Second homeownership should feel like a reward, not a source of stress. But for many homeowners, the biggest challenge isn’t just maintenance, it’s not knowing what’s happening when you’re away. Whether you’re hundreds or thousands of miles from your Truckee or Kings Beach property, peace of mind hinges on staying in the loop.

Second homes offer the best of both worlds: relaxation, investment potential, and a personal retreat. But they also come with a unique set of responsibilities that many owners underestimate, especially when it comes to ongoing maintenance.

In the alpine settings of Truckee and Incline Village, a private spa or hot tub is more than just a luxury—it’s a major draw for guests and a personal reward for second homeowners. Whether it's a relaxing soak after skiing Northstar or a summer evening unwinding in Tahoe Donner, a well-maintained hot tub adds value, comfort, and booking appeal.

The vacation rental landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, and guest expectations continue to rise. If you rent out your home on Airbnb, VRBO, or another short-term rental platform, it’s no longer enough to offer a clean place to sleep. Guests in 2025 are looking for hotel-level cleanliness, smart home conveniences, and hassle-free experiences—all with a personal touch.

As locals who live and work in the mountains, we know firsthand that summer in Truckee means two things: sunshine and fire risk. The alpine environment we love offers unmatched natural beauty, but with that comes the annual threat of wildfires.

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, spring in Truckee marks the start of something exciting—summer season in the Sierra! For second homeowners, this is the perfect time to shake off the winter frost and get your vacation property in shape for warm-weather living.

Owning a second home in Truckee is a dream come true for many—a place to ski in the winter, relax by the lake in summer, and enjoy year-round mountain beauty. But for homeowners who don’t live nearby, one major concern always looms: what happens when you’re not there?

If you're considering purchasing a second home in the Lake Tahoe area, two prime locations stand out—Truckee and Kings Beach. Both offer stunning scenery, year-round outdoor activities, and strong real estate markets. However, they cater to different lifestyles and homeowner priorities.

Owning a second home in Truckee or Kings Beach can be both a personal retreat and a lucrative investment. With platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, many second homeowners generate steady rental income, turning their properties into high-performing short-term rentals.

Owning a second home is a dream for many—a retreat from everyday life, a place to build lasting memories, and even an investment opportunity. But for those who choose to self-manage their vacation home, the reality can quickly become overwhelming.

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Truckee, California, is a dream destination for second homeowners seeking a balance between outdoor adventure and mountain-town charm. With its stunning natural beauty, year-round recreational opportunities, and vibrant community, it’s no surprise that many choose to invest in vacation homes here.

The tradition of Spring cleaning is a natural process, when you think about it. After a long cold Winter, the first days of Spring offer the welcome opportunity to throw open the windows, air out the stale, heated air, then refresh and renew the space with a thorough, deep clean. This process is even more important for second homes, for a variety of reasons.

When did you first get the idea of buying a second home in the Truckee/Tahoe Donner area? Was it on vacation? Did you have family or friends in the area? Whatever sparked that first thought, it’s a great day when you finally find the right vacation home for you and your family and sign on the dotted line.

Your primary household budget is probably the part of your financial life that you are most aware of. Your primary mortgage, car payments, tuition payments, and other bills are probably fairly familiar to you. You may even have a well-developed system for tracking your monthly budget and know how to adjust as needed. Are you as aware of the expenses involved in owning your second home?