Working with a Local Expert in North Lake Tahoe: 6 Reasons It Matters

Why Use A Local Expert in North Lake Tahoe

Buying a home in North Lake Tahoe is more than a real estate transaction—it’s a gateway to the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re searching for a cozy lake cabin, a modern retreat near the slopes, or a luxury second home, navigating Tahoe’s highly nuanced market requires a local edge.

Here’s why working with a trusted Tahoe real estate advisor like me can give you that advantage—and help you find the perfect fit.

1. Local Knowledge That Goes Beyond the Listings

From Tahoe City to Carnelian Bay, Kings Beach, and Incline Village, each Tahoe neighborhood has its own character, pricing trends, and zoning rules. With deep community ties and boots-on-the-ground experience, I help buyers understand which areas align with their goals—whether it’s walkability, rental potential, or ski access.

Explore neighborhoods on our communities page.

2. Access to Off-Market and Pre-Market Homes

Some of the best homes in Tahoe never hit Zillow. Thanks to strong relationships with local agents, vendors, and homeowners, I regularly connect clients to exclusive listings and off-market opportunities—often before the public even knows they exist.

3. Strategic Negotiation in a Competitive Market

With limited inventory and growing demand, Tahoe real estate can get competitive fast. I help buyers structure offers that stand out. From price to inspections to contingencies, my role is to advocate for you at every step.

4. A Smooth Experience, Start to Finish

Buying in a mountain region can come with logistical curveballs—like snow-packed driveways, well/septic inspections, or navigating TRPA regulations. I coordinate the details with lenders, inspectors, and title officers to ensure everything flows smoothly—so you can stay focused on your future home.

5. Matching You with the Lifestyle You Want

Want to walk to your favorite cafe in Tahoe City? Prefer a tucked-away retreat near hiking and biking trails? Need a STR-friendly property? I take time to understand how you want to live so we can find the Tahoe home that fits your everyday rhythm and long-term goals.

6. Investment Guidance That Looks Ahead

Buying in North Lake Tahoe is both a lifestyle and financial decision. I help buyers assess long-term value, rental income potential, and resale trends to protect your investment—and help it grow.

Want market insights? Visit our Market Updates page.

Whether you’re buying your first mountain home, upgrading for more space, or adding to your investment portfolio, I’m here to guide you through it all—with transparency, expertise, and local insight.

📩 Get in touch with me to start your Tahoe home search today. Let’s make the mountains your home.

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

Inside REALM: How Global Connections Give You the Edge

2025 REALM Global Collective at The Breaker Palm Beach

The Impact of REALM’s Global Network

As a proud member of REALM, a global collective of the most accomplished luxury real estate professionals, I’m excited to share how this powerful network directly benefits you—whether you’re buying or selling a luxury property.

What Is REALM?

REALM is the first real estate platform to combine a proprietary data-matching engine with human insight, built exclusively for top-performing luxury real estate advisors. With members in 18 countries representing more than 150 brands and $50 billion in annual luxury sales, REALM connects clients to an elite circle of high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals, family offices, and developers.

The 2025 REALM Global Collective

This year’s REALM Global Collective took place at The Breakers in Palm Beach, bringing together top-tier agents, visionary partners, and industry leaders. For members like me, the summit was a powerful call to action: to think bigger, raise the bar, and find new ways to create meaningful, results-driven experiences for clients.

Why REALM Matters to You

  • Access to Global Buyers: Your property reaches a private, global network of qualified luxury buyers.

  • Targeted Exposure: REALM’s proprietary technology matches listings with buyers based on lifestyle preferences and intent.

  • Trust & Influence: With members averaging $90M in annual sales, REALM professionals account for just 0.03% of agents—but represent 2.6% of global luxury transactions.

  • Strategic Partnerships: REALM partners with world-renowned brands, offering your property heightened visibility across premier luxury platforms.

A Smarter Way to Buy or Sell Luxury Real Estate

REALM isn’t just a network—it’s a performance-driven ecosystem designed to elevate every aspect of the luxury real estate experience. As a member, I’m equipped with powerful tools, elite-level connections, and unparalleled access to the world’s most exclusive markets.

If you’re considering buying or selling a luxury home, let’s connect. My affiliation with REALM ensures you have every competitive advantage—locally and globally.


Ready to make your next move in luxury real estate? Contact me today to learn how REALM can open doors for you.

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

Pros of Living on the California Side of Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe at sunrise on the West Shore.

