Clicky

Jean Merkelbach

License Partner/ Private Office Advisor Engel & Voelkers
Jean is a powerful leader in luxury real estate whose career is marked by her fierce loyalty and commitment to her clients. With keen negotiating and decision-making skills and a true passion for real estate. Jean has long cultivated the competitive strengths and skills that enable her to meet the expectations of the sophisticated buyers and sellers she represents. \
A thirty five year real estate veteran, Jean's successful career includes being recognized by The Wall Street Journal as both the top producing agent at Lake Tahoe and in the state of Nevada, as well as 46th in the nation. She consistently ranks among the top 20 agents for Engel & Völkers in the Americas.
Her commitment to give back to the community she calls home includes initiating programs such as Community Service Day, Adopt-A-Family, and The Teachers Fund; Jean has served on the Board of Directors for the Reno Tahoe International Film Festival, Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada, and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
To complement these distinctions is the affiliation with Engel & Völkers, a renowned leader in luxury real estate. Jean is the Corporate Broker for Engel & Völkers in Northern Nevada, whose Lake Tahoe office was the first Engel & Völkers shop to open in the region. Jean is notably of only a small number of Engel & Völkers brokers to achieve the designation of Private Office Advisor. Jean believes that real estate is ultimately a personal service and with the Engel & Völkers affiliation links together the aspirations of discerning individuals around the world, be it in a private or business context. With total passion. "We are thrilled that Jean chose the Engel & Völkers family" said Paul Benson, License Partner and Global Real Estate Advisor. "Jean is a highly respected business woman with formidable negotiation skills that rival any top CEO. She will continue to be a leader in the luxury real estate markets for years to come." added Benson.
Jan 19, 2024
Unbelieveably fabulous! We had another agent for well over a year --- Craig could not do in that time what Jean was able to do in 12 days! And she had a back up offer! We thought maybe it was the market... maybe how things work in this area? No, we just needed a real realtor - Jean communicated, worked (hard), and appropriately advised. She was courteous, professional, and completely above board.

Save yourself time, frustration, and money - go to Jean first to just get the job done, done right, and save you time and money!
Jan 19, 2024
AMAZING! Professional, attentive, etc. We had a realtor for ~17 months who disregared very very basic requests. We thougt that was par for the course in the current market and location - ha! He was awful and Jean accomplished what he could not manage in ~17 months in under 12 days.

Save yourself time and frustration - start (and finish) with Jean!
Jun 24, 2022
Director at Chabad Lake Tahoe
What a pleasure it was for us to have Jean Merkelbach as our realtor to purchase a building for our Chabad at Lake Tahoe Jewish center. Jean proved herself to be professional, knowledgeable, kind and patient every step of the way. She went above and beyond to meet our needs. She is genuine, a good listener and always a step ahead in getting the job done. She professionally guided us through the process and is a good negotiator. She knows what she is doing and it is no surprise to us she is a top listing broker and so well liked by her clients. We highly recommend Jean for your all real estate needs.
Jan 20, 2022
Chief Revenue Officer
It was early in 2021 that we decided to sell our house in Oregon and move to Lake Tahoe. It sold quickly so we leased a place for 6 months and started our search in June last year. A close friend recommended we talk with Jean since she was one of the top realtors in the area and he had only great things to say about her. Jean really came through for us, was amazing to work with, and super patient. She helped every step of the way as we learned about the market, what we could afford, and through our specific criteria….vaults, views, and vision. It was also a time of limited inventory, fire evacuations, and competitive bidding. I was super impressed with Jean’s continuous communication, skill at negotiating/constructing the right deal, and now how great she has been post sale connecting us with local resources to help with our remodel project. If you are looking for a realtor I recommend Jean without any hesitation. Thank you Jean we love our new house and could not have done it without you!!
Jan 16, 2022
My husband and I owned a lake front home in Tahoe for three years. We loved living on the lake but decided we wanted to find another home on the lake that met more of our needs, including being permitted for one or two buoys.
The Tahoe housing market, especially for lake front homes is crazy due to high demand and very limited availability. But it was especially crazy last summer due to the ramifications of Covid and the new ability for many to live where they want and to work remotely.
Furthermore, we wanted a home that was updated, newly remodeled and turn key with furniture if possible. With such a small pool of homes available at any given time, and considering our wish list, we knew if could be a long waiting game and take lots of luck!
Jean found what she thought might be the perfect fit. She said this won't last long and to get up to Tahoe asap if possible. We were in the car driving to Tahoe within hours and together locked down the deal to the satisfaction of all parties.
She also sold our other Tahoe house very quickly!
Jean is the consummate professional who really listens to your needs and your concerns. Her over 30 years experience and local knowledge in this market place
is unbeatable.
We would recommend Jean without reservation to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.
Jan 13, 2022
Jean is very knowledgeable and professional. She helped sell my house and was present for each showing. She helped me go through the process smoothly.
Mar 16, 2021
We have know and worked with Jean for a number of years. Jean is honest, extremely professional, reliable, always stays in touch, loyal, and dedicated to her clients, She is completely knowledgable and always up to date about the nuances and moves in the real estate market. For a number of years Jean managed our property in Skyland, NV . She always protected our property and handled the tenants. Whatever she suggested about maintaining and upgrading the house, we did. We just completed a sale on it, and couldn't be more pleased. Anyone who becomes a client will be in the best hands possible. We will continue as clients for our future real estate transactions. We highly recommend Jean!!!
Jul 10, 2020
Professionalism, ethics, and having a keen understanding of your market are obvious prerequisites for choosing which brokerage Agent you choose to represent you in the important decision to either sell or purchase one of the most valuable assets you own, your home. However, since many Agents would qualify under those definitions, to select the best Agent one must look further and recognize the unique characteristics of that individual which would separate them from all the rest. Jean Merkelbach certainly qualifies for that distinction. Not only does she assist you in all phases of the transaction from proactively helping to stage the house, if necessary, but she also recognizes the need to look beyond just the purchase or the sale when problems arise and develop creative solutions to address those issues in order to achieve a successful outcome for her clients. She does this with a delightful and respectful position of gratitude such that it is genuinely an enjoyable experience. I can’t say enough about how powerful and impactful that is in the relationship. It’s the best experience we have ever had in selling our home!
John & Lil Norton (Sellers)
May 9, 2020
Jean is an amazing realtor. She is passionate about meeting the needs of her clients. She worked tirelessly to find us the home of our dreams, that would also accommodate our blended family. Jean also sold our previous home. Both the sale of our old home and the purchase of our new home were seemless transactions thanks to Jean's expertise.

