Katrine Watson
Real Estate Agent (Broker)
Tahoe City CA

Katrine ‘Trinkie’ Watson, a native of San Francisco, spent her early years in Woodside, California, before relocating to San Francisco until her move to Lake Tahoe in 1966. With a lineage tracing back four generations to the John Breuner family, her California roots run deep. Trinkie received her education at several prestigious institutions, including Harker’s School for Girls in Menlo Park, Grant School, Burke’s, and Hamlin’s in San Francisco, followed by The Branson School in Ross. She continued her studies at Mills College, the University of Wisconsin, and ultimately graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. Education has always been a cornerstone of her family values.

Trinkie's professional journey began as a receptionist at Standard Oil of California's headquarters in San Francisco. She quickly advanced to the travel department, where she coordinated cross-country auto trips. Her career took a pivotal turn when she joined Milton Esberg’s Public Relations firm, contributing to fundraising efforts for San Domenico School in Marin and the Political Finance Committee for the Political Ball during the 1964 Political Convention.

In 1966, after a trip to Aspen and Sun Valley with friends, Trinkie suggested a detour to Squaw Valley. The following summer, she earned her real estate license and initially worked as a secretary for John Reilly Jr. at Alpine Meadows. Her career progressed as she became the office manager for General American Development Company, overseeing the marketing of Kingswood, Alpine Peaks, Brockway Springs, and Glenshire. She began her sales career by managing rental properties, which led to successful sales of lots and homes in Truckee. This success garnered her an invitation to serve as the broker for Stillwater Cove in Crystal Bay, Nevada.

In 1985, Trinkie moved to San Diego, where she joined a small brokerage in Rancho Santa Fe, but the allure of Lake Tahoe prompted her return to Truckee in 1989, where she established the California office of Chase International. In 1996, she expanded her operations with a small office in Tahoe City, later merging it with another office in Homewood in 2001. In January 2008, she relocated her office to the new Customs House, which also housed Starbucks. Additional offices were opened in the Truckee Hotel in 2005 and Squaw Valley in 2008.

Throughout her extensive career, Trinkie has held numerous leadership roles and received various accolades, including serving as president of the Incline Village Board of Realtors®, president of the Tahoe Sierra MLS, and director of the Truckee Tahoe Community Foundation. She was named Realtor® of the Year in Incline Village in 1996 and served as president of the Tahoe Sierra Multiple Listing Service in 1997. With over 44 years in real estate, she specializes in fine residential properties throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Trinkie holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and is committed to ongoing professional development. She has earned multiple designations through the National Association of Realtors®, including Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), Certified Residential Brokerage Manager (CRB), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate Realtors® Institute (GRI), Leadership Training Graduate (LTG), Performance Management Network (PMN), and Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS).

Her extensive leadership experience began in her school years and continues as she serves as president of the Lake Tahoe Music Festival for a third term, chairs the Cancer Advisory Council for the Tahoe Forest Health System, and is a member of the Orthopedic Advisory Council. Trinkie also serves on the board of the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation. A devoted dog lover, she is currently raising her eighth German Shepherd.

Trinkie Watson has built a distinguished reputation for her expertise in marketing and selling high-end properties, having successfully sold over 80 lakefront homes across California and Nevada, as well as estates and Sierra Valley ranches.