California’s Top 10 Trusted Real Estate Agents Who Are Proving What Trust Looks Like In Practice.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions most people will ever make. The process can be stressful, confusing, and deeply personal. That is why trust matters more than anything when choosing who to work with.

The agents on this list have earned that trust through years of honest work and genuine care for the people they serve. Some have decades of experience. Others have built their reputations more recently. But they all share something in common: they put their clients first.

These are professionals who answer the phone when things get complicated. They explain what is happening and why. They do not rush people into decisions or disappear after the paperwork is signed. Many of their clients return years later or send their friends and family. That kind of loyalty is not bought. It is earned through consistency, transparency, and treating every transaction like it matters.

This list highlights agents across California who have shown what trust looks like in practice.

Kristina Novak: 37 Years of Trust Across California's Most Distinctive Properties

Kristina Novak has spent more than 37 years representing buyers and sellers across California, from Orange County's coastal and inland communities to the vineyards, ranches, and estates of Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley. Her career at Monument Global Estates has been shaped by thousands of successful transactions and long term relationships built on knowledge and genuine care.

What sets Kristina apart is her background as a lifelong equestrian and facility owner. She understands ranches and lifestyle properties in ways that go beyond square footage. That expertise extends to every client she serves, whether they are first time buyers or owners of sprawling estates.

"I'm not just a facilitator; I'm a true partner in the process," Kristina said.

Her clients often come to her feeling uncertain about fluctuating interest rates, California's challenging insurance landscape, or the complexities of inspections and disclosures. Kristina removes that uncertainty by educating them at every step. She explains what's normal, what's negotiable, and what deserves closer attention.

"My clients never have to guess," she explained. "They always know their options, the path ahead, and the potential outcomes."

Many clients say working with Kristina feels less like a business transaction and more like being guided by a trusted friend who happens to have decades of expertise. That trust, earned over 37 years, remains the foundation of everything she does.

Ruth Ann Fisher: Three Decades of Trust Built on Real Life Experience

Ruth Ann Fisher has moved 17 times in 22 years. As a military wife, she knows what it feels like to pack up a life, leave a community, and start over somewhere unfamiliar. That experience shaped everything about how she works in real estate today.

"I deeply understand the stress and logistics of relocation," Ruth Ann said.

For over 30 years, she has been guiding clients through major decisions as team leader at Del Coronado Realty, a boutique brokerage located inside the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Her path into the industry started in Florida, handling foreclosures and REOs for a mortgage bank. It was a challenging introduction, but it gave her a deep understanding of the financial and emotional layers of homeownership.

When the Navy transferred her husband to Coronado in 2000, Ruth Ann transitioned into real estate full time. She found her passion in guiding people through meaningful life transitions and has been an active part of the community ever since.

"The client comes first," she explained. "I give honest advice, even if it means someone walks away from a home."

That philosophy has earned her recognition, including being named Coronado Lifestyle Magazine's People's Choice for Best Real Estate Agent for 10 consecutive years. But what matters most to Ruth Ann is the trust her clients place in her during moments of uncertainty.

Vera Nelson: The Broker Who Built a Safe Haven in Uncertain Times

When Vera Nelson opened Hythe Realty during the COVID pandemic, the name she chose was intentional. Hythe means safe haven, and in an industry full of uncertainty, that's exactly what she set out to create. Now approaching their sixth anniversary in June 2026, this woman owned, minority operated brokerage has become home to 19 agents and support staff.

With 25 years in real estate, Vera has built a reputation that goes far beyond closing deals. She describes her approach as the B.A.M. effect, serving as Broker, Advisor, and Mentor to her clients. That philosophy has earned her recognition among the Top 1% internationally and as a Top Luxury Real Estate Leader by Angeleno Magazine.

"Experience brings wisdom, and I am driven to pay it forward and produce exceptional results for my clients and industry partners," Vera said. "I also produce producers. The agents run their business."

At Hythe, agents are not cogs in a machine. They are empowered professionals running their own operations. It is a deliberate rejection of the large corporate brokerage model where individual voices often get lost.

Recently, Vera helped a client purchase their family dream home using Bitcoin, a transaction she closed in 21 days despite the complexity involved.

"I'm committed to real estate and relationships for life," she explained. That commitment to people over transactions is what continues to set her apart.

Monica Wason: A Veteran Building a Client First Real Estate Model in Salinas

Monica Wason runs M² Realty Group in the 831 area with a clear mission. She wants every client to walk away confident that they made the right decision. That confidence comes from transparency, education, and a business model most brokerages do not offer.