Jean is a true professional and expert in Northern Nevada real estate. I would consider Jean not only my realtor, but a trusted friend, who goes above and beyond for her clients!
Mar 3, 2020
Jean was very prompt and jumped right in when assistance was needed.
Dec 24, 2019
General Contractor
Ethical & Efficient
Jean sold my home in 1 week twice!
I was looking for a quick sale and Jean had it sold in a week, When the buyers had to back out of escrow for health reasons jean had it sold again a week later.
I would definitely recommend her.
Patrick.
Oct 12, 2019
Jean was my agent in the sale of a lakefront home at Tahoe in 2000 and a commercial property at Tahoe in 2001. As a result of those experiences, she is my agent for the sale of a historic mansion at this time in downtown Reno. jean is honest and intelligent, and I highly recommend her as a real estate agent.
Dec 5, 2018
Seller
Jean did a great job representing both buyer and seller on our Tahoe house. I highly recommend her. Thanks
Sep 4, 2018
Home Buyer
Jean worked with me for over 2 years to finally located my dream home.

I am a difficult client. I had so many requirements but that did not scare her away from working daily to find my dream home and eventually she did and I bought it!

She found me the perfect Lake Front property and I couldn't be happier. Even now, Jean continues to be very patient with me for all of my constant questions.

Jean is highly motivated! And that is what you need in an agent. Someone who is fierce and driven. That is Jean!

