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 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 the process and what I liked (and didn't like) with the real estate agents I worked with along the way. Returning to the SF Bay Area in 2014, I had the opportunity to jump off the corporate wheel 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?
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 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?
Having a consultative background was paramount in uncovering my client's needs and providing guidance to their best solution. 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! And it doesn't hurt that I studied both Math and Psychology - both of those skills are 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?
I have a natural ability to connect with others. Friends and people I meet find me to be down-to-earth and easy to talk to, and turn to me when they need a helping hand. I am passionate about helping my clients and will always put in extra effort to ensure their satisfaction.
What are three words your clients would use to describe you?
Curious. Passionate. Insightful.
Why choose you vs. another agent?
My consultative approach paired with local respect in the field. Top performers do most of the deals and know and respect each other. I have incredible relationships with other agents. When I fully understand your wants and needs, I can use that knowledge within my agent network in both 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 at the University of Montana. Dropped out of grad school and migrated to SF Bay Area, exploring and living in many wonderful cities - San Francisco, Alameda, 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. 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 want 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 have many choices of residences from the hills down to the bay - you can live in an Eichler home in the hills with a view towards the coastal range or the bay, a Spanish-influenced estate built in the 1920s, a modern townhome or condo by the lagoon and so many more options.
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.
