Helping Seniors Navigate Real Estate with Heart and Expertise

Q: What inspired you to get into real estate, and what do you love most about your work?

Rachel: I’ve always been drawn to working with people, especially helping seniors navigate real estate transitions. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with trusted professionals in Santa Barbara, which allows me to ensure our clients are cared for at every step. We can help if they’re downsizing or moving into a senior living community. Nancy and I are also property managers and fully equipped to assist with their changing needs to rent their homes.

Nancy: My path began with encouragement from my husband, Keith Nolan, who’s an architect. He recognized my passion for sales and working with people, and believed real estate would be a perfect fit. That was over 20 years ago, and I’ve loved it ever since. Today, I’m fortunate to work alongside Rachel at Keller Williams, and it’s been a fantastic partnership. Our shared values and commitment to service make this work deeply fulfilling.

Q: How did you meet? What makes your team unique?

Nancy: One of my real estate brokers told me, “You need to meet Rachel, she’ll be a great help on this sale.” And wow, was she right. From our very first project, it was clear we had a great balance. Rachel’s is ready to work 24/7!

Rachel: “Working with Nancy never feels like work. We complement each other’s strengths and approach every transaction with the same dedication and care. Our clients benefit from that synergy, and that’s what truly makes the partnership special.”

Q: Do you have a personal connection to senior living or supporting families in transition?

Rachel: Absolutely. As a child, I performed regularly at senior communities with my dance group, and those experiences left a lasting impression. My great-grandmother also lived in a senior community for many years, and I visited her weekly. Those early experiences shaped my deep respect and love for seniors, and it’s always been a part of who I am.

Nancy: I previously owned a business in estate liquidation, and that’s where I saw the need for support during major life transitions. I realized I could help seniors not only with managing their belongings, but also with selling their homes. Today, Rachel and I offer a full-service experience for clients and their families, including a trusted network of vendors.

Q: Can you share a meaningful client experience?

Rachel: One that stands out is from last August. We worked with a couple who had just moved into Maravilla. They were facing health challenges and simply needed someone to take over the home sale process.

Nancy: We immediately stepped in and arranged for cleaning, yard work, smoke detectors, and a water heater replacement. We then coordinated with an estate sale company to manage, donate, or properly dispose of the remaining contents.

Rachel: The couple had unfortunately discarded important documents related to home improvements—critical for calculating capital gains tax. We began researching city permits and reached out to professionals who worked on the home decades earlier.

Nancy: We even contacted the original landscaper and architect, who kindly provided documentation and cost estimates. Thanks to those efforts, we were able to save the couple over $500,000 in capital gains. It was one of those moments where our experience and determination made a difference.

Q: Why are partnerships, like the one with The Alexander Properties, important to you?

Rachel: Supporting seniors is at the heart of what we do, and partnerships with organizations like The Alexander Properties allow us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. It’s a wonderful community.

Nancy: Collaboration is key. When we align with trusted partners, we’re able to provide more comprehensive support to our clients. It creates a win-win for everyone involved, most importantly, for the seniors and families we serve.

Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Rachel: My husband and I have three sons, and watching them grow into young men has been a gift. We’re excited to be welcoming a daughter-in-law soon. I also volunteer regularly, teaching dance at Grace Fisher’s Clubhouse for individuals of all abilities, organizing a monthly Down Syndrome Dance Party, and directing Grace’s Solstice Parade group.  Community involvement is a big part of my life.

Nancy: My husband and I love spending time with our daughters and their husbands. We’re looking forward to the day we become grandparents, but until then, we focus on experiences, making memories through family trips.  I enjoy swimming, and I am involved with shelter dog advocacy. They deserve a strong voice and to be in loving homes.

Final Thoughts:

Together, Rachel and Nancy bring compassion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to service. Helping a family navigate a complex sale or partnering with local senior communities, they do it with heart and compassion.