California’s Top 10 Trustworthy Real Estate Agents Who Have Earned The State’s Heart Through Integrity, Expertise, And Genuine Care

Finding the right real estate agent can feel overwhelming. In a market where so much is at stake, trust matters more than anything else.

The agents on this list have earned that trust over time. Some have spent two decades in the business. Others have built legacies that span generations. What they share is a commitment to putting clients first.

They answer their phones. They tell the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. They treat every transaction like it is their own home on the line. Several have talked clients out of deals that were not right for them. Others have guided families through major life transitions with patience and care.

These are professionals who believe real estate is about more than closings. It is about relationships, community, and helping people make confident decisions during some of the biggest moments of their lives.

This list celebrates agents who show up with honesty, expertise, and heart.

Jolene Cortright: A Trusted Voice in Sonoma County Real Estate

In a market where finding the right agent can feel overwhelming, trust remains the most important factor for buyers and sellers alike. Sonoma County has no shortage of real estate professionals, but those who truly stand out are the ones who show up consistently and put their clients first. Jolene Cortright is one of those agents.

With over 20 years in Sonoma County real estate, Jolene has built a reputation grounded in authenticity and genuine connection. As owner of Century 21 Epic Valley of the Moon, she has created a brokerage where mentorship and collaboration sit at the center of everything.

Her personal brand, #JustAskJoleneAboutHomesAndBirds, reflects her belief that buying or selling a home is about more than a transaction. It is about finding a place that feels like a sanctuary.

Jolene holds the SRES® designation, bringing specialized knowledge to clients navigating major life transitions. She blends traditional relationship building with modern tools, and under her leadership, the brokerage has earned multiple Century 21 Quality Service Awards.

But when asked about her proudest achievement, Jolene points to the culture she has built. A place where agents feel supported, clients feel cared for, and the community benefits through initiatives like holiday food drives and Veterans Day celebrations.

After two decades, Jolene continues to prove that leading with heart is simply good real estate.

Brad Gothberg: A Lifetime of Trust in Alamo-Danville

With over 38 years in the Alamo-Danville real estate market, Brad Gothberg has built something that goes beyond a successful career. He has built a legacy.

A California native who has spent his entire life in the area, Brad brings an intimate knowledge of the local market that only comes from decades of lived experience. His track record reflects that dedication: over $500 million in closed sales, a ranking among the top 1.5% of agents nationwide, and recognition as a member of THE AGENCY's President Club.

But for Brad, the numbers are secondary to the relationships.

"My clients trust me, and I treat them like I would want to be treated, as if this was my personal home I am buying or selling," he explains.

That philosophy shapes everything he does. Unlike agents who take on as many listings as possible, Brad commits fully to each client. His approach is collaborative, offering options while providing expert guidance so clients can make informed decisions.

The proof is in the referrals. Many of Brad's clients send their children and friends his way, which he considers the highest compliment.

"I want my clients to become clients for life," he says.

For buyers and sellers in Alamo and Danville, working with Brad means gaining a trusted partner whose commitment and local expertise have stood the test of time.

Aubrie Aviña: Expertise and Honesty in Silicon Valley

In a market as fast and competitive as Silicon Valley, finding an agent who combines real knowledge with genuine care can be difficult. Aubrie Aviña has built her reputation on exactly that.

Born in the Bay Area, Aubrie came to real estate after a career in communications. She flipped her first home and never looked back. Today, she ranks in the top 1.5% of agents nationwide according to RealTrends Verified.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

"Real estate shouldn't feel like a transaction; it should feel like a launchpad," she says.

Aubrie leads with honesty and communicates with care. She tells the truth, even when it is uncomfortable, and clients trust her because of it. Her background gives her a unique edge: she offers free construction consultations to all her clients, helping buyers see potential where others see problems and giving sellers tangible ways to increase value.

Education sits at the center of everything she does. She mentors new agents in her office and treats every client interaction as an opportunity to guide rather than sell. "I'm professional, but human, not robotic," she explains.

Through neighborhood video tours and real life insights, Aubrie meets clients where they are. For busy professionals and families navigating high prices and low inventory, she simplifies the process and helps them spot real value versus hype.

