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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature the Thiessen Group!

It’s not every day you get the opportunity to have not one but four incredible agents guide you through the real estate process, but when you work with the Thiessen Group you get just that. They are a family team comprised of husband and wife Vicki and Rob and their two children Melissa and Chad. With over $131 M in sales and 265 properties sold it’s obvious – the Thiessen Group is good at this whole real estate thing!

We couldn’t be happier to have the Thiessen Group on our team.  Continue reading to learn more about these Agents to Watch. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?

Vicki: There isn’t a limit as to how much money I can make; 2. Real estate is always changing….no chance of boredom; 3. A real estate career provides flexibility to fit any size goal I desire.

Rob: After my law enforcement career, I felt my best skill set was connecting with all sorts of people groups and helping them with some of the challenges they face. Real estate sales seemed to match-up perfectly with that in my opinion…plus I get to work with Vicki…she’s pretty cute.

Melissa: I always knew I wanted to be self-employed. After trying some business ventures, I kept coming back to real estate. Growing up in a real estate family, it made sense to take the leap and join the family team.

Chad: Growing up in a real estate family definitely influenced me. After graduating from college with a finance degree, I decided to join the family team.

How do you think your clients would describe you?

Vicki: Our clients tell us they feel safe and confident that our team has their best interest at heart. We are knowledgeable and professional and an incredible resource. We offer a balance between listening to a client’s needs, advising, and fine-tuning the specifics and we have the aggressiveness needed in today’s market to get things done.

Rob: Charming of course and dedicated to doing my job with my whole heart.

Melissa: Outgoing, down to earth, dedicated, great communicator, a fighter.

Chad: Honest, hardworking, and fun to be around.

What is your motto?

Vicki: Leap and the net will appear.

Rob: Persistence breaks down resistance!

Melissa: There are those people that make things happen, watch things happen, and wonder what happened. I make things happen.

What is something most people would never guess about you?

Vicki: I am an introvert.

Rob: I’ve owned a carpet cleaning company and fitness franchise.

Melissa: I purchased a school bus, gutted it, and started a cupcake food truck named Foxy Cupcakes.

Chad: I really enjoy home renovation projects.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?

Vicki: Hanging out in the sunshine with family and friends.

Rob: Any outdoor adventure with family or friends followed by a nice time of food and drink.

Melissa: Wine tasting with friends and family and then finishing the day with bbq, music, and more fun.

Chad: Starting the day early mountain biking at Annadel Park, followed by enjoying drinks and food with family and friends.

What’s your favorite way to relax?

Vicki: Hiking or spending time outdoors.

Rob: In my hot tub, sipping on one of my home brews.

Melissa: Home with the family at the end of the day cooking and catching up.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?

Vicki: Of course, Trixie’s Bar and Grill (in my backyard).

Rob: Trixie’s Bar and Grill in my very own backyard…c’mon over and have a cold one!

Melissa: My new favorite is Los Molcajetes Bar & Grill in Rincon Valley. They have an awesome margarita flight which allows you to have a little bit of everything. Plus it’s walking distance from my home.

Chad: TBG – Trixie’s Bar & Grill.

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?

Vicki: Tough one…….My favorite restaurant used to be Diavola in Geyserville, but now I am drawn to Ramen Gaijin in Sebastopol.

Rob: Anything that my son, Executive Chef Cole Dickinson, cooks at Layla in Sonoma…yes, I am proud of him.

Melissa: My other brother, Cole, is the executive chef at Layla’s in Sonoma. Everything on the menu is amazing, especially knowing it was all his creation. Whether you sit in the bar or in the restaurant, you will leave very content.

Chad: Currently it’s Las Palmas Mexican restaurant.

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Milan Juarez-Barich!

Windsor-based Milan Juarez-Barich is a force to be reckoned with. Her creative, enthusiastic, and caring nature is perfect for matching each clients’ desires as well as skillfully featuring a home’s unique presence and character. These traits have certainly proven to be useful as she consistently moves her way up the leaderboard. 

