About Dena

I grew up in a 5000 square foot historic Spanish Colonial Revival casa in Encino, CA with mahagony pegged floors and over an acre of land. After finishing college at UCSD in 1978, I got my real estate license and began my career doing the unusual. From 1980 - 1983 I lived and worked in the Cayman Islands learning the British system of sales. I bought my first home in 1984 and have been collecting property ever since. In 1990, after getting my Broker's License, I moved to Hong Kong and took a position as the Manager of the North American division for the largest HK real estate company. I was brokering sales of US property to Hong Kong immigrants.

I have been top producing agent for Realty World and Prudential so have been there and done that but that was too ordinary for me.

In 1997 I bought a 4800 square foot house just like the one I grew up in. only it was built in San Clemente by world famous architect, Paul R. Williams in 1928. I spent a year full time restoring the house to its original charm complete with period furniture. We were successful in adding the property to the National Register of Historic Places, the only SC residence of such distinction.

I bought a Model A Ford with a rumble seat for clients and decided to devote my real estate practice to historic properties in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point, CA. I started my own company and called it Beacon Brokerage, after my love of lighthouses.

I have owned four historic properties and have become a specialist on the Mills Act, restoration of Spanish Colonial Revival and sales of these unique jewels.

We began a Historic Property Owner's Club to network with others on the care and restoration of these "diamonds in the rough". We hold quarterly meetings on property tax benefits, restoration, preservation, and all things historic.

We have produced 12 historic home tours to benefit the San Clemente Historical Society. I was chair of the San Clemente Historical Society's Preservation Committee and Past President of the Society.

My niche market was a first and nobody else specializes or has as much experience with or knowledge of historic properties in this area. People in town used to think that historic homes were undesirable; but with Beacon Brokerage shining its light on historic properties for over 21 years, their value and the enjoyment of owning one has escalated dramatically.

I have my heart in my business and love what I do. I always have a few pocket listings up my sleeve waiting for the perfect buyer. Check with me about what is coming up on the market before it hits the public.