Sacramento Real Producers-June 2024

1031 EXCHANGE

This section has been created to give you easier access when searching for a trusted real estate affiliate. Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the businesses sponsoring your magazine. These local businesses are proud to partner with you and make this magazine possible. Please support these businesses and thank them for supporting the Sacramento Real Producers REALTOR® community!

Asset Preservation Inc

Donalee Ham (916) 945-3532

ADU HOME SALES

Anchored Tiny Homes (916) 461-8469

anchoredtinyhomes.com

AGENT SUPPORT

HomeLight (510) 846-5200 HomeLight.com

WGE (916) 519-1564

ATTORNEY/LAW FIRM

Phoong Law (916) 475-6466

BLINDS/SHADES

Made in the Shade

Brando Guerrero (515) 720-7042

BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER

Olha Melokhina Photography (916) 288-5839

CLEANING SERVICE

Meticulosity Cleaning

Jennifer Prado (916) 410-4740

CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING

Wolff Construction

Don Erik Wolff (916) 205-3745

CPA SERVICES

Riolo & Associates

Dona Riolo (916) 771-4134

CUSTOM CLOSETS, OFFICES & GARAGES

California Closets (510) 763-2033 californiaclosets.com

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Tankersley Construction Inc (916) 538-6579 tankersleybuilds.com

ELECTRICIAN

Burke & James Electric Inc. (916) 618-3014 burkejameselectric.com

EVENT VENUE

Rancho Robles Winery LLC (916) 645-2075 www.ranchoroble.com

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Edward Jones Linda Sobon (916) 989-1004 EdwardJones.com/ Linda-Sobon

Edward Jones

Jon Benecke (916) 865-4616

FLOORING

Deluxe Flooring Roseville (916) 842-5262 Deluxeflooring.net

The Flooring Station (916) 526-2925 theflooringstation.com

GIFT BOUTIQUE

The Shop 916-260-6454 Theshopbydsi.com

HOME & TERMITE INSPECTION

CalPro Inspection Group

Andrea Quyn (800) 474-3540

Finley Home Services (916) 741-2847

Good Life Construction (916) 833-1379

HOME BUILDER

Meritage Homes (916) 206-1005 meritagehomes.com

HOME INSPECTION

Capital Valley Termite (916) 949-6911 www.capitalvalley termite.com

Good Dog Inspections (916) 420-9853

Www.gooddog inspections.com

Sac Pro Home Inspections (916) 333-0540

GoSacPro.com

HOUSE PLANS

Greyscale Homes (916) 384-0595

Greyscaleinc.com

INSPECTIONSRESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

Sac Pro Home Inspections (916) 333-0540

GoSacPro.com

INSURANCE

Farmers Insurance Agency

Cristi Rodda (916) 428-4520

Justin TurnerGoosehead Insurance (951) 965-4651 Goosehead insurance.com\justinturner

