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What To Know About Buying A Vacation Home

September 30, 2020 by Mark Salmon

If you are thinking of buying homes for sale in Lake Tahoe, you are not alone. The home prices for Lake Tahoe homes for sale have increased every single month once the shelter in place was lifted as a result of high demand and low inventory. City dwellers wanted to take advantage of the great outdoors, get away from areas that had high populations and get more bang for their buck with Lake Tahoe real estate costing less than Bay Area prices. If you are still on the fence in regard to purchasing in a pandemic, one of the best things you can do is sit down and weigh the pros and cons. Aligning yourself with a local Lake Tahoe Realtor is another great resource to help you make a balanced decision. After all, we are here to act as a guide and advocate and have your best interest at heart. Let’s first look at the pros….

Those that can’t afford to buy in the city can now afford to be homeowners

Anyone who has lived in a major city knows how expensive it is. A fixer in a good neighborhood can run you close to (or over!) 7 figures, yet rent is so much it makes no sense to waste that much money each month on something you aren’t getting equity in. According to Zillow, the median sold price for the city of San Francisco is $1,416,879. The median sold price for homes for sale in Lake Tahoe is $505,000. You can simply stretch your dollar more here.

Investment Opportunities

Depending on where you purchase, you may be able to vacation rent your Lake Tahoe real estate out as an extra source of income when it is not being used. The use of a Lake Tahoe Realtor is extra important in this case as there are some areas that are zoned for vacation rental properties and some that are not.

Remote Working & Learning

With so many companies promoting at home working and schools across the nation observing remote learning, people can legitimately do what they need to do from ANYWHERE. Which means, when you don’t have to factor school drop off and that daily commute, you can pursue that dream of owning homes for sale in Lake Tahoe WHILE getting all the comforts of your favorite vacation destination AND home.

Planning Ahead for You Future Retirement

If you had dreams of retiring in Lake Tahoe, you now have the option to get a head start. Some buyers will start looking at Lake Tahoe homes for sale to purchase before they actually retire to help with financing and give themselves more financial flexibility later on.

Buying a Vacation home isn’t all roses, though. Especially in a mountain town where we deal with some type of extreme weather almost all year around. From major blizzards to fire season, to busy holiday weekends, owning Lake Tahoe homes for sale comes with responsibilities. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Extra properties do come with cost and maintenance. During fire season, keeping defensible space is crucial while during the winter, snow removal is an important service to keep going. Additionally, as mentioned above, check the fine print if you plan to rent out the property when you are not using it. In South Lake Tahoe specifically, you need to have a permit and the home needs to be in an area that is zoned for vacation properties. Also be sure you have a good plan to keep it managed while you are not there. There are plenty of great, local companies but they usually take about 25-30%. Mortgage rates on second homes not only require a higher credit score but also come with a higher interest rate. So be sure you know exactly what you are getting into by sharing your future plans with your Lake Tahoe Realtor so they can educate you on what to expect. For more information on buying or selling properties in this area, feel free to reach out. I would be happy to help!

Filed Under: Buyer Tips, Real Estate News, Seller Tips

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Just like that—851 Hill Rd sold! So grateful to Just like that—851 Hill Rd sold! So grateful to have worked with such incredible sellers who trusted the process and made this one a joy from start to finish. This charming 1950-built cabin—a true nod to old-school Tahoe—went from active to pending in just a few short weeks. With its thoughtful modern updates, filtered lake views, and unbeatable location just one street from Lake Tahoe and iconic Lakeside Beach & Marina, it's no surprise this one caught the right buyer's eye. Compass® DRE# CA 01485376 | NV 0191477

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2051 Nez Perce Dr is now offered at $2,375,000! Re 2051 Nez Perce Dr is now offered at $2,375,000! Recently completed by one of Tahoe’s most seasoned builders, this exceptional 3,847-square-foot mountain retreat offers a rare blend of expert design, functional elegance, and seamless access to the outdoors—all nestled in the quiet, coveted North Upper Truckee neighborhood. Just steps from pristine wilderness, owners can enjoy direct entry to an expansive trail network perfect for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling, including backcountry routes near Echo Summit, Angora Ridge, and Flagpole Peak. Thoughtfully designed with four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, the home includes three private suites, each crafted for comfort, privacy, and luxury. A deep driveway leads to an impressive 875-square-foot three-car garage, featuring a dedicated mechanical hub and generous bonus storage, adding both practicality and convenience to this stunning alpine retreat. Compass® DRE# CA 01485376 | NV 0191477

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Huge congrats to my buyers on securing their dream Huge congrats to my buyers on securing their dream mountain retreat at 1551 Skyline Dr! This charming 4-bed, 2-bath Tahoe chalet blends classic alpine vibes with modern comforts—and the location is truly unbeatable. With direct access to endless scenic trails and just minutes from Meyers, Heavenly, and the lake, adventure is always just outside the door. Compass® DRE# CA 01485376 | NV 0191477

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Wishing everyone a bright and beautiful 4th of Jul Wishing everyone a bright and beautiful 4th of July from my family to yours. Compass® DRE# CA 01485376 | NV 0191477
Just sold! Congratulations to my amazing buyers o Just sold!  Congratulations to my amazing buyers on securing their very own Tahoe mountain retreat at 771 Tahoe Keys Blvd! This custom split-level haven is the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and alpine adventure—crafted with care and nestled among the pines, just minutes from the lake. Here’s to unforgettable memories in the mountains and embracing the Tahoe lifestyle to the fullest! Compass® DRE# CA 01485376 | NV 0191477

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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.