Tahoe isn’t just a vacation destination, it’s a way of life.
It’s a vibrant community bursting with energy, adventure and appreciation for our landscape and people. The people who choose to call Tahoe their forever home understand that the blend of unsurpassed natural views, year-round outdoor recreation opportunities and close-knit community is rare. There’s a sense of pride in calling Tahoe home and embodying the Tahoe lifestyle.
Since arriving in Tahoe Vista in 2005, entrepreneur and real estate agent Kristen Pepin has developed an appreciation and understanding of the region and embraced the free-spirited way of life. With a strong passion for building businesses alongside community, Kristen understands that true growth comes with deep purpose and desire to help others thrive.
As the founder of Pep’s Place restaurant in Tahoe Vista, a nine-year North Tahoe Recreation and Parks Commissioner, the founder of the Tail Wagger running event and a Realtor, the multifaceted entrepreneur has gained experience and knowledge throughout the years about the intersection of recreation, sustainability and community through local activities and events. This has helped fuel her successful real estate career, where her primary focus is to help new members of our community not just buy a home here, but also actually experience our way of life.
“I guide clients to belong here,” Kristen says.
Licensed in both California and Nevada with Dudum Sierra Properties and Sun Bear Realty, Kristen navigates and showcases both sides of Tahoe, something that sets her apart. Understanding the entire community has helped her find the perfect long-term home for each client, including desired neighborhood, local amenities and points of interest. Kristen shares that her passion for real estate “goes beyond the transaction.”
“It’s about finding someone their forever home and creating a strong community for the long term,” she says.
Finding the perfect home requires a true understanding of both the client and the region.
“I ask my clients a lot of questions,” Kristen says, “and I make sure to really listen to them, spend time with them, pay attention to body language and understand their priorities and values to pinpoint various neighborhoods that could be a perfect fit.”
Lake Tahoe has a vibrant variety of neighborhoods, offering a plethora of opportunities for adventure, relaxation, community, career advancement and entrepreneurship. Kristen’s goal is to place each client in the region where they not only have a forever home, but also a place to thrive.
One value that Kristen holds is going above and beyond for each client, even after the transaction is closed.
“My job isn’t over once they buy,” Kristen says with enthusiasm. “Before moving in, I like to go through the home and see what essentials are missing so I can provide for them. Part of my job is reaching out and seeing how they are settling in, assisting with package or furniture deliveries, providing recommendations, helping with appointments and being someone they can rely on. I want to connect with each family member on a deep level.”
Kristen has many fond stories of being a part of her clients’ lives. One that stands out is when she helped design a treasure hunt for a client family with two small boys as they settled into their new home. “Small, simple gestures make the biggest impacts,” she says.
Kristen doesn’t just sell the Tahoe lifestyle, she embodies it. When she is not busy showing and selling homes or running her businesses, you can find her exploring the trails with her beloved tri-colored Aussies, unwinding by the lake and engaging with the community in local events, including the locally loved Tail Wagger – a dog-friendly and family-friendly run and expo she designed to encourage people and their pets to get outside, boost the local economy and raise funds for local nonprofits including the Pet Network Humane Society. It’s just one of the ways Kristen aims to help give back to the community that has given so much to her.
Kristen’s Tahoe Essentials
Visit Sand Harbor, and stay to watch a dynamic sunset.
Take a hike with a vista. Some of her favorites include Galena Falls, Fire Lookout, Picnic Rocks, Eagle Rock and Monkey Rock.
Being at the lake is a must in the summer. Go on a pier or explore the water via a kayak, paddleboard or a cruise with Tahoe Gal or Sierra Cloud.
Testimonials:
“Her energy, enthusiasm and tenacity kept the negotiations moving forward. I am grateful to have her in my corner.” - Margy
“Kristen was simply outstanding – smart, attentive, listened to our needs, creative and flawless execution. We would use her again without hesitation.” - David
KristenPepin.com | (530) 346-3233
6883 N Lake Blvd 61
Tahoe Vista, CA
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