Milan is a valued member of the W Real Estate team and we’re excited for you to get to know her a little better. Continue reading to learn more about the Agent to Watch.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
Structure, design, negotiation, and value are my passionate preoccupations. After witnessing the professional activities of friends in the business, I was lead to diligent research. I discovered Real Estate offered perfect opportunities to explore my talents in the areas of my inherent interests. Those interests have grown and deepened as I’ve enjoyed pushing my abilities further than I ever dreamed. My practical experiences have driven me now to approach every transaction as a unique work of art, where I allow my ever-sharpening instincts and keen transaction prowess to seal the deal like fine, calculated strokes from the brush of a master.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
It’s funny because sometimes I forget these relationships are actually professional engagements! My clients would tell you the same. A huge part of my success is due to my natural ability to uniquely relate to individuals. By this point, I’ve developed a deeply ingrained confidence in my craft as an agent. This has allowed me to focus on truly understanding my clients’ hopes and desires to an extent far beyond that of your average agent. Genuine, often close friendships result, which last long after signing day. My clients describe me in the same way my friends and family do: real, honest, creative, persistent, and caring. Any agent can facilitate a transaction. My clients get a true advocate and friend.

What is your motto?
Say, “yes, bro!” to escrow!!

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I am pretty much an open book, so I’m not sure!

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County?
Everyone must enjoy a cruise along the Bodega Coast! The food, the folks, and the unfathomable natural beauty are simply unmatched. Try a hot cup of chowder at Spud Point on a gloomy afternoon. It might change your life.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?
On my perfect day in Sonoma County, I wake to greet the sun from my Windsor Town Green balcony. After a tasty bite (and maybe a spicy bloody) with friends at my neighborhood greasy spoon, my boyfriend and I take our pup on an adventure up and down Taylor Mountain. We cool down afterward with a dip in Russian River, and just make our reservation at Willy’s Seafood in Healdsburg. We wind up at home, cozy and warm, exhausted from the day, reflecting on our spirited exploits as a Dateline rerun coaxes us off to sleep.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
I love sharing stories with my best friends over great food or even just a couple of Moscow Mules at Larkfield’s Final Edition.

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
Willy’s Seafood in Healdsburg is always phenomenal. My favorite dish is their fresh Ahi Ceviche.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Hands down, the Final Edition in Larkfield has the best happy hour in town. Especially when it’s me behind the bar!

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Tanya Gilmore!

Raised in Ukiah, CA, Tanya Gilmore has always called the Ukiah Valley home. Just by simply talking to Tanya about her hometown and it’s evident how much she truly loves the city. She is hardworking and dynamic while still maintaining the utmost professionalism. Her clients describe her as a “go-getter, dedicated and courteous.” Tanya won the NorBar Mendocino County Chapter, “Rookie Realtor of the Year” award in her first year of real estate. 

Tanya is a valued member of the W Real Estate team. Continue reading to learn more about the Agent to Watch.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I wanted a career with no ceiling where I could push myself to grow something great. I wanted the ability to be my own boss and to create flexibility in my schedule. I love that every day brings something new. Honestly, I’m a complete real estate nerd and love most aspects of the business.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
They’d say I’m knowledgeable, committed, very responsive; their advocate, sounding board, cheerleader. Ok, to be honest, I’m just copying and pasting from my reviews.

What is your motto?
Your real estate resource!

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I am a thrill seeker! You can find me on the back of a motorcycle, skydiving or cliff jumping into the ocean.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County?
Plan a day out in nature. Mendocino county has so much to offer. You could visit some of the largest redwoods in the world, dip your toes in the ocean, wine taste, and dine at an amazing local restaurant all in one day.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?
I’d wake up with my family, walk downtown and have brunch. Spend the afternoon in our yard and then have friends and family for a BBQ. The simple life!

What’s your favorite way to relax?
Exercising. Or a slow morning at home. Also cooking with a glass of wine!

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
At the moment I’d have to say Patrona in Ukiah!

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
A local secret is Doras Cafe on State Street in Ukiah! So fresh and delicious.

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Sean McCarthy!

Sean McCarthy is a new addition to the W Real Estate family but in the short amount of time he has been with us, he has closed over $2M in sales volume! He has hit the ground running and that’s not easy to do in the Golden Gate City. The San Francisco agent uses his twenty-five years of experience in web and financial services to help his clients navigate the Bay Area’s unique and competitive real estate market.

We couldn’t be happier to have Sean on our team.  Continue reading to learn more about the Agent to Watch. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I love the home purchasing experience.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
Knowledgeable and straightforward.

What is your motto?
Money does not lead, it follows.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I enjoy the opera.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County?
Have dinner in North Beach (San Francisco).

What does a perfect day in Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County look like for you?
Clear and 75 degrees.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
Glass of wine in pleasant surroundings.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Cafe Meuse.

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
Seven Hills.

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Laura Larrecou!

Laura has been a Realtor in Sonoma County since 1985. She is an Associate Broker and is based out of Santa Rosa. She is a previous President of the Santa Rosa Chapter of Realtors. Additionally, she earned the Senior Residential Specialist Designation and especially enjoys working with the active adult community. Her colleagues describe her as communicative, proactive, and responsive while her clients would say she is positive, patient, and supportive.

