California’s Most Trusted Real Estate Professionals Who Put Service First

Real estate transactions involve more than contracts and timelines. They involve people making significant decisions about their lives, and those decisions deserve to be handled with care. In markets that change constantly, trust becomes the foundation that holds everything together.

The agents featured here have built their reputations differently. Some came from corporate backgrounds, others from hospitality or entrepreneurship. Some grew up in the communities they now serve. What connects them is a shared commitment to putting clients first, even when it's harder than chasing the next transaction.

They focus on education over pressure. They collaborate instead of compete. They handle complex regulatory environments with clarity. They offer full service support that removes burden from sellers and helps buyers see potential, where others see limitations. They stay calm when emotions run high and build strategies that protect both privacy and results.

Their approaches vary, but the outcome is consistent. Long term relationships. Repeat clients. Referrals built on respect. After decades of combined experience across California, they've proven that professionalism, honesty, and genuine client care still matter most.

Matt McCormick: Bringing Strategic Wealth Thinking to Bay Area Real Estate

Matt McCormick grew up in Silicon Valley and never strayed far from his California roots. After completing his undergraduate degree at Santa Clara University and earning his MBA from CU Boulder, he spent 27 years in corporate sales and marketing, eventually rising to Vice President at Time Warner and Warner Bros. Today, he serves clients across the Bay Area and Southern California as a real estate professional with Coldwell Banker, bringing a level of strategic thinking that most in the industry simply do not offer.

Matt made the switch to real estate 11 years ago, and it did not take long for him to notice something that bothered him. Too many agents, he felt, were coasting. They were not serving clients at the level they deserved. For Matt, this was unacceptable. The average California homeowner has more than 80 percent of their total net worth tied up in real estate equity. That is not just a transaction. That is a family's entire financial foundation.

"I look at myself and our team as the new wealth managers for our clients," Matt explained. He is currently pursuing his Series 65 and CFP credentials to formalize what he already does in practice. He developed something he calls the Wealth Accumulator, a tool that helps clients build financial plans directly tied to their real estate holdings.

What sets Matt apart is not just his financial mindset. His business partner, Melanie, is a land use attorney who helps the team navigate complicated transactions quickly. She assesses properties and identifies enhancement solutions connected to state initiatives, allowing clients to move through complex opportunities with clarity and speed.

Matt's clients often come to him juggling advice from CPAs, financial planners, and estate attorneys all at once. Each advisor offers something valuable, but the guidance is often fragmented. Clients walk away unsure of what to do next. This is where Matt steps in. He synthesizes all the inputs into one cohesive strategy, mapping recommendations into a sequenced plan that transforms confusion into clear, tactical steps.

"Maintaining clarity, direction, and focus on the long term is where I consistently deliver results," he said. "It's my superpower."

Greg Simpson: 22 Years of Trust in Silicon Valley Real Estate

Greg Simpson walked away from a corner office in tech sales in 2004. He had two young kids at home and a question he'd carried for years: what would he do when he grew up? Real estate turned out to be the answer. Twenty two years later, he's still serving the Silicon Valley market with the kind of white glove service that's built him a reputation grounded in results and trust.

His background in corporate customer service and sales gave him a foundation, but it was the daily work with clients that confirmed his instinct. Real estate, he says, is not a job. It's a lifestyle. His wife, Lisa, has supported that lifestyle through the unpredictable hours and demands that come with it.

Greg brings executive level communication skills to a market that moves fast. He studies local trends closely and describes his market awareness as unmatched. His approach centers on honest engagement with a solutions oriented focus. He listens carefully and thrives on delivering what he calls superb results.

His business model focuses on high touch and low volume. Every real estate engagement brings a unique set of client needs, and he tailors his service to each situation. The high level of satisfaction has built a referral business that sustains his practice year after year.

Greg has been the number one Top Producer consistently throughout his career. From 2013 to 2021, he was the top individual at KW Bay Area Estates. From 2022 to the present, he's led the top team. He steers away from leading with awards. What matters more to him is the consistency and the client satisfaction that follows.

After more than two decades in the business, Greg has built something that goes beyond transactions. He's built trust.

