Your Dream Home is My Mission

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Get in Touch

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Hi, I'm Derek!

Welcome to my website! Here's a bit about me.

🏡𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁🏠

REALTOR®, CA DRE 02250511 with Broker/Owner Thera Buttaro of Sonoma Coast Living - CA DRE 00610278 | Sonoma Coast Living Real Estate - Bodega Bay, CA 94923


𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 - 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗻

Derek Stefan is a Santa Rosa native and long-time resident of the Santa Rosa Junior College neighborhood. His father, George Stefan, was a draftsman and licensed architectural designer, who was inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Derek received an appreciation for architecture and design from his father, who designed many distinctive homes and commercial buildings, including some of the first homes in the Bodega Harbour subdivision located in Bodega Bay. 


Derek is excited to return to Bodega Bay and start his career in real estate after successfully connecting companies with employees in a Human Resources recruiting capacity for over two decades. He looks forward to leveraging this background to help people buy and sell homes with Sonoma Coast Living Real Estate Services. 


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    Before real estate, Derek had a varied career. He graduated from Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, CA and studied theater at UCLA. After working as an actor in Southern California for ten years, he moved back to the North Bay in 1997 to work in the staffing and recruiting industry. While in this career path he earned a Bachelors Degree in Applied Economics from University of San Francisco. 


    After a successful career in HR/Recruiting, Derek decided to follow his passion for real estate. He was recently promoted from Broker Assistant to licensed Real Estate Agent CA DRE 02250511 at Sonoma Coast Living in Bodega Bay, Broker/Owner of Sonoma Coast Living Real Estate, Thera Buttaro, CA DRE 00610278


    Derek is also dedicated to community service. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Petaluma Valley and has held several leadership roles, including as Club President. He started a successful wellness program called “Rotary Walks!” and actively supports The American Heart Association.

LINKED IN PAGE

𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

• Bachelor of Science, Applied Economics - University of San Francisco

• REALTOR®, CA DRE # 02250511

• Certified Staffing Professional - American Staffing Association

• Human Resources Management Certificate - Sonoma State University 

𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

• National Association of Realtors (NAR)

• California Association of Realtors (CAR)

• North Bay Association of Realtors (NorBAR)

• Member, Professional Association of Sonoma County (PASCO)

FEATURED LISTINGS

Welcome to Santa Rosa westside living at Sonoma Courtside Village with convenience, community, with many dining and shopping choices! Picture yourself walking to Village Bakery for a morning coffee and pastry right down the street on Doubles Drive. Located off Sebastopol Road between South Wright Road and Stony Point Road, this 2-story home is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, built in 2001 has much to offer. Enjoy the large upstairs living space of primary suite with ensuite bath, 3 additional bedrooms, upstairs laundry room, and full bath. There is an open flow from the moment you walk in the front door. The front room is an inviting space to welcome guests and visit, leading to the open floor plan kitchen/dining/living room combination - ideal for meals and conversation. Refrigerator, washer and dryer purchased in 2023 are included in the purchase. The front yard is low maintenance and the backyard is ready for entertaining with a beautiful flagstone patio and a soothing water feature. The Sonoma Courtside Village is a planned unit development (PUD) of 381 homes with HOA dues of $57/mo. to cover common areas including walkways and green space. Easy access to Hwy 12 and Sebastopol to the west, downtown Santa Rosa to the east, including vibrant Historic Railroad Square, as well as a short drive to favorite Sebastopol Road dining spots Sazon, Mitote Food Park and Costeaux's Tia Maria Bakery! Shopping choices abound within a 1.5-2 mile radius including Oliver's, FoodMaxx, Lola's, and Mekong markets.*See unaltered photos link here:https://bit.ly/4usuuwT