Why Some Buyers Choose Charm, Convenience, and Community Over Tax Perks

As a real estate professional licensed in both California and Nevada, I’m often asked, “Which side of Lake Tahoe is better?” While Incline Village, NV, offers unbeatable financial advantages, the California side of Tahoe still holds powerful appeal for many buyers—especially those who value community, accessibility, and a classic mountain-town vibe.

Here are some of the top reasons the California side might be the right fit for you:

1. Vibrant Towns with Local Charm

California-side communities like Truckee, Tahoe City, and South Lake Tahoe offer a rich blend of history, walkability, and character. Think: local coffee shops, artisan markets, bookstores, and year-round events like farmers’ markets, concerts, and holiday parades.

2. Dining, Shopping & Entertainment Options

Craving variety? You’ll find more restaurants, breweries, wine bars, live music venues, and boutiques on the California side—especially in Truckee and South Lake. For buyers who love a lively scene or want to be part of an active social community, California delivers.

3. Proximity to World-Class Ski Resorts

Some of the biggest and most iconic ski resorts are based in California:

  • Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley)

  • Northstar California

  • Homewood

  • Heavenly (shared with NV but mainly CA access)

Whether you ski, snowboard, or just love après-ski views, being close to these resorts is a major plus.

4. Easier Access for Bay Area Buyers

If you’re traveling from San Francisco, Oakland, or Sacramento, towns like Truckee, Donner Lake, and Tahoe City are generally more direct to reach via I-80 or Highway 50, depending on your destination.

5. More Neighborhood Variety

From historic cabins to modern mountain homes, California offers greater diversity in real estate styles and price points. Developments like Tahoe Donner provide full-service amenities (golf, tennis, pool, ski hill) and community events that appeal to families and full-time residents.

6. Family & Kid-Friendly Living

HOA communities like Tahoe Donner in Truckee or Tahoe Park in Tahoe City, offer easy access to parks, trail systems, and youth programs. Many buyers find this side of the lake a great match for year-round living or family-focused getaways.

7. That Classic Tahoe Feel

For some, the California side simply feels more like Tahoe: Tall pines. Quirky towns. Vintage A-frame cabins. That blend of recreation and nostalgia is something money—or tax breaks—can’t always buy.

Bottom Line:

Choosing the California side of Lake Tahoe is about lifestyle alignment. If you value access to amenities, a lively community, rich local culture, and diverse neighborhoods, the California side might just be your perfect mountain home base.


Curious about Tahoe real estate—on either side of the lake?

Let’s connect. I can help you compare options and find a home that aligns with both your lifestyle and long-term goals.

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

Pros of Living on the Nevada Side of Lake Tahoe

Why Incline Village Is a Smart Real Estate Move

As a real estate professional licensed in both California and Nevada, I often help clients compare both sides of Lake Tahoe before deciding where to buy. While California offers classic charm and a vibrant mountain town vibe, the Nevada side—especially Incline Village—offers significant financial and lifestyle advantages that make it an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers, investors, and full-time residents.

Here are the top reasons why living on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe makes dollars and sense:

1. No State Income Tax

This is one of the biggest draws for moving to Nevada. Unlike California, where income tax rates can reach up to 13.3%, Nevada doesn’t tax personal income at all. Whether you’re still earning a high salary, drawing retirement income, or building investment portfolios, this can save you thousands of dollars each year.

2. No Estate or Inheritance Tax

Nevada offers peace of mind when it comes to wealth transfer and estate planning. There is no state inheritance or estate tax, making Incline Village an appealing option for families focused on generational wealth and long-term planning.

3. Lower Property Taxes and Fewer Fees

Nevada property taxes are generally lower than California’s, and residents in Incline Village don’t pay Mello-Roos or similar special assessments that can add thousands annually in other states. For many buyers, this translates into a lower total cost of ownership, even on luxury properties.

4. Exclusive Access to IVGID Amenities

Incline Village residents benefit from the Incline Village General Improvement District (IVGID), which provides access to:

  • Two private beaches (Incline Beach + Burnt Cedar Beach)

  • Diamond Peak Ski Resort (ideal for families and beginners)

  • Championship and mountain golf courses

  • Tennis, pickleball, fitness center, rec programs, and parks

This kind of resident-only access is a huge value-add and sets Incline Village apart from most California-side communities, where amenities are often public and more crowded.

