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We’d like to introduce you to one of October’s Agents to Watch, Denise Horner! She is passionate about making her clients dreams of owning their own home come true, while always making sure to take time to enjoy all of what Sonoma County has to offer. Read on to learn more about Denise!

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

How do you think your clients would describe you?

What is your motto?

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?

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

What’s your favorite way to relax?

What’s your favorite local happy hour?

What’s your favorite local restaurant?

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Introducing one of Octobers Agents to Watch, Taylor Mason! Taylor originally moved to Sonoma County for school, and after completing his degree he decided to combine his knowledge of energy efficient living with making prospective homeowners dreams a reality. Read on to find out more about Taylor and his passion for real estate!

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

How do you think your clients would describe you?
Calm, honest, caring and straight up.

What is your motto?
My goal is your goal.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Do some wine tasting.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
80 degrees, clear skies.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
Go for a motorcycle ride or go to the beach.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Crooked Goat.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Taco truck in Roseland.

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In this month’s Agent to Watch, we are excited to feature Donna Bennett! Donna has been active in the Sonoma County real estate market since she was a teenager, and she is always ready to share her knowledge with her clients to elevate their experience. Donna is extremely proud of her three children, and she attributes raising them in Sonoma County to helping her deepen her ties with her community. When she isn’t working or volunteering, Donna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, hiking, and being out on her boat on Lake Sonoma. Continue reading to learn more about Donna.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I had excellent mentors early in life. Their advice and guidance greatly contributed to my current real estate successes and endeavors. I chose this path to help others to build their real estate portfolio, just as I have.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
I strive to be as accessible and thorough as possible with my clients. I feel they would agree in describing me as such. In addition, I have been complimented on my honesty, integrity, reliability, and quick response time.

What is your motto?
I know how stressful the real estate game can be. Whether you are a buyer or seller, my motto has always been to strive for an enjoyable process. This should be an exciting transition in your life, not a stressful one!

What is something most people would never guess about you?
The age at which I purchased my first piece of real estate always seems to shock clients. I was only 19 years old!

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Sonoma County is known for its beautiful wineries and landscape. There are excellent tours and tastings available to our wine lovers. I highly recommend driving the coastal highway, with its gorgeous views. For more sightseeing from a different perspective, the wine country hot air balloon ride is a must-see! My recommendations for families include the Charles Schultz Museum, Safari West, and summer nights on the Windsor Town Green.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
My perfect Sonoma County day would definitely start at the local farmer’s market on the Windsor Town Green. Coffee as I browse, then head to the Foothill Regional Park for an afternoon hike. I love shopping in the Healdsburg town square. The local boutique shops have something for everyone. To finish, dinner at Campo Fina. They have an outdoor bocce court that makes for a perfect end to the day!

What’s your favorite way to relax?
It isn’t easy choosing just one, but my favorite place to relax is Lake Sonoma. My family spent time on the lake when I was growing up. It has now become a fun and relaxing place to spend time with friends!

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
For happy hour, my first choice is usually John Ash in Santa Rosa.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?
My favorite restaurant is Campo Fina, located in Healdsburg. As I mentioned before, they have a beautiful outdoor patio and bocce court.

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Congratulations to one of September’s Agents to Watch, Filippo Viola! Filippo values the extreme importance of personal relationships in his industry, and he takes pride in going above and beyond to find the perfect home for his clients and providing excellent customer service. Read on to learn more about Filippo and what he loves so much about living and working in this area!

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
Real Estate is the most expensive thing to legally sell in Mendocino County.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
Communicative, hard-working, caring.

What is your motto?
Yes.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I love to surf!

What is one thing people must do when they visit Mendocino County?
Wine tasting, exploring Anderson Valley.

What does a perfect day in Mendocino County look like for you?
Wake up super early, surf at Point Arena, come back around noon to service some clients then enjoy an evening with the family.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
Surfing.

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Rivino.

What’s your favorite local restaurant?
Catelli’s.

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature Michael Keegan!

Windsor-based agent Michael Keegan was born and raised in Sonoma County. So a career in real estate just made perfect sense. She has a knack for making what’s typically a stressful experience, FUN. One of her clients said: “Michael made our first home buying experience so much fun and easy to understand. I would recommend her with no second thought. Michael was available whenever we had questions or wanted to view a home with little notice. She is amazing!” We know this is due to her charismatic personality and thorough attention to detail.

We are very fortunate to have Michael as a part of our W Real Estate family. Continue reading to learn more about the Agent to Watch.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I wanted to be able to provide clients with a straightforward knowledgeable approach to buying and selling. I value that I am able to help lead someone through the process. You could be a first time home buyer, finally attaining your dream home or making a change in life. I’m honored to be a part of making that happen at any stage.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
Determined.

What is your motto?
Love where you live.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I am the oldest of 5 brothers and sisters.

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
Take in as many local establishments as possible and really get to see what our community is like.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
A hike in Foothill, with a well-earned lunch at one of our amazing Mexican restaurants followed by cocktails by the pool with family.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
With family dinner – Sunday dinner Italian style! (Any day of the week)

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
Baci

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
Kin

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In our latest edition of W Agents to Watch we are excited to feature David Hargreaves!

David Hargreaves or some know him as the man behind the ultra-sleek company Modern Living Sonoma, is originally from the UK but has lived in California for over 10 years. He has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing as a successful entrepreneur building his own marketing business working for brands such as Google and Virgin as well as buying and selling property. So when David made the decision to join our company we knew we were getting someone special. 

Continue reading to learn more about the Agent to Watch.

Why did you choose to pursue a career in real estate?
I used to run a marketing business working for brands like Facebook and Apple in San Francisco and decided I wanted to move up to wine country with my wife. Real Estate was the obvious route out of San Francisco given all I have ever done is sales and marketing and I’ve already developed and own a few properties.

How do you think your clients would describe you?
That’s probably one for them to say. Hardworking, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and has an awesome blog www.modernlivingsonoma.com/blog. Oh, and a nice accent!

What is your motto?
“Innovate or die.” Coined by Andy Grove, CEO of Intel, this has never been more true than the moment we find ourselves in right now.

What is something most people would never guess about you?
I love nothing more than disappearing off into the wilderness with a backpack and my camera gear into far-flung places like Mt Everest and Greenland

What is one thing people must do when they visit Sonoma County?
We have some of the best cycling around. If you don’t ride, rent yourself an e-bike and explore the amazing backcountry routes.

What does a perfect day in Sonoma County look like for you?
Go for a run or bike ride, coffee at Flying Goat, get what I need to cook from the Farmers market, have friends around, cook dinner with super fresh ingredients and drink good wine.

What’s your favorite way to relax?
My wife, Nancy, will say, not sitting still! Cycling, running, photography, hiking, cooking and gardening but not the weeds and flowers bit, the growing food part!

What’s your favorite local happy hour?
My back yard! Every hour is a happy hour!

What’s your favorite local dinner spot?
Has to be Bravas in Healdsburg or Guiso. I just hope the restaurants manage to make it through these tough times.

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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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