We are lucky to have her on board! Continue reading to learn more about the Agent to Watch. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I was totally intrigued with the process when I bought my first home. Thought I’d study and get a license. What a great decision!

How do you think your clients would describe you?
Confident, direct, caring and knowledgeable. At least that’s what they tell me and after 35+ years in the business I’d hope so!

What is your motto?
Experience You Can Trust.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I’m an introvert.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Relax and slow down.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
For me personally, it looks like I have spaces and choices in my schedule, so I can fit in a little bit of everything; work, play, exercise, and relaxation.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
I like to play racquetball because it’s so fast there is no time to think and my brain gets a rest!

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
John Ash, it’s so nice and comfy in the bar to sit and chat…

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
Ume, Japanese, in Windsor.

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Aaron Brosamle!

Aaron Brosamle was born and raised in Sonoma County and has lived here all his life. From a young age, he worked in a family-owned jewelry business helping people find that special piece that was going to make them or someone else very happy. He carries that feeling into his Real Estate career by using a fun and straight forward approach.

Aaron’s passion for all things Sonoma County is evident in his answers below. Continue reading to learn more about the Agent to Watch. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I love working with and helping others. Real Estate allows me to help people with one of the most important and oftentimes intense parts of life and being able to navigate through the items that can come along the way in a fashion that eases the air and can save my buyers time and money or help my sellers to get the most for their homes and futures in the shortest amount of time possible really makes me happy. Bringing the right people together at the right time is my specialty.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
I believe that my clients would describe me as really easy to work with, fun, and honest. I have had a variety of other jobs/careers that allow me to be a bit more versatile and provide really good helpful information while giving good solid advice and bringing people and deals together in a very organic way.

What is your motto?
Would have to be “be good to everyone and everything around you, and know that the world gives us what we need and things happen exactly as they should”. Having confidence in this and believing this helps me every day to make each moment the best it can possibly be.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
Most people may not guess that I used to own a natural food restaurant, or that I used to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
One thing people must do when they visit our amazing area is to check out all of the amazing outdoor places we have to offer. Bodega Bay and its amazing coastline and food; Hood Mountain and the hiking; Annadel or Spring Lake for all sorts of paddleboarding, kayaking, walking/hiking and so much more; also the great urban outdoor spaces we have like Downtown Petaluma and it’s a killer walkable community or Healdsburg and the Town Square, with some of the best restaurants and shops Northern California can offer; not to leave out the great Wineries and town of Sonoma and everything it has to offer, or everything San Francisco has going on OR the wonderful outdoor spaces and activities and beauty Mendocino County has to offer…there is SOOOOOOO much to love about our special area, and I firmly believe that there is something for anyone to love here.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
A perfect day for me would be waking up slowly, with my wife and two amazing daughters, having a cup of coffee and then heading to a morning yoga class to stretch and wake up. After that, head to one of the many super tasty breakfast places in town, then a drive out to the coast to walk on the beach and have some lunch and play. After that, maybe head to Spring Lake and let the kids play and go on a run, then maybe have grandma watch the kids for a bit and go out to dinner at one of the local farm-to-table restaurants that we love and have some local wine or gin and call it a night!

What’s your favorite way to relax?
My favorite way to relax would have to either be going to the gym or playing some poker…although I have to say that I do love a good massage.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
This would have to be Trail House. Great rotating tap availability, good quick easy and healthy food options, pretty tasty wine and a really mellow, neat environment. Family-friendly, good place for a work meeting or afternoon beer, fun trivia nights and other gatherings and nice friendly staff. A great addition to our community!

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
My favorite local restaurant…that is an extremely difficult question. My family and I eat out probably a bit too often so we have a lot of favorites. I’ll break it down into a few places- Thai food, either Sea Thai Bistro or Tomi Thai; Japanese, either Blue Fish or Osake; Italian, either Riveria or Ca Bianca; and for good measure, Spinster Sister’s and Dry Creek Kitchen are probably very high on the list.

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Scott Raaka!

Scott Raaka offers wine country and Bay Area homebuyers a combination of over 20 years of finance and asset management experience and a lifetime love of Sonoma real estate. Having grown up in the Sonoma Valley since 1974, he provides his clients with local background knowledge and an expert eye for finding hidden property gems.