5. Peaceful, Upscale Mountain Living

Incline Village is known for being quieter and more private than other areas around the lake. With a higher concentration of full-time residents and second-home owners (as opposed to short-term tourists), Incline offers a more relaxed, residential feel without sacrificing access to nature, trails, or lakefront fun.

6. Proximity to Key Amenities

While it feels tucked away, Incline Village is less than an hour to Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and close to world-class skiing at Mt. Rose. It’s a great option for remote workers, Bay Area transplants, and anyone seeking an alpine escape with everyday conveniences.

The Bottom Line: Nevada = Smart, Strategic Living

If you’re looking for a financially smart, lifestyle-rich location in Lake Tahoe, the Nevada side—especially Incline Village—should be at the top of your list.

Whether you’re relocating, buying a second home, or building long-term wealth through real estate, Nevada offers both immediate tax benefits and long-term ownership value.


Want to explore what living in Incline Village could look like for you?

As a California and Nevada licensed real estate advisor, I can help you compare properties and weigh both lifestyle and financial advantages—on both sides of the lake. Let’s talk!

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

Just Listed | Lakefront Living at Crystal Bay Cove

Lakefront Luxury in the Prestigious Crystal Bay Cove Community

475 Lakeshore Blvd #13, Incline Village, Nevada

3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,450 SF

Listed Price $4,875,000

Lakefront living in the exclusive enclave of Crystal Bay Cove. This lakefront community offers beautifully landscaped grounds, a private pier, and 36 buoys serving its 36 residences. Perched above the shoreline, this desirable upper-level unit captures unobstructed panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.

Taken down to the studs and completely remodeled in 2022, this home blends the feel of new construction with timeless design. The upper level features an open-concept living room and kitchen, with expansive sliders that frame breathtaking lake views. The chef’s kitchen is equipped with new appliances, a Miele espresso station, and a built-in indoor gas grill. Downstairs, enjoy two spacious, lake-view bedrooms. Every detail is curated for comfort and luxury, including air conditioning units on both levels. Additional features include an attached 1-car garage with a 220V, 60-amp EV charging outlet.

Contact us today to schedule a private tour.

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

 

 

A Full-Circle Moment: Speaking at WomanUP!®

Keynote speaker, Amie Quirarte, at the WomanUp Conference in Pasadena, California

WomanUP!®: Empowering Women in Real Estate

I had the honor of serving as the keynote speaker at the WomanUP!® conference hosted by the California Association of Realtors in Pasadena this month. I chose to focus my presentation on the Psychology of Fear—how it shows up in our work as real estate professionals and in our everyday lives.

A bit of history: WomanUP!® began in 2017 to address a powerful gap: women make up the majority of REALTORS®, but a much smaller percentage hold brokerage leadership positions. What started as a one-day gathering has evolved into a national movement championing mentorship, leadership, and equity in real estate.

Public speaking doesn’t come naturally to me, but having my three-year-old daughter, Alaska, in the audience made all the difference. She sat quietly in the back of the room, watching as I spoke about overcoming fear, embracing challenges, and stepping into our full potential.

Grateful for the opportunity, the platform, and the mission of WomanUP!® to elevate and empower women in our industry. It was such a proud and meaningful moment—for me as a mother, a woman, and a Realtor.

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

The Tale of Three Markets in Tahoe

Positioning in Today’s Tahoe Markets

Where you stand depends on where you sit—and in Tahoe real estate, that’s never been more true. From charming cabins to mountain top estates, Tahoe’s real estate market is telling three very different stories right now. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply keeping a pulse on the market, here’s a look at what’s happening across the spectrum:

Entry-Level & Mid-Market

In areas like Truckee, Tahoe Donner, and Kings Beach, homes in the more accessible price range are moving quickly. Buyers are active, inventory is tight, and well-priced homes in great condition are attracting strong interest. If you’re a seller in this tier, this is your moment. But pricing and presentation still matter—today’s buyers are informed and expect value.

Luxury Market

The $2 million to $5 million price bracket—often considered “luxury” in Tahoe—tells a more cautious story. We’re seeing longer days on market, more negotiations, and a noticeable shift toward buyer selectivity. High-end properties in Incline Village, Martis Camp, Lahontan, and the West Shore remain desirable, but the bar is higher. Quality, location, and pricing must align to stand out in this space.

Estate Level Market

Properties priced at $5 million and above, especially those on the lake are experiencing a more balanced market. Many of these buyers are paying cash, driven less by interest rates and more by lifestyle, privacy, and long-term generational value. These homes aren’t just transactions—they’re legacy purchases.

