By: Matt Emma

In the competitive world of real estate, where commission checks often drive decision-making, Krista Voosen has built her career on a philosophy that sets her apart from the crowd. Her approach is refreshingly unconventional: she refrains from calculating her commission on a transaction until the title company requests the broker demand form before closing.

“Call it superstition, but I believe that if I focus on my ‘take,’ then I may already have one foot down the dark path and might not be looking out for my clients’ best interests,” Voosen explains. It is this unwavering commitment to putting clients first that has helped propel her to become one of the high-performing agents in the Tahoe-Sierra MLS, where she currently ranks #4 out of 442 agents in number of transactions.

From Honest Ambition to Industry Leadership

Voosen’s journey in real estate began in the late 90s after graduating from Bucknell University. What makes her story particularly compelling is the candor she displayed from day one. In her initial interview, she was refreshingly honest about her ultimate goal: to become a broker and own her own firm. That bold transparency would become a hallmark of her career.

By 2002, Voosen was already demonstrating her forward-thinking approach by launching SnowProperty.com, one of the first real estate websites in the area. The digital venture proved to be so successful that when she obtained her broker’s license in 2005, she named her company after the website. Four years later, she joined forces with Serene Lakes Realty, a boutique firm with deep roots in the community, with a physical office presence on Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe for 55 years. In 2017, Voosen bought out her partner and now runs the office alongside her trusted agent, Angelica Ramos, and her husband, Eric Voosen.

The Golden Rule in Action

Operating in a small, tight-knit community where anonymity is a luxury few can afford, Voosen has built her reputation on ethical practices and genuine care for her clients. “I work in a very small community where there is no luxury of anonymity, and my reputation could be affected if I behaved in an unethical manner,” she notes. “I believe in the Golden Rule. Do unto others…”

This philosophy extends to her handling of dual agency transactions, where all bottom lines remain confidential unless instructed otherwise. It’s a practice that reflects her commitment to protecting client interests, even when it might be easier to take shortcuts.

A Full-Service Approach That Delivers Results

Voosen’s typical clients are vacation homeowners who benefit from the comprehensive staging services her firm provides with every listing. Unlike many competitors who charge extra for staging, Serene Lakes Realty includes these services in its competitive fee. The company maintains an extensive staging inventory and takes care of every possible repair or upgrade needed to present properties in their best light.

“Our goal is to make the property look as appealing as possible for the photo shoot as well as in-person showings,” Voosen explains. This attention to detail and commitment to going the extra mile have contributed to impressive results that speak for themselves.

Recognition Where It Matters Most

While Voosen may not sell the $17 million Lake Tahoe estates that dominate sales volume rankings, she currently ranks 17th in that category—her consistent placement in the top 10 for number of transactions year after year illustrates the real story. It’s a distinction that highlights her ability to serve a broader range of clients effectively and efficiently.

“I do credit my success to not only my supportive and productive team but my genuineness and integrity,” Voosen reflects. “I do not view myself as a salesperson, but I do excel at trusting my gut and understanding the particular situation my clients find themselves in.”

This instinct and integrity have created a self-sustaining business model where the bulk of her work comes from referrals by past clients and repeat customers, the strongest indicator of client satisfaction in any service industry.

Building for the Future

Currently, Serene Lakes Realty is undergoing an exciting transition. The company was able to purchase a building in a prime location in Soda Springs for its primary office. Though the building was somewhat dilapidated, Voosen’s husband Eric, a firefighter and paramedic, has been dedicating his spare time to the remodel. The new office is set to be completed at the beginning of 2026, marking another milestone in the company’s growth story.

For Krista Voosen, success isn’t measured solely in sales volume or commission checks. It’s found in the trust of clients who return again and again, in the referrals from satisfied customers, and in the knowledge that she’s built a business on principles that matter. In an industry often criticized for putting profits over people, she stands as proof that doing the right thing isn’t just good ethics—it can also be a good business.