When my broker friend first talked about the real estate industry, I felt like I was missing out on something special. That same year, I was selling houses.
California has called me since I was a teenager. I didn’t know what I would do here—I knew no one and had no plans—but I’m glad I took the leap. Originally from Iowa, I grew up learning the value of hard work by working in my family grocery store and on a horse farm. By the time I graduated high school, my eyes were set on California—a place that promised possibilities.
Moving out of Iowa was a big deal. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in California but I was ready for an adventure. After briefly working towards a degree in golf management––golf was and still is one of my favorite hobbies––I realized that golf management wasn’t for me. I moved back to the Midwest and graduated from Drury University in 2008 with a degree in business marketing. Despite the minor detour, California kept calling me back and after graduation, I knew it was time to return.
I returned to San Diego in 2008, determined to make it my home. It was a tough economic climate; jobs were scarce and uncertainty was in the air. I ended up working in a restaurant, where I learned firsthand customer service. That period taught me how to solve problems on the fly and make every effort to keep customers happy—lessons that would prove invaluable in the years ahead.
It wasn’t long before a conversation with a friend, who was a mortgage broker and spoke passionately about real estate, changed everything. I didn’t want to stay in the restaurant industry forever, so inspired by our conversation, I got my real estate license and embarked on a long, challenging journey to build my business. Starting out during the market crash meant I had to quickly learn about short sales and foreclosures—all while still working in the restaurant.
My life took an unexpected turn during a vacation in Iowa when I met Abby. The connection was undeniable, and as fate would have it, she was about to move to California! The rest is history. Abby and I eventually married, and her arrival only deepened my commitment to my career. The prospect of starting a family pushed me to get more serious about my career. Within 4 years, I built a strong real estate business that allowed me to leave the restaurant and focus solely on being a full-time REALTOR®.
Abby and I later welcomed our children—Max, age 8, Mia, age 6, and Ace, age 3. I cherish the moments with them, whether it’s taking our RV out on road trips or coaching my son’s baseball team. Balancing work and family isn’t always easy, but I try my best to be present for those I love. In addition to family time, I still golf and occasionally compete in amateur tournaments, through which I donate to charities.
Leaving my comfort zone to move to California with only a few dollars in my pocket was a risk. I didn’t have a clear direction, but that leap led me to a beautiful life––one with a meaningful career and a loving family.
With over 16 years of experience as a real estate agent, I am a passionate advocate for my clients. For buyers, I treat every property as if I were purchasing it myself—conducting thorough inspections to avoid future issues and clearly communicating when a deal is advantageous or disastrous. I pride myself on being a low-pressure agent who respects each client’s pace and never forces a decision. My deep knowledge of various neighborhoods allows me to guide clients toward areas that best match their preferences.
For sellers, my insight into the buyer’s perspective is invaluable. I provide strategic advice to price properties effectively and negotiate to secure the highest possible price, ensuring a quick sale. My experience across diverse market conditions and life stages has honed my ability to offer tailored, expert guidance. Whether you are buying or selling, you can trust in my commitment to deliver honest analysis, reliable advice, and high-level performance throughout your real estate journey.
Sincerely,
Tyler Hagerla
REALTOR® | LIC#01868830