There's something special about helping friends find a home. Especially when what they're looking for seems almost impossible to find.

Last week, I had the pleasure of closing on a home in Incline Village for two very dear friends who had a pretty specific wish list. They weren't looking for just any house. They were looking for their unicorn.

And we found it!

Finding the Right Home, Even If It Isn't Perfect

One thing I've learned about buying real estate in Incline Village is that sometimes you have to look beyond what's right in front of you.

This home isn't perfect. It needs some love, a few updates, and probably more than a few trips to the hardware store. But it has something far more important: the potential to become exactly what my friends want it to be.

I know these two well enough to know they have the vision, patience, and energy to make it happen. I can already picture the family gatherings, dinners with friends, and memories they'll make here over the years.

And let's not overlook one very important feature of Tahoe living. They finally have a garage to park their cars in when the snow starts falling. Anyone who's spent a winter digging a car out of a snowbank knows just how exciting that is!

The Road to Closing Isn't Always a Straight Line

Like most real estate transactions, this one had a few twists.

We worked through property inspections, evaluated what needed attention, and kept an eye on 

interest rates that seemed to change every time we looked.

Buying a home is a big financial decision, and there's a lot more to it than finding a property you love. My job is to help my clients understand what they're buying, identify potential concerns, and make decisions they feel good about long after the transaction closes.

Sometimes that means having candid conversations about repairs, costs, and what makes sense financially. Other times, it's simply helping everyone stay focused on the bigger picture when the process gets a little stressful.

We worked through it all, and on Wednesday, they got the keys.

When Clients Are Also Friends

I've spent much of my professional life helping people navigate important decisions, but there's something particularly meaningful about real estate.

A home isn't just another purchase. It's where people build their lives.

When friends trust me to guide them through one of the largest financial decisions they'll make, I don't take that responsibility lightly. In some ways, there's even more pressure because these are people I care deeply about, and I want to make absolutely sure we're making smart decisions along the way.

I love that part of my work. The relationships, the problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing someone walk into a home and start imagining their future there.

And when those people happen to be dear friends, it's even better.

Here's to the Next Chapter

I couldn't be happier for these two. They've found a home with good bones, plenty of potential, and room to make it their own.

I have no doubt they'll transform it into something wonderful. Now, I just need to know when they're throwing the housewarming party!

Thinking about buying a home in Incline Village or Crystal Bay? Whether you're searching for something move-in ready or a property with potential, I'd love to help you understand the local market, evaluate your options, and find a home that's right for you.




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Kristie Wells is a Realtor with Casa Tua Real Estate, specializing in Incline Village and Crystal Bay. She writes about Lake Tahoe real estate, local attractions and the community that makes this corner of Nevada such a special place to call home.