T.D. McNeil Insurance Services

Michael Colenzo (916) 983-2561

TDMINS.com

INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY

Pepperjack Interiors

Laura Neuman (916) 834-9751

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO

Design Shop Interiors (916) 260-6454

DesignShopInteriors.com

JUNK REMOVAL

Junk King (510) 316-3229

Kale’s Trash & Junk Hauling (916) 295-2622 www.kalesjunkand trashhauling.com

Longs Trash Hauling

Jim Long (916) 206-7072 longstrashhauling.com

KITCHEN/BATH REMODEL

Top Notch Tile

Carlos Navarro (209) 400-5287

LENDING

West Shore Mortgage (530) 682-4092 ilendsac.com

LISTING PREPARATION

SERVICES

Freemodel

Laura Klein (650) 740-1228

MORTGAGE

Fairway Mortgage -

Lucia Lending Team (916) 730-6339

Masters Team Mortgage

Krista Watson & Rochelle Lara (916) 988-5858 mastersteammortgage.com

Mortgage Right

Brandon Kleker (916) 396-5250

Street Home Lending

Nick Street (916) 705-8282 StreetHomeLending.com

Sumer (916) 813-2243 WWW.Sumer@sumer homeloans.com

United Wholesale Lending

Shelby Elias (209) 456-4896

MORTGAGE / LENDER

Premier Mortgage Resources

Cailey Murschel (530) 370-2421 pmrloans.com/cmurschel

MORTGAGE BROKER

Empire Home Loans

Heather Hunter-Jackson & Leo Whitton (916) 952-1686 Empirehomeloans.com

MORTGAGE COMPANY

Catalyst Mortgage (916) 287-7777

MORTGAGE LENDING

5 Star Team - Point Equity

Residential Lending Sherene Gray (916) 798-8026

Nathan Sibbet - Loan Depot (916) 320-3952

MOVING COMPANY

Fuller Moving Services (916) 349-1119 fullermoving.com

House to Home Moving Inc. (916) 484-1144 HouseToHomeMoving.com

NOTARY SERVICES

Notary Matters (916) 990-6220

ORGANIZATIONAL SERVICES

2B Organized - Sacramento (530) 520-7323 2B-organized.com

ORGANIZING SERVICES

Amazing Spaces Organizing

Karen Silva (916) 502-7092

PAINTING

MPG Painting (916) 234-6628 mpgpainting.net

PHOTOGRAPHY/REAL ESTATE

Top Notch 360 (916) 807-3573 Topnotch360.com

POOLS & SPAS

Premier Pools & Spas (916) 852-0223 www.premierpoolsandspas.com

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZING

Home Method Co. (916) 533-3315 homemethodco.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Expert Property Management

Barry Mathis (916) 813-7653 www.ExpertPropMgmt.com

M&M Property Management

Larry Brown (916) 922-1525

Titan Property Management

Ryan Miller (916) 745-3385

REAL ESTATE MEDIA

House Cat Marketing (916) 287-7042 housecatmarketing.com

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION COORDINATOR

ClipDocs Transaction Coordination (818) 262-3225

clipdocs.net/

REVERSE MORTGAGE

American Pacific Reverse

Mortgage Group

Liz Andersen (916) 223-8869

SECURITY SOLUTIONSHOME & COMMERCIAL

Brinks Home Security (916) 730-7133 Brinkshome.com

SEPTIC SERVICES

Chuck’s Septic (916) 624-8500 chucksseptic.com

SOLAR SPECIALIST/ SOLAR & MORE

Solarwise (916) 872-5452 Solarwiseco.com

STAGING

Lucas Home Studio (916) 426-8241 www.lucashomestudio.com

Premiere Home Staging

Nicole Runkle (916) 300-0402

Simply Chic Staging

Danielle Martin (916) 477-1167

The Staging Connection

Kimberly Lane (530) 713-5384

TITLE COMPANY

Fidelity National Title

Jen Vicari (916) 616-6755 norcalrealestate.com

First American Title

Erin Barton (916) 798-4115

Placer Title

Val Baldo (916) 947-3747

If you are interested in contributing or nominating Realtors for certain stories, please email us at katie.macdiarmid@realproducersmag.com.

“

Cailey and Jamie are terrrific! They guided me through the whole process. We ended up offering on 4 homes before finalizing on an amazing home. So their patience and availability at any time were crucial. Also, as a current military member, she worked really hard to make sure I got the best rate. She also volunteers with local veteran groups. Thank you!

SACRAMENTO REAL PRODUCERS TEAM

Lauren Bell Ad Strategist

Chris Menezes Writer

Maryssa Lappen Event Coordinator

Nick Ingrisani Writer

Dave Danielson  Writer

Nicole Sepulveda Photographer

Olha Melokhina Photographer

Katie MacDiarmid Publisher Michele Jerrell Content Coordinator

Rachel Lesiw Photographer

David Cornwell Writer

Ashley Maxwell Photographer

Zachary Cohen Writer

WELCOME WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST PARTNERS!

