California’s Most Trusted. 10 Real Estate Agents Who Have A Collective Commitment to Client Care.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions a person can make. It involves money, timing, emotion, and trust. In a market as complex as California's, finding the right agent matters more than most people realize.

The agents on this list have built their careers around something simple: doing right by the people they serve. Some have been in the business for over three decades. Others have closed hundreds of transactions across multiple counties. But what connects them isn't the volume or the accolades. It's the way they show up.

They listen before they advise. They explain what's happening behind the scenes. They point out the good and the bad. They treat every client like a person, not a number. Many of them say their business runs on referrals, which tells you something about how people feel after working with them.

This list is about recognizing that kind of consistency. Quiet dedication. Real care. The kind of trust that's earned over time. 

Phil Schaefer: 36 Years of Architectural Insight in Orange County Real Estate

Phil Schaefer has been a licensed Realtor for 36 years. He works primarily in central Orange County, where he specializes in architecturally unique and vintage homes in some of the area's most established neighborhoods. Since 1984, he has lived and worked in North Santa Ana, building a career rooted in local knowledge and a deep understanding of what makes these communities special.

Phil holds a five year professional degree in Architecture from Cal Poly University in Pomona. He also earned a master's degree in Architecture through the Cal State University's International Program in Florence, Italy. This formal training gives him a perspective that most agents simply do not have. He understands buildings in a way that goes beyond curb appeal. He knows how spaces work, what details matter, and how to see potential where others might see problems.

The neighborhoods Phil serves have character. Historic Floral Park, West Floral Park, Fisher Park, Park Santiago, Morrison Park, and Washington Square are all areas where homes carry history. Each property has its own story, its own quirks, and its own appeal.

For sellers, Phil uses his architecture background to advise on how to prepare a home for the market. He knows what improvements will actually make a difference and what will simply waste money.

For buyers, he helps people see past surface issues and understand what a home could become. When a property has good bones but needs vision, Phil can help clients overcome objections by showing them the possibilities.

Phil's peers have consistently trusted him with leadership roles. He was elected president of the Pacific West Association of Realtors and serves on the boards of both the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. The California Association of Realtors honored him two years ago with the rare distinction of Director for Life, an honor bestowed on only three recipients each year.

Meg Wilson: Twenty Years of Trust and Expertise on California's Mendocino Coast

Meg Wilson has spent more than two decades as a licensed Realtor in Northern California, building a practice rooted in honest communication, careful listening, and strong ethical standards. Since relocating to the Mendocino area in 2013 with her husband Jim and their two children, she has become one of the most respected agents on the coast. Her background in fine art from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago gives her a trained eye for architecture, design, and space, adding an extra layer of insight when helping clients find the right home or prepare a property for sale.

Wilson refuses to treat real estate as a numbers game. She focuses instead on meaningful relationships and tailored guidance that helps clients make informed decisions. Whether working with a first time buyer or handling a multimillion dollar sale, she brings the same level of attention and care.

"My role is not only to facilitate a transaction, but to serve as a trusted advocate who protects clients' interests at every turn," Wilson said.

Her track record speaks for itself. Meg is a two time recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Coastal Mendocino Association of Realtors, earning the honor in both 2021 and 2023. She also represented the highest residential sale in coastal Mendocino history at $6,400,000. With over 50 five star reviews and a loyal base of repeat clients, she continues to set a high standard for real estate on the Mendocino coast. Her brokerage, Mendo Sotheby's, accounted for over 32 percent of market closings in 2025. 

Shelly Reed: Building Trust Through Community Connection in Lake County

Since 2003, Shelly Reed has been helping clients find their place in Lake County, California. Her focus goes beyond transactions. She specializes in residential, lakefront, and vacation properties, guiding buyers and sellers with a genuine approach built on clear communication and care.

Shelly moved to Lake County in 2000 and quickly fell in love with the small town charm and close knit community. That connection shapes how she works. She is not just selling property. She is helping people understand what life in Lake County actually looks like.

Her background gives her an edge most agents do not have. Shelly is deeply rooted in Lake County but still connected to the Bay Area, allowing her to understand both small town values and city market expectations.

"I market Lake County with the polish of the Bay Area and the heart of home," Shelly said.

Many of her clients are Bay Area transplants, investors, or families exploring the area for the first time. They often arrive with doubts shaped by outdated stories about fires, the economy, or schools. Shelly works to shift that perception from rumor to reality through personalized tours and firsthand stories of growth and connection.

A consistent top producer since 2003, she also serves as director of career development for W Real Estate, Northern California's top independent brokerage in the North Bay. For Shelly, success is not about pushing clients toward the most expensive listing. It is about finding the right neighborhood for their life.

Mikki Cardoza: A Real Estate Guide Who Sees Beyond the Transaction

In an industry often focused on closing deals, Mikki Cardoza has built her practice around something different: the emotional and personal journey her clients experience during major life transitions.

