Dianna novela sanchez
California Real Estate Salesperson License #01492011 Since 2005
real estate services
Buying a home (or selling your home so you can buy your next home!) is most often the largest purchase you make in your lifetime! All of a sudden it seems that there are so many decisions to be made. From where to live, what kind of house, how much you want to pay monthly, and how you'll fund your down payment. Where to even start?!
Choosing the right real estate agent can help you connect with your dream home faster! It's about working with an agent who is knowledgeable about the market and can guide and support you every step of the way.
I hope that by connecting with me, I make it an easy decision to work together!
In my real estate career, I've been a top real estate agent representing some of the biggest builders in the US. I've been the go-to agent for many of the leaders within the company and definitely the agent to handle the "tough" or challenging real estate circumstances.
And now, I hope to you be your go-to agent. Whether you have a question about real estate, the market, or what moves you should make to plan for your first (or next!) real estate purchase. That, or you are wanting to know my favorite restaurants in the Bay Area, Sacramento, LA, Napa Valley, or Hawaii... I'm your home girl!
I believe in...
I'm not about...
You can find me...
Straight talk, strong drinks, ordering dessert before dinner, puppy snuggles, binge reading books, and top shelf tequila served neat.
Fake [fill in the blank], keeping quiet, not taking action, taking more than giving, scary movies, Bay Area traffic
Guesting on podcasts or panels, meeting with my delightful clients, on a foodie adventure, dancing in my kitchen, or singing in my car.
Daily rituals...
Positive affirmations, green gut glow shots, Peloton-ing, and good skincare (Dr. Barbara Sturm, Kypris, and Charlotte's magic cream!)
Photo by Wendy K. Yalom
Meet Dianna.
read my really official bio
aloha!
Let's work together
An award winning real estate professional who has been helping buyers and sellers make the dream of homeownership a reality, since 2005. For years, she has been a "go-to" agent, top producer, and industry leader in new construction and homebuilding. In her career, she has managed the sales of over $1B in real estate development properties for individual homeowners and also private or public builder or developers. In 2023, Dianna partnered with KW Advisors and Keller Williams Luxury, one of the largest real estate brokerage firms in the world to create her own independent boutique real estate practice, servicing clients throughout Northern California in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area, as well as her "hometown" Sacramento, and occasionally in the Napa Valley. She hopes to educate and empower her community to create wealth through the opportunity of homeownership.
ways to
work
together
SEE MORE
It can be stressful managing the process of buying and selling at the same time. I can help support you through every step!
at the same time
buying + selling
Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make! Whether it's your first ever, or one of many, I have a proven process that helps you find THE house so you can turn it into a home.
your first home
buying
WORK WITH ME
If you're ready to make your next move, let's help you get your home sold, so you can move on to the next.
YOUR HOME
selling
here are some ways
you can
At the heart of every real estate transaction is a life change. Having practiced in real estate for almost 2 decades, I've come to the understanding that right before a client has called me to sell their home or purchase a new home, they have first decided to make a major change in their life: getting married, getting divorced, having a baby, adopting a furry baby, relocating, or planning for an empty nest or retirement.
Bridging the gap between their old life and their new life has been my specialty. Buying a home is most often the biggest purchase you make in your lifetime! Add to that a major life transition and B-A-M you have the makings of one of the most stressful times in your life.
A REAL ESTATE
AGENT
While having a real estate license helps me in navigating the ups and downs of coordinating the escrow management, being a life coach helps me navigate all of the emotions that come with letting go of what was and moving forward one baby step at a time to step into what is to come. I have had the honor of helping hundreds of individuals and families through this process. And in every instance, it was the desire of wanting "a better life" that gave us hope when the going-got-tough.
but also
a life coach
I can't predict the future housing market, but I can tell you my experience with the past housing markets
I worked a career in retail and learned the best in customer service at Nordstrom, where I worked on an off throughout my start in real estate (Men's Sportswear / Men's Furnishings Team 434 and 429 #iykyk)
2000
A client offered me a job in luxury apartment leasing and I moved to the Silicon Valley, the new development was what is now Santana Row, a luxury mixed use development with restaurants, retail, and both for sale and for rent housing
2004
I passed the state exam and earned my California Real Estate Salesperson License! I "temp'd" for new home construction builders and developers throughout Northern California and landed my first new home sales associate position in Willow Glen (San Jose, California), selling hillside, 3-story town homes
2005
I moved back to my hometown in Sacramento and sold Single Family Homes for a national homebuilder in Folsom / El Dorado Hills. A client that purchased a home offered me a job in the Sacramento Urban Core where I worked for developers selling luxury highrise/midrise condos, townhomes, and 3-story single family homes throughout Midtown / Downtown, and West Sacramento neighborhoods.
2007
The market shifts... We experience "The Great Recession" and there truly was a housing crash due to a "mortgage meltdown" and an excess of housing inventory. It didn't feel like it at the time, but I earned my experience during this downturn.