We take a lot of pride in the businesses we partner with. Our partners are highly recommended referrals from top agents, so you can trust us as a fantastic referral source.

Phoong Law

Anh Phoong

Your Hometown Personal Injury Attorney

When life takes an unexpected turn and you find yourself facing a personal injury, you need an attorney who not only understands the complexities of the legal system but also has the compassion to guide you through the challenges that lie ahead. Anh Phoong, your hometown personal injury lawyer, embodies trust, experience, and unwavering compassion. With deep roots in Sacramento, she’s more than just an attorney; she’s your neighbor, your advocate, and your path to justice.

Lucas Home Studio, a boutique staging company, has been perfecting the art of home presentation for nearly a decade. Our small team of five professionals is dedicated to aligning with real estate agents’ brands to transform homes into welcoming, relatable spaces. We specialize in creating settings that don’t just look staged, but feel genuinely livable, curating a palette of soothing neutrals with meticulous attention to detail. With us, staging is not just a service—it’s a luxury experience designed to resonate deeply with potential buyers.

Masters Team Mortgage mastersteammortgage.com

At Masters Team Mortgage, we understand that purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions your clients will make! That’s why our experienced team is dedicated to providing you and your client with exceptional service and guidance every step of the way. Our commitment to integrity and follow-through, sets us apart from other mortgage companies, we believe in transparency, always keeping you informed throughout the entire process. There are many benefits to working with a broker, which means our team has a wide range of products and sources to ensure that we can meet your client’s unique needs and find the best solutions. For over 35 years, we’ve taken pride in being a local company, with experts who truly understand the market and can provide personalized advice for each client! With our open availability and helpful services, you can trust Masters Team to help make homeownership dreams a reality!

Lucas Home Studio

MAUREEN BARKER

By Nick Ingrisani

Photos by Rachel Lesiw – Indulge Beauty Studio

celebrating leaders

expert, PR and communications and events department, in-house designers, and so much more –– all to give their agents exceptional branding and an online presence that supports them at the highest level.

“What gets me out of bed in the morning is providing the highest level of support and care for our agents. That’s what drives me to grow and challenges me to keep innovating and changing. It makes me very happy to provide the type of support we do for agents and I think we’re making a real impact locally.”

Ultimately, GUIDE Real Estate is a very collaborative team that understands

branding, and internet presence.

Maureen is selective about hiring the right people. Once an agent comes on board, they’re given all the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in every aspect of their business.

“I have hired a team of unique leaders that most brokerages don’t have. I have, hands down, the best team. They all have the vision of supporting agents at the highest level. If an agent needs something, we help them.”

Looking into the future, Maureen is aiming for GUIDE to be the premier brokerage that all great agents want to work at. In less than four years they’ve expanded to 300 agents, with a team in

plans

Maureen’s life outside of real estate is primarily centered on her family. She got engaged to her husband Rick when they were just teenagers and have been happily married for decades. They also have two daughters and a son-in-law who they visit often in Southern California. Beyond family time, you’ll find Maureen serving on a non-profit board of directors, involved at her local church, or treasure hunting in antique stores for her daughter’s vintage home décor boutique.

Overall, GUIDE Real Estate is a modern upscale local brand with a remarkable growth journey that is only getting started. With a revolutionary approach focused on support, marketing, and collaboration, Maureen and her team are poised to have a lasting impact on the real estate industry.

Los Angeles, and

to expand to several other locations throughout the state.

“Kevin Oto is an outstanding professional and an exceptional person. I honestly cannot say enough about his integrity, his in-depth understanding of the entire loan process, and his willingness to work for the best possible outcome. Kevin is quick to respond to all issues and continuously works as a strong advocate for his clients needs. He provides honest and transparent answers. Thank you so much to Kevin and his great team! We highly recommend Green Haven Capital.”

-Angela C.

