Filing for divorce and buying my own home inspired me to show women they don’t need permission or a partner to own property.

When I bought my first home, something lit up inside me. Not only did I enjoy the process, but I saw in myself the potential to succeed as a REALTOR®. I had found my calling—something that hadn’t been easy to discover after a series of childhood ordeals.

I lost my mom when I was a little girl. Then, not long after moving to Southern California with my dad, I lost him too—he died of a heart attack when I was sixteen. No siblings, no extended family, no safety net, and no inheritance. I was alone, grieving and surviving.

I got a job at Denny’s while still in high school to keep a roof over my head and food on the table. I even fibbed about my age to work as a cocktail waitress. It was hard, it was gritty, and it left me angry at the world. But it also made me strong.

It was during those early years—waitressing, navigating life solo—that I met my ex-husband. We got married, bought a house, and somewhere in the process of buying that home, something in me lit up. I loved every part of the experience. I saw potential—not just in the homes we toured, but in myself. I thought, I could do this—I could be a REALTOR®.

At the time, I was pregnant, working as a waitress and bartender, and going to school for business. I was hustling, yet determined to get into the real estate industry. In 1996, I got my license and gave the job everything I had.

While my professional career was taking off, things at home were tough. My ex was unsupportive, to say the least. He’d tell me I wasn’t smart enough to make it in this field—that I’d fail. His words echoed ones I’d heard growing up, that I wasn’t enough. But somewhere deep inside me, I knew better. Screw that narrative, I thought.
So, I filed for divorce. I packed up, moved to Sacramento, and began building a new chapter for myself. I was right: I found success and purpose in real estate, along with some great work connections along the way. Sacramento became home. I found love again and married Paul in 2019. These days, we spend our free time golfing and traveling together, soaking in the kind of peace I used to dream about. My children are in their mid-30s now and I get to watch them be parents themselves.

After everything I’ve walked through, here’s what I know for sure: women—especially single women—need to hear that they can own a home by themselves. That they are good enough. They don’t need permission or a partner to step into that dream. Empowering women and first-time buyers isn’t just part of what I do—it’s the heart of my business.

I’m not an agent who puts myself first—my clients always come first. I focus on what benefits them both now and in the long run, because I see real estate as a powerful tool for building generational wealth. That often means helping clients keep their current home as a rental while buying their next one. I’ll always point out red flags, steer people away from bad deals, and never pressure anyone into a purchase they’re not sure about. 

I love serving first-time buyers, who need extra guidance, and I take special pride in helping single women and mothers navigate the homebuying process with confidence. Empowering people to reach their goals, joyfully and effectively, is what I’m all about.

Sincerely,

Cindy Carnaghe