Theresa Bruno

Theresa Bruno has been licensed as a real estate agent for the past 25 years and joined Estate Properties one year ago. She has three grown children—one of whom recently started working in real estate—plus two grandchildren and many family members who live in the community. 

Describe the current South Bay market.

Strong and steady. The South Bay remains one of the most desirable coastal communities in Los Angeles, and demand continues to outpace supply. When the right home comes on the market, buyers are ready.

How do you help your clients stand out?

Price matters, but it’s not everything. I focus on strong terms, experienced lenders and clear communication between agents so the seller feels confident the deal will close smoothly. In many cases, certainty and professionalism can be just as powerful as price.

Tell us about a deal that required an unexpected, creative solution. 

I once had a listing fall out of escrow because the buyer raised concerns about the home’s foundation. Instead of trying to work around the issue, we decided to tackle it head-on. I helped the seller secure affordable funds to complete the foundation repairs, which allowed us to relist the property with confidence. The result was a successful sale at a higher price that covered the cost of the repairs.

What do people assume about you that isn’t true? 

People often assume I’m extroverted because of the industry I work in. In reality, I’m naturally more reflective and observant. I’ve found that listening carefully and paying attention to the details often leads to better outcomes for my clients.

What home features consistently add value—and which don’t always pay off? 

In the South Bay, natural light, functional floor plans, updated kitchens and bathrooms, and usable outdoor space consistently add value. Buyers love homes that feel open and connected to the outdoors. On the flip side, very customized upgrades don’t always translate to resale value.

Photographed by April Reppucci