Heidi Marchesotti: Two Decades of Collaboration and Client Care in Bay Area Real Estate

Heidi Marchesotti has spent over 20 years working in Bay Area real estate, and her perspective on the industry sets her apart. While some agents view their peers as competition, she sees things differently. For her, the goal is simple: bring buyers and sellers together and create positive outcomes for everyone involved.

"Some agents take the viewpoint that we are working against each other. I think that is a mistake," she said. "We are trying to bring a buyer and seller together with a positive result for both."

That philosophy has shaped how she runs her business. She makes herself available not just to her own clients but to agents from other brokerages who call seeking advice. It's an approach rooted in collaboration rather than conflict.

Most of the sellers Heidi works with have already moved on to their next chapter. They don't want to be slowed down by the details of preparing a home for the market. That's where her team steps in. She's built a full service operation that handles everything from hauling and cleaning to estate sales, painting, landscaping, repairs, and staging. The goal is to evaluate what's needed to bring the highest net result to the seller without requiring them to manage the process themselves.

When it comes to buyers, Heidi and her buyers agent, Nicholas Brown, work together with clients to help them envision what a home could become. Not every property is move in ready, and not every buyer knows how to see past the current layout. Their job is to bridge that gap.

Heidi's track record speaks to the consistency of her work. She's been recognized by Real Trends as a top 100 agent in the Bay Area for four years in a row. She's held the number one position in her office for more than two decades.

Dan and Deb Christensen: A Partnership Built on Value and Community in Southern California

Dan and Deb Christensen got married at 18. Forty seven years later, they're still partners in everything they do. Four married children and ten grandchildren round out a life that's always been about family and connection. "That's what it's all about," they say, and it shows in how they run their business.

Dan entered real estate in 2001. Deb joined him in 2014 after getting her license. By 2015, they'd made a decision that changed the direction of their work. Instead of chasing transactions, they started building something centered around their community. A year later, they began assembling a team. Their approach was guided by a book called The Go Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. The core idea was simple: give more value than you receive in payment.

Most agents list a home and hope for the best. The Christensens do something different. They walk through each property with a licensed contractor they've worked with for over a decade. Together, they've completed more than 100 homes. They make what they call Smart FixUp suggestions, identifying improvements that will actually return value when the home sells. Then they take it further. They make the design decisions. They manage the work. And the seller doesn't pay a cent upfront. Everything is covered at closing when the proceeds come through.

The results speak clearly. In their community, the Christensen Realty Group holds between 35 and 40 percent of the market share. Their average price per square foot runs $65 to $75 higher than other sales in the area.

The Christensens don't see themselves as salespeople. They see themselves as problem solvers. Their ideal client is someone who recognizes the potential in their home and wants to maximize their equity before selling.

In 2025, the real estate market contracted. Many agents struggled. The Christensen Realty Group closed over $75 million in volume. It was their best year on record.

Shelton Wilder: Building Relationships Over Transactions in Los Angeles Real Estate

Shelton Wilder didn't build her career on transactions. She built it on relationships. As CEO of The Shelton Wilder Group, she's spent years working across Los Angeles with everyone from celebrities to first time homebuyers. Her approach is simple. Treat other agents like friends, not competitors. Build bridges before deals ever come to the table.

"I believe the greatest advantage in real estate isn't aggression," Shelton says. "It's connection."

That philosophy has set her apart in one of the most competitive markets in the world. She runs agent networking groups, attends industry gatherings nationwide, and genuinely wants other agents to succeed. When it's time to negotiate, the focus stays on collaboration and solutions. Not ego. Not conflict.

Shelton brings a unique blend to every transaction. Her team describes her style as Southern but Savage. Warm and respectful, but always protecting the bottom line. She stays calm when emotions run high, diffusing tense situations without ever compromising her clients' interests.

Before real estate, Shelton worked in marketing, fashion, and entertainment. She's a serial entrepreneur with sharp business instincts and a larger than life personality. In 2024, she ranked in the RealTrends Top 20 Individuals by Sales Volume in Los Angeles. She's closed over $850 million in total sales, with $170 million sold in 2025 alone.

Shelton specializes in luxury residential and commercial properties across Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Mar Vista, Venice, and Beverly Hills. What really sets her apart is her ability to source off market properties.

In just nine years as a licensed agent, Shelton has risen to rank among the top 250 real estate agents in the United States. What matters most to her is how those achievements were built. Through relationships, referrals, and thoughtful strategy.

