Russ Brett hits a home run in real estate

Going from major league baseball to aerospace to real estate … you could say Russ Brett has seen and done a lot. But that last profession listed fits Russ possibly better than his third-base glove.

For nearly eight years the Realty World Realtor has helped people buy and sell, move up or downsize. Russ knows how to market a home and shop for its replacement, and he does it all with a smile and, more importantly, integrity.

“In this business if you don’t have integrity I don’t thing you’re worth a dime.” said Russ, 58.

“I want to give first-class service to my clients,” the confessed workaholic explained. “I won’t quit. I really want to give people the best treatment.”

His commitment and results have impressed clients over the years. “Russ is professional, polite, considerate, knowledgeable, helpful and I feel confident about referring him to anyone,” wrote one client. “I am a former Realtor and he has even surpassed my high standards.”

Russ has also impressed his peers, earning the Realtor Citizen of the Year award at an El Dorado County Association of Realtors luncheon earlier this year.  ”When you get an award from people in the same profession …. It was very gratifying and humbling at the same time.” he said.

The real estate professionals who work in El Dorado County — Realtors, appraisers, insurance agents, loan officers, etc. — make the job fun, according to Russ. He said he’s grateful for their support over the years, as well as the loving support from his wife Debra.

The couple, married 32 years, moved to El Dorado County after Russ retired from the aerospace industry in Southern California. They have tow grown children: Alex, 34, and Ryan, 31. Russ grew up in the Lake Tahoe area and said, “I’m a country boy at heart.” The couple settled in Diamond Springs and in April 2005 Russ began his real estate career.

Using his marketing degree from Santa Clara University, his management skills from the aerospace industry and his competitive spirit from the days when he played third base for the Baltimore Orioles, Russ built his stellar reputation. He’s been so successful he’s received the EDCAR Top Achiever honor seven years in a row.

Russ said he loves the variety, problem solving and helping people. “I love seeing young people realize their dreams and find their first home,” he added.

These days, Russ and other Realtors are enjoying the sellers’ market that has brought investment and first-time buyers out in droves. Multiple offers are commonplace again, according to Russ, but the number of houses on the market could use a boost. El Dorado County has about 420 single-family dwellings for sale but a healthy inventory would be around 1,000 to 1,100.

An optimist who puts his faith in God and the good people who surround him, Russ said he has hopes that things will get better.

Russ Brett works out of the Placerville Realty World Platinum office, 651 Main St. He can be reached at 530-391-5151 or russ@russbrett.com. For more information give him a call or visit russbrett.com.