When to Buy Real Estate in Lake Tahoe

Information may not be reliable

Buyers interested in purchasing a luxury home in Lake Tahoe usually want to know what the best season to buy is: summer, fall, winter or spring.

One reason they might ask that question is because they’ve already Googled it. They saw that all four seasons are nominated as the best buying period, depending on which Tahoe realtor’s websites they visited.

The real answer is… when it comes to Lake Tahoe luxury real estate, there is no best period.

Statistics show that Tahoe home sales peak in the summer and reach a low level in winter. Fall and spring sales falls somewhere in between.

Generally, the most motivated sellers are the wintertime sellers, and a motivated seller is what an astute buyer is looking for. But beware of the seller’s motivation. They might have endured one too many snow seasons and want to move on, or the drive up to the lake during winter is just too difficult.

Because the number of active listings bottoms out in the winter and sellers are anxious, houses tend to sell quickly. Days on the market are shortest in winter, longest in summer.

One problem winter-buyers face is that often the houses are partially covered in snow. Flaws are concealed. The surrounding grounds lie under a blanket of white, hiding the landscape—or lack thereof. What you purchase in January might look drastically different in June. 

Fall and spring are great seasons to look. Automobile traffic is down, the weather is generally pleasant. Business is slow and agents have more time to research listings show you around. 

Tahoe summers are spectacular. Boaters and fishermen and water-skiers are out on the water. Golfers are teeing off at one of a dozen courses around the lake. North and South shore casinos are jammed with gamblers. The whole valley is a playground.

Not unexpectedly, the number of houses for sale and closed escrows peak in the summer. Buyers have a wider selections of houses to choose from. Agents have more inventory to show. Pocket listings are common.

Buying real estate in a seasonal recreational area can be tricky. Be cautious of letting emotions drive the purchase. Just because a home has a lake view or is close to the ski slopes shouldn’t be the overriding factor in making an offer.

Work with an experienced agent when looking for a Lake Tahoe house to buy. Realtors who live there year round know the best areas to locate in for property values, year-round access and ease of property maintenance.

When you do find that “perfect” house, be ready to buy. The best properties and values don’t last long regardless of the season at Lake Tahoe.

About the Company:

Carr Long Real Estate has over 50 years of combined experience helping families live and play in the North Lake Tahoe area. As a professional Lake Tahoe luxury real estate team, Carr Long brings a history of high productivity, a strong work ethic and two valuable office locations in the Village at Northstar and The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Their expertise areas include The Village at Northstar, Northstar single family homes, Northstar condominiums, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Lake Tahoe, Martis Camp, Lahontan, Old Greenwood, Gray’s Crossing, Schaffer’s Mill and Tahoe Donner.