Even in a recession, there is a buyer for every home. It was my job to play match maker and help navigate the obstacles to homeownership. I represented both sellers (and whole buildings or communities) and individual buyers during this time.
2009
humble beginnings!
see, dreams do come true! crazy, huh?
Photo by Sakhon Nhek
Photo by Sakhon Nhek
Worked with a boutique independent real estate broker in Sacramento
2011
Took a break from real estate and moved to Napa Valley where I worked for the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
2013
Went back into the home building industry and moved back to the Bay Area. Sold new construction homes in the Tri-Valley and Central Valley.
2015
Went to work for a luxury home builder, representing an award winning housing community in Silicon Valley.
2018
Started my own independent real estate practice brokered by eXp Realty, a global real estate firm. Honored as one of the Top 50 independent solo agents in California for production in 2023!
2022
what a year, eh?
2020
Survived a global pandemic. Still helped clients sell and buy real estate properties. Experienced one of the busiest real estate market's in my career.
the grand opening
Announcing that Dianna Novela Sanchez, Real Estate Services is now powered by KW Advisors and Keller Williams Luxury!
Here we GROW!
2023
The team of me is now a WE! Dianna Novela Sanchez, Real Estate Services has expanded into the Novela & Co. Real Estate Team. You get me, plus my team, plus my partner agents all working to offer you the BEST experience.
2024
collaboration over competition
Photo by Pink Door Studio
When I worked at Nordstrom, a client offered me the opportunity to work in property management, leasing luxury apartment homes. I moved from my hometown near Sacramento to the Silicon Valley to work at the newly built development, Santana Row. A few years later, after passing the state exam for my real estate salesperson license, I worked as a temp-to-hire, offering assistance to builders and developers in new home sales. I credit these early starts as a "paid internship" where I had an amazing opportunity to learn from the top new home real estate agents in the industry.
The One Where I Get My Start In Real Estate
2005 - 2006
My resume
my career in real estate
Group Interland Management:
Santana Row, San Jose, CA
FPI Property Management:
Nantucket / Carlyle / Bella Vista, Santa Clara, CA
Agent Network
New Home Professionals
Photo by Sakhon Nhek
THE INTERN
WORKING 9-5
HEY CYN, GUESS WHERE I AM?
A MILLION GIRLS WOULD KILL FOR THIS JOB
YESSS, MEEE!
RIGHT ON TOP OF THAT, ROSE
I look back at this time in my career and realize how lucky I was to learn about real estate during a "down" shift. From the height of the market and selling homes to waiting lists and by lottery... to the crash that inspired the movie "The Big Short", I continued to work for private developers and homebuilders, where I was consistently a top performing real estate salesperson helping buyers connect with available homes and still make home purchases, despite the market shift.
The One Where I Learn What It Takes To Get The Job Done
2006 - 2010
My resume
my career in real estate
Pacific Marketing Associates:
Villa Cortona, Willow Glen, San Jose, CA
Richmond American Homes:
Toscana at The Promontory, El Dorado Hills, CA
Photo by Sakhon Nhek
THE INTERN
WORKING 9-5
HEY CYN, GUESS WHERE I AM?
YESSS, MEEE!
A MILLION GIRLS WOULD KILL FOR THIS JOB
RIGHT ON TOP OF THAT, ROSE
While the real estate and mortgage market continued to shift, I represented some of the most prestigious new home developments in the "renaissance" of Sacramento's midtown and downtown neighborhoods. It wasn't just about selling a house, it was helping clients kickstart a whole new lifestyle. To this day, I think these neighborhoods have become some of my favorite places to enjoy restaurants, entertainment, coffee shops, art, and people in all of Sacramento. My hometown.
The One Where The Real Estate Market Shifts
2011 - 2014
THE EARLY YEARS
My resume
my career in real estate
Lyon Real Estate, Developer Sales & Services:
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Northern California:
Rivers Side, 3rd Street, West Sacramento, CA
L Street Lofts, 18th & L Streets, Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Penthouses at Capitol Park, 15th & L Streets, Downtown Sacramento, CA
Tapestri Square, T & 20th Streets, Midtown Sacramento, CA
Gonsalves Real Estate Properties
Fusion Real Estate
Photo by Will Rodriguez
THE INTERN
HEY CYN, GUESS WHERE I AM?
YESSS, MEEE!
A MILLION GIRLS WOULD KILL FOR THIS JOB
RIGHT ON TOP OF THAT, ROSE
After a few life changing pivots, and a small "break" from real estate where I moved to the Napa Valley, I came to work for a local, family owned homebuilder in the Bay Area. Not only did I get to help homebuyers from ground up in buying new construction properties, our team was also awarded some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Kind of like winning an Oscar, Emmy, or Grammy Award. Pretty cool honor!
The One Where I Find My Place In The Market (the Top!)
2015 - 2018
RIGHT ON TOP OF THAT, ROSE
HEY CYN, GUESS WHERE I AM?