Barbara Major: 47 Years of Steady Service in Marin County Real Estate

Barbara Major has been selling real estate in Marin County for 47 years. That kind of longevity doesn't come from luck or timing. It comes from showing up, knowing the market, and putting clients first every single time.

Over the course of her career, Barbara has closed over a billion dollars in sales. She's consistently ranked in the top 1 percent of agents and has been named one of only seven Marin County agents among the Leading 100 Bay Area Real Estate Agents. In 2023, Five Star Professional Market Leaders recognized her as one of the Top 500 real estate agents nationally in partnership with Forbes and Fortune Magazines. It was the fourth consecutive year she received that honor.

Barbara doesn't see herself as a salesperson. She sees herself as an advisor. "What sets me apart is a combination of deep local expertise and highly personalized client experience," she said. "I act as a true advisor rather than a salesperson. I'm transparent and I educate my clients every step of the way with my goal to create consistently better outcomes."

That philosophy has helped her build long term relationships with clients who return to her again and again. Many of them refer her to friends and family. In an industry where transactions can feel impersonal, Barbara focuses on making sure her clients understand the process, feel confident in their decisions, and walk away satisfied.

Real estate can be overwhelming. Buyers worry about timing, overpaying, and making the wrong choice. Sellers stress over pricing, preparing their home, and navigating negotiations. Barbara's job is to remove that uncertainty.

Barbara isn't chasing trends or launching flashy new campaigns. She's doing what she's always done. "I continue to provide my knowledge and experience, to be a trusted resource to each of my clients and focus on delivering great service to each of them as I have for the past 47 years," she said.

That consistency is what her clients value most.

Kimberly Boyle: Local Knowledge and Proven Results in the Lake Tahoe Market

When you're buying or selling property in Lake Tahoe, the stakes are high. Navigating the regulatory landscape can be challenging without the guidance of an experienced real estate professional.

A born and raised Tahoe local, Kimberly Boyle has ranked among the Top 15 agents in the Tahoe Sierra MLS for the North and West Shores of Lake Tahoe over the past 5 plus years. Her success isn't about aggressive sales tactics. It's about knowing the Tahoe area and using that knowledge to help her clients make confident, informed decisions.

"I grew up here," Kimberly says. "I know what makes Tahoe special, and I also know how challenging it can be to navigate the regulatory side of things. My job is to make that process easier for my clients."

Kimberly credits much of her early learning to her father, Mark Moore, a top producing Lake Tahoe Realtor who's been respected in the community for over 40 years. Working alongside him gave her early exposure to exceptional properties and complex transactions.

One of the biggest challenges for buyers and sellers in Lake Tahoe is understanding the layers of regulation that come with owning property here. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, 5 different counties around the lake, and various fire districts all have strict rules about what can and cannot be done with properties in the Tahoe basin.

Kimberly and her team, The Moore Team, specialize in lakefront and lakeview properties. They guide clients through the regulatory maze with clarity and confidence.

Since forming The Moore Team, Kimberly and her team have sold over $350 million in the Tahoe Truckee region.

Ceci Cook: Strategic Thinking and Personalized Service in Luxury Real Estate

Cecilia "Ceci" Cook didn't fall into real estate by accident. She came to the industry with curiosity and a desire to understand how it actually works. That early drive pushed her to learn everything she could, from market dynamics to client psychology. Now, as a Compass agent serving the luxury sector, she operates with a level of insight that only comes from years of asking questions and refusing to accept surface answers.

Her background includes extensive travel, which shaped how she views property and place. "Having traveled extensively, I bring a global perspective to local markets," Ceci explains. That outlook helps her see opportunities and risks that others might miss.

Ceci has built her practice around a simple belief: high value homes need more than wide exposure. They need a strategy. Too often, agents list a property everywhere at once, hoping volume will bring results. Ceci sees that approach as limited, especially in the luxury market where discretion and timing matter.

"Over exposure can reduce impact and weaken negotiating power before the right buyer appears," she says. Instead, she uses what she calls an iterative marketing strategy. Properties are introduced first to a curated network. Anticipation builds. Pricing is refined. By the time a home goes to public launch, momentum is already in place.

Ceci's ideal clients often face similar challenges. They're overwhelmed by options and unsure how to navigate market complexity. They want privacy but don't know how to balance that with effective marketing.