Expert Mortgage Advice for Homebuyers

By Chris Menezes

NATHAN

FULLER

AND FULLER MOVING SERVICES

A FULLER KIND OF MOVING

Fuller Moving Services is not your typical moving company. As a full-service mover affiliated with North American Van Lines, the company, led by owner Nathan Fuller, provides a wide array of services — from packing to storage to local, long-distance, and international moving. They even have a large warehouse where, in September, real estate professionals will be able to witness the comprehensive capabilities of Fuller Moving Services firsthand.

“We’re hosting an upcoming REAL Producers event,” Nathan exclaims. “We look forward to showcasing some of the

qualities that has brought us this far as a company — our warm hospitality, customer service, and commitment to going above and beyond for our clients.”

Helping people through the challenges of moving has been Nathan’s focus from the very beginning. The essence of moving was instilled into him at a young age. Having lived in five different states and nine different cities by the time he graduated from high school, Nathan was practically born into moving.

EXPERIENCE

These experiences have provided Nathan an intimate knowledge of his clients’ needs, coating everything he does with empathy. “It is very important we understand our customers’ needs,” Nathan emphasizes. “Without experiencing moving ourselves, it would be more difficult to do that.”

Raised in humble beginnings, Nathan learned the value of hard work early on as well. Starting at 11 years old, his early jobs ranged from delivering newspapers in sub-zero temperatures to shoveling snow, mowing lawns, and even digging up worms to sell

Photos by Ashley Maxwell Photography partner spotlight

to a bait shop for five cents each. These experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a keen understanding of what it takes to succeed, lessons that he carried into his professional life.

Knowing he wanted to own his own business one day from a high school age, Nathan spent 10 years in the moving industry before striking out on his own. Starting as a transportation dispatcher in 1994, he went into sales in 1996, and then purchased a local moving company in 2004. With clear vision from the beginning, Nathan steadily grew the modest business into the thriving company it is today.

“A lot of our success has to do with customer retention and being honest with customers; that’s our reputation,” Nathan explains. “We are not only good quality, but we do what we say, and that matters to people giving our name out for referrals, and we get a lot of referral business.”

Understanding the unique challenges each client faces is at the core of Fuller Moving Services. Nathan and his team thrive on solving complex problems, especially under tight deadlines.

“We never say NO to a customer,” Nathan asserts. “I almost get a smile on my face when a customer presents us with a tough situation, as I know there is always a way to get things done. I think REALTORS® realize this pretty quickly when they call us too — whether they need help getting a client out of a house that day or whatever it may be.”

This can-do attitude is further reflected in the company’s exclusive service offerings, like exclusive use of a truck anywhere in the 48 states which will guarantee a single date of delivery no matter where it goes.

“We find that some customers do not want to wait around for a standard delivery window, which can be up to 7-14 days depending on where in the country they are headed,” Nathan explains. “This helps them avoid having to pay for extended hotel stays waiting for their belongings.

Nathan prides himself on the honest, high-quality service his company offers

and ensures that quality never diminishes. Every team member at Fuller Moving Services is personally vetted by Nathan to ensure they embody the company’s values of trustworthiness and honesty. This meticulous approach to hiring guarantees that all employees not only meet the company’s high standards but also mirror Nathan’s dedication to integrity.

Nathan credits his wife for shaping him into the man he is today. “My wife makes me a better, stronger version of myself,” he emphasizes. “She strives to help me and even makes up for my faults. I love her now more than I did at 19. Without her I would not be all of who I am today.”

Nathan and his wife met in high school and married shortly after graduation. A family man at heart, Nathan cherishes the flexibility his role as a business owner provided him over the years, allowing him to be present for his kids when it mattered most, having never missed an afternoon game or trip out of town.

A grandfather now, Nathan loves spending as much time with his family (especially grandkids) as time and distance permits. He also enjoys fly-fishing, playing or watching pretty much any sport, and any excuse for a family vacation.

To get Nathan and Fuller Moving Services on your next move, give them a call at 916349-1119 or check them out online at fullermoving.com. And don’t forget to come out to the REAL Producers event in September and get the Fuller experience!

