Tell us about your path to real estate.
After 30 years in the corporate world developing software, consulting, training, project management and sales, I had traveled the country and the world for work and relocated many times. Bought 7 and sold 6 homes in 3 states for my family along the way - including a home on the historic registry in Alameda, new construction in Sacramento, a 3-story home backing up to a lake in Indiana and a condo in New Jersey. I learned a lot about real estate and what I liked (and didn't like) with the process and the agents that I worked with along the way. Upon my return to the SF Bay Area in 2014, I had the opportunity to step off of the corporate ladder and follow my true passion - helping others buy and sell homes - and to make it as smooth as possible for my clients.
What are some of your notable achievements or awards?
What are some of your notable achievements or awards?
In February 2020, San Mateo County Real Producers magazine profiled me as a Star on the Rise, with over $70M dollars of sales closed in my prior 3 years as a real estate agent. One of which, in 2017, was the sale of the famous Flintstone House in Hillsborough! About half of my real estate career has been as a solo agent and the other as a team leader. My best year to date at a prior brokerage was when I managed a team of 14 solo agents who collectively brought in $500M sales volume in one year. I have closed over $100M in sales personally.
How has your previous experience helped you in real estate?
My approach is very consultative. While uncovering my client's wants and needs, I can fill in their knowledge gaps and provide guidance to the best solution for their situation. My training skills are used daily - there's a lot to learn when buying or selling a home and most people only do this a handful of times in their lives. And market conditions, practices and tech change over the years! It doesn't hurt that I studied both Math and Psychology in college - both of those skills are also extremely helpful in real estate.
What markets do you primarily serve?
I initially moved to the SF Bay Area in 1988 and have lived and owned in San Francisco, the East Bay and the Peninsula. I focus most of my business in San Mateo County - especially the mid Peninsula - and am happy to assist in surrounding counties as well.
What most excites you about your work?
Seeing a plan come to fruition. No matter whether I am assisting sellers or buyers, I am passionate about helping my clients in this journey and clearing obstacles - even having some fun along the way. The process can become very emotional but at the end of the day, it is so exciting to hand over the keys and know that I’ve played a role in changing people’s lives for the better!
What are three words your clients would use to describe you?
Passionate. Curious. Fun.
Why choose you vs. another agent?
My consultative approach paired with local knowledge and respect in the field. I have incredible relationships with other agents. When I fully understand your wants and needs, I can use that knowledge within my agent network both in your home search as well as negotiating a great deal.
Tell us where you’ve lived, your educational background, and any languages you speak.
Raised in Maryland. BS in Mathematics & Secondary Education at Salisbury State College in Maryland. A year of graduate school - and a Math teaching assistant - at the University of Montana. Dropped out of grad school and migrated to the SF Bay Area, exploring and living in many wonderful cities including San Francisco, Alameda and Castro Valley. Relocated to Sacramento, then to Folsom. Work then took me to Indianapolis, IN and Basking Ridge, NJ. Returned to SF Bay Area in 2015, living on the Peninsula - Burlingame, Belmont, Foster City and now San Mateo. I am presently learning Spanish, still at beginner level.
What do you look for in a neighborhood?
Everyone wants something different! For me, walkability is important - I want to be in a peaceful residence yet near shops, cafes, walking trails. I love walking along the waterways of San Mateo and Foster City. Some of my clients desire view estates up in the hills; others want to be in the middle of the action in a downtown condo. And we can satisfy any and all of those needs in the Bay Area!
Which Bay Area city would you love to live in?
San Mateo. It has what I consider to be the best weather in the Bay Area - sunny and warm but not too warm! There's a tremendous downtown district and numerous smaller business districts throughout. As for living here, you can live in the hills or along the waterfront, in an Eichler home, a Spanish-style estate, a Craftsman bungalow, a modern townhome or condo by the lagoon or so many more options. Halfway between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, it is ideally located between the ocean and the SF Bay.
What are the five things you cannot live without?
My phone! And my friends, family, fun and a beautiful view.
What is one of your dream vacations?
A tour of Spain - someday I would like to live there!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A 5-YEAR-OLD CHILD IF HE OR SHE ASKED YOU WHAT THE PURPOSE OF LIFE IS?
To live it fully! To try lots of different things and not be scared of a new adventure. To find ways to help others and give back, without expecting anything in return. To find the beauty in everything.
