On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with Leigh Rutledge, a REALTOR® whose career spans more than four decades. Leigh had an early leap into sales and a phone call that changed her career into a lifelong profession. Leigh's journey took her from North Carolina to Texas and eventually California.

Leigh has witnessed the evolution of real estate firsthand and reflects on how the business has become more complex, demanding stronger communication, structure, and collaboration. Her advice to new REALTORS® is clear: get educated, take every class you can, build structure, and figure out what truly works for you.

Based in Carmichael, Leigh balances real estate with an extraordinary personal life—having completed 13 marathons and a 50K ultra, traveling the world with her husband, and across the country in their Airstream. A former SAR President and CAR Director for over 20 years, Leigh credits the SAR as a defining force in her career, strengthening her ability to serve clients.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with Helen Tarasco, a seasoned REALTOR® whose journey into real estate began long before she earned her license. After moving from the Bay Area to Cameron Park, Helen opened a restaurant, remodeled and managed rental properties, and grew up watching her father build custom homes. In 1999, Helen shifted fully into real estate, and as they say, the rest is history!

A longtime South Land Park resident of 25 years, Helen has built her business around her family. She became a REALTOR® to ensure she could provide for her children. Known for her curiosity and willingness to adapt, Helen openly embraces AI tools to stay competitive in a market she describes as "harder than ever".

Helen's advice for new REALTORS® is simple and direct: know who you are, commit to learning, and understand the role you play on a team or in a brokerage. With hobbies that keep her grounded, Helen continues to evolve both personally and professionally. To her, SAR is essential for staying informed, connected, and engaged with the larger REALTOR® community.

The HouseKeys Podcast will be back on Jan 7, 2026

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys Podcast, host Cam Villa talks with Kim White, a longtime REALTOR® and Carmichael resident whose real estate roots date back to helping his father, also a REALTOR®. Before entering real estate, Kim spent years in the auto industry, where he learned the value of hard work and doing things himself—skills he still brings to his business today. Inspired by family, Kim believes in staying knowledgeable, calm under pressure, and grounded in service. His advice for new REALTORS®: have enough savings to last a year and be ready to learn through experience. Tune in to listen to this special member whose service to the SAR and the Scholarship Fund runs deep.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Councilmember Rick Jennings, a lifelong public servant whose work has shaped Sacramento for nearly three decades. Rick's civic journey began in 1996 on the School Board and continued with his election to the Sacramento City Council in 2014. Driven by a deep belief in giving back to the community he grew up in—a community where some had much, and others had very little. Encouraged by former Mayor Kevin Johnson and supported by a family already familiar with public service, Rick embraced leadership early and has carried that commitment through every role since.

Representing District 7, Rick's priorities center on safety, strong neighborhoods, and strengthening families, values he also champions as the longtime CEO of the Center for Fathers and Families. His work emphasizes supporting parents, investing in youth, and making sure every resident—whether they own a home or not—has access to opportunity. A former NFL player and Super Bowl champion with the Raiders, Rick brings the same discipline, inspiration, and community focus to public office as he once brought to the field.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with Jennifer Finley of Good Life Inspections, where she specializes in marketing and all things related to home inspections. Though an introvert by nature, Jennifer's 19 years in the industry and her "take care of your people" philosophy have made her a trusted presence in an often fast-paced, detail-oriented business. She's been active with the SAR, CanTree, and PCAR, always finding ways to connect, give back, and grow relationships across our local associations. Jennifer's advice to those in the inspection industry: show up, answer your phone, and stay consistent. Tune in this week to this amazing episode on the Housekeys podcast.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Meriam Hansen, a REALTOR® whose legal background and family roots in real estate shaped her unique approach to the business. With two brokers in the family who initially encouraged Meriam to become a REALTOR® as well as her background in employee, labor, and business law, Meriam brings a deep understanding of contracts, negotiation, and professionalism to every transaction. Meriam values collaboration, systems, and lifelong learning—crediting mentors like Jim Podja and the SAR Leadership Academy for helping her grow into a thoughtful, knowledgeable agent dedicated to both her clients and her community.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with REALTOR® Melissa Murphy, whose path to real estate took a unique turn after serving 20 years as a Sheriff and Police Officer. Melissa found fulfillment in creating and helping others find spaces that felt like home. She began wholesaling and flipping properties, later earning her real estate license and becoming a Realtor. A proud East Sacramento resident who grew up in Lake Almanor, Melissa values the walkability, character, and connections of her neighborhood. Known for her high level of communication and self-taught drive, Melissa encourages new REALTORS® to immerse themselves in learning, build their database, and stay consistent. Tune in to this amazing episode and learn more about an important REALTOR® in our community.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Tarah Pahlavan, a REALTOR® whose journey has taken her from Iran to the United States, Germany, and back to the U.S. Tarah blends her background in architecture, international business, and real estate economics to create a distinctive perspective on the industry. She believes success means living a fulfilled and balanced life and staying centered around family, friends, health, and meaningful work. Tarah's advice to new REALTORS® is simple: keep learning—observe successful agents, engage with the SAR, and stay on top of trends shaping the future of real estate.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes REALTOR® Narendar Harikrishnan, who has spent the past five years in Real Estate after a diverse career path that included IT work, flipping homes in the Bay Area, and owning two restaurants. Originally from Chennai, South India, Narendar has lived in the U.S. for over 22 years and brings a rich cultural background as well as speaking a total of six languages, including the world's oldest language, Tamil.

Active in the Sacramento and Bay Area real estate communities, he serves as Chair of SAR's YPN, is a member of the Masters Club, and a graduate of the SAR Leadership Academy. Narendar sees the challenges of today's market firsthand, from slower listings to the impact and opportunities of new construction. All the while he remains focused on growth and leadership. His advice for new agents is simple: find a responsible broker who offers real support and mentorship.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.

On this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa sits down with Jennifer Heuer, who has built a career spanning more than two decades in professional real estate. Jennifer got her start working as a Transaction Coordinator, mastering contracts, and eventually stepping into the role of REALTOR®. Today, she represents Home Warranty of America, providing peace of mind protection for homeowners and agents alike. Passionate about public speaking and education, Jennifer's biggest challenge has been ensuring partners truly understand how warranty products work—and why every agent should have a warranty partner on their team. Raised in Land Park and now a South Land Park resident, she values her local roots, health, fitness, and golf.

Music: Welcome to the Show by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4614-welcome-to-the-show License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

All speakers in this podcast do not speak on behalf of the Sacramento Association of REALTORS® nor do they represent the Sacramento Association of REALTORS®. All presenters are speaking on behalf of their own profession.