Navigating Your Next Move

While market stats provide valuable insight, they shouldn’t drive your decision. Your unique lifestyle, evolving needs, and family goals deserve to be front and center. Let those priorities lead the way—supported by trusted, hyperlocal real estate expertise.

Thinking about making a move in Tahoe’s summer market? Let’s talk—I’m here to help.

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

TRPA Pier Lottery is Officially Open!

TRPA Accepting Pier Lottery Submissions June 1 – 30

As someone deeply committed to protecting property rights in the basin, I make it a priority to be involved in key meetings around the lake and throughout the state that may affect not only me as a homeowner, but also my clients– past, present, and future.

Recently, I attended two important local gatherings: one with the Tahoe Lakefront Owners Association and another hosted by our local board of realtors, featuring guest speaker Jeff Cowen from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). Both meetings focused heavily on preserving property rights and navigating the evolving regulatory landscape in Lake Tahoe.

In this blog, we are pleased to share that the TRPA Pier Lottery is officially open! Read more below from the TRPA.

A Message from the TRPA

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency will be accepting submissions for the pier lottery and allocation selection process from June 1 through 5 p.m. PDT on June 30, 2025, for the limited number of pier allocations allowed every two years under the Shoreline Plan.

Adopted by the TRPA Governing Board in 2018, the Shoreline Plan lifted a longstanding moratorium on new shore zone structures and placed a cap on the number of private piers and buoys allowed at Lake Tahoe. The plan allows additional piers and moorings to be permitted at a measured rate until the cap is met.

Every two years, TRPA can permit up to 12 new piers on Lake Tahoe, with priority given to multiple-parcel piers. On July 18, TRPA will select submissions to receive an allocation through the lottery and prioritization processes. No additional pier allocations will be available until 2027. If selected, applicants will be eligible to submit a new pier application, which will undergo a comprehensive review.

Information and instructions on the submission process, including eligibility criteria, are available at the link below.

TRPA NEW PIER PROCESS

Highlights:

🔹 Only 12 new piers will be permitted this cycle
🔹 Priority goes to multiple-parcel piers
🔹 Lottery selections happen on July 18
🔹 No new opportunities again until 2027

This is a rare opportunity to enhance your lakefront property—don’t miss it!

📲 Wondering what this means for your lakefront property? Contact Amie Quirarte—your local expert in Tahoe real estate and lakefront opportunities.

Contact Amie Quirarte with The Q Group

Just Listed | Tahoe Cabin with Private Lakefront HOA Perks

Mountain Comforts and Charm

408 Tahoe Woods Blvd, Tahoe City, California

3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | 1,926 SF

Listed Price $1,998,000

This beautifully updated Tahoe mountain home offers the perfect blend of rustic charm, modern upgrades, and unbeatable access to the great outdoors. Nestled on over half an acre and backing directly to Forest Service land, this property invites you to hike, bike, and even ski right from your backyard. Enjoy exclusive Tahoe Park HOA membership, which includes access to a private lakeside park with two shared docks, a buoy field (subject to availability), over 3 acres of beautifully maintained lakefront, BBQs, picnic areas, and a serene beach. Inside, you’ll find 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 updated bathrooms, and an additional oversized studio above the garage.

Contact us today to schedule a private tour.

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

 

 

Just Listed | Elevated Living in Tahoe Donner

Breathtaking Mountain Views

13271 Skislope Way, Truckee, California

6 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 4,124 SF

Listed Price $2,395,000

Click Here to View Video

Do not miss these incredible views! Situated above the heart of Truckee in the sought-after Tahoe Donner community, this fully remodeled 6-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home offers 4,124 square feet of refined mountain living. Blending timeless alpine character with elevated modern comfort, this home enjoys sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains—perfect for taking in snowy winter scenes or serene summer sunrises.
Contact us today to schedule your private tour. Full list of upgrades and associated documents available upon request.

Designed with flexibility in mind, features include a versatile three-level layout ideal for multi-generational living, large families, or dual households. Two levels offer full living spaces and private entrances, providing both functionality and privacy. Inside, the warm aesthetic is showcased with rich wood finishes, expansive windows that frame the forest and mountain views, and open-concept gathering spaces.

Full list of upgrades and improvements are available. Buyer will have first right of refusal on the neighboring vacant lot (APN:046-090-006).

Contact us today to schedule a private tour.

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