Thank you Jean for putting up with us :)
Aug 31, 2018
Jean was a pleasure to work with! Very professional and always looking out for us!
Oct 23, 2017
Owner/seller of home
Jean worked tirelessly for our family as our broker in the sale of a lakefront home at Lake Tahoe, Nevada. We do not live in the area, so it was a difficult situation - many things needed to be done/organized at times, and we were unable to be present. Jean took care of everything - including arranging for donation of furniture, household items, artwork and more - and was there when an organization came to pick up the donations. She truly went above and beyond the main job of a real estate broker. She was patient and considerate when an offer fell through at the last minute, and when also when our family lost a loved one during the negotiations regarding a new offer. She did sell the house after lots of hard work - I know this is the job her job, but she did more. We are most grateful to Jean, and would not hesitate to recommend her to another seller.
Oct 20, 2017
Business Owner
Jean Merkelbach is an excellent realtor and business person. Her knowledge of the Lake Tahoe and Reno markets is amazing. Jean is very well connected and is creative in her thinking. She makes challenging transactions seem easy. She has been a tremendous help to me and my family with our real estate needs.
May 10, 2015
Retired professional transplants from Monterey CA
We met quite a few realtors during our search for the perfect home here in Tahoe. Unfortunately, most were in real estate as a second career after retiring from something else, doing it part time, and acting like it was a hobby. We are so glad we finally hooked up with Jean and immediately knew we were in the right hands. Jean is the total professional, dedicated to this business with passion and purpose. She knows the neighborhoods, markets and all the nuances that affect pricing. Once we decided on a home, she aggressively crafted the offer and hammered away until we had our deal. It was business all the way. Rather than a home inspector she used an engineering firm that issued a thorough report, and she managed the entire closing process. Why would anyone trust what is for most the largest financial transactions in their lives to anyone less committed to their career? Jean is the best and we always look forward to recommending her.
Apr 21, 2015
Tina's skin & body care
As a client of Jean's, I was extremely satisfied with her services.
She is both personal and professional. Her expertise in both listing and purchasing real estate is innovative and solid. Her can do attitude is what will keep me as a client for years to come!
Apr 10, 2015
Buyers
Jean is the consummate real estate professional, adept at handling our questions and needs quickly & competently. Throughout the entire process, we were able to rely on Jean's depth of experience and wealth of resources that helped to clarify issues and identify opportunities implicit in the contract.
Jean led us through some very difficult negotiations fairly and objectively. And, in the end, gave us a referral to the only legal counsel who could have enabled us to finalize the contract in the 3 days of the Easter/Seder weekend without litigation and/ or mediation.
Jean also gave us hope in the potential of this house, by referring us to a designer who has a wealth of ideas & vision to transform the house to fulfill our needs and dreams, reaffirming our purchase decision.
In summary, based on all that occurred during this process, we know that we would have never been able to purchase this house without Jean's guidance and assistance at every level
Apr 7, 2015
Thank you Jean for all the professional help and services provided by you and your company during the listing and sale of my condo. It was handed in a timely manner and all details were efficiently taken care of by your staff.
Apr 6, 2015
President/CEO, Bluth Enterprises - Bluth Development - The Bluth Trust
Ms. Jean Merkelbach has been my primary Real Estate Broker for the past 6 years, and she has been instrumental in the success of my real estate acquisitions at Lake Tahoe and the Reno Basin.

Ms. Merkelbach has also assisted me with various zoning and informational projects on many occasions, and her willingness to step in and handle any project, large or small, has earned her an outstanding reputation as Lake Tahoe and Reno's premier Real Estate Broker.

It is a rarity to find such dedication and work ethic, and I strongly recommend Ms. Merkelbach as the premier Real Estate Broker in the Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada area.

If you have any questions or need additional information regarding Ms. Merkelbach, feel free to contact me directly at 775-749-1057.

Charles P. Bluth
Apr 6, 2015
Entrepreneur, developer, business owner
Charles P. Bluth
BLUTH ENTERPRISES ? BLUTH DEVELOPMENT ? THE BLUTH TRUST
1730 Highway 50 ? Glenbrook, NV 89413
9550 Gateway Drive ? Reno, NV 89521
775-749-1057

April 6, 2015

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Subject: JEAN MERKELBACH, Sierra Sotheby’s Realty

Gentlemen:

Ms. Jean Merkelbach has been my primary Real Estate Broker for the past 6 years, and she has been instrumental in the success of my real estate acquisitions at Lake Tahoe and the Reno Basin.

Ms. Merkelbach has also assisted me with various zoning and informational projects on many occasions, and her willingness to step in and handle any project, large or small, has earned her outstanding reputation as Lake Tahoe and Reno’s premier Real Estate Broker.

It is a rarity to find such dedication and work ethic, and I strongly recommend Ms. Merkelbach as the premier Real Estate Broker in the Lake Tahoe and Northern Nevada area.

If you have any questions or need additional information regarding Ms. Merkelbach, please feel free to contact me directly at 775-749-1057

Sincerely,

Charles P. Bluth
President/CEO
CPB:ko


Apr 5, 2015
A satisfied client
Jean is the consummate professional in her real estate activities. Whether she is representing buyer or seller, Jean's focus is on her clients and on obtaining the absolute best value for a home sale. Her attention to detail and her effective communications sets her apart among her real estate colleagues throughout Northern Nevada and California.
Apr 3, 2015
I have had the pleasure of working with Jean on a number of her transactions and referrals over the years. Acting as the lender has never been easier as both Jean and her team are always efficient, professional, and on time.