Northeast Santa Rosa...Rincon Valley charmer - find your home here at the park! Located in the Mission Creek planned unit development (PUD), this charming one-level end unit facing beautiful Rinconada Park has great views and light-filled rooms with central AC and heat, contemporary flooring, updated appliances, windows and in-unit laundry. Two parking spaces (one covered, one uncovered). This community features 2 swimming pools to enjoy and a walkable pet-friendly neighborhood with just over 2 acres of green parkland just outside your door. Conveniently located near Montecito Shopping Center (Oliver's Market) and Mission Plaza (Sarmentine, Organic French Bakery), many local restaurant choices, the Rincon Valley Regional Library, Madrone Elementary School (K-6), and public transportation. Homeowners Association (HOA) dues include water, Master Insurance Policy coverage for the building and unit includes structural, walls in, full building replacement costs, plus a separate earthquake insurance policy, landscaping, pool, exterior painting, exterior maintenance of building, roof, and fence. Enjoy nature, convenience, and a community here! Note: Effective 1/1/2026, California law requires any digitally altered photo to include a clear disclosure on the image, plus either the original unaltered image or a link/QR code to access it. See link here to the 2 original photos that were altered: https://elitaslensadventures.pixieset.com/1816primaveract/alteredphotos/

One of the most spectacular and unique locations on The California Coast! Enjoy waves crashing on the beach right below your house. This post-card perfect view home features 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. There are incredible views from all rooms. Remodeled in 2008 to 2011 with an updated kitchen, bamboo and slate flooring, and tiled baths. Large garage with off street parking. The wrap-around deck overlooks the dramatic and rugged Sonoma Coast. The home is currently a successful vacation rental. Come enjoy all the activities of The Sonoma Coast with family and friends! See link here: https://sonomacoastliving.com/properties/6175-highway-1-bodega-bay-ca-94923-325029035

SOLD

An oasis in town with mature trees (camphor, apple, peach, nectarine, pomegranate, cherry, olive) - two homes on a rarely-found huge lot (nearly 1/3 acre) in the heart of the very desirable JC Neighborhood. Short walk to Franklin Park. Near Community Market by the SRJC, Pacific Market and Willi's Wine Bar in the Town & Country Shopping Center. Walk to Old Courthouse Square and Historic Railroad Square. A classic 1946 residence offering timeless character and comfortable living on a generous lot = 12,816 sq ft with 1,577 sq. ft. of living space. This property features a primary home with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms w/ 4 Zone Mitsubishi Multi Split Ductless Heat/AC, plus an ADU/cottage with kitchen, bathroom and sleeping loft thoughtfully built. Set back on a spacious lot, ample off-street parking, a garage, room for gardening, outdoor dining, future expansion. Charming primary residence, an investment opportunity, or a property with expansion potential - this lot is SB 9 eligible for lot split, https://www.srcity.org/3697/Senate-Bill-9

VIEW LISTING DETAILS HERE
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Professional Services

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Buyers Representative

As your Buyer's Representative, we can make the process of house hunting much easier and more efficient than if you did it all yourself. 

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    With my market knowledge and industry insights, I aim to facilitate your home search process effectively. I specialize in streamlining the search by identifying properties that align with your preferences and budgetary constraints. 


    Throughout our collaboration, I will guide you through the intricacies of contracts, inspections, and closing procedures, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. 


    Rest assured, I am committed to providing you with peace of mind, knowing that every aspect of your home purchase is meticulously managed and personalized to meet your specific needs.

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Sellers Representative

Selling a house on your own can be a daunting task, but with Derek, a trusted real estate professional by your side, it becomes a breeze.

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    We can help you get financing, guide you to local neighborhoods, help you determine your budget, and prioritize a list of essential features that you need in your next home. We'll save you valuable time by finding the properties that best suit your requirements, and will show you only the most promising ones.


    Once you've found a place that catches your eye, we'll look at comparable properties in the area to help determine a purchase offer. Then we'll negotiate on your behalf with the seller to make sure you get the most favorable terms.

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Areas of Specialty

Negotiations

Customer Service

Home Search

Comparative Market Analysis

Market Knowledge

Market Trends

Property Values

Neighborhood Developments

Areas Covered

Bodega Bay

Sonoma-Marin Coast

Central Santa Rosa

Sonoma County Wine Country


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Why Work With Me?

My top-notch customer service and commitment to our clients is second-to-none.

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Market Expertise

Market knowledge goes beyond simply knowing the neighborhoods. Ask me about the school district, available parking, or standard bedroom sizes in the area.

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Client-Focused

Your time is valuable. That's why I will take the time upfront to understand your unique wants, needs and dislikes to ensure the rest of our time together is productive as possible.

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Responsive

You have questions and I have answers. I'll make sure that you feel confident and empowered when it comes to make important real estate and purchasing decisions.

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Referral Network

This industry is all about who you know. I can connect you with the top mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, and more.

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What My Clients Say