Why Your Story Matters When Buying or Selling a Home

By Shawn Hermosillo

Shawn Hermosillo, founder of Hermosillo Real Estate Group (HRE), is a Sonoma County native with deep roots in the community and a passion for real estate.

Most people do not decide to move just because of the market. They move for life changes such as retirement, loss, family responsibilities, or a need for a fresh start. Still, the first question I usually hear is, “How is the market?” While that matters, it should not drive the entire decision. The most important part is the story behind the move.

Every home has a story behind the sale. Recently, I started working with a retired nurse who was handling the sale of her brother’s house as the trustee of his estate. Her brother had been a firefighter in San Francisco, and she even shared his firefighter’s hat with me, something that clearly meant a lot to her and to their family. I mention this because knowing a family’s story matters when it comes to understanding how to approach the sale effectively.

Since she was in charge of the estate, the home needed extensive work before we could sell it. We cleared out debris, trimmed overgrown plants, and got the house ready to show at its best, so the family could get the most from the sale. Knowing what the family had been through guided every step of the process and helped me support them in the best way possible.

Selling is not just about the market. Whether the market is good, bad, or somewhere in between, my job is to help people through their situation so they can start their next chapter and close the one they are in. In this case, that chapter included the loss of a loved one, which makes the process more emotional and even more important to handle with care.

That is why market conditions are only part of the conversation. What really matters is understanding what someone is going through, the responsibilities they are carrying, and what they need to move forward.

Helping families through meaningful transitions. She did not just need an agent. She needed someone to step in and help. So we took care of the cleanup inside and out, handled the details, and focused on getting the best possible result for her family and the trust. But just as important, we were able to help her bring a meaningful chapter of her family’s life to a close.

This is why I love what I do. Getting to know a family’s story and being trusted to help them move into their next chapter is a big responsibility, and I take it very seriously.

People come first, no matter the market. No matter what the market is doing, my focus is on getting results for my clients while also being there for them every step of the way. Every client’s story is different, and every situation deserves an approach that fits what they are dealing with, not just what the market headlines say.

2026 has started fast, and if you and your family are thinking about your next chapter in real estate, reach out at (707) 280-5040, email info@hermosillogroup.com, or visit buysonomacounty.com. I would be honored to help you.

No matter the situation or the market, you do not have to face it alone. My goal is to help you understand what is happening, get ready for what’s next, and move forward feeling supported every step of the way.