California’s 10 Most Trusted Realtors Who Lead Through Genuine Connection And Lasting Success

California's Most Trusted Real Estate Professionals

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions most people will ever make. It can be stressful, emotional, and confusing. The right agent makes all the difference.

The professionals featured here have earned their reputations through years of steady work and genuine care. Some have been in the business for over two decades. Others bring fresh perspectives shaped by unique backgrounds. What they share is a commitment to putting clients first.

Their businesses are built largely on referrals and repeat clients, which says more than any award ever could. People came back because they felt heard. They refer friends and family because they trust the process.

These agents understand that real estate is personal. They listen before they advise. They prepare their clients rather than pressure them. And they measure success not by transactions closed, but by the relationships they have built along the way.

Christy Press: Building a Business on Trust and Genuine Care

Christy Press of Wesley & Associates Inc. has spent her career in Northern California real estate doing things differently. Rather than chasing sales numbers or relying on aggressive marketing, she has built her business almost entirely through referrals and repeat clients.

"Every referral tells me I made a real difference in someone's life," Christy said. "That's the most rewarding part of what I do."

Based in the Sacramento region, Christy focuses on understanding what her clients are actually going through. Whether it's a first time buyer or a family selling a loved one's estate, she takes time to listen before jumping into the process.

She recalls working with a client who was selling her parents' home after they passed away. "She was grieving, overwhelmed, and unsure where to start," Christy explained. "Instead of rushing through it, I sat with her, listened to her stories, and helped her take it one step at a time."

For Christy, success is not measured by transactions. "I measure success by how my clients feel at the end of the journey," she said. "Heard, respected, and cared for."

This year she reached close to $10 million in sales as a single agent. But for her, the number simply reflects the relationships she has built over time. "When you lead with heart and integrity, success follows naturally," she said.

Mary Mok: Decades of Loyalty and Expertise in California Real Estate

Mary Mok has been a licensed real estate professional in California since 1998. In that time, she has closed thousands of transactions and built something uncommon in this industry: clients who have stayed with her for over two decades.

"Repeated clients continued the exclusive agency with me since 1998," Mary said. That kind of loyalty does not happen by accident.

Mary earned her California Real Estate Broker license in 2002, adding to her expertise in both loans and property transactions. This dual knowledge gives her clients a fuller picture when making major financial decisions. In 2017, she received the Pinnacle Achievement Award from the Bay East Association of Realtors, followed by the Platinum Achievement Award in 2021.

Her philosophy is simple. "Work hard for the interest of my clients, not myself," she explained.

Mary also understands that most people do not buy or sell homes often. "Clients are not always selling or buying houses, so they need my expertise to lay out the possible options when it comes to a decision making moment," she said.

She collaborates with a builder's team to ensure properties are up to code and presented in the best possible condition. For sellers, she goes beyond securing a good price and helps them find replacement properties when needed.

In difficult markets, Mary sees opportunity. Her approach has allowed her to grow while others step back.

David Oliphant: Local Expertise and Authenticity on the California Coast

David Oliphant is the co-founder of Ocean Element Real Estate, a boutique brokerage headquartered in Half Moon Bay, California. Since 2019, he has consistently ranked in the top half of the top 1% of real estate agents nationwide according to Real Trends and Tom Ferry.

But David is more interested in how he works than where he ranks.

"I call myself a 'double N', a nurturer and a negotiator," he said. "I love being able to keep people calm during one of the most potentially stressful transactions of their lives."

His firm serves the San Mateo County Coastside, including Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, Montara, and Pacifica. This year marks the first full year operating as Ocean Element Real Estate, following a merger between Ocean Blue Real Estate and Element Real Estate. The firm is on track to surpass $200,000,000 in sales.

"People trust locals," David explained.

Beyond real estate, David owns and operates the Ocean Blue Vault, an artist collective in downtown Half Moon Bay. He is a founding board member of CoastPride, which supports LGBTQ+ visibility on the Coastside, and currently serves as President of the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association.

His advice to sellers is direct. "Over-pricing and under-preparing a home for the market is the kiss of death," he said. "Hire a seasoned pro and really listen to them."

