A summer job as a teenager unexpectedly sparked a 35-year career—one filled with challenges and growth—that I still love to this day.
Real estate has been my life! I joined this industry 35 years ago, when I was only 20, and my world has revolved around this business ever since.
My first exposure to real estate was as a kid growing up in Woodland, California, visiting my grandparents’ ranch, which has been in my family since the 1800s. We spent our days riding horses and even showing them competitively. That ranch had an impact on my life, sparking a reflection on the value of passing down a property.
The summer before college, I worked as an assistant to a real estate agent named Don. At the age of 20, I earned my real estate license and married Dan, whom I’m still with today.
The first few years in the business were tough. Don became my mentor, and I continued working for him as a licensed assistant while learning the ins and outs of running a real estate business. Being young in this field had its challenges since clients often preferred working with older agents. It took some time before I made my first sale, but I never gave up. Meanwhile, Dan and I welcomed our two daughters, Alisson and Kristen.
As I grew in the industry, I started feeling a disconnect between my vision and my mentor’s. I valued the human connections behind every transaction, and my vision was to nurture relationships with clients. Furthermore, the brokerage I worked for became more corporate, losing that close-knit, community feel. I began having conversations with my husband and my sister, who had also become REALTORS®, about opening our own business.
It was a difficult decision, especially having to part ways with Don, who had been such a big part of my journey. Breaking business relationships isn’t easy, and resentment can creep in, but I was determined to move forward. Eventually, we opened our own brokerage, Bella Vie—a non-traditional brokerage with a horizontal business structure and a small, collaborative team. It worked beautifully—until the market crashed in 2008.
With real estate at a standstill, we had no choice but to adapt. I became well-versed in foreclosures and short sales, which helped us stay afloat during uncertain times. We kept Bella Vie running in a non-traditional manner for years until some agents within our office decided to branch out and start their own brokerage. That was when I understood how Don must have felt when I left all those years ago.
Despite the changes, Bella Vie still exists. We’ve returned to a traditional brokerage model, and my focus now is fully on my clients.
My daughters have graduated from college and live in New Zealand and Sacramento. Becoming an empty nester was a big adjustment. I suddenly had all this free time—an exciting yet challenging shift. I rediscovered who I was beyond being a mom and reconnected with my love for horses. My sister, who remains one of my closest friends, rides with me and my friends, and I’ve returned to showing horses competitively. Enjoying the outdoors with my family has always been a cherished bonding ritual, hunting - ducks, elk, deer etc. As you can see, real estate has been a cornerstone of my life, and after 35 years, I still love it.
When I work with clients, I take a team-based approach, emphasizing a thorough initial consultation where I outline the process, set expectations, and ensure my clients understand their roles. It’s a roadmap we navigate together, with my full support every step of the way. I also provide access to my trusted network of professionals—"Robin’s Nest”—which includes experts in lending, termite control, contracting, pools, and more. Whether buying or selling, my clients have a dedicated team to meet their real estate needs. For sellers, I go beyond just listing a home; I ensure it’s fully prepared to make the best impression.
I specialize in residential real estate, farmland, and investment properties. With my husband, Dan, who specializes in property management, we offer investors a full-service experience. The majority of my business comes from repeat clients and referrals, reflecting the strong relationships and trust I’ve built with clients over the years. I take pride in guiding my clients through one of life’s biggest decisions and ensuring they feel confident every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Robin Elizabeth Ward
REALTOR® | LIC#01107391