As a Broker Partner and Director of Education at Corcoran Icon Properties, Mikki oversees the professional development of more than 650 agents across Northern California. But she has never stepped away from working directly with buyers and sellers throughout Sonoma, Mendocino, and Humboldt Counties, where she has been practicing since 2001.

"It's not about the deal, it's about the life journey of the client," Cardoza said. "I see my role as a sort of doula for home transitions. Our clients are making a big move financially, physically, and emotionally. It's nice to be their guide on this soul searching adventure."

That perspective has earned her a reputation for understanding what clients need beyond the contract. Many of her clients are moving from one home to another, and Mikki has developed a specialty in coordinating both sides of that equation. She works to sell the old house quickly while negotiating favorable terms on the new one, managing contracts and timelines so clients can move without the stress of temporary housing or double moves.

"I don't want them to move twice," she explained.

Mikki also created Giving on the Move, a program that donates a portion of her net proceeds to a nonprofit chosen by each client. Her credentials include being a ZipForms Certified Trainer and former board member of the North Bay Association of Realtors. For Mikki, real estate is about showing up with care and guiding people through transitions that matter deeply to them.

Sarah Moon: Building Trust Through Market Knowledge and Client Care in Sacramento

Sarah Moon didn't set out to become a real estate agent. Her path started long before she earned her license, back when she was in third grade on a field trip learning about Victorian architecture. That early fascination with homes stuck with her. In 2009, she left her career in finance to train as a real estate appraiser under her mother, Janet. For ten years, she ran her own appraisal company, working across five counties and building a deep understanding of property values and market trends. In 2019, she made the move into real estate sales, bringing all that technical knowledge with her.

The transition from appraising to selling gave Sarah an advantage most agents do not have. She already knew how to evaluate properties, understand pricing, and read market shifts. She does not guess at market value or rely on surface level comparisons. She draws on years of experience assessing homes in different neighborhoods and price ranges.

Sarah is known for being responsive. Her clients mention it often. She stays in communication from the first conversation through closing and beyond, describing herself as a forever friend in real estate.

In 2025, she ranked in the top 250 agents in the Sacramento region out of more than 7,400 licensed agents. She has also qualified for the Sacramento Association of Realtors Master's Club five years in a row, earning her 2026 Life Member status. The recognition reflects consistency, not just a strong year here and there. In a field where hype often outpaces substance, Sarah offers something more grounded. She shows up, follows through, and knows the market inside and out.

Jennifer Conklin: Two Decades of Real Estate Excellence in Murrieta and Temecula

Jennifer Conklin has been selling homes in the Murrieta and Temecula Valley since 2005. Over the past 20 years, she has closed more than 500 transactions and now leads a team of luxury agents in the area. In 2024, she ranked as the number three agent nationwide within her brokerage.

Her career started at ZipRealty, where the fast paced environment pushed her to learn quickly. She became a top listing agent, top selling agent, and rookie of the year. "Real estate has always been super fun for me," she said. "The work came naturally, and I take pride in a strong work ethic."

In 2024, Jennifer launched Conklin Luxury Group after several agents in the area expressed interest in learning how to work the luxury markets of the Temecula Valley. She specializes in neighborhoods including De Luz in Temecula, La Cresta in Murrieta, and Bear Creek in Murrieta. In 2024 and 2025, she broke records for the highest price per square foot in sales across many areas.

Jennifer was also voted Favorite Real Estate Agent of the Inland Empire by the Press Enterprise three years in a row, in 2023, 2024, and 2025. She has ranked in the top 10 agents in her market for the past 15 years.

"We take pride in what we do, and we treat your largest asset as if it were our own," she said.

Real estate does not follow a nine to five schedule, and Jennifer admits she and her team eat, sleep, and breathe the business. That dedication, paired with 20 years of experience, is what keeps clients coming back.

Christa Simonsen: Building Generational Wealth One Property at a Time

Christa Simonsen doesn't sell homes the way most agents do. She doesn't believe in hard selling, and she's upfront about that. When she walks through a property with a client, she points out the good and the bad. She wants people to have all the information before they make a decision. For her, it's not about closing a deal. It's about building a relationship that lasts.

Christa has been in the business since 2013, when she founded Simonsen Real Estate. Over the years, she's built a reputation for honesty and transparency. Most of her business comes from referrals, which tells you something about how her clients feel after working with her.

What sets her apart is her focus on generational wealth. She coaches clients to buy their first property, live in it, and then turn it into a rental when they're ready to buy their next home. Do that a few times, she says, and you've built something that can create financial freedom and lasting security for your family.

"Let me help you invest in you," Christa says. It's a philosophy she stands by, and it shows in the way she works.

