PREMIUM HOMES

IN THE HEART

OF THE CITY

LET'S FIND YOUR DREAM PROPERTY TOGETHER
A woman is sitting at a desk with a laptop and a vase of flowers.

Hi, I'm Lisa!

After deciding to move to the San Diego mountains from Los Angeles in 2021, I embarked on a mission to find ways to benefit my community. Julian, a small gold mining town east of San Diego is where I met Deborah Kerch the broker/owner of Orchard Realty. She was also the listing agent who sold us our new home! I joined the experienced team at Orchard Realty Inc., a premier local agency and have proven success as both a buyer's and seller's agent.  

 

My background consists of over 23 years in Interior design and décor. Representing prestigious brands such as Ralph Lauren, WIlliams-Sonoma Home, and The Shade Store I developed the right combination of service excellence, sales negotiations, an eye for detail and creative vision.  Today I use these skills in highlighting the attractiveness of properties by making adjustments, offering advice and helping sellers prepare to list their home at its highest and best to attract savvy buyers. As an agent living in the area, I offer knowledge and guidance to buyers.  Important skills like knowing the right location, doing the research and leg work to investigate property and resources, and providing professional advice.

MORE ABOUT ME

FEATURED LISTINGS

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

BUYERS REPRESENTATIVE

As your Buyer's Representative, we can make the process of house hunting much easier and more efficient than if you did it all yourself. 

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SELLERS REPRESENTATIVE

Selling a house on  your own can be a daunting task, but with me by your side, it becomes a breeze.

LEARN MORE
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EXPERTISE

With my extensive expertise and resources, we can collaborate throughout the entire process to achieve your real estate objectives.

  • Extensive knowledge of pricing trends and market conditions


  • Access to an extensive network of industry professionals


  • Support and guidance throughout the entire buying or selling process


  • Passion for helping clients find their dream homes


  • Dedication to providing exceptional value & assisting in your goals

WHY WORK WITH ME?

Our top-notch customer service and commitment to our clients is second-to-none.

MARKET EXPERTISE

Market knowledge goes beyond simply knowing the neighborhoods. Ask me about the area you have in mind, available parking, or standard bedroom sizes in the area.

CLIENT-FOCUSED

Your time is valuable. That's why take the time upfront to understand your unique wants, needs and dislikes to ensure the rest of our time together is productive as possible.

RESPONSIVE

You have questions and I have answers. I'll make sure that you feel confident and empowered when it comes to make important real estate and purchasing decisions.

REFERRAL NETWORK

This industry is all about who you know. I can connect you with the top mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, home stagers, and more...

A living room filled with furniture and a fireplace.
A living room with a couch , chair , table and rug.
A kitchen with white cabinets and a large island in the middle.

WHAT MY CLIENTS SAY

Orchard Realty really came through for me! Lisa and Deborah kept me updated and informed throughout the selling process.

We recently worked with Lisa and Deborah on the purchase of a great parcel near Julian, and I must say we are very impressed with Orchard Realty and these two ladies. 

Outstanding! Deborah Kerch and Lisa Alvarado provided us with excellent advise and support during each step of our property purchase. 

VIEW ALL TESTIMONIALS

LATEST IN THE BLOG

Two women are decorating a christmas tree in a living room.

Preparing your home for a private viewing

By Lisa Alvarado • April 18, 2025
Preparing your home for a private viewing is essential. These are the things you should focus on...
A living room filled with cardboard boxes and a couch.

How to pack your stuff

By Lisa Alvarado • April 16, 2025
How to Pack Your Stuff When Moving: A Stress-Free Guide Moving can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, proper packing is essential to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pack efficiently and minimize the chaos. 1. Start Early  Procrastination is your worst enemy when it comes to moving. Begin packing at least a few weeks in advance, starting with items you use the least. 2. Declutter Before You Pack Take this opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Donate, sell, or discard unnecessary belongings to lighten your load. 3. Gather Packing Supplies You’ll need: Sturdy moving boxes Packing tape Bubble wrap or packing paper Labels and markers Plastic bags for small parts 4. Pack Room by Room Packing one room at a time keeps things organized and makes unpacking easier. Clearly label each box with its contents and designated room. 5. Use Proper Packing Techniques Heavy items: Place them at the bottom of boxes. Fragile items: Wrap in bubble wrap and mark the box as “Fragile.” Clothing: Use wardrobe boxes or vacuum-sealed bags. Electronics: Keep cables organized and pack them with their corresponding devices. 6. Keep Essentials Separate Pack an essentials box with toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, and a change of clothes for easy access. 7. Secure Valuables Keep jewelry, important paperwork, and sentimental items with you rather than in the moving truck. 8. Label Everything Clearly Write down the contents of each box and the room it belongs in to make unpacking more efficient. 9. Protect Furniture and Large Items Disassemble furniture when possible and wrap delicate pieces in protective covers or blankets. 10. Stay Calm and Organized Moving can be overwhelming, but staying organized and following a plan can make the process much smoother. By following these packing tips, you'll ensure a more organized move with less stress. Happy moving!
A man and a woman are standing in an empty room in a house.