Joe Cilic: Legal Background and Local Roots in Pacific Palisades

Joe Cilic spent years as an attorney handling real estate litigation for a Beverly Hills law firm before shifting into residential real estate. That legal background shaped how he approaches every transaction.

"I am a former practicing attorney who brings the problem solving and negotiation skills from that industry to residential real estate brokering," Joe said.

Over his 21 year career, he has sold or supervised over $5 billion in residential real estate. He has ranked in the top 1% of agents in California and nationally every year he has been in the business. In 2024, he was recognized as one of the Top 100 medium sized real estate teams in the country and one of the Top 100 Sotheby's International Realty agents globally. His team has been the number one team for Sotheby's International Realty in Pacific Palisades for six consecutive years.

Joe has particular expertise in trustee sales, where heirs inherit properties and need to navigate emotionally complex situations. "I put myself in their shoes, but with the knowledge and expertise that only comes from having been a part of thousands of sales," he explained.

In January 2025, the Pacific Palisades fire destroyed his own home. Since then, he has helped neighbors navigate the aftermath while facilitating sales of surviving homes and lots.

"A tremendous amount of my business comes as referrals from other agents who see my work ethic, capability, and care for my clients firsthand."

Raymond Lee: An Analytical Mind with a Client First Approach

Raymond Lee grew up watching his mother work as a Realtor in the United Kingdom. When she emigrated to the United States in the late 1980s, she brought with her a simple belief: that business is about people. Raymond eventually followed the same path, though not right away.

"I went down a slightly different path initially, becoming a Business Analyst before I realized my true calling," Raymond said.

Today, he brings that analytical background into his real estate practice. Since the beginning of 2020, he has personally closed over $185 million in volume across more than 130 transactions. He has earned the distinction of top 3% producer every year since the award was introduced, measured against approximately 6,000 Realtors and 400 affiliates.

But what stands out most about Raymond is how he works with clients, especially those who are nervous or have had bad experiences with previous agents.

"I always lead with the notion that my clients control the throttle," he explained.

For buyers, his process starts by figuring out what they do not want before moving on to location and neighborhood details. He is upfront about his motivation. "My genuine hope is, if I do a good job for you when you buy, you would more than likely engage my services in 5 to 10 years when you decide to sell."

Raymond views skepticism not as a barrier but as a chance to prove himself.

Brian L. Cohen: Business Built on Experience and Trust in Southern California's Mountain Communities

Brian L. Cohen has built his reputation in Southern California's mountain communities through a combination of investor insight and client-focused service. With more than four decades in the area, he understands the benefits and complexities that come with resort property ownership, from lake rights to seasonal considerations.

As the owner of Arrowhead Premier Properties and Arrowhead Property Rental, Brian offers clients a full-service platform that covers sales, management, and long-term strategy. His background as an investor shaped his analytical approach, allowing him to guide clients through nuanced transactions with clarity.

"I recognize add-value opportunities and have the experience to navigate clients through complex transactions," he explains.

His teams are made up of full time, local seasoned professionals who prioritize collaboration and shared expertise. For Brian, trust is earned through consistency, transparency, and doing right by every client.

Tracy Warr: Two Decades of Trust in Napa Valley

Tracy Warr has been working in Napa Valley real estate since 2004. In that time, she has built a business that runs almost entirely on referrals and repeat clients. She now leads Tracy Warr & Co., a boutique team serving buyers and sellers across California's Wine Country.

Her portfolio covers a wide range of properties, from downtown residences to vineyard estates and boutique wineries. She has consistently ranked in the top 1 to 3% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide and holds the designation of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Specialist.

Tracy also contributes to Napa Valley Life Magazine, where she writes about market trends and the local lifestyle.

What defines her approach is a focus on the personal side of each transaction. Many of her clients come to her during major life transitions, whether selling a longtime home or trying to figure out which Napa Valley town fits their goals.

"Every detail, from staging to digital strategy, is crafted to resonate with today's discerning buyers," Tracy said.

She treats each listing as more than just a property, paying close attention to presentation, local partnerships, and how a home fits into the broader story of the area.

