If you have ever been to a “Betty’s List” event or participated in the San Francisco Bay Times Pride Parade contingent, then you probably know Delores “Dedee” Rogers. She has been a great friend and supporter over the years, always offering to help and to lead when necessary.
What you might not know is that she is also a successful Realtor in the Wine Country. Her list of honors includes International Diamond Society awards, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (2016 & 2017), and for this year, she is on track to be RE/MAX’s Top Closer and Top Listing Agent in Petaluma. She is also in RE/MAX’s prestigious Executive Club.
“Construction Manager” is part of her title at RE/MAX, given her extensive experience as a builder, carpenter, electrician, on-site superintendent and project engineer. A groundbreaking woman in this male-dominated aspect of her work, Rogers is a role model for those seeking not only to break proverbial ceilings, but also to design and rebuild them!
San Francisco Bay Times: Please tell us a little bit about your background and why you decided to become a Realtor.
Dedee Rogers: I initially worked in San Francisco as District Supervisor for the San Francisco Chronicle (local 921 Teamsters union!). There was a time when I had to knock on doors to collect payment for the paper. I am an enterprising spirit, so I decided to start my own businesses, working as a journeywoman electrician and carpenter on as many sites as I could. My supervisors trusted me with entitling projects, and with design and creation, partnering with city planners to fully complete projects.
I used all that I learned in those opportunities to keep advancing forward. After years on the contractor and construction side of the business, including working through code compliance technicalities with the municipal agencies, the natural path forward for me was to get my real estate license and start putting people in the homes of their dreams in addition to building and managing them.
Along with being a Realtor, I continue to manage multiple properties, both residential and commercial throughout the Bay Area. My broad expertise from build to sale makes me an over-qualified property manager, but it is a part of my portfolio that I am proud of.
San Francisco Bay Times: What do you think is the most underrated neighborhood now in the Bay Area?
Dedee Rogers: Rohnert Park, CA, Section A, with its large homes, large lots, low crime rate, wide streets, great schools and great neighborhoods. And, of course, Petaluma, with the quaintest downtown and eclectic businesses. The value per square foot in Petaluma is a third of San Francisco prices. SMART Train makes the San Francisco commute a breeze.
We have a small, self-starter project to retrofit homes to keep seniors in them by adding rental income—studio rentals in the homes—keeping the Bay Area affordable as we age. Property management experience and contacts add to the success of this program.
We are also working on the first-time-ever community housing project in Penngrove, CA. 5 acres for 60–90 people in reasonable and affordable community housing.
San Francisco Bay Times: What are some of your favorite neighborhood small businesses, and why?
Dedee Rogers: I love the seafood dishes at Jan Rosen’s 256 North restaurant, and the lesbian-owned Wild Goat Bistro (excellent gluten-free offering for those looking for it) both in downtown Petaluma.
San Francisco Bay Times: What is one of the most unique homes that you have for sale right now?
Dedee Rogers: A hot off-market listing just for your readers: $1.295M for a beautiful Queen Anne Victorian home in downtown Petaluma. The property has a separate granny unit in the main house of the residence. There is a separate studio in the back of the property. It is zoned R2 with potential for development. Excellent renter history on a large lot. The address is 727 H Street, Petaluma, CA 94952.
It is within walking distance to downtown, offers easy access to public transportation for any commute, and it is a beautifully crafted home. The property rental income is currently $4500 (not including the main house).
San Francisco Bay Times: What advice do you have for those looking to purchase a new home now?
Dedee Rogers: Don’t waste your time thinking about whether or not you can afford it … you can’t afford not to! Buy! We likely have the resources to assist you in finding your next home.
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/2MmetH7
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