Continue reading to learn more about the Sonoma-based Agent to Watch. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
In my previous career, I traded markets and real estate is just another type of market that I have always enjoyed following and watching. When I purchase my home 20 years ago it was one of the best decisions of my life. Helping people with their real estate needs is extremely rewarding.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
Professional, knowledgeable, prompt and detail-oriented.

What is your motto?
Client focused, positive results.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
That I constantly listen to “Hair Nation” on Sirius XM.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Wine tasting at some of the fabulous wineries that Sonoma has to offer.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
Sunny weather with friends and family enjoying great food and wine.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
Soaking up the sun in a lounge chair with a cocktail in hand.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Sonoma Grille & Bar.

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
Girl & The Fig.

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Yen Chesley!

Yen is a 4th generation Healdsburg native. She started her real estate career in 1998 working for a large commercial real estate company in Santa Rosa, then moving on to residential real estate sales, getting her license in 2001. Living in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa over the last 40+ years has given Yen a strong knowledge of the surrounding areas and local markets.

Continue reading to learn more about the Sonoma County home expert, Yen Chesley. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I have always loved looking at houses and thought about what a fun job to help people find their dream home. My favorite part is handing over the keys to my clients and sharing in their excitement.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
I had to reach out and ask a friend. I would hope they would say I treated them like family and looked out for their best interest. Knowledgeable, patient, strong negotiating skills, and willing to go the extra mile. I will take it!

What is your motto?
Treat others how you want to be treated.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I used to make olive oil soaps, lotions, and sugar scrubs.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Come to Healdsburg and check out all the wonderful shops, restaurants, wineries and take a drive to Lake Sonoma. It’s so peaceful and beautiful, bring a lunch or some snacks and enjoy!

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
A road trip around the county checking out new restaurants and local shops with friends.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
Overnight trip to Indian Springs in Calistoga. Sign me up.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Tough… So many good ones… Catelli’s or Campo Fina or Willi’s.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Bravas.

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Jonathan Bruington!

Born and raised in Sonoma County, Jonathan Bruington grew up in a family with deep ties to the local Sonoma, Napa, and Mendocino County real estate markets. So it’s no surprise he felt drawn to the industry and ultimately closed over 20 transactions representing over $14 million in sales during his first full year in real estate – while still in college! His stats are impressive but he’s also one of the most genuine and kind agents you’ll come across in the business. Continue reading to see why Jonathan ultimately made the jump from Finance to Real Estate and his must-visit spot in Sonoma County.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
As I was going through college working towards a degree in finance, I quickly realized that a career with more personal interaction and hands-on elements attracted me. I felt that, after already growing up in the industry, real estate would be a perfect fit to combine both the human interaction I sought with the financial literacy I had been working to obtain. I could not be happier with the choice and have both a passion for real estate and love for the opportunity to develop relationships with my clients beyond the transaction.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
Attentive, ethical and dedicated.

What is your motto?
Work hard, play fair.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I am a nationally certified archery instructor.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Spend a day outdoors. Whether it be visiting the Redwoods in Armstrong Woods, Goat Rock Beach on the coast, the beautiful vineyards throughout the valley, or the numerous hiking and biking trails, you cannot go wrong with a day outside in Sonoma County.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
A day spent outdoors full of adventure with family and friends enjoying all that Sonoma County has to offer topped off with the wonderful food we are blessed to have right here in our home county.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
A hike through Foothill Regional Park is always one of my favorite ways to de-stress.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Unlike many, odds are that you will not find me at a local happy hour. Kin is a mainstay here in Windsor though.

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
Sea Thai Bistro

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We are excited to feature Cheryl Peterson as one of our Agents to Watch!

Cheryl Peterson is a decorated agent – she’s achieved Master’s Level Sales recognition as a top producing Realtor, earned the prestigious Quality Service Award and the added designation of Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). However, all awards aside, she’s truly a pleasure to be around and is able to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Continue reading to learn why the Santa-Rosa based agent pursued a career in Real Estate and a fact that might surprise you about her. 

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
My career in Real Estate fulfills my desire to challenge myself. I am passionate about helping others pursue their dream of homeownership while providing a level of customer service second to none. I come from a family with a small business background and enjoy the freedom to achieve success while operating on my terms.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
Professional, Knowledgeable and Dedicated.

What is your motto?
Honesty, Integrity & Service above all else.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I love to go trout fishing in McCloud, CA.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Drive through Valley of the Moon, Kenwood & Sonoma. Stop, Sip and Eat along the way.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
Warm Sunshine, Family, Friends, and Fabulous Food.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
A glass of champagne and a facial.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Tips Roadside in Kenwood.

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