What are the biggest mistakes homeowners make when selling in Lake Tahoe—and how can you avoid them?
Whether you're looking to move, cash out, or trade up, selling your home in Lake Tahoe is a big decision. But if you’re not careful, common missteps can cost you thousands—or leave your home sitting on the market far longer than it should.
I’m Ryan Smith, team lead of the Ascension Real Estate Group with COMPASS in South Lake Tahoe. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the five most common (and avoidable) mistakes I see homeowners make when listing their Tahoe properties.
1. Pricing It Wrong From the Start
This might sound obvious, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of the selling process. Pricing your home too low can leave money on the table. But pricing it too high? That can backfire just as badly.
An overpriced home can linger on the market, lose momentum, and ultimately sell for less. Strategic pricing isn’t just about looking at what nearby homes sold for—it’s about understanding your property’s unique features and how it compares to everything else currently on the market.
Sites like Zillow might give you a Zestimate, but that number often misses key context. A seasoned agent will help you position your home competitively and strategically for the current market.
2. Ignoring Tahoe’s Seasonal Timing
In Lake Tahoe, timing is everything. We have ski season, summer boating season, and quieter shoulder months in between. Each season comes with different buyer behavior and expectations.
For example, listing a lakefront home with a dock while it’s buried in snow doesn’t show it in its best light. On the flip side, winter might be the perfect time to highlight a cozy ski-in condo near Stagecoach Lodge.
Understanding Tahoe’s seasonal rhythm allows you to align your listing with when buyers are most likely to connect emotionally with the lifestyle your property offers.
3. Not Preparing for Repairs & Inspections
Buyers are going to inspect your home. If there are surprises, it could cost you the deal—or your asking price.
A pre-listing inspection is a smart move. It helps uncover issues you can either fix up front or disclose with transparency. This protects your negotiating power and helps avoid price reductions or delays during escrow.
The winning formula:
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Reasonable and strategic asking price
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Pre-listing inspection to understand (and possibly address) condition issues
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Pricing and marketing backed by relevant comps to avoid low appraisals
If you get those three right, you’re in a great position.
4. Underestimating First Impressions
Curb appeal matters. So does interior presentation.
Homes that are clutter-free, well-lit, and thoughtfully staged help buyers imagine themselves living there. That emotional connection drives offers.
Start with the exterior: clean landscaping, fresh paint, and a welcoming entry. Inside, remove personal items, clear out clutter, and stage the space to feel open and livable. It’s not about decorating—it’s about storytelling.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make it count.
5. Hiring the Wrong Agent
This one might sting a bit, but it matters. Not every agent understands the nuances of the Tahoe market or knows how to market a home with lifestyle in mind.
Generic listing photos and cookie-cutter descriptions won’t cut it. You need an agent with:
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Strong local and non-local reach
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An active presence on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook
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The ability to create emotion-driven media that sells the Tahoe lifestyle
That’s how you create buzz, attract serious buyers, and drive up your sale price.
Final Takeaway
Selling a home in Lake Tahoe isn’t just about listing it—it’s about presenting it strategically to the right buyers at the right time, in the right way.
Avoid these five common mistakes and you’ll maximize your chances of selling quickly and for top dollar.
Let’s Build Your Tahoe Listing Strategy
I’m Ryan Smith, and I lead the Ascension Real Estate team with COMPASS in South Lake Tahoe. We serve sellers across the entire Lake Tahoe region -both on the California and Nevada side.
Want to know exactly how much your home could sell for in today’s market—and how to get top dollar? Just give me 5 minutes. I’ll walk you through a tailored strategy specific to your property, your timing, and your goals.
Get in touch at AscensionTahoe.com, or follow me on Instagram & YouTube
