How Growing Up in a Military Family Shaped My Approach to Real Estate
Most people I meet today are surprised to learn I lived in 14 homes before I even got married. My father was in the Air Force, and my mother joined the Army when I was in high school—so constant relocation was part of our life. From Florida to California, and so many states in-between, I’ve packed, unpacked, and re-adapted more times than I can count.
And honestly? I loved it.
Finding Joy in Movement
Each move introduced me to a new adventure. In Colorado, we’d ski and hike in the mountains. In Florida, we’d float in the ocean and watch sea turtles nest. In Nebraska... well, I mostly remember the cornfields—but even that had a kind of calm beauty.
This lifestyle gave me the ability to adapt quickly and see each new location as an opportunity, not an inconvenience. I developed a love for exploration and connection that still drives me today.
Why San Diego Felt Like “Home”
When I moved to San Diego over 25 years ago, it felt like everything I loved about the U.S. was concentrated in one region: sandy beaches, mountain getaways, desert landscapes—each just a short drive away. After a lifetime of moving, this was the first place that made me want to stay.
That feeling gives me a unique perspective when working with buyers relocating to North County or anywhere in San Diego. I know how important it is to not just find a house—but to feel at home.
Real Estate Lessons Learned by Living It
Moving so often taught me practical things—like what to take and what to leave. (Unless you just bought new, moving your washer, dryer, and refrigerator across the country usually isn’t worth the cost.)
But I also learned how emotionally charged moving can be. Things break. Plans fall through. You find yourself eating takeout on the floor because your furniture hasn’t arrived yet.
That’s why, as a Realtor®, I’m focused on being the calm in the storm. My clients know I’ll plan for the unexpected and help them feel confident, even when things get chaotic.
More Than a Transaction
When I work with sellers, I understand what it feels like to say goodbye to a home that holds decades of memories. It’s never just a house. It’s where you brought your babies home from the hospital or spent your first holidays as a family. That’s why I built a simple, personalized system to help sellers transition smoothly—emotionally and logistically.
When I work with buyers, especially those new to the area, I fill the role I once wished I had: the local expert. Want authentic Italian in North County? Try Villa Capri in Poway. Looking for something unique this summer? Swim with leopard sharks in La Jolla. I don’t just help clients buy homes—I help them feel connected from day one.
The Bottom Line
Moving taught me empathy, strategy, and the value of home. Those lessons are woven into every interaction I have as a real estate agent. If you're considering a move—whether across the country or across town—I’d be honored to guide you through it.