Features that buyers have come to expect

By Lisa Alvarado • April 14, 2025
When purchasing a home, buyers are increasingly looking for specific features that enhance comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Whether you’re selling your home or planning future renovations, understanding these expectations can help you attract more interest. Here are the key features that home buyers have come to expect in today’s market. 1. Open Floor Plans Modern buyers prefer spacious, open-concept layouts that create a seamless flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas. This design makes homes feel larger and encourages better interaction among family members. 2. Energy Efficiency With rising energy costs and environmental concerns, buyers are prioritizing energy-efficient features such as double-pane windows, LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and solar panels. 3. Smart Home Technology Many buyers expect smart home features like programmable thermostats, security systems, smart locks, and voice-controlled assistants to enhance convenience and security. 4. Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms Kitchens and bathrooms remain top priorities for home buyers. Features such as quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, ample storage, and modern fixtures can significantly increase a home’s appeal. 5. Ample Storage Space Buyers look for homes with plenty of storage, including walk-in closets, built-in shelving, and functional pantries to keep spaces organized and clutter-free. 6. Home Office Space With remote work becoming more common, a dedicated home office or flexible workspace is now a must-have feature for many buyers. 7. Outdoor Living Spaces Buyers appreciate functional outdoor areas such as patios, decks, and well-maintained gardens where they can relax and entertain guests. 8. Laundry Room A dedicated laundry room with storage and counter space for folding clothes is a highly desired feature for modern buyers. 9. Proximity to Amenities Location remains a key factor, with buyers valuing easy access to schools, public transportation, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. 10. Move-In Ready Condition Many buyers prefer homes that require minimal updates. Well-maintained properties with fresh paint, updated flooring, and modern fixtures tend to sell faster. By understanding these buyer expectations, sellers can better position their homes to attract offers and achieve a successful sale. If you’re planning to buy or sell, keeping these features in mind will help you make informed decisions!
Two women are decorating a christmas tree in a living room.

Preparing your home for a private viewing

By Lisa Alvarado • April 18, 2025
Preparing your home for a private viewing is essential. These are the things you should focus on...
A living room filled with cardboard boxes and a couch.

How to pack your stuff

By Lisa Alvarado • April 16, 2025
How to Pack Your Stuff When Moving: A Stress-Free Guide Moving can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, proper packing is essential to ensure a smooth transition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you pack efficiently and minimize the chaos. 1. Start Early  Procrastination is your worst enemy when it comes to moving. Begin packing at least a few weeks in advance, starting with items you use the least. 2. Declutter Before You Pack Take this opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Donate, sell, or discard unnecessary belongings to lighten your load. 3. Gather Packing Supplies You’ll need: Sturdy moving boxes Packing tape Bubble wrap or packing paper Labels and markers Plastic bags for small parts 4. Pack Room by Room Packing one room at a time keeps things organized and makes unpacking easier. Clearly label each box with its contents and designated room. 5. Use Proper Packing Techniques Heavy items: Place them at the bottom of boxes. Fragile items: Wrap in bubble wrap and mark the box as “Fragile.” Clothing: Use wardrobe boxes or vacuum-sealed bags. Electronics: Keep cables organized and pack them with their corresponding devices. 6. Keep Essentials Separate Pack an essentials box with toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, and a change of clothes for easy access. 7. Secure Valuables Keep jewelry, important paperwork, and sentimental items with you rather than in the moving truck. 8. Label Everything Clearly Write down the contents of each box and the room it belongs in to make unpacking more efficient. 9. Protect Furniture and Large Items Disassemble furniture when possible and wrap delicate pieces in protective covers or blankets. 10. Stay Calm and Organized Moving can be overwhelming, but staying organized and following a plan can make the process much smoother. By following these packing tips, you'll ensure a more organized move with less stress. Happy moving!
A man and a woman are standing in an empty room in a house.

Features that buyers have come to expect

By Lisa Alvarado • April 14, 2025
When purchasing a home, buyers are increasingly looking for specific features that enhance comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Whether you’re selling your home or planning future renovations, understanding these expectations can help you attract more interest. Here are the key features that home buyers have come to expect in today’s market. 1. Open Floor Plans Modern buyers prefer spacious, open-concept layouts that create a seamless flow between living, dining, and kitchen areas. This design makes homes feel larger and encourages better interaction among family members. 2. Energy Efficiency With rising energy costs and environmental concerns, buyers are prioritizing energy-efficient features such as double-pane windows, LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and solar panels. 3. Smart Home Technology Many buyers expect smart home features like programmable thermostats, security systems, smart locks, and voice-controlled assistants to enhance convenience and security. 4. Updated Kitchens and Bathrooms Kitchens and bathrooms remain top priorities for home buyers. Features such as quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, ample storage, and modern fixtures can significantly increase a home’s appeal. 5. Ample Storage Space Buyers look for homes with plenty of storage, including walk-in closets, built-in shelving, and functional pantries to keep spaces organized and clutter-free. 6. Home Office Space With remote work becoming more common, a dedicated home office or flexible workspace is now a must-have feature for many buyers. 7. Outdoor Living Spaces Buyers appreciate functional outdoor areas such as patios, decks, and well-maintained gardens where they can relax and entertain guests. 8. Laundry Room A dedicated laundry room with storage and counter space for folding clothes is a highly desired feature for modern buyers. 9. Proximity to Amenities Location remains a key factor, with buyers valuing easy access to schools, public transportation, shopping centers, and recreational facilities. 10. Move-In Ready Condition Many buyers prefer homes that require minimal updates. Well-maintained properties with fresh paint, updated flooring, and modern fixtures tend to sell faster. By understanding these buyer expectations, sellers can better position their homes to attract offers and achieve a successful sale. If you’re planning to buy or sell, keeping these features in mind will help you make informed decisions!

CONTACT

Let's chat! Feel free to fill out this form or to text or call me. I am here when you are ready!

  • Next Steps, let's connect!

  • How much is your home worth? Let's explore current market trends, comparable recently sold and other on the market.

  • Here to assist you will all your home finding or selling needs.


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