H A ND Y OU R CLIEN T TH E KE YS T O

L IFE.B U I L T.BETTE R .

Over the past 35+ years, Meritage Homes has defined what quality homebuilding means and how that translates to a better home for your clients. Every Meritage home comes standard with unparalleled energy-efficiency built in, smart home technology and designer-curated interior finishes. With ample inventory of quick move-ins, your clients can buy a new home with the features they want on a timeline that works for them.

SACRAMENTO

BAY AREA

REFLECTIONS OF A LIFE AND CAREER WHOLEY LIVED

A solo agent with Century 21 Select Real Estate, Derek Kirk has enjoyed a long, successful career in real estate. He has been with the Century 21 system since 1997. Driven by a passion deeply rooted in a family legacy of real estate and finance, Derek has skillfully navigated the market’s fluctuations while always prioritizing his clients’ best interests.

Derek’s roots in real estate run deep. With his grandfather’s investments and his father’s short but significant career as a REALTOR®, Derek was no stranger to the industry. The untimely death of his father from pancreatic cancer when Derek was just 19 left a profound impact, steering him towards continuing his father’s legacy. “Following in my father’s footsteps felt like fulfilling unfinished business,” Derek reflects.

profile

By Chris Menezes

Photo by Olha Melokhina Photography

Derek’s worldview was also shaped by a multicultural upbringing, a result of his father’s career as an international banker. Born in Calcutta, India, Derek lived in several countries, gaining a unique perspective on life’s diverse economic landscapes. Some of the places he lived in and visited include Philippines, where he learned and spoke fluent Tagalog, Guam, Indonesia, Canada, Greece, Bali, Spain, Singapore, Burma, New Jersey, and Illinois.

“We lived in some areas with dirt roads that, during heavy rains, would wash cars off the road,” Derek shares. “It was not uncommon to see houses and huts made of cardboard, or people selling peanuts, pistachios, and clothing on the sides of the roads. It really made me appreciate and value the U.S. and how good we have it here.”

After his father’s passing, Derek watched his mother, a housewife up until then, adapt quickly to become a strong, financially independent woman. “I learned so much from my mother,” Derek recalls. “She passed a few years ago but she was my rock. I remember her taking me to the bank when I was 13 and convinced the banker to open a retirement account for me, which they were not keen on doing at the time. Following her example, I did the same with my two daughters.”

Derek’s financial acumen was honed at Sacramento State University, where he graduated in 1989 with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Finance. Despite an initial disinterest in real estate during college, his career path led him back to the field after a stint at First Nationwide Bank. There, he managed and paid property taxes for vast real estate portfolios and helped establish the bank’s Loss Mitigation Department during a surge in short sales. This role was crucial in developing his expertise in navigating complex real estate transactions.

In 1992, leveraging his banking experience, Derek co-founded with two other partners, AMC Real Estate Services, specializing in short sales negotiations. His deep understanding of the intricacies involved with various federal housing regulations made him a valuable asset to real estate agents and clients navigating the challenging market.

Joining Century 21 to build his own sales business was a natural progression for Derek. And, because short sales were still prevalent, he didn’t have a hard time getting started. He was working in a newer home community that was upside down, which gave him the opportunity to jump right in with short sales.

There is no better feeling in the world than to be able to give a Veteran the keys to his/her new home.

Derek’s resilience was tested during the real estate crises of the early 2000s and 2008. Opting to shift his focus from short sales to Real Estate Owned (REO) properties in 2006, he adapted his strategies to meet the market’s demands as well as his own point of interest, ensuring his clients received the best possible outcomes.

“Each downturn in the market was a learning curve, an opportunity to refine strategies and better serve those caught in financial distress,” he states. Despite the real estate challenges agents face, Derek’s focus is on the opportunities ahead with a mindset of seeing the glass half full, not half empty.

