Shauna and Leita Covington A Mother Daughter Team

Written by Haley Wilson - Photography by Ian Wiant

Among the top one-half of 1 percent of Realtors® nationwide, Shauna Covington brings unrivaled expertise to the process of buying or selling a home in coastal Orange County. With more than $1 billion in career sales for a median sale price of $3.5 million, her award-winning approach to real estate has made her the number one choice in Laguna Beach every year since 2003.

While all of the accolades that Shauna has accumulated over the past 35 years could fill volumes, she says that other things are more important. “Buyers and sellers don’t care about what awards we received, they are concerned about quality care, ethics and integrity. Excellent service is my priority. The client always comes first, and I keep the lines of communication open.”

Shauna & Leita

Shauna is an Orange County native who earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Southern California and went on to teach school in the Newport Mesa School District. Seeking new challenges, she joined Minolta Business Systems, and there, she achieved the company’s highest award for the most sales within the United States. “I was working with Fortune 500 companies on a daily basis and really learned the delicate art of negotiation, the importance of communication and the necessity of follow-up,” she recalls. Shauna’s work ethic and knack for connecting people secured her promotion to sales manager. She distinguished herself in the role by fostering the top sales team in the nation.

In 1988, Shauna brought her business savvy and enthusiasm to Covington Homes. While working as an onsite project sales manager and selling out several new Southern California home developments prior to completion, she discovered her true calling. “I love real estate because it is very creative. Design, architecture, photography and psychology all mixed together, so it is creative, like artwork. I was a teacher and in business sales, but it’s the creative part of real estate I enjoy, not just selling a product.”

Shauna’s real estate practice is powered by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Laguna Beach, and in this elite coastal community, her name is synonymous with service excellence. Drawing upon her intimate knowledge of the region and deep ties to the community, Shauna is adept at guiding clients to the right home, foreseeing and averting challenges, and negotiating win-win outcomes. “In real estate, it is essential to look at a variety of solutions in order to arrive at the right one,” she says.

For Shauna, real estate is a family business, and one of her greatest joys is announcing her new Mother/ Daughter Team, and working alongside her daughter, Leita Covington, who is also a licensed Realtor®. Leita is a graduate of the USC Annenberg School of Communication and previously worked in creative marketing for such prestigious brands as Oakley, Estée Lauder and L’Oréal. According to Shauna, having a member of the “techie generation” on her team is a tremendous asset. “She has increased our efficiency 100%. She handles all of the marketing, which includes all of the social media sites, videos, broadcasting and all online presentations of our homes. She also works with me on our print media and assists me with sales, showings and communication with our clients. She is a true asset to our business and keeps joy in our work with the clients. I feel so blessed to work with her!” Shauna’s husband of 41 years, Chad Covington, also has decades of experience in the building and real estate sectors.

Clients love Shauna and Leita, not only for their expertise, but for their upbeat spirit. One of their favorite quotes is by author Charles Swindoll, who wrote: “The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it.”

Shauna and Leita strive to be fully present and listen to others in order to “establish an environment of trust and generosity.” These attributes are the foundation for their longterm relationships with clients as well as with other industry professionals.

A client who has both bought and sold homes with Shauna and Leita commented: “I have had the pleasure of working with Shauna Covington and Leita on more than one property sale, and I would not consider calling anyone else. They are proactive, knowledgeable and very well connected with other Realtors® in the area. This helps in finding the right client for each property, and shortening the time that it sits on the market. They are simply the best, and I will call them each and every time I am considering buying or selling a property.”

A local homebuilder stated: “I have 20 years of building experience, mainly of high-end homes. After dismal results with another Realtor®, Shauna and Leita took over my listing in Laguna Beach, and within two months, had it sold. No doubt they are the very best Realtors® in Laguna Beach. Hiring anyone else would be a mistake.”

Shauna and Chad have four adult children, two sonsin-law and two grandsons that she describes as “the joy of our lives.” Spending time together at the beach is a favorite family pastime. With a large family and busy career, Shauna and Leita always show up as their best self. “Keeping balance between career and family is as important as taking care of yourself. On a personal level, yoga and meditation help us to be mindful in all areas of our life. It helps renew vigor and gratitude as we strive to become the best version of ourselves.”

For Shauna and Leita, there is great reward in exceeding the expectations of their clients. Shauna says, “It’s wonderful to have a job where you not only build a professional relationship, but make lifetime friendships.” shauna@shaunacovington.com http://shaunacovington.com

Exquisite Custom Home With Sunset Views

32651 Sea Island, Monarch Beach, CA

One of the best coastal living views sweeping from San Diego to Palos Verdes! Watch the waves break on Strands Beach with the Ritz Carlton perched above. This exquisite, single-level custom home offers views of Catalina and San Clemente Islands and sunsets down the coastline throughout the year. As you enter the property through a private front gate you are welcomed into a wonderful entertaining area with a sparkling pool. A glass door entry leads to an open, spacious floor plan that maximizes the captivating ocean and sunset views. This flowing floor plans offers 3,177 square feet of comfortable living space: featuring four bedrooms and four baths. The gourmet kitchen’s center island with a waterfall edge and distinctive glass tile backsplash extends to the ceiling accenting the quartz counter tops. The ocean view kitchen features Wolf 6-burner range, dual Wolf ovens, Subzero refrigerator/freezer and wine refrigerator. The ocean view primary bedroom includes a walk-in closet with custom cabinets and a large skylight that illuminates the spa-like bathroom with free standing soaking tub. Two of the additional three bedrooms are ensuite with walk in closets and doors leading to separate patio areas. Porcelanosa flooring throughout, plus updated plumbing and electrical. This open interior floor plan is ideal for casual living, sophisticated entertaining and enjoying inspirational sunset views over the Pacific Ocean. This is truly a premium location close to award winning resorts, renowned beaches, shopping and only minutes from the Laguna Beach and Dana Point Harbor! www.32651SeaIsland.com

Offered at $5,995,000

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Offered at $3,695,000