Monica is a U.S. Air Force veteran. The discipline she learned in the military shaped how she leads her team and serves her clients. She does not operate from a desk in the back office. She is in the field with her agents, mentoring them through deals and making sure every transaction is handled with care.

"I'm not a hands off broker," she said. "I'm in the trenches with my agents every day."

What sets M² Realty Group apart is the integration of real estate and mortgage services under one roof. Monica saw how disconnected communication between agents and lenders created stress and confusion for buyers and sellers. She built her brokerage to eliminate that gap. Clients get a smoother experience because everyone is aligned, which leads to faster closings and fewer surprises.

This January, M² Realty Group is launching a real estate podcast featuring agents, entrepreneurs, and community leaders doing things differently. Monica said the goal is to educate the public in a way that is real and accessible.

Her greatest achievement is not a revenue milestone. It is the reputation her team has earned for high trust and high performance.

Heather La France: Building a Referral Based Business on Trust in Los Gatos

In the competitive South Bay real estate market, Heather La France has built her business almost entirely on referrals. It is a reflection of something simple but rare: the trust she earns with every transaction.

Based in Los Gatos, Heather works with clients navigating some of the most significant decisions of their lives. Whether they are selling a home filled with decades of memories or searching for a place where their own story will unfold, she approaches each situation with steady presence and genuine care.

"I don't rush people into homes just to get a deal done," Heather said. "I want my buyers to find a place they truly love, where they can settle in, grow, and create new memories."

What sets Heather apart is how early she steps into the process. While many agents focus on staging and photography, she begins much earlier, guiding sellers through strategic updates that can transform a property's appeal and value. Her work ranges from selecting paint palettes to managing full remodels for inherited properties with years of deferred maintenance.

"Letting go of a home isn't easy," she explained. "My role is to remove that stress."

This year, Heather earned RealTrends Verified status and Coldwell Banker's International President's Elite recognition. But the accolades matter to her for a different reason. They reflect the trust of the families she serves.

"That loyalty is the true foundation of my success," she said.

Cindy Lee Farkas: 25 Years of Real Estate Built on Trust and Relationships

For more than 25 years, Cindy Lee Farkas has been helping clients navigate one of the most significant decisions they will ever make. From first time homebuyers stepping nervously into homeownership to seasoned investors building portfolios, from empty nesters downsizing to families relocating across state lines, Cindy has guided each one with dedication and expertise.

"I think people genuinely feel safe working with me. They trust me," Cindy said. "I have so many relationships that have formed over the years simply from serving the community and helping folks make some of the biggest decisions of their life."

That trust was not built overnight. It is the result of decades of personable yet professional service, combined with deep industry knowledge that only comes from truly mastering a craft.

What makes Cindy different is her ability to balance professionalism with genuine care. She is knowledgeable yet approachable, creating an environment where clients feel both supported and confident in their decisions.

Her commitment to excellence has earned her numerous awards, including the Centurion designation at Century 21, one of the highest levels attainable within the organization. She has also achieved Diamond, Ruby, and Emerald awards, along with recognition as a Master's Outstanding Life Member with the Placer County Board of Realtors.

For Cindy, every client represents more than a transaction. They are individuals and families making life changing decisions, and she treats each one accordingly.

Jennifer Bregar: Building Trust Through Transparency in Solano County

Competing in this real estate market can be challenging. That is why finding a realtor who will advocate for you from start to finish is so important. Jennifer Bregar is such an agent.

As a full time agent with RE/MAX Gold and a member of the Jimmy Castro Group, the number one RE/MAX Gold team in California, Jennifer has consistently proven her ability to perform at the highest level. What stands out most about this award winning agent is her ability to build something most agents spend their entire careers chasing: genuine relationships with clients that last long after the paperwork is signed.

"Many of my clients have become lifelong friends," Jennifer said. "I believe that speaks to my ability to make my clients feel comfortable and to truly trust that I have their best interests in mind."

That kind of connection does not happen by chance. It comes from hard work and the desire to make each client feel special. Jennifer recalled a moment when two clients told her that while they knew she was managing several transactions, she made them feel as though they were the only clients she had. That’s the kind of agent Jennifer is committed to being.

Living in Solano County for more than 15 years has given Jennifer knowledge that her clients depend on. She knows the area and the surrounding counties, allowing her to guide buyers and sellers with confidence.

"The motivation behind everything I do is driven by a strong code of ethics and integrity," she explained. "Providing exceptional service and developing positive relationships is important to me, not only during the buying and selling process, but also in the years to come."

