Rising above my circumstances shaped who I am. It taught me strength, resilience, and the value of lifting others up along the way.

 

“What would you do if you could do anything for a career?” my supervisor asked me one afternoon. Without thinking, I said, “I’d probably get my real estate license.” He insisted, “You should do it—now, not someday.” That conversation brought an old dream back to life. I went home, made a plan, and quit my job. I started holding open houses, making calls, and connecting with people and never looked back. That was in 1999, and all these years later, I’m still doing what I love.

 

The strength it took to start over in real estate came from years of working hard to build a stable life on my own. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the low income neighborhoods. My mom struggled with mental health issues, and as much as I loved her, she couldn’t consistently care for me. I spent alot of my childhood in and out of children’s shelters and foster homes. But no matter where I was, I would always find a spot to call my own—a corner, a stairwell, even under a tree. I learned early how to create a sense of home, even when I didn’t have one.

 

What I saw around me growing up became my clearest motivation for what I didn’t want my life to become. I knew exactly what not to do. By 15, I was emancipated. I graduated high school early and attended college, studying accounting and psychology and real estate. At 16, I had already completed the education needed to earn my real estate license, driven by the belief that everybody needs a place to call home and wanting to help people achieve the American Dream. But with only myself to rely on, I needed structure, benefits, and a reliable paycheck so I opted for a successful career in accounting and finance for medical groups instead, initially.

 

When I was 28, we bought our first home in Corona. That moment meant everything to me. I finally had something no one could take away. A foundation. A place where my kids could grow up with stability. A few years later, when my dream of getting into real estate came back into focus, it didn’t feel risky—it felt like the right time. I had already achieved so many of my goals. I could do this too.

 

In 1999 I started my real estate career. Through every shift in the market and changing needs of buyers and sellers, I’ve found real purpose in helping people build a strong foundation, find stability, and create something lasting for their families. It means the world to me to help families create the kind of home I spent so much of my life building for myself. Every time I hand over keys or guide someone through a challenging transaction, I know I’m making a difference.

 What I’m most proud of is being able to give my kids the life I always wanted as a kid. Now that Sara, Natalie, and Joseph are grown, I still do everything I can to support them. I’ve also invested in real estate, creating financial stability that can carry into the next generation.

 

As much as I love my work, I also know how important it is to have balance. I’m fixing up my old Chevy Tahoe for cross-country road trips and love camping, hiking, music, art and spending time with close friends and of course my cat, Buttercup. 

 

I’m grateful to have had many incredible people in my life who encouraged and supported me. I still remember being a kid and getting paired with a couple through Big Brothers Big Sisters. They took me to Cal State Berkeley, opening my eyes to a different life. It has been very rewarding for me to be a Big Sister through the program now. 

 

I genuinely believe that when you prioritize helping people, everything else will take care of itself. That’s what keeps me motivated every single day. I’m here to guide people through major life changes with honesty, patience, and real support. Buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And I don’t take it lightly. I show up fully for my clients, whether they’re first-time buyers, seasoned investors, or families making tough decisions after decades in the same home. I’ve built my business on trust, and the relationships I’ve made along the way are what matter most to me.

 

With 26 years of experience, I’ve learned how to recognize potential issues early and address them before they turn into real problems. When you work with me, you get me—from the first phone call to the final walkthrough. I also hold a lender license, which gives my clients extra clarity when it comes to financing and making smart, informed choices. My ultimate goal is to make sure each client feels confident, cared for, and heard every step of the way.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dolce Ibarra

Realtor/Mortgage Lender

DRE# 01258604 | NMLS# 2633015

Cell (951) 531-7009

Office (951) 414-3862

dolce@dolceibarra.realtor

dolceibarra.realtor