a business, sold a business, and were finally ready to get back to the west shore. We tracked down their old family house, but the owners, though very sweet, were not willing to let it go. So, we went back to square one and started their search from scratch.

When the Right Home Comes Along

When 250 Grimsel Pass came on the market, I knew this was the perfect place for them. They originally had their eyes set on lakefront, but this property checked every other box, so I sent it to them anyway. Side note: good agents WILL send you properties that are LOWER than your budget if they are right for you!

The plan was to look at it during their trip at the end of the month, but I knew this property would bring in multiple offers, and it did. My client was on a flight within a few hours of us talking, and we were at the house the next morning at 8am.

A Multiple-Offer Moment

What ensued was a fast-paced multiple-offer scenario (3 offers total), and though the stress was compounding because we knew it was the right property for them (and I knew they would be devastated to lose it), we stayed the course. We were strategic, decisive, and worked together to find unique ways to strengthen our offer.

The end result? We won.

A Home That Means More

And today, we close on this magnificent property that means far more to these two people than most could imagine. Congratulations to the buyers!

Looking back, the Incline agent who trusted me with his clients was right. I was the right person for the job.

For Sellers, This Is the Part of the Story That Matters

The right buyer may not be actively searching for your property today.

They may be referred by another agent. They may be looking for something completely different. They may have a very specific vision of what they want or a budget that gives them more options than they realize.

My job is to understand the people behind the search, recognize when a property is right for them, and create the connection that brings the two together.

So, when you’re ready to sell, the question isn’t only: Who is looking for a home like yours?

It’s also: Do I know where to find your perfect buyer?

Let’s start the conversation and find out.

Who you work with matters.

Contact: Amie Quirarte

Founding Agent, SERHANT. Lake Tahoe
Founder, The Q Group

Mobile 650.290.3008
Email at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more

Amie Quirarte brings SERHANT. to Tahoe

Posted on by Liza Muhl

A New Chapter in Lake Tahoe Real Estate

We’re proud to share that Amie Quirarte has joined SERHANT. as the Founding Agent leading Lake Tahoe, alongside her trusted team at The Q Group.

The Same Trusted Service

What makes this moment especially meaningful is that the foundation remains the same: trusted relationships, deep local knowledge, honest guidance, and white-glove service tailored to every client.

Elevated Reach. Expanded Opportunity.

Amie and The Q Group will continue serving buyers and sellers throughout Lake Tahoe with the care, professionalism, and dedication they’re known for—now backed by the expanded reach, innovation, creative storytelling, and global marketing power of SERHANT.

What This Means for You

For our clients, it means the same team you know and trust, now paired with an elevated platform designed to bring even greater exposure, opportunity, and results to every move.

Let’s Connect

Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply curious about the Tahoe market, we’d love to connect and discuss what this next chapter could mean for you.

Mobile 650.290.3008
Email me at amie@realestatenorthtahoe.com
Visit Amie Quirarte with The Q Group to learn more

 

 

Scenic Tahoe Hiking Trails: Part 3

Posted on by Liza Muhl
scenic tahoe hiking trails

Scenic Tahoe Hiking Trails

Tahoe offers an incredible variety of scenic hiking adventures, from leisurely strolls through wildflower-filled meadows to challenging alpine summits with breathtaking views. In Tahoe City & North Shore, trails like Paige Meadows and the Tahoe Rim Trail provide diverse terrain and stunning lake vistas. The West Shore & Emerald Bay region features scenic routes such as the Cascade Falls Trail and the iconic Rubicon Trail, offering lakeside beauty and historic landmarks like Vikingsholm. Truckee & Surrounding Areas boast peaceful forested trails, including the Five Lakes Trail and Shirley Canyon Trail, with rewarding alpine scenery. For those seeking solitude and dramatic landscapes, Incline Village, Marlette Lake, and Desolation Wilderness offer everything from secluded beach hikes to rugged high-altitude adventures like Pyramid Peak and Lake Aloha.

Tahoe Hiking Adventures

Tahoe City & North Shore

  • Paige Meadows – A network of interconnected trails through scenic meadows, ideal for wildflower viewing in spring and cross-country skiing in winter.
  • Tahoe Rim Trail (Tahoe City Section) – A challenging but rewarding segment of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Tahoe XC Trails – A variety of trails catering to different skill levels, great for year-round hiking and cross-country skiing in winter.

