CESI PAGANO

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Written by H. K. Wilson - Photography by Ian Wiant

esi Pagano’s love for the design and artistry of the varied dwellings people call home is a legacy she inherited from her father and grandfather, both Architectural Engineers and Home Builders. She earned her degree in architecture with a minor in interior design from California Polytechnic, Pomona, with an eye to putting her creative talents to work designing beautiful and functional living spaces, but her engaging personality made it inevitable that she would eventually step out from behind the desk and into a more people-focused role.

During a lifelong and successful career spanning architecture, construction lending, and new and traditional home sales, Cesi’s passion for homes and relentless pursuit of excellence have yielded exceptional results.

As the leader of Cesi Pagano & Associates at Keller Williams Luxury in Laguna Niguel, Cesi has assembled one of the most dynamic teams in California real estate, from her talented executive team to her award-winning sales associates. The team’s unrivaled reputation among both clients and peers arises from an uncompromising commitment to client care. “Coming from the corporate world, I run my business like a corporation,” she says. “I make sure everybody on the team has one job, so they are masters and do it well. Unlike most real estate teams, we don’t all wear a lot of different hats. We focus on our best skills, so our clients are better served. I am careful to hire individuals who are people-centric, with nurturing and serviceable personalities.”

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Cesi holds numerous professional designations that set her apart from her competitors, among them, Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR); Certified Sales Professional (CSP); Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE); Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource (SFR); Pre-Foreclosure Specialist Certification (PSC); Certified HAFA Specialist (CHS); Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS); and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS).

She and her team are dedicated to continuous personal and professional development designed to raise the standard of service they deliver to clients. “As part of our ongoing commitment to our clients, as well as maintaining a top position in the industry, our team is continually educated and updated on the latest market updates, statistics, technology, marketing trends, data analysis and any educational tools.”

The indispensable professionals who so diligently attend the many details that accompany every real estate transaction are Katie Gould, Director of Operations; Tony Pagano, Leasing Manager and Listing Support; Gordana Cucuk, Open House & Showing Coordinator; Pam Pearson, Listing &

Transaction Manager; and Julia Alty, Director of Marketing.

Nelson A. Strickler; Brittany Stewart; Jackie Homrighausen; Margaret Shepherd; and Zach Tietz make up the sales team. Cesi says, “They are all high-level, experienced and caring individuals who are dedicated to their careers and clients. They are more like partners, and I attribute my success to a team effort, not an individual accomplishment. Our reviews speak for themselves. Clients love our team.”

In their numerous heartfelt testimonials, clients express in detail the reasons why they love working with this extraordinary real estate team. One stated: “Cesi and her team were amazing. From our first meeting, Cesi made us feel at ease with her knowledge of our area and the detailed information she provided us on what we could expect from her in the process. Communication is important to me, and Cesi and her team exceeded my expectations. We always knew what was going to happen and when, and recognition of our busy schedules was always taken into account. Cesi sold our home in record time and we got a wonderful selling price. We highly recommend working with Cesi Pagano and her team. You won’t be disappointed.”

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Mastering Every Challenge Another said: “When you sign up with Cesi, you truly have her entire team working for you. She is the team leader and your primary contact, but everyone is there to support you. We’ve probably bought and sold eight or nine homes over the past 40 years, between corporate moves and purchases of second homes. Cesi is absolutely the best

Realtor® that we have ever worked with. She is a great communicator and advisor, and a real professional. Thank you Team Pagano!”

Although Cesi is often recruited by other companies due to her proven real estate success, she has remained at Keller Williams throughout her 18 years as a resale agent because of the company’s dedication to its agents — a focus that ensures positive client outcomes. “I think all companies say they care about their agents, but this company truly does.

I’m fortunate enough to be in the top echelon of Keller Williams’ highest producing agents, I get to meet and mastermind with top groups throughout the nation. I get to meet with and know the “real” Gary Keller. I see him walk-the talk by reinvesting in not just people but in technology and infrastructure. This equates to continued success for his loyal agents. As a team leader, it’s also important for me to help my team members grow their businesses, the same way Gary does with the leaders in his organization.”

Cesi’s high-profile status in the real estate community means her clients benefit from her network of other leading industry professionals. “We are connected with top Realtors® throughout the globe, and we help connect a lot of clients who move out of the area with agents who will serve them as we would.”

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Cesi is a world traveler who is conversant in both Spanish and Italian. She and her team place a high value on understanding and honoring our diverse society who make up Southern California’s multicultural population.

“As a group, we are well-versed in international cultures, not only in some languages, but in understanding the nuances that dictate how to market to them, behave with them and speak to them cordially. We want everyone to feel at ease and well-represented when buying or selling a home with us.”

While Cesi is a notable figure in Southern California’s most elite communities, she emphasizes that she enjoys working with clients at every price point. “My passion is just real estate. Period. No transaction is too small or too big for us. After being in the business as long as I have been, we are now helping our clients’ children buy or lease their first homes. Our goal is to help everybody achieve their dream of homeownership, regardless of the price tag.”

Cesi and her husband, Dan Ysseldyke (who holds a Regional executive position with a large International Corporation), have a blended family of five grown children. Anthony Pagano is the oldest, also a Realtor® on the team as well as Leasing Manager; Andrew Pagano is a successful business owner of a Film/Video Production

Company (Livelihood Co); Lauren Ysseldyke is a Director of Global curriculum for a large Medical Company; Jennifer Ysseldyke is an Entrepreneur and business partner for two companies in Bermuda; Gina Pagano is studying for her B.A. degree at Morehead University on a full athletic scholarship in cheerleading. She is also the captain of the multiple-world title cheerleading team. Cesi and Dan enjoy the luxury of travel abroad, as well as engaging in the many outdoor activities that make living in California so special, from hiking, to biking, to camping. Cesi is also a great supporter of community who donates a portion of every transaction to KW Cares, donates regularly to local schools and giving back to the community.

Keller Williams asks its agents to define their “Big Why.” Cesi defines hers this way, “For me, it’s not about the money; it’s about successfully assisting clients achieve their real estate dreams and goals. One of our many objectives as a team is to help our clients achieve wealth through real estate. We consult them and provide them all the necessary information with their best interests in mind, whether it means them keeping their homes, or not purchasing one. Our clients appreciate our honesty and consultative style. Ultimately, the greatest reward for me is when people refer me to their friends and family. That’s when I know I have achieved my own ‘why.’”

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Cesi Pagano & Associates – Keller Williams Luxury

23807 Aliso Creek Road, #100, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Email: Cesi@CesiPagano.com - Web: www.cesipagano.com Tel: (949) 370-0819 - DRE # 01043716 ExecutiveAgent Magazine