PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS

Certified Green Building Professional (2009): a certification from Build iIt Green.
This two day, 16 hour, course is focused on the overarching principles of green building and the systems approach to design, construction, and operation of buildings.  Instruction includes in-depth presentations on energy and resources conservation thru construction techniques and practices, building materials usage, landscaping design, water conservation techniques and on the best practices for enhancing and preserving indoor air quality.  The course is followed by a written exam.

Certified Distressed Property Expert (2009): an extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. Short sales allow homeowners who can no longer afford their mortgage to repay it at the price the home sells for, even if less than is owed, and avoids the more detrimental credit impact of a foreclosure. Understanding this process from the point of view of the home seller and their lender has also prepared me to better represent buyers of such properties, to structure offers that are more likely to succeed and to provide more guidance and comfort during an often unpredictable process.

Build It Green member (2008): a professional non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote healthy, energy and resource efficient, building practices in California and to accelerate the adoption of green building practices by offering training, tools, technical expertise, and partnership opportunities to key stakeholders including public agencies, builders, developers, architects, contractors, affordable housing advocates, real estate professionals, suppliers, and homeowners.

EcoGreen Real Estate Agent Certification (2008): a program designed to serve the interests of the public and to promote healthier living environments through the education of real estate agents, so that we may share information with clients about ecologically sound practices and building materials for use in homes and businesses including energy and water conservation and other sustainable living options. Following this class I've continued to track the latest news and innovation in the industry and can offer a much broader perspective than the average agent on the comparative value of various energy saving strategies and techniques.

Graduate, North Bay Association of REALTORS® Country Property Series (2006): an updated version of the 1994 class listed below — focused on the unique characteristics and red flags associated with rural properties — taken a second time to stay informed of any new regulatory issues or changes.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist (2005): specialized training in counseling senior clients through the major financial and lifestyle transitions involved in selling the family home, relocating to a retirement community, or purchasing secondary seasonal homes. For more detail on the unique set of services that Michele and I have developed in response to the needs of senior clients go to Elder Concierge Services

Accredited Buyer Representative, Real Estate Buyers Agent Council (1998): a National Association of REALTORS course focused on specialized skills and knowledge required to provide exceptional buyer representation. I was the second agent in Sonoma Country to receive this accreditation.

Graduate, Sonoma County REALTOR Association's Country Properties Series (1994): a study of issues related to water and wells, easements and access, septic systems, permits and zoning, and sellers' disclosure obligations.

REALTOR® (1993): this designation identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS and pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. As a member at both the national and state level, I have ongoing access to the most well researched industry information and professional development courses available.

PRIOR EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

BA, Management, Sonoma State University (1986): key electives included marketing, finance, real estate, and small business operations.

Prior to becoming a REALTOR I worked as a business consultant developing marketing plans for entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, and as a kitchen designer for a home improvement retailer. I also managed the remodeling of twelve vintage dwellings ranging from turn-of-the-century to mid-century modern — including kitchens and baths, re-roofing, septic repairs, and room additions. I have extensive experience in renovating and maintaining country properties.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND
I grew up primarily on a cattle ranch in Nebraska, finished high school in Orange County, California, and then lived in San Francisco until moving to Graton, a small Sonoma County village just west of Santa Rosa, in 1972.

Since then I've been active in a wide variety of community activities including: serving on the parent advisory committee for my son's Head Start program, student teaching in the Women's Studies Department at Sonoma State University, being representative for the Graton area during a county planning department's update of the General Plan, and volunteering at the Battered Women's Shelter. I am especially proud of the year I spent as President of the Sonoma County branch of Habitat for Humanity beginning in 1998.

From 1999 through 2003 I served as Marketing Coordinator and assisted the Executive Director of Pegasus Theater Company in Monte Rio. I also acted and directed with the company and served on the Board of Directors during 2005 - 2006.

I regularly donate at least 5% of my income to a variety of social causes including: the Sonoma County Council on Aging, Face To Face, Southern Poverty Law Center, Amnesty International, the Red Cross, and the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation. I also contribute regularly to the Center for Spiritual Living Santa Rosa (a portion of which goes to the Center's yearly pledge of support to a dozen local service organizations) and to the Sae Taw Win II Buddhist Center in Graton — organizations that feed my soul and help me remember what is most important: honesty, integrity, and kindness.

Questions?

Contact Us via email
or
Call 707 823-8329 or Toll free 877 823-8329

Office hours
Monday - Saturday 10:30 - 6:30
Sundays 2:30 - 5:30


Department of Real Estate License # 01169237