Nicole Cameron: Where Integrity Meets Real Estate in the East Bay

In an industry often criticized for putting commissions before clients, Nicole Cameron is doing the opposite. The East Bay Realtor has built her reputation on integrity, clear communication, and a belief that people come before transactions. Her work with E3 Realty & Loans has placed her among the most trusted agents in California.

Nicole's approach is simple but rare. She listens first, builds a strategy around her clients' goals, and stays present through every step of the process. As a certified real estate negotiator, she fights for every dollar on behalf of the people she represents.

"I do not believe in one size fits all real estate," Nicole said. "Every client receives a tailored plan, clear expectations, and consistent communication so they never feel lost or overwhelmed."

Since joining E3 Realty & Loans in March 2024, Nicole has experienced the most successful year of her career. She closed over $10 million in volume and received the 2025 Top Producer Award for Most Units Sold. What makes this achievement more meaningful is the personal battle she faced during that same time. In November 2024, Nicole prepared for a double mastectomy after aggressive precancerous cells were discovered.

"I know with absolute certainty that my success is rooted first in God's grace, and second in the unmatched support system found only at E3," she explained.

Nicole is a mother to five children in a blended family with her husband, Jeff. That experience gives her a deep understanding of what stability and home truly mean.

Krista Voosen: Building a Real Estate Legacy on Integrity in Lake Tahoe

In a competitive industry where commission checks often drive decision making, Krista Voosen has built her career on a philosophy that sets her apart. She refuses to calculate her commission on a transaction until the title company requests the broker demand form before closing.

"Call it superstition, but I believe that if I focus on my take then I will already have one foot down the dark path and will not be looking out for my clients' best interests," Krista explained.

That commitment to putting clients first has made her one of the top performing agents in the Tahoe Sierra MLS, where she currently ranks fourth out of 442 agents in number of transactions.

Krista's journey in real estate began in the late 90s after graduating from Bucknell University. By 2002, she was already demonstrating a forward thinking approach by launching SnowProperty.com, one of the first real estate websites in the area. In 2017, she bought out her partner at Serene Lakes Realty, a boutique firm with 55 years of presence on Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe. She now runs the office alongside her trusted agent, Angelica Ramos, and her husband, Eric.

"I work in a very small community where there is no luxury of anonymity," Krista said. "I believe in the Golden Rule. Do unto others."

Her typical clients are vacation homeowners who benefit from the comprehensive staging services her firm includes with every listing. The bulk of her business comes from referrals and repeat customers, the clearest sign of trust in any service industry.

Kane Schaller: Building a Better Brokerage Through Partnership in Luxury Real Estate

In an industry often defined by competition and individual hustle, Kane Schaller has chosen a different path. As co-owner of his brokerage and a real estate professional specializing in luxury home transactions, Kane has spent more than two decades reimagining what it means to be a true partner to both agents and clients.

With over $400 million in real estate transactions under his belt, his influence extends far beyond numbers. What truly sets Kane apart is his commitment to creating an experience that transforms how people buy and sell luxury homes, particularly for those navigating transactions from hundreds of miles away.

"We are building a brokerage based on a better partnership between Broker and Agent," Kane explained. "We focus on leveraging the agent's natural skill with the support that agents typically have to turn to or hire a team to provide."

This philosophy represents a departure from traditional models that often leave agents to fend for themselves. Rather than viewing agents as revenue generators, Kane recognizes that true growth comes from empowering them with the resources they need to excel.

His understanding of clients is equally grounded. Many of his buyers and sellers are purchasing or selling from at least a couple of hours away. Kane positions himself as a project manager for their goals, coordinating inspections, managing vendor relationships, and handling the details that out of state transactions require.

He has been awarded Realtor of the Year by his local board and holds membership in the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing's Million Dollar Guild. His company consistently ranks in the top 200 brokerages in the country according to RealTrends.

Summary

What connects these professionals is not sales volume or awards, though many have earned both. It is the way they show up for the people they represent.

They take the time to explain what is happening and why. They answer questions honestly, even when the answer is not what someone wants to hear. They stay involved through the difficult moments and do not disappear when things get complicated.

Many of their clients come back years later for their next chapter. Others send their parents, children, and closest friends. That kind of loyalty does not come from marketing. It comes from people remembering how they were treated during one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

In a market full of uncertainty, these agents offer something simple but valuable: clarity, consistency, and the kind of care that makes clients feel like they are in good hands.