West Shore & Emerald Bay

  • Cascade Falls Trail – A moderate 1.4-mile round trip hike leading to Cascade Falls, offering breathtaking waterfall views and stunning vistas of Cascade Lake and Lake Tahoe.  This trail is a great option if you’re looking for a scenic hike without committing to a full day on the trail.
  • Eagle Lake Trail – A moderate 2-mile round trip hike with stunning views of Emerald Bay and a picturesque alpine lake. Great for families and beginner hikers.
  • Eagle Rock Trail – A short, 0.7-mile round trip hike near Homewood, leading to a dramatic volcanic rock formation with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
  • Rubicon Trail – A scenic lakeside trail stretching 16.4 miles round trip from D.L. Bliss State Park to Emerald Bay. Offers breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe’s shoreline.
  • Sugar Pine Point State Park Trails – A variety of trails through lush forests and along the shoreline, providing historical insights and serene lake views.
  • Vikingsholm Trail – A short but steep 1.7-mile round trip hike leading to the historic Vikingsholm mansion and Emerald Bay’s shoreline.

Truckee & Surrounding Areas

  • Five Lakes Trail – A 5-mile round trip hike starting at Alpine Meadows leading to five beautiful alpine lakes, offering great views and a peaceful setting.
  • Martis Valley Loop – A 5-mile loop trail near Truckee considered an easy route. Popular area for birding and hiking with lovely trails along the creek.
  • Shirley Canyon Trail – A 4-mile round trip trail in Palisades Tahoe featuring waterfalls, granite boulders, and a rewarding scenic view at High Camp.

Incline Village

  • Chimney Beach Trail – A 3.5-mile out-and-back trail on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, leading to a secluded beach with stunning turquoise waters.
  • Flume Trail – A popular 14-mile trail with breathtaking lake views, known for its gradual climb and rewarding descent. Often used for mountain biking but great for hiking too.
  • Monkey Rock Trail – A 2.6-mile round trip hike leading to a unique rock formation that resembles a monkey with panoramic views of the lake.

Marlette Lake & Spooner Lake

  • Marlette Lake Trail – A challenging 10-mile round trip hike offering stunning views and leading to the pristine Marlette Lake, a favorite for fall foliage.
  • Spooner Lake Trail – A gentle 2.5-mile loop around Spooner Lake, perfect for families and bird watchers.

Desolation Wilderness

  • Lake Aloha Trail – A 12-mile round trip and challenging hike in South Lake Tahoe, offering breathtaking alpine scenery, shimmering lakes, and stunning mountain views. 
  • Lake Genevieve and Crag Lake via Meeks Bay Trail – A 9.5-mile round trip hike near Tahoma, this moderately challenging route is especially rewarding in springtime when wildflowers are in bloom.
  • Pyramid Peak Trail – A strenuous 6.5-mile hike (one way) to the highest peak in Desolation Wilderness, offering panoramic views of the entire Lake Tahoe Basin. 
  • Tahoe Rim Trail (Tahoe City Section) – A challenging but rewarding segment of the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail, with views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Note: Check current trail conditions and permit requirements before hiking in the Desolation Wilderness. 

Access Full Guide Here

Feel free to reach out anytime to explore opportunities or to discuss your real estate goals. Wishing you happy trails!

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

Explore Tahoe’s Biking Trails: Part 2

Posted on by Liza Muhl
Explore Tahoe trails on bike

Explore Outdoor Fun in Tahoe

Our Tahoe Guide to Boating, Biking, and Hiking Adventures explores the trails on the lake in the second of our three-part series. With over 100 biking trails to explore in Tahoe, we’ve focused on a select few that are memorable..  Whether you’re looking for a leisurely lakeside ride, a family-friendly path, or a technical singletrack challenge, Tahoe offers diverse biking options. Here are some of our favorites from escaping into the wilderness or meandering through beautiful bike paths along the shoreline.