Recently, she expanded her brand under the name Tracy Warr & Co., reflecting the growth of her team. The focus, she says, remains the same: genuine relationships, clear guidance, and service rooted in trust.

Cheri Kilby: A Boutique Approach in El Dorado Hills

Cheri Kilby is the Broker Owner of CK Real Estate Services in El Dorado Hills, California. A St. Mary's College honors graduate in Business Management, she has spent decades building a boutique firm that offers personalized service while still competing with larger teams.

Over 80% of her business comes from repeat and referral clients. That number reflects the kind of trust she has built over time.

"My clients move with confidence, knowing every detail is handled with care and precision," Cheri said.

Her clients tend to be busy families and professionals looking for a lifestyle change but feeling overwhelmed by the process. Cheri developed what she calls the CK Signature Process, a structured approach that guides clients from consultation to closing with clear communication and coordination.

Her firm has achieved record sales in gated communities like Francisco Oaks and consistently ranks among El Dorado County's top achievers. In May 2025, she was featured in Sac Real Producers Magazine for her leadership and client focused approach.

Cheri also places importance on giving back. CK Real Estate Services donates a portion of every closing to NorCal Sheltie Rescue.

She continues to explore the connection between home and wellbeing through content initiatives like her "Wellness Wednesdays" feature.

For Cheri, the work is not just about transactions. It is about helping people make transitions that improve their lives.

Krista Cartwright: Deep Roots and Steady Results in Siskiyou County

Krista Cartwright first fell in love with Northern California as a child, spending summers in Dunsmuir picking blackberries and fishing in alpine lakes. In 2010, she made Siskiyou County her permanent home, raising her two daughters and building a life around the trails and landscapes surrounding Mount Shasta.

With over 24 years in real estate, she has become one of the most consistent producers in the area. MLS statistics show she has ranked among the top producers in Siskiyou County for eight consecutive years, including multiple top three placements and the number one spot in 2021. She has also been voted Best Realtor three times in the South Siskiyou County Reader's Choice Awards by the Mount Shasta News.

"Real estate is so much more than buying or selling a house," Krista said. "It's about working side by side with my clients to achieve their goals. At the heart of my business are the relationships I build, not just the deals I close."

Many of her clients come from outside the area and feel uncertain about the rural market. Krista addresses this through preparation, whether that means pre listing inspections for sellers or helping buyers secure strong financing and write competitive offers.

"We tackle each hurdle as it comes and keep the process calm and clear," she said.

When asked what recognition matters most, her answer is simple: a glowing review or a referral from someone who trusted her.

Brianna Ramirez: A Family Legacy and Fresh Perspective in Silicon Valley

Brianna Ramirez was born and raised in Santa Clara and has spent seven years building her career in Silicon Valley real estate. She is a second generation real estate professional, carrying forward a family tradition while developing her own approach.

Her background sets her apart. Before entering real estate, Brianna studied fashion in San Francisco. That training gave her a sharp eye for staging, curb appeal, and helping buyers see what a property could become.

She works with a range of clients across Santa Clara County, from first time homebuyers to move up sellers and longtime homeowners looking to make a change. Her focus is on making the process feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

Brianna also maintains an active presence on social media, where she keeps the conversation around real estate straightforward and relatable. Whether someone is trying to sell quickly in Santa Clara or understand what is happening in San Jose's market, she aims to make the information accessible.

Her commitment is simple: to guide clients through the process in a way that feels enjoyable and clear from start to finish.

Summary

Real estate moves fast. Markets shift, paperwork piles up, and emotions run high. In moments like these, people need someone in their corner who genuinely cares about the outcome.

The agents in this list have built their careers on that kind of trust. Many have worked in the industry for over two decades. Their businesses run largely on referrals and repeat clients, people who came back because the experience felt right the first time.

They have guided families through grief, helped nervous first time buyers find their footing, and walked alongside clients during some of the most significant transitions of their lives. Some have given back to their communities through local organizations and charitable causes.

What connects them is simple. They listen. They prepare. They stay honest even when it is uncomfortable. And they understand that behind every transaction is a person making a life changing decision.