Derek’s career has been marked by a passion for helping people in need, whether getting them out of upside-down investments, assisting them with buying their first home, investment opportunity, or helping them sell, relocate and move on. Among all the people he loves helping, Derek has a special place in his heart for Veterans.

“My father was a Veteran of the Korean War,” Derek explains. “There is no better feeling in the world than to be able to give a Veteran the keys to his/her new home. It’s the least I could do for all the sacrifices they have made for my freedoms and the choices I have today. I am forever indebted to Veterans.”

As he nears three decades in real estate, Derek has no immediate plans to retire. His love for the profession keeps him engaged, and he plans to continue as long as possible. Meanwhile, community service and family time — particularly, traveling with his wife, playing sports or cards with his two daughters, watching movies, bowling, and working in his yard, where he can connect with God and reflect on all the beauty in his life — are where he finds joy and rejuvenation.

Derek and his wife also love to volunteer at their church as much as they can, whether feeding the homeless, assisting with “Serve Saturdays,” helping the parking team or setting up and tearing down for big events.

At the end of the day, Derek’s legacy is characterized by integrity, service, and a deep-seated faith that has guided him through personal and professional challenges. “I hope to be remembered as someone who lived by his faith, served his community, and upheld the values instilled by my parents,” Derek concludes, his voice reflective of a journey well-traveled and a path still brightly lit ahead.

TOP RANKED

•

Liz Andersen Liz Andersen

By Nick Ingrisani

Photos by Rachel Lesiw – Indulge Beauty Studio

I’M NOT BETTER THAN ANYBODY ELSE AND NOBODY IS BETTER THAN ME. WE’RE ALL EQUAL. WE SHOULD ALL BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER AND COLLABORATIVE.

WE’RE BETTER TOGETHER, I’M HERE FOR IT!

She went away to Sierra College and then transferred to Sacramento State to study international business, Liz then decided this was not the path for her. Her work experience spans financial institutions, as well as the service industry. Liz started from hostess to bartender, up to manager, and everything in between at a local Mexican restaurant.

Liz credits her years bartending with honing her social skills and helping her discover her passion for connecting with people. Her bartending job eventually led her to her first position in the mortgage industry as a receptionist. This is where her journey began, she then moved to a loan officer assistant position, title and escrow sales leading her to her current position at American Pacific Reverse Mortgage Group.

However, her journey wasn’t without challenges. Navigating through

personal and professional challenges, including a devastating job loss in title sales during the 2008 market crash, Liz emerged stronger and more determined to stay in the industry. She seized the opportunity to reinvent herself in a niche that is often now misunderstood and undereducated by many — the world of reverse mortgages.

“I always had a great work ethic which came from my parents. In the hardest time of my life, I was able to reinvent myself and learn a niche that nobody believed in. In the toughest times sometimes you’re the most resilient because you have no choice but to put your head down, focus and grind. You know what you need to do. I was able to reinvent myself in the toughest housing markets many of us have ever experienced.”

Liz marketed reverse mortgages, despite the negative view that consumers and the Real Estate community alike had of them in the industry.

She began by building systems to connect with industry professionals and consumers alike. Ultimately, this led to educational opportunities on reverse mortgages in the real estate community, the positive impact this could have on consumers financially but also create more real estate transactions in the market by utilizing the reverse mortgage as a purchase tool by using the HECM for purchase. Little by little, she started branding herself as the reverse mortgage expert in her area.

Today, Liz is a key member of the American Pacific Reverse Mortgage Group –– a small team that continually hits the top 20 of 100 reverse mortgage companies in the nation. Overall, Liz thrives in her role and is intent on having a significant impact on the industry.

“I feel very fortunate in the position that I am in, which is to be the face

of the company and keep our brand name at top of mind when someone thinks of reverse mortgages they think of Liz Andersen. Professionally, I feel that I am exactly where I need to be. The great thing is that there’s always growth potential within my organization. I love what I do, where I do it, and who I get to do it.”