WORKING 9-5
THE INTERN
YESSS, MEEE!
My resume
my career in real estate
DeNova Homes:
Township Square, Pleasanton, California
McKenzie Grove, Manteca, California
Sales & Marketing Coordinator, Corporate Office
A MILLION GIRLS WOULD KILL FOR THIS JOB
While working in new construction, an interesting mix of high paying Bay Area jobs, the lowest mortgage interest rates in history, lack of available housing inventory, combined with shortages in labor and building materials and California wildfires causing missed utility connections. Plus, add in a Global Pandemic.... Somehow created one of the busiest seasons in my 17-year real estate career. Also, one of the most complicated! Managing longer than average buildout and escrow timelines, rates fluctuating and a need for rate locks or extensions, and helping people manage their lives. A challenge that wave after wave, we had to rise to the occasion to keep moving forward. Let's just say, I learned how to surf! (Figuratively, not literally!). Those challenges have prepared me to be the best agent I can be for you!
The One Where It's Literally the Busiest I Have Ever Been
2018 - 2022
My resume
my career in real estate
Toll Brothers:
Metro Crossing, Fremont, California
Parkside at Tarob Court, Milpitas, California
THE INTERN
WORKING 9-5
HEY CYN, GUESS WHERE I AM?
RIGHT ON TOP OF THAT, ROSE
YESSS, MEEE!
A MILLION GIRLS WOULD KILL FOR THIS JOB
At the beginning of 2022, I made a decision to move on from my career in new home sales to open my own boutique real estate practice so I could offer a more personalized experience in buying or selling, curated for each client individually. I want all of my clients to feel like they not only have the most qualified, experienced real estate agent representing them, but that it feels like I'm their BFF or a member of the family supporting them through every step. A real estate "Ohana"!
The One Where I Decide To Do My Own Thing (For You!)
2022-now
My resume
my career in real estate
Dianna Novela Sanchez, Real Estate Services
Novela & Co. Real Estate Team
Novela & Simon Real Estate Team
THE INTERN
WORKING 9-5
HEY CYN, GUESS WHERE I AM?
RIGHT ON TOP OF THAT, ROSE
A MILLION GIRLS WOULD KILL FOR THIS JOB
YESSS, MEEE!
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I am a California Girl! I don''t think I could live in another state. My parents were both born in the Philippines, but grew up in Hawaii. I was born in Arizona and moved to California when I attended Kindergarten. I've spent a lot of time in other states, but California has my heart.
I'm a huge foodie, but when it comes to cooking I'm kind of a fail in the kitchen. I'm a "bring-home-the-bacon" kinda girl, not make bacon. LOL. During the pandemic I made a goal to be a better cook. Thanks to friends' recipes, my Instant Pot, and the YouTube, I have to say, I am getting pretty good. You know, for a beginner!
I am obsessed with all things skin care, self care, beauty, and beauty gadgets. My family has owned a few beauty salons, so from a young age I learned to appreciate a multi-step skin care ritual and visiting the shop to get mani/pedis. In my 30's I developed adult acne and that was my one of the inspirations for discovering beauty nutrition. I even got a certificate in holistic health coaching from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I speak on these topics through my lifestyle & wellness brand, The Sunshine Estate.
I have a black belt in tae kwon do! My parents were not a fan of me wanting to be a cheerleader and made me take karate with my brothers. I even taught Kinder Karate classes!
I love to dance! Even if not the most coordinated. As a child I did ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and hula dancing. As an adult, I found my love for dancing again in "Beyoncé" dance classes. I attended classes with Pop Star Booty Camp in SF. We learn a pop star's dance choreography and perform in costume at a SF night club.
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here are some fun facts about me!
let's be friends!
I am what you call young-at-heart, but also, an "old soul". My man-child son just turned 21 this year! In so many ways, I realize that we raised each other. It feels like literally yesterday, I was chasing this small being around everywhere and now I watch him chase big dreams and adventures.
I'm also a dog mom. My guy is 10. He's a Havanese. A few years back, we learned he was deaf, and thanks to an amazing trainer, found a way for us to communicate better. He is obsessed with TV and is quite possibly the weirdest (and bestest!) dog someone could call family.
I'm a huge foodie and can plan my whole day/week/vacation around where I want to dine. Add in good company and a few cocktails, it makes it even better!
I love fashion, and art, and books. It's a complete toss up if I collect more pretty shoes or books. Although, during my last move, I can tell you the boxes and boxes (and boxes!) of books likely win.
If you follow me on social media, you will see a lot of food posts, pictures of my dog, or any of the adventures we explore.
get to know me more
about
a recent picture of us
(my son, Shawn, recently turned 21!)
my tv loving havanese, fitzgerald
he is deaf so we communicate through hand gestures. he is a foodie like his mama, cannot resist a snuggly blanket, and will try to make out with you if you get too close
my family on our last trip all together in Hawaii
in my 40's era
cheers to the best decades of my life to come
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