Tahoe Biking Adventures

  • General Creek Trail Loop
    A beautiful forested 6-mile round trip ride through Sugar Pine Point State Park with easy terrain and stunning lake views. The route passes through the historic Ehrman Mansion, offering a glimpse into Tahoe’s past.
    Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for mild temperatures and scenic beauty.
    Insider Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the lakeside rest areas and take some time to explore the Ehrman Mansion grounds.
  • Stanford Rock Trail
    A well-designed single-track trail in Tahoe City off Ward Canyon, featuring a 12-mile loop. Areas of smooth, winding ascents with berms and a thrilling descent. Near the exposed peak, the rocky terrain gives way to breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and Palisades Tahoe, with benches at the summit for a well-earned rest.
    Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall.
    Insider Tip: Check trail conditions before heading out, as some areas can remain snowy into early summer.
  • Tahoe East Shore Trail
    Known as “America’s Most Beautiful Bikeway,” this 6-mile round trip paved trail runs along the scenic east shore, stretching from Sand Harbor to Incline Village with breathtaking views of the lake.
    Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall for pleasant weather.
    Insider Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy a peaceful ride.
  • Tahoe XC
    A network of scenic trails in Tahoe City, offering both beginner and advanced options for mountain bikers. Also, a perfect location for cross-country skiing in the winter.
    Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall.
    Insider Tip: Check trail conditions before heading out, as some areas can remain snowy into early summer.
  • Truckee River Legacy Trail
    A relaxing 9-mile round trip paved riverside path that’s great for families and casual riders.
    Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall for the best conditions.
    Insider Tip: Stop in Truckee for a coffee break before riding back.
  • West Shore’s Bike Path
    A relaxing 12-mile round trip, paved path that runs along the shoreline, connecting Tahoe City to Meeks Bay with plenty of scenic stops.
    Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for ideal riding conditions.
    Insider Tip: Stop at the West Shore Café for a mid-ride refreshment.

Note: Always check local trail websites or park authorities for updated trail conditions and closures before heading out.

Access Full Guide Here

Feel free to reach out anytime to explore opportunities or to discuss your real estate goals. Wishing you happy trails!

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

Explore Beautiful Lake Tahoe: Part 1

Posted on by Liza Muhl
Explore Lake Tahoe at Sunset

Unleash Your Inner Explorer in Tahoe

As we step into spring, it’s the perfect time in Tahoe to explore our surroundings and embrace new adventures on the lake! Our newly curated Tahoe Guide to Boating, Biking, and Hiking Adventures highlights the top outdoor destinations across the region.  Tahoe’s stunning landscapes provide incredible outdoor experiences, from scenic lakeside bike rides to breathtaking hiking trails and unforgettable boating excursions. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride, a challenging summit, or a relaxing day on the water, there’s an adventure for everyone. Explore the best outdoor activities spanning Truckee to Palisades Tahoe and from Emerald Bay to Incline Village, each offering a unique way to experience Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty.

The first of a three part series is escaping to the beautiful waters of Lake Tahoe with exhilarating boat excursions or kayak on glass-like conditions that will take your breath away.

Tahoe Boating Adventures

Commercial Boats and Charters

  • Grand Tahoe Charters – North Lake Tahoe
    A beautifully restored wooden boat offering luxury private charters with a classic Tahoe feel.
    Best Time to Visit: Summer for the warmest weather and best conditions.
    Insider Tip: Book a sunset charter for an unforgettable golden-hour cruise on the lake. Perfect for intimate events.
  • MS Dixie II – South Lake Tahoe
    One of Tahoe’s most iconic and largest paddlewheelers, offering scenic and sunset cruises across the lake, departing from Zephyr Cove Resort.
    Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for the best experience.
    Insider Tip: Opt for the dinner cruise to enjoy live music and panoramic lake views.
  • Sierra Cloud – North Lake Tahoe
    A spacious and comfortable catamaran offering scenic daily cruises on North Lake Tahoe.
    Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for the best experience.
    Insider Tip: Opt for the morning cruise for calm waters and a serene atmosphere.
  • Tahoe Gal  – North Lake Tahoe
    A classic paddlewheeler offering sightseeing cruises around the lake, including lunch and dinner cruises.
    Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for the best experience.
    Insider Tip: Book in advance, as dinner cruises often sell out.
  • Tahoe Sailing Charters – North Lake Tahoe
    Experience Lake Tahoe from a stunning sailboat with breathtaking views, smooth sailing, and friendly crew.
    Best Time to Visit: Spring through fall for the best weather conditions.
    Insider Tip: Sunset cruises offer spectacular lake views and a relaxing atmosphere.

Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals

  • Tahoe City Kayak
    Conveniently located in Tahoe City with options for guided tours and rentals.
    Best Time to Visit: Summer for the warmest water temperatures.
    Insider Tip: Try the full-moon paddle tour for a unique experience.
  • West Shore Sports
    Offers kayak and paddleboard rentals with easy access to calm waters along the West Shore.
    Best Time to Visit: Early mornings for the smoothest water conditions.
    Insider Tip: Rent for a half-day and explore Emerald Bay by paddle.

Note: Be sure to check company websites for availability, operating hours, and booking requirements.

Access Full Guide Here

Feel free to reach out anytime to explore opportunities or to discuss your real estate goals. Wishing you a fresh and vibrant start to spring with endless adventures!

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group