Her Power Seller program has helped clients sell their homes 3 percent faster and for 2.5 percent more money than the average agent. Simonsen Real Estate has over 45 five star reviews on Google and Zillow, built from showing up consistently and putting clients first.

Recently, Christa teamed up with a business partner to expand the brand and offer new services in 2026. But her focus remains where it's always been: on the people she works with, helping them make decisions that change their lives.

Catrina Russell: 25 Years of Guiding Ocean Beach Clients Through Every Chapter

Catrina Russell has spent more than two decades learning the rhythms of Ocean Beach real estate. With 25 years of experience in the area, she has built her practice around understanding what clients need when they're making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Her approach is straightforward. She listens, she strategizes, and she stays present through every step of the process.

"With over 25 years of experience in Ocean Beach, I offer expert guidance, open communication, and a deep understanding of the local market trends," Catrina explained. "I strive to make your real estate experience seamless and successful."

Her clients often come to her feeling overwhelmed. The process of buying or selling a home can be confusing, especially in a competitive market. Catrina helps them cut through the noise. She works with sellers to develop clear strategies that attract serious buyers, and for buyers, she focuses on crafting offers that are strong and competitive.

Her connection to Ocean Beach runs deeper than client work. She and her team actively sponsor local events and stay involved with the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, supporting the small businesses and neighborhood energy that define the area.

Catrina is one of the top producers at Coldwell Banker West. In 2024, she received the International Society of Excellence Award, an honor given to less than 1 percent of agents worldwide.

"The ideal outcome for my clients is confidence, clarity, and a smooth experience from start to finish," she said. "Knowing they made the best possible move with a trusted expert by their side."

That trust has been built one transaction at a time, with honesty and attention at the center of it all.

Andres Lopez: Building Wealth That Lasts in California Commercial Real Estate

Andres Lopez did not take a typical path into real estate. Before most people finish college, he was already managing multimillion dollar operations. That early exposure taught him about responsibility, leadership, and what it means to serve something bigger than himself. It also gave him a level of composure that his clients notice immediately.

Since 2013, Andres has worked in California's commercial real estate market, handling transactions that total more than $280 million. His focus has been on multifamily properties, net leased assets, industrial spaces, and land. But the numbers only tell part of the story. What really defines his work is the way he approaches each client and each situation with patience and care.

"Real estate is more than a transaction," Andres said. "It's a pathway to stability, legacy, and opportunity."

He has built his reputation for handling transactions that other advisors might avoid. He has worked with families navigating internal disputes over signing authority, guided investors through distressed properties with fire damage and vacancies, and restructured 1031 exchanges involving multiple assets and tight deadlines. These are not simple deals. They require technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and clear communication. Andres brings all three to the table every time.

"He's patient and professional," one client said. "He never made us feel rushed, even when things got complicated."

Many of his clients are high net worth families or long term property owners who need someone who understands the bigger picture. Andres believes real estate advisors should be strategists, advocates, and long term partners. That belief shapes how he structures every deal, whether it is worth $2 million or $20 million.

Debbie Wong: A Career Built on Relationships, Not Numbers

Debbie Wong never planned to stay in real estate. With two small children at home and law school on the horizon, she entered the field simply to earn tuition money without taking on debt. But something happened along the way. She fell in love with the work itself, with helping first time buyers navigate their purchases, with guiding families through upsizing and downsizing, with supporting homeowners facing foreclosure. The human side of each transaction pulled her in, and more than 35 years later, she's still there.

"For me, it's all about the human aspect of the transaction," Debbie explains. "People are not a number to us. The relationship really matters."

Over three decades, she has built a track record that speaks for itself. She's earned recognition as a top producer year after year while serving as a working Selling Executive and former Broker co-owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate and Corcoran Icon Properties. Today, she works alongside her daughter Marla as part of the Wong Real Estate Group, powered by Keller Williams Advisors, Peninsula Estates.

Debbie and her team recently became Probate and Trust Certified, adding to existing certifications in Senior Real Estate and serving clients going through divorce. These specializations allow them to handle sensitive situations with the care and expertise they require.

"We'd rather turn someone down than let someone down," Debbie said. "For us, it's not just about the money, it's about full service."

After 35 years, her approach remains unchanged. Real estate is about people, and that's the foundation that keeps clients coming back.

Summary

Real estate in California is not simple. Coastal regulations, insurance challenges, shifting markets, and competitive bidding can make the process overwhelming. That's why the agent you choose matters so much.

The professionals featured here have spent years earning the trust of their communities. They don't rush their clients. They don't push for the quickest close. Instead, they take the time to explain, educate, and guide people through decisions that will shape their lives for years to come.

Many of them say the same thing in different ways: it's not about the transaction. It's about the person on the other side of it. They answer calls at odd hours. They remember their clients long after the paperwork is signed. They build relationships that last.

In a market this complex, that kind of care isn't a bonus. It's essential.