Her response is straightforward. She provides curated guidance based on real data and market intelligence. She designs discreet marketing plans that respect timing and privacy. "My focus is always on aligning each property with the right buyer, preserving value while reflecting lifestyle and legacy," Ceci says.

Ceci's work has earned her a spot on the Real Trends Verified list of the top 1.5 percent of agents nationwide, as featured in The Wall Street Journal.

Sheri Dettman: Integrity and Local Knowledge in Coachella Valley Real Estate

Sheri Dettman didn't start her career in real estate. Growing up on a dairy farm in California, she spent her early years just a couple of hours from the desert that would eventually become her home. Before she ever sold a house, she worked in some of the country's most demanding restaurants in Orange County, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, training under names like Wolfgang Puck, Jeremiah Tower, and Bob Sikora. The restaurant industry taught her something essential: how to stay calm under pressure and how to read people.

After a few years working in Los Angeles for Clear Channel Outdoor and Viacom/CBS in their outdoor media divisions, in 2005, she relocated to the Coachella Valley. The transition from hospitality to outdoor media to real estate wasn't as far a leap as it might seem. All these industries require stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to make people feel taken care of.

What sets Sheri apart isn't aggressive sales tactics. It's something quieter. She built her business on a principle that sounds simple but is surprisingly rare: she puts her clients first. "Although I spend a lot of time serving clients and I do work hard, I don't define myself by my career," she said. "While this is a highly competitive business, I hope that at the end of each day, I am proof that you can succeed without sacrificing your values."

That approach has earned her respect from both clients and fellow agents. Other realtors actually enjoy working with her team because they know the transaction will go smoothly. There's no drama. No panic. Just solutions and professionalism.

Most of Sheri's clients are looking for vacation homes or second properties. The biggest challenge they face is not knowing the area. The Coachella Valley has dozens of communities, each with its own feel, culture, and membership options. Sheri and her team have mastered the art of asking the right questions to figure out what clients actually need, not just what they think they want.

Simi Rush: Education and Transparency in San Diego Real Estate

Simi Rush didn't stumble into real estate. She grew up in Southern California and has spent most of her adult life in San Diego, which gave her a natural understanding of the market she now serves. She works as a Realtor with Costa Modern Properties, a firm established in 2010 by Genie Irish, a San Diego native and first generation American who built the company around the idea of helping clients create generational wealth.

Simi disrupts the typical real estate approach by focusing on education rather than transactions. She works with clients across San Diego County, and her background includes a Master's Degree in Leadership, experience with military clients, trustee sales, and works on both coasts. "I combine local market expertise, strategic negotiation, and clear communication to help clients make confident, informed decisions," she said. The goal is not just to close a deal but to build relationships rooted in trust and transparency.

Most people don't realize how complicated buying or selling a home actually is until they're in the middle of it. What starts as a straightforward decision quickly becomes a maze of inspections, disclosures, negotiations, financing, and contingencies. Simi helps clients overcome this by acting as both a guide and an advocate. From day one, she breaks the process down into clear phases, sets expectations early, and explains each step in plain language.

While Simi works all over San Diego County, her goal this year is to deepen her connections in the small coastal community she's called home since 2021: Coronado, California. She understands the specific challenges that military families face when buying or selling a home, including tight timelines driven by PCS orders and the intricacies of VA loans.

Most recently, her team at Costa Modern Properties was honored as Small Team of the Year in San Diego County. 

Summary

Trust matters because real estate decisions are never just about property. They're about families, futures, and financial security. The agents featured here understand that, and it shows in how they work.

They've built careers spanning decades across California's most competitive markets. Some bring corporate precision. Others offer deep local roots or specialized regulatory knowledge. What they share is a refusal to treat clients as transactions. They educate instead of push. They collaborate with other agents rather than compete. They design strategies that protect privacy and value. They stay calm through complexity and remove uncertainty by explaining every step in plain language.

Their results speak quietly. Billions in combined sales. Top rankings year after year. Recognition from industry leaders. But what matters more is the consistency behind those numbers. Repeat clients. Referrals built on respect. Relationships that last beyond closing.

In markets that move fast and change constantly, they've proven that showing up, doing the work, and treating people right still makes all the difference.