Hargo Khalsa: Real Guidance in the Desert Market

In an industry often driven by quick closes, Hargo Khalsa has built his practice on an unconventional approach: sometimes the best deal is the one you walk away from.

"I talk people out of deals as much or more often than highlighting the reasons to say yes to a property," he explains. "I see myself as an advisor and advocate for achieving their vision, rather than a salesperson."

Based in Joshua Tree, Hargo relocated from Los Angeles several years ago with his wife and young child. That move shaped both his life and his expertise. Today, with nearly 200 transactions and over $40 million in sales, he knows the Hi Desert market inside and out.

As both an agent and developer, Hargo has handled new construction, permitting, vacant land, distressed properties, and residential sales across rural and metropolitan areas. That hands on experience gives him practical insight that sets him apart.

"The problem most of my clients face is a lack of local knowledge," he says. "Not all agents will keep it real and tell people what they need to know, but may not want to hear."

Hargo has also become a trusted resource for vacation rental investors drawn to Joshua Tree and Palm Springs. Through hundreds of transactions, he has developed a sharp eye for properties that work as both long term assets and income producers.

His approach remains simple: honesty, clarity, and putting clients first.

Traci Hornbaker: Treating Every Deal Like Her Own

For Traci Hornbaker, real estate has never been about transactions. It has always been about people.

With over $50 million in sales and thirteen years based in Silicon Valley, Traci has built a reputation grounded in honesty, transparency, and genuine care. She works with Christie's International Real Estate Sereno in Burlingame, serving clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Her path into the industry began alongside top producing teams, but she quickly carved her own way. Before turning 30, she co founded a real estate auction firm, showing early on the entrepreneurial drive that would define her career.

"I educate my clients on how the market works and provide them with the data to back it up, so they can make the best decisions for their journey," she explains.

That commitment to education shapes everything Traci does. She custom designs marketing plans for each seller and spends considerable time preparing homes for the market, remodeling when necessary to help clients maximize their value. For buyers navigating a competitive landscape where multiple offers are common, she becomes a guide and advocate.

"If you do every deal like it is your own, you care about your client and the outcome of their lives," she says.

Traci holds the NAR Green Designation and the Accredited Buyer's Representative credential. Outside of work, she is a dedicated parks advocate and community supporter who lives the Bay Area lifestyle she knows so well.

Madelaine LaVoie: Five Generations of Real Estate

For Madelaine LaVoie, real estate is not just a career. It is a family tradition that spans five generations.

She started working in a real estate office as a teenager in 1978, earning her license a decade later. Since then, she has never stopped. Today, her oldest daughter works alongside her as a broker and partner, with two granddaughters who may one day carry the legacy forward.

"I bring a unique blend of old school dedication and modern market knowledge," Madelaine explains. "Unlike many who rely solely on technology, I still print and carefully organize every file, keeping records and contacts that span decades."

That attention to detail is central to how she works. While she uses modern tools, including AI driven marketing to reach buyers, she refuses to abandon the personal touch. She works seven days a week and is never afraid to pick up the phone to make a deal happen.

Since 1991, Madelaine and her team have served their local community with a focus on trust and consistency, eventually expanding to multiple offices throughout the desert. Since 1995, she has published the only locally produced, full color real estate magazine in the area.

"The ideal outcome of working with me is simple: peace of mind and the confidence that their vision is not only heard but achieved," she says.

Most of her business now comes from referrals, a testament to the trust she has earned over decades.

Cari Gennarelli: Local Roots and Lasting Relationships in Marin County

Born and raised in Marin County, Cari Gennarelli brings something increasingly rare to real estate: authentic local knowledge built over a lifetime.

Her background extends beyond sales. With experience in property management, residential construction, and operations, Cari offers clients a combination of market insight, design sensibility, and negotiation skill that most agents simply cannot match.

"I am, at my core, a creative problem solver," she explains. "It's a strength that has brought me success in my work and personal life."

That calm, steady approach defines how she works. Whether guiding first time buyers or helping experienced sellers make their next move, Cari focuses on clear, honest communication at every stage.

Her path into the industry came through a friendship that began in preschool. She and Hilary Davis reconnected decades later, and Hilary recruited her into real estate, mentoring her through her first challenging transactions. Sixteen years later, both remain at Bay Area Modern.

