We have been working as a business team almost 5 years; helping buyers and sellers work through the challenges and details involved in completing a successful real estate transaction.

In 2007 we were awarded Frank Howard Allen's Top Producers for Dollar Volume.  In 2008, we were presented the Chairman's Circle of Excellence award in recognition of superior performance.

We each arrived in real estate via the high-tech and telecom industries:  Rico from Hewlett-Packard/Agilent; Lisa from Cellular One/AT&T.  Rico brings qualitites of attention-to-detail, acute foresight, and an eye for remodeling opportunities from his engineering and management experiences.  Lisa brings expertise in market analysis, product promotion (advertising), and project management.   We find these skills very useful in facilitating the transaction process for our clients.

In a relatively short time, we have helped many clients through the investigation, decision making, and transaction processes for buying or selling:  town and country single family homes, luxury townhomes, vineyards, vacant land, commercial property, and businesses.

Fortunately, we have the ability to be in two different places at the same time in our partnership.  Trust us - more times than not, this ability is needed and highly valued.  Additionally, working as a team affords us the ability to collaborate together and bring two different viewpoints and experiences to the same issue, which may be why they say, "two heads are better than one!"  We certainly know our clients have valued this extra service our partnership lends to the real estate process.

Here's a few words from our clients and associates..

"One always finds it difficult to make the right real estate decision.  Rico Ruthnick and Lisa Ehreth [Smith] made our effort more simple with their knowledge of the market and the area.Their patience and warm smiling approach helped considerably in our making the decision to settle in Healdsburg.           

- Michael and Eleanor Gioseffi

"I had the good fortune of working with Lisa and Rico on the sale of a newly constructed home in Healdsburg.  As an out-of-town agent I was relieved to find such a professional, friendly and knowledgeable team to work with.  The process was seamless and I am grateful to have been able to make a connection with them.  I know that I can call them anytime I have a Healdsburg question.  I look forward to working with them again!"         

- Rebecca Celli, Realtor

"Lisa Ehreth [Smith] and Rico Ruthnick are an exceptional and unique team.  The buying experience they took my wife and me was effective and highly interactive.  Buying from outside the immediate area meant we needed some extra attention including little details such as delivery of appliances. They were always available to provide assistance.

Our after-sale experience with Lisa and Rico has proved to be just as excellent as the buying process.  No matter what the question they have always been very responsive to calls or e-mails and have given excellent advice.

 Way to go, Lisa and Rico!"              

- John Avakian

"We have known Lisa and Rico for over a year.  In our experience they are extremely competent, highly knowledgeable and very helpful.  We approached Lisa and Rico when we were exploring for a home in [the] Wine Country.  Knowing full well that we may not be immediate purchasers, they still spent the day showing us the right homes and giving us their expert tips. 

A year later they picked up the thread from where we had left and helped us buy a home on our specifications.   Lisa and Rico not only worked to our brief, they have gone way beyond the call of duty to help us settle in a new city; introducing and helping us with all the facilities and even introducing us to our new neighbors.  It has been an extremely satisfying experience that has made two thorough professionals our good friends."                  

- Champa and Sanjay Saigal 

"Kathleen and I wanted to take a moment and express our sincere gratitude to both of you for your continued professionalism and excellent customer service.  As I am sure you are aware, finding professionals that continue to exude positive energy and are always available to assist with the challenges of new home ownership can be tough to find.  

As owners of a Real Estate office, Kathleen and I keep a close eye on every detail and expect that there will be areas that get overlooked by other individuals.  We were both pleasantly surprised at how thorough both of you were with every part of the transaction.  It is always a tough position in New Home sales because of the relationship you must maintain with the builder as well as the customer.  You both manage every aspect of your jobs with perfection. 

As I have said before, if you ever find yourselves looking for work in a different city, please contact Kathleen or myself first.  You would be a welcome asset to any organization.  Kathleen and I look forward to your friendship in the years to come."                        

- Mark Westphal