TAHOE ESTATES GROUP - Key Persons


Katie Benty

Job Titles:
  • Staff Member
A Northern California native, raised in the East Bay city of Orinda, Katie has made Lake Tahoe and Truckee her home since 1992. As a Truckee homeowner and Tahoe Donner property investor and builder, she has intimate local insight on neighborhood market activity, new construction, schools, and regional recreation. Katie has spent a considerable amount of time working within the resort luxury marketplace, focusing on communities and properties in Truckee, Martis Camp, and the Lake Tahoe basin. Katie takes a joyful approach in both her work and her personal life, cherishing her time spent with family, friends and clients, and is grateful to be a part of this special tight-knit community. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, paddle-boarding, and neighborhood gatherings.

Mark Lowenstern

Job Titles:
  • Staff Member
With over 25 years of experience investing in Truckee/North Tahoe residential and commercial developments, Mark Lowenstern has witnessed multiple market trends. As such, he's acquired the talents and tenacity it takes to succeed in today's market. "I have lived and breathed the Tahoe real estate market for over two decades. I have a deep and dedicated desire to succeed on my clients' behalf." Mark combines his real estate knowledge with local insight and a substantial business background that includes being a local business owner, World Cup cycling event director, and marketing director for two Lake Tahoe ski resorts. He attributes his success to "research, research, re-search". Mark's clients benefit greatly from his thorough market and property analysis, which is imperative to thrive in today's competitive real estate climate.

Robin Foster

Job Titles:
  • Real Estate Agent
Beginning her day before most people's feet even touch the floor, real estate agent Robin Foster's early rise is fueled by her positive attitude and tenacious nature. As a member of the Tahoe Estates Group, recipients of the prestigious private client network, Robin is dedicated to providing buyers and sellers with unparalleled real estate experiences. She loves connecting with people and helping them achieve one of their biggest goals: homeownership, and the opportunity to help them create the new, meaningful memories that come with it. Originally from Michigan, Robin majored in communications and sociology before commencing graduate studies in nursing and medical management. Opening and operating two restaurant franchises and maintaining their survival during the 2008 economic downturn helped Robin develop the drive and fortitude that she now uses to win deals for her clients. As a third-generation real estate professional, Robin's interest in the industry was reignited after moving to California in 2015. She first landed at a leading San Francisco commercial real estate company, where she partnered with leasing brokers and learned the lay of the land before venturing into the residential side of the industry. A mother of two children, Robin loves anything that involves the outdoors, including hiking and skiing and all that this area offers. Her years of residence in the Tahoe area has amplified her desire to serve others, and her efforts include assisting military veterans with finding housing and value.

Ryan Stokes

Job Titles:
  • Staff Member
In his first 10 years as a Realtor, Ryan has developed a love of real estate and its potential to be a transforming experience. Whether buying or selling, moving or investing, Ryan values each client and their individual goals. Starting with creating strong connections with each client and aligning goals, Ryan shares up to date market knowledge and creates a clear route to success. Through consistent and reliable communication, Ryan empowers his clients as an essential part of the process. Every client and every goal is unique and Ryan's honest approach and calm confidence creates a relationship of trust which is highly valued by his clients. Ryan's positivity makes the experience exceptional from beginning to end. Ryan has been a passionate outdoor enthusiast his whole life. Raised in the Hudson Valley of New York, Ryan's love of camping, hiking, fishing and snowboarding started in the Adirondacks, Catskills and Green Mountains. After graduating with a B.A. in Anthropology, Ryan journeyed to the last frontier and worked in teaching and social work in Alaska. This time spent fishing world class rivers, camping in the shadows of Mount Mckinley and hiking glacier covered peaks inspired Ryan. He knew his life would always include beauty, nature and adventure. Moving to Truckee was a natural next step. Ryan started honing his skills as a carpenter working on projects in Glenshire, Donner Lake and all around Lake Tahoe getting to know the area. Ryan's construction background is invaluable to his clients lending structural expertise and educating his clients on desirable home features or issues to avoid in snow country. When he's not working for his clients Ryan can most likely be found on his favorite hike, the Donner Lake Wagon Road, with his wife Meghan, black lab Nova and labradoodle Obi! Or check one of the local lakes for him wakesurfing with his wife and kids. After all the fun Truckee/Tahoe has to offer on any given day, he will be in the kitchen perfecting a fantastic dinner. A bit of a foodie, Ryan takes his craft seriously, so don't be surprised if he invites you over so he can show off. Whether it's his hobbies, his family or his work, Ryan believes in connection and hard work to achieve lifestyle goals.

Sally Gardner

Job Titles:
  • Associate
  • Broker
  • Real Estate Broker Associate
Sally Gardner, holding licenses in both California and Nevada, played a pivotal role in the expansion of San Francisco-based Pacific Union International, a leading luxury brand in the Bay area and the largest independent brokerage in California (which was acquired by Compass in 2018). Her efforts began in 2012 when she spearheaded the expansion into the Lake Tahoe and Truckee areas. Through Gardner's guidance, the Pacific Union brand made a significant mark in the luxury market around Tahoe. Currently, multiple Compass locations thrive in Truckee, Tahoe City, the Village at Squaw Valley, Incline Village, Nevada, and South Lake Tahoe. Before her role as the Regional Executive - President of, the Tahoe Region at Pacific Union, Gardner had a diverse background in residential real estate development at DMG Developments. Her proficiency extended to various aspects of the industry, such as site selection consulting, planning, zoning, financing, management, construction, and new home sales. These comprehensive skills have proven invaluable in ensuring seamless transactions while working with Gardner. Lake Tahoe's real estate professionals deeply respect Gardner's practical expertise, fostering strong and enduring relationships. This often becomes a pivotal factor in why Gardner's clients' offers stand out among many. Collaborating with Gardner is widely regarded as a professional journey from start to finish, appreciated by fellow brokers, buyers, and sellers alike. Gardner's extensive knowledge ranges from delving into data intricacies and understanding luxury and regional trends to adept negotiations. This breadth of insight is highly regarded by her High Net Worth clients. As a member of The Private Client Network, which operates in 40 markets across the nation, Gardner benefits from a powerful network of luxury residential brokerage professionals focused on client-driven results. In 2022, PCN collectively facilitated $8.4 billion in real estate sales. This affiliation ensures that sellers benefit from reaching the most suitable buyers. As a successful entrepreneur living in the Bay Area's peninsula before relocating to Lake Tahoe, Sally relates to her client's busy lifestyle resulting in symbiotic relationships. Her understanding of estates, trusts, and philanthropic foundations is why Sally often partners with Family Offices and Attorney's on transactions.