Her dedication to the real estate community, clients, and community with integrity and compassion has earned widespread recognition and admiration from her colleagues and clients alike. In past years she was awarded Affiliate of the Year in both the Sacramento and Placer County Associations of REALTORS®, proving that with collaboration, willingness to learn, and “showing up” anyone can elevate themselves to a place that equates to success for themselves.

“In business, the things I dislike the most are the things that have brought me some of the greatest opportunities. I often say, if it brings me fear I’ve got to do it. One open door leads to another. You must always stay in front of your audience.”

As a passionate advocate for kindness and collaboration, Liz believes in the power of building bridges and fostering meaningful connections, a view that has earned the respect of her peers and clients.

“I’m not better than anybody else and nobody is better than me. We’re all equal. We should all be good to each other and collaborative. We’re better together, I’m here for it!”

In her professional and personal life, Liz embodies her core value of fun –– always seeking joy and fulfillment in everything that she does. Whether attending concerts and music festivals with her husband Scott, spending time by a large body of water with friends and family, or indulging in her love for shoe shopping, having fun is a must! Liz embodies her favorite Audrey Hepburn quote: “Life is a party, dress like it.”

With her unwavering commitment to excellence and an infectious zest for life, Liz continues to inspire those around her to reach for their dreams and embrace life’s challenges with courage and grace.

Sara

By Nick Ingrisani

RAUDELUNAS

Building Relationships, Real Estate Success, & Giving Back

Sara grew up in Woodland, California, and moved to Sacramento for high school. Her path then diverged as she explored five different colleges before ultimately obtaining her teaching credential and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. Her journey into the world of education led her to Sacramento State, where she completed her teaching certification and spent four fulfilling years in the classroom.

However, everything changed when Sara welcomed her first son into the world. The desire to spend more time at home with her child led her to reassess her career path. Drawing inspiration from her family’s background in real estate — her sister-in-law, mother, and father all practicing simultaneously — Sara decided to pursue her real estate career.

The flexibility of real estate initially allowed Sara to balance her professional aspirations while taking care of her first son, Caden. Easing into real estate part-time as she raised her young kids, Sara gradually became more involved and dedicated to her career. Despite entering the industry during a challenging period marked by a market crash, Sara persevered through cycles of short sales, foreclosures, and highs and lows, ultimately establishing herself as a top-producing agent for most of her career.

Photos and Cover Photo by: Olha Melokhina Photography cover story

Central to Sara’s success has been her emphasis on building relationships. She leveraged her natural ability to connect with people to create a business model centered on referrals, friends, and past clients.

“My closest friends in recent years are people I met from selling their home, after being referred by someone I knew.

It’s an opportunity to build great relationships with people that last. That’s how I do my business and it makes it completely enjoyable because I’m always working with people I enjoy.”

In recent years, Sara has expanded her business by forming a team with her sister-in-law Julie Stevenson, and fellow agents Kerry Carissimi and Renee Rose. Together, they provide exceptional service to their clients, leveraging each other’s strengths and experiences to achieve success in the competitive real estate market.

Looking ahead, Sara remains committed to continual growth and improvement. With a background in education, she understands the importance of ongoing learning and adaptation in an ever-evolving industry. For Sara, success in real estate is rooted in consistency, communication, and the ability to foster trust and rapport with clients.

“The name of the game is always to level up and improve. You can always learn. With my background in education, I see that my real estate education is ongoing. No deal is ever the same. Things evolve all the time and you need to be on top of your game. Having that desire to learn helps you be the best you can be in this industry.”

Outside of work, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband at her house in Tahoe, traveling, spending time with her two boys Caden and Quinn, being with her family, and socializing with friends. Despite her busy schedule, she also dedicates herself to philanthropic endeavors. She recently won Visionary of the Year, a campaign for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, inspired by her mother’s battle with leukemia.

As Sara navigates the complexities of real estate, her dedication to her family, her clients, and her community remains unwavering. With one son in Sierra College and another at Jesuit High School, Sara continues to balance the demands of her professional and personal life with grace and determination.