My real estate journey, shaped by experiences, growth, & a love for home.
Like many people, I spent years trying to find the right professional fit—something that felt meaningful and aligned with who I am. I had always been drawn to homes, design, and the feeling of creating something lasting, but I started my career in finance because it felt like the “safe” path. After earning my business degree from Cal State Fullerton, I held a series of roles in the corporate world—gaining skills, yes, but never finding that spark.
In 2001, a major life change pushed me to rethink everything. After going through a divorce, I chose to go back to school and study interior design—something I had dreamed of doing since I was young. That decision led me into the world of real estate investment and renovation. I managed apartment renovations for an investor who specialized in repositioning underperforming properties. For the first time, I felt the energy and excitement I had been searching for.
Eventually, I became the Director of Design for a major real estate company, overseeing renovations across multiple apartment communities. I loved the work—but then, in 2008, the market shifted. I was laid off, and like many others, found myself at a professional crossroads.
That was when the idea of real estate sales, something several people in my life had encouraged over the years, finally clicked. I wanted more control over my career, income, and time. I wanted to build something of my own. Getting my real estate license was the first step toward that goal.
I got my real estate license during one of the most challenging times in the market. Short sales and bank-owned properties dominated, and every deal required patience, creativity, and a lot of grit. I even sold my own home to better understand what my clients were going through. Looking back, I wish I had held onto it as a rental—but that experience shaped how I advise clients today. Real estate is one of the best ways to build long-term wealth, and I’m passionate about helping people make decisions with their future in mind.
Over time, I built my business on relationships and trust. Most of my clients come through referrals or already know me, which sets the tone for an honest, collaborative experience from the start. I love helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives—whether it’s a first-time buyer realizing homeownership is possible, a seller preparing for a new chapter, or an investor looking to maximize opportunity. Every client’s story is different, and I approach each transaction with care, strategy, and the kind of insight that only comes from lived experience.
I also believe in meeting challenges with creativity. Sometimes the best opportunities aren’t the obvious ones, and I enjoy helping people think outside the box—whether that’s identifying a home with hidden potential, reworking an offer to stand out, or connecting buyers with financing solutions they didn’t know existed.
Recently, I added a lender’s license to my toolkit so I can better educate clients on what’s possible. Affordability is a major concern for many, and my goal is to demystify the process and show that with the right guidance, homeownership isn’t out of reach.
What drives me, above all, is knowing that I’m helping people make meaningful moves—whether it’s buying their first home, selling a place filled with memories, or building wealth through real estate. I love what I do because I get to be a trusted guide during life’s big transitions. It’s not just about the sale; it’s about making sure people feel seen, supported, and confident every step of the way.
Outside of work, I love exploring new restaurants, staying active with yoga, and spending time with friends and family. Through my husband, I’m a proud stepmom to twin daughters, and I’ve always encouraged them to pursue work that lights them up. Because I’ve learned that when you love what you do, success isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
Real estate isn’t always easy. But it’s deeply rewarding. It’s taught me how to trust my instincts, stay flexible, and show up fully for the people who count on me. I’m grateful for the path that led me here—even the twists and setbacks—because it brought me to a career I truly care about, and to a life I genuinely love.
Sincerely,
Sandra Thiel
REALTOR® | DRE# 01874934
Call/Text 949.307.0400
sandra@milieuhomes.com
www.milieuhomes.com
Like many people, I spent years trying to find the right professional fit—something that felt meaningful and aligned with who I am. I had always been drawn to homes, design, and the feeling of creating something lasting, but I started my career in finance because it felt like the “safe” path. After earning my business degree from Cal State Fullerton, I held a series of roles in the corporate world—gaining skills, yes, but never finding that spark.
In 2001, a major life change pushed me to rethink everything. After going through a divorce, I chose to go back to school and study interior design—something I had dreamed of doing since I was young. That decision led me into the world of real estate investment and renovation. I managed apartment renovations for an investor who specialized in repositioning underperforming properties. For the first time, I felt the energy and excitement I had been searching for.
Eventually, I became the Director of Design for a major real estate company, overseeing renovations across multiple apartment communities. I loved the work—but then, in 2008, the market shifted. I was laid off, and like many others, found myself at a professional crossroads.
That was when the idea of real estate sales, something several people in my life had encouraged over the years, finally clicked. I wanted more control over my career, income, and time. I wanted to build something of my own. Getting my real estate license was the first step toward that goal. I got my real estate license during one of the most challenging times in the market. Short sales and bank-owned properties dominated, and every deal required patience, creativity, and a lot of grit. I even sold my own home to better understand what my clients were going through. Looking back, I wish I had held onto it as a rental—but that experience shaped how I advise clients today. Real estate is one of the best ways to build long-term wealth, and I’m passionate about helping people make decisions with their future in mind.
Over time, I built my business on relationships and trust. Most of my clients come through referrals or already know me, which sets the tone for an honest, collaborative experience from the start. I love helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives—whether it’s a first-time buyer realizing homeownership is possible, a seller preparing for a new chapter, or an investor looking to maximize opportunity. Every client’s story is different, and I approach each transaction with care, strategy, and the kind of insight that only comes from lived experience. I also believe in meeting challenges with creativity. Sometimes the best opportunities aren’t the obvious ones, and I enjoy helping people think outside the box—whether that’s identifying a home with hidden potential, reworking an offer to stand out, or connecting buyers with financing solutions they didn’t know existed.
Recently, I added a lender’s license to my toolkit so I can better educate clients on what’s possible. Affordability is a major concern for many, and my goal is to demystify the process and show that with the right guidance, homeownership isn’t out of reach.
What drives me, above all, is knowing that I’m helping people make meaningful moves—whether it’s buying their first home, selling a place filled with memories, or building wealth through real estate. I love what I do because I get to be a trusted guide during life’s big transitions. It’s not just about the sale; it’s about making sure people feel seen, supported, and confident every step of the way. Outside of work, I love exploring new restaurants, staying active with yoga, and spending time with friends and family. Through my husband, I’m a proud stepmom to twin daughters, and I’ve always encouraged them to pursue work that lights them up. Because I’ve learned that when you love what you do, success isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
Real estate isn’t always easy. But it’s deeply rewarding. It’s taught me how to trust my instincts, stay flexible, and show up fully for the people who count on me. I’m grateful for the path that led me here—even the twists and setbacks—because it brought me to a career I truly care about, and to a life I genuinely love.
Sincerely,
Sandra Thiel
REALTOR® | DRE# 01874934
Call/Text 949.307.0400
sandra@milieuhomes.com
www.milieuhomes.com