"Hilary has been my mentor and biggest fan," Cari says. "In a business where most of your time is spent solo, it's necessary to have an ally."

Cari holds designations in Green Real Estate, EcoBroker, Second Home and Luxury Property Specialist, Senior Real Estate Specialist, and Trust and Probate Certification.

Her mission is simple: to end each transaction with a hug and a client for life. For Cari, success is measured in relationships, not just closings.

Tracey Broadman: Building Generational Wealth in the Bay Area

For over two decades, Tracey Broadman has helped buyers, sellers, and investors navigate one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. But her approach goes beyond traditional representation.

Tracey helps clients think like wealth builders.

While many agents focus on curb appeal and comparable sales, Tracey focuses on equity growth, cash flow potential, and long term appreciation. Her background includes serving as Regional Director at Vanguard Properties, and she now offers strategic advisory services that bridge real estate and wealth management.

"Buyers eventually become sellers," she explains. That philosophy shapes every decision she helps clients make.

Whether working with first time buyers in San Rafael or seasoned investors targeting San Francisco multifamily properties, Tracey brings financial modeling, market analytics, and investment strategy into every conversation. She helps clients identify properties that offer both lifestyle and long term value, evaluating homes through an equity building lens from day one.

Her network is one of her greatest assets. Clients rely on her for access to off market listings, trusted referrals to contractors and financial teams, and insider knowledge on neighborhood development and zoning trends.

Outside of real estate, Tracey volunteers regularly with the SF Marin Food Bank, staying connected to the communities she serves.

For those who see property as more than a transaction, Tracey offers a partnership grounded in expertise, transparency, and long term vision.

Leslie Bauer: Calm and Clarity in the Bay Area Market

In nearly 20 years of guiding clients through the Bay Area real estate market, Leslie Bauer has become known for one thing above all else: staying calm.

"In an industry often marked by volatility and disruption, I'm known for providing calm amidst the storm," she says.

Leslie's career began with a vision. She created Highrises.com of San Francisco, one of the city's first platforms devoted entirely to condos and high rise living. She built her business on referrals, relationships, and a reputation for doing the work right.

Six years ago, she expanded her reach. Clients who had once lived in the city were looking for more space and quieter streets on the Peninsula. From that shift, Highrises2Homes was born.

With degrees in both business and photography, Leslie brings strategy and artistry to every transaction. But what clients value most is her ability to listen, anticipate concerns, and walk them through the process without rushing.

"They don't just need an agent. They need an advisor," she explains.

In late 2025, Leslie represented longtime clients in one of the largest home sales of the year on the San Francisco Peninsula. That kind of loyalty defines her career.

Leslie is a member of the Top Agent Network, representing the top 10 percent of Bay Area agents based on verified sales.

Reese Purinton: Design Expertise Meets Real Estate

Reese Purinton has built her career by bringing something different to real estate: a background in interior design and a knack for creative marketing.

In her first year, she earned the title of Rookie of the Year. Since then, she has qualified for the Best of the Best and the Million Dollar Club and has become a Certified Global Luxury Realtor with Coldwell Banker.

"As a real estate professional with a background in interior design, I bring a unique flair to every property I list," she explains. "I'm known for transforming homes into stunning, market ready showcases that stand out visually and emotionally for buyers."

Her expertise in decluttering, staging, and design helps sellers present their homes at their best. For buyers, she connects them not just with a property, but with a lifestyle and community that fits.

Reese also stands out through her digital marketing. She has launched social media mini tours and interactive video showcases using Instagram Reels and her distinctive branding. It meets clients where they are and gives buyers an authentic feel for a home right from their phones.

"When my clients need me, they know they can reach me," she says. "That trust and availability are the foundation of every successful relationship."

Summary

Real estate is personal. It involves life savings, family decisions, and the kind of stress that can test anyone. That is exactly why trust matters so much.

The agents featured here have earned their reputations through years of honest work. They educate their clients rather than pressure them. They pick up the phone when it rings. They stay calm when markets get chaotic.

Some have built referral businesses that span generations. Others mentor fellow agents and give back to their communities through food drives, local events, and volunteer work. A few have even talked clients out of deals that did not serve them well.

What connects them is simple: they care about people more than transactions. They listen first, guide thoughtfully, and stay in their clients' lives long after the closing papers are signed.