Integrating Real Estate and Lending: Ace Woods' Vision for Modern Real Estate Service
In Santa Cruz County’s competitive real estate market, Ace Woods is redefining what it means to run a real estate company. As a second-generation top Realtor, Woods has built two successful agencies – the award-winning Dream Catch Properties and Revest Homes. With Revest Homes, she has created a comprehensive solution that bridges traditional real estate services with lending capabilities, offering clients a truly integrated approach to their real estate needs.
Despite growing up in a real estate family, Woods initially chose a different path, pursuing a career in financial and legal consulting where she gained valuable experience in contract law before eventually returning to Santa Cruz. It was after the birth of her son that Woods, encouraged by her father, obtained her real estate license. Her success was immediate, but she quickly realized that the traditional big brokerage model didn’t align with her vision of client service.
“I wanted to be able to offer a more concierge experience, a more boutique experience, and also a wider range of services than I could really do with that corporate entity,” Woods explains. This led her to establish her own firm.
At the heart of Revest Homes is Woods’ commitment to transforming the real estate experience. “The idea is not to be transaction oriented, but to be relationship oriented and basically real estate advisors for our clients at any point of life they’re in, whether they need to transact now or in 10 years from now,” she explains. This client-first philosophy drives every aspect of the company, from its in-house processing team to its integrated lending services.
The integration of services sets Revest Homes apart in the industry. “If I don’t know the best solution for a client from a real estate perspective, I’m able to collaborate with my financial team, and they might have a solution that doesn’t include buying or selling,” Woods notes. This comprehensive approach allows them to find creative solutions that traditional brokerages might miss.
Their innovative programs address common client challenges. The concierge renovation program helps long-term homeowners maximize their property’s value before selling. “We live in a market where people are land rich and cash poor,” Woods explains. “These are people that might own a property that’s worth a million and a half dollars that they bought for $150,000, and they don’t even have the money to update it before they sell.” Additionally, their proprietary bridge loan product enables clients to purchase new homes before selling their current properties, providing crucial flexibility in challenging market conditions.
Breaking down traditional barriers between lending and real estate services has been key to their success. Their in-house processing team streamlines communication and eliminates the usual opacity between lenders and realtors, resulting in a more efficient and transparent experience for clients. This integration allows the company to craft creative solutions that might involve refinancing, bridge loans, or other financial strategies rather than just buying or selling.
Looking ahead, Revest Homes is focused on thoughtful growth. Rather than following the traditional model of recruiting hundreds of agents, Woods believes in building a select network of top performers in strategic markets. The company already has a presence in Sacramento through an agent with a substantial YouTube following, demonstrating their commitment to quality over quantity in expansion.
In a market challenged by high interest rates and affordability concerns, Revest Homes continues to adapt and innovate. Their success stems from allowing team members to leverage their individual strengths in client outreach, whether through social media, traditional networking, or digital marketing. The company encourages agents to excel in their preferred method of client connection, maintaining consistency and authenticity in their approach.
Through their comprehensive approach and commitment to client relationships, Woods and her team at Revest Homes are positioning themselves at the forefront of real estate innovation, proving that success in real estate isn’t just about transactions – it’s about providing solutions that truly serve clients’ needs.
