Tonya Gibson
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Tonya Gibson, whose journey into the title industry began with an unexpected career pivot. After spending 10 years in the restaurant and hospitality service, Tonya was introduced to an opportunity in real estate. Honest about her lack of tech experience at the time, she leaned into learning, training for two years before becoming a Transaction Coordinator in 2001 and transitioning to the title side in 2003. Tonya credits much of her success to relationships, consistently putting herself out there, and leveraging the powerful tools...
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Leigh Rutledge
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with Leigh Rutledge, a REALTOR® whose career spans more than four decades. Leigh had an early leap into sales and a phone call that changed her career into a lifelong profession. Leigh’s journey took her from North Carolina to Texas and eventually California. Leigh has witnessed the evolution of real estate firsthand and reflects on how the business has become more complex, demanding stronger communication, structure, and collaboration. Her advice to new REALTORS® is clear: get educated, take every class you can, build structure,...
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Helen Tarasco
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with Helen Tarasco, a seasoned REALTOR® whose journey into real estate began long before she earned her license. After moving from the Bay Area to Cameron Park, Helen opened a restaurant, remodeled and managed rental properties, and grew up watching her father build custom homes. In 1999, Helen shifted fully into real estate, and as they say, the rest is history! A longtime South Land Park resident of 25 years, Helen has built her business around her family. She became a...
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Kim White
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys Podcast, host Cam Villa talks with Kim White, a longtime REALTOR® and Carmichael resident whose real estate roots date back to helping his father, also a REALTOR®. Before entering real estate, Kim spent years in the auto industry, where he learned the value of hard work and doing things himself—skills he still brings to his business today. Inspired by family, Kim believes in staying knowledgeable, calm under pressure, and grounded in service. His advice for new REALTORS®: have enough savings to last a year and be ready to learn through experience. Tune in to...
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Rick Jennings
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Councilmember Rick Jennings, a lifelong public servant whose work has shaped Sacramento for nearly three decades. Rick’s civic journey began in 1996 on the School Board and continued with his election to the Sacramento City Council in 2014. Driven by a deep belief in giving back to the community he grew up in—a community where some had much, and others had very little. Encouraged by former Mayor Kevin Johnson and supported by a family already familiar with public service, Rick embraced leadership early and has carried that...
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Jennifer Finley
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with Jennifer Finley of Good Life Inspections, where she specializes in marketing and all things related to home inspections. Though an introvert by nature, Jennifer’s 19 years in the industry and her “take care of your people” philosophy have made her a trusted presence in an often fast-paced, detail-oriented business. She’s been active with the SAR, CanTree, and PCAR, always finding ways to connect, give back, and grow relationships across our local associations. Jennifer’s advice to those in the inspection industry: show...
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Meriam Hansen
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Meriam Hansen, a REALTOR® whose legal background and family roots in real estate shaped her unique approach to the business. With two brokers in the family who initially encouraged Meriam to become a REALTOR® as well as her background in employee, labor, and business law, Meriam brings a deep understanding of contracts, negotiation, and professionalism to every transaction. Meriam values collaboration, systems, and lifelong learning—crediting mentors like Jim Podja and the SAR Leadership Academy for helping her grow into a thoughtful,...
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Melissa Murphy
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with REALTOR® Melissa Murphy, whose path to real estate took a unique turn after serving 20 years as a Sheriff and Police Officer. Melissa found fulfillment in creating and helping others find spaces that felt like home. She began wholesaling and flipping properties, later earning her real estate license and becoming a Realtor. A proud East Sacramento resident who grew up in Lake Almanor, Melissa values the walkability, character, and connections of her neighborhood. Known for her high level of communication and self-taught drive, Melissa...
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Tarah Pahlavan
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Tarah Pahlavan, a REALTOR® whose journey has taken her from Iran to the United States, Germany, and back to the U.S. Tarah blends her background in architecture, international business, and real estate economics to create a distinctive perspective on the industry. She believes success means living a fulfilled and balanced life and staying centered around family, friends, health, and meaningful work. Tarah's advice to new REALTORS® is simple: keep learning—observe successful agents, engage with the SAR, and stay on top of trends...
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Narendar Harikrishnan
HouseKeys
On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes REALTOR® Narendar Harikrishnan, who has spent the past five years in Real Estate after a diverse career path that included IT work, flipping homes in the Bay Area, and owning two restaurants. Originally from Chennai, South India, Narendar has lived in the U.S. for over 22 years and brings a rich cultural background as well as speaking a total of six languages, including the world’s oldest language, Tamil. Active in the Sacramento and Bay Area real estate communities, he serves as Chair of SAR’s YPN, is a member of the...
info_outlineOn this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Tarah Pahlavan, a REALTOR® whose journey has taken her from Iran to the United States, Germany, and back to the U.S. Tarah blends her background in architecture, international business, and real estate economics to create a distinctive perspective on the industry. She believes success means living a fulfilled and balanced life and staying centered around family, friends, health, and meaningful work. Tarah's advice to new REALTORS® is simple: keep learning—observe successful agents, engage with the SAR, and stay on top of trends shaping the future of real estate.
Music:
Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.