Laura McCarthy

Everyone wants their home to be a haven.

Nothing makes me happier than the phone call that comes a month or two after clients have moved into their new home: “Laura, come see us! We love it here!” For me, that’s the sign of a journey well traveled. And the journey is often a challenging one.

As a real estate advisor, the people part of the business energizes me the most — I love surrounding myself with exceptional human beings. My clients are exceptional, as are the people that make up my extensive team of go-to resources: from lenders to landscape designers, and from architects to investment advisors. A career in the fast-moving fashion industry taught me that agility is helped most by careful preparation, and by having a deep bench of trusted resources.

Aligning myself with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty has expanded my network of resources. Not only do my clients benefit from the strength of a globally-recognized brand, but they get the added benefit of a network of colleagues that are the best in the business, here in the Bay Area and across the globe. This truly is an international business: buyers come to our area from around the world, and my clients here have interests in far flung places. I take pleasure in serving as their global real estate advisor.

I love finding hidden treasures for my clients — maybe that comes from my time in fashion as well, sourcing unusual materials or expert manufacturers. Now, it can mean combing the region for an elusive architectural style that’s just right, making the extra phone call to uncover an opportunity that wasn’t on the market, or reaching out overseas to discover what goes into the training of a professional butler.

Because I care deeply about my clients, I can’t help but play the long game. Some might be tempted to push an unwise purchase to get a quick commission, but I’m never afraid to tell my clients “no” when what they think they want is not in their best interest. That makes it even more satisfying when we find the “yes” — the haven that they’ve been looking for, or the right buyer that will open doors of opportunity in an important life transition. Whether I’m helping a CEO with a $20 million dollar listing or a first time home buyer just entering the market, my clients get my full attention and my best advice.

Having moved to the Bay Area from the East Coast as an adult, I know what it’s like to go through a cross-country transition. And having lived here for over 30 years, raising two sons in Los Altos, I also know what it’s like to settle in and get comfortable in a wonderful place, and then to leave it. None of these changes are easy, but each comes with its own possibilities and opportunities. It’s a privilege to be a part of the journey.

Our current haven is a legacy property that sits on 17 acres in Morgan Hill where we enjoy beautiful lake views and space to roam with our two energetic poodles.

If it’s time for you to explore your next move, I’d love to talk.