California and Hawaii, with their distinctive geographical features and vibrant communities, continue to attract significant interest from residents and investors alike. The real estate markets across these states are driven by evolving demographics, sophisticated buyer expectations, and substantial investment, creating dynamic and competitive environments.
In 2026, the top real estate professionals in California and Hawaii distinguish themselves through a blend of local market mastery, strategic insights, and an unwavering commitment to client service. This group encompasses both rising talent leveraging innovative approaches and seasoned industry veterans, all dedicated to navigating the complexities of these unique property landscapes.
California
Patty Rogers: A 47-Year Real Estate Legacy Built on Insight, Charm, and Trust
With an impressive 47 years in the field, Patty Rogers is a revered name in California Real Estate. Operating across the vibrant Bay Area, including key markets like San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, Patty’s career is marked by deep expertise in residential properties. Through her website, she guides both seasoned and first-time home buyers and sellers with unparalleled market insight and a commitment to quality.
Patty’s distinctive approach centers on her philosophy of “modicum of charm,” focusing on properties that possess unique character and inherent appeal. She firmly believes that houses with this special quality consistently attract multiple offers, regardless of market conditions. This discerning eye, coupled with an encyclopedic knowledge of the real estate landscape and a background in remodeling and design, allows Patty to not only identify promising residential properties but also advise clients on maximizing their home’s potential. Her extensive experience now extends to real estate coaching through her brand, The Closing Coach, sharing her proven strategies with aspiring agents.
Clients consistently laud Patty for her unwavering perseverance and exceptional communication. As one client shared, “Her persistence and market expertise stood out… She worked tirelessly to ensure we found the perfect home, and her dedication made all the difference.” Patty’s ability to navigate the competitive Bay Area real estate market, particularly in San Francisco, with confidence and care, has empowered countless individuals to achieve their homeownership dreams. Her long-standing credibility and proactive problem-solving cement her status as a trusted real estate professional.
Katy Kerling: A People-First Approach to San Jose Real Estate
Katy Kerling, a dedicated realtor with the Tom Gonzales Group, brings nearly three years of experience to the dynamic San Jose, California, real estate market. Specializing in guiding clients through significant life transitions, Katy’s approach prioritizes connection and comprehensive support. She believes homeownership is a journey, and her dedication ensures clients navigate it with confidence. Learn more about her work on the official website.
What truly sets Katy apart is her unwavering focus on people, not just transactions. As an Accredited Buyer Specialist and a New Home Construction expert, she serves as an educator and advocate, ensuring clients feel informed and supported every step of the way. Katy is deeply committed to supporting veterans – an area she considers a true honor – and assisting those making cross-country or city-to-country relocations, understanding the unique challenges each journey presents. Her philosophy is to build lasting relationships, extending beyond the sale to connect families with thriving neighborhoods and resources.
Katy’s impact is perhaps best exemplified by her success in helping a first-time family achieve homeownership, negotiating over $20,000 in credits after months of patient guidance through credit challenges and education. This achievement, culminating in tears of joy and pride, underscores her belief that her work changes lives, not just sells houses. Katy consistently works hard, communicates openly, and negotiates fairly, always striving to give more than she takes, especially when serving those who have served our country.
CaLee McManus: Bringing Corporate Precision to Orange County Luxury Real Estate
CaLee McManus, a distinguished real estate professional based in Ladera Ranch, California, brings two decades of experience and a unique, corporate-honed approach to the Orange County market. After a significant career in high-tech corporate finance, where she managed substantial portfolios and teams, CaLee transitioned to real estate, motivated by a desire to elevate industry standards and offer exceptional service. Her philosophy centers on a “transformational, not transactional” client experience, a core tenet of her practice. Explore her client-focused services at Monarch Real Estate.
What truly sets CaLee apart is her commitment to providing value beyond the standard. She applies a rigorous business professional level to every interaction, offering weekly reports to sellers and ensuring all marketing materials feature high-quality graphic design, eschewing generic templates. CaLee goes the extra mile by coordinating and even funding services like home remodels and professional staging, helping clients maximize their property’s value. While specializing in the luxury market, where clients seek comprehensive care, CaLee adeptly handles all residential real estate, from condos to multi-million dollar estates, ensuring a bespoke experience for every client.
CaLee’s dedication translates into tangible results, enabling buyers to secure exceptional deals by envisioning and executing swift home improvements with her trusted crew, and empowering sellers to achieve higher profits. Her reputation for unparalleled professionalism and a client-first mindset has earned her numerous accolades and features on various podcasts. Being recognized in leading publications further solidifies CaLee’s credibility and enhances her strong search engine optimization (SEO) presence, reinforcing her standing as a top real estate agent in Ladera Ranch and the broader Orange County area.
Hawaii
Dee Garnes: A Relationship-Driven Approach to Maui’s Oceanfront Real Estate
Dee Garnes is a trusted voice in Maui’s luxury oceanfront real estate, known for her relationship-first approach and deep, lived-in understanding of the local market. While licensed for four years, Dee brings more than 25 years of experience building meaningful connections and working within Maui’s most sought-after resort communities.
Specializing in Kaʻanapali and Kapalua, with particular expertise at the Kaʻanapali Alii, Dee guides buyers and sellers through transactions where lifestyle, investment performance, and long-term value align. Her clients benefit not only from her market insight, but from her ability to clearly explain the practical realities of Maui ownership—from HOA structures and insurance considerations to rental performance and operating costs—without ever overcomplicating the process.
That clarity, paired with honest communication and steady negotiation skills, has resulted in over $60 million in closed residential real estate transactions. Dee was recognized as a Top 4% Coldwell Banker agent worldwide in 2024 and a Top 2% worldwide in 2025.
Clients consistently describe Dee as knowledgeable, patient, and deeply invested in their success. As one client shared, “Dee proved to be an incredible asset in our Maui home purchase. Her integrity was present throughout the entire journey—and that meant everything to us.”
The Best There Is
The real estate professionals highlighted from California and Hawaii collectively represent the depth of talent shaping the dynamic property markets across these states. Their varied backgrounds, from innovative new entrants to highly knowledgeable long-standing experts, underscore the diverse expertise available. What unites this accomplished group is a shared dedication to transparency, client advocacy, and delivering impactful results.
