Whether a challenge is big or small, I’ve always believed there’s a solution. This mindset has shaped my journey, driving me to help others, connect with my community, and create meaningful, lasting impact.

 

There are moments in life that force you to pause and reevaluate everything, moments that shift your perspective in ways you never expect. For me, that moment came when my younger brother, Patrick, was battling cancer. Caring for him during that time made me step back from the fast pace of my life and reflect deeply on what truly matters. After he passed, I found myself searching for a new direction and purpose as I navigated my grief. I wanted to redesign my life, focusing on the things I love most: helping clients in real estate, being with my animals, and giving back to my community.

 

Real estate has been a part of my life since I was 24 and attended an investing seminar. While most people left inspired but didn’t act, I dove in headfirst, building a portfolio of properties, flipping homes, and solving complex transactions through strategic financing. As a single mother raising five daughters, I saw the opportunity real estate offered and ran with it! I did so well that I began speaking at the very seminar where I had first learned.

 

My passion for real estate led me to become the Assistant Vice President at Chase Manhattan Bank, where I funded over $1.7 billion in home mortgages. When the 2008 market crash hit, I saw an urgent need as real estate agents struggled to work with banks on short sales and foreclosures. To address this, I founded LionsGate Financial Network, a company focused on educating and training thousands of REALTORS® nationwide. I also extended my knowledge to help family and friends with their mortgages. 

 

Since 2008, I have been helping clients buy and sell residential homes, commercial property, land—you name it, I’ve done it! My expertise has become my greatest asset to my clients understanding nearly every aspect of the industry. 

 

No matter what direction my career took, I always made time for my horses. Being with animals is like an escape and a way to stay grounded, especially with such a fast-paced professional life. I’ve participated in endurance races, including the challenging 100-mile Tevis Cup, and find joy in the daily care and connection with my horses.

 

When my brother passed, I was really searching for a new path—something meaningful to focus on. Then, I visited my daughter in Northern California. She was using sheep and goats to clear dry brush areas for fire mitigation. Seeing how her work was protecting communities and the environment sparked an idea: Why not bring this eco-friendly solution to San Diego?

 

Over the past three years, I’ve worked tirelessly to build partnerships, secure funding, and develop GRAZE San Diego. It is a vocational program to teach shepherds how to do fire mitigation as a profession to help the communities throughout San Diego. It is my goal to connect a shepherd with every community in San Diego to lower insurance premiums, enact eco-friendly fire mitigation, and ensure no home ever burns down again.

 

This journey has been challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I get to continue my career in real estate, spend time taking care of my animals, including my own herd of sheep and goats, while helping homeowners lower fire risks and potentially reduce insurance costs. My friends and clients love bringing their children to see the lambs, which inspired me to create the Kids for Kids Youth Program to teach kids about fire prevention, leadership, and environmental stewardship.

 

My real estate work directly supports these efforts, with a portion of my commissions funding GRAZE San Diego and its programs. By blending my professional expertise with my personal passions, I’ve found a way to make a meaningful impact. Looking back, this journey—all inspired by my brother—has been an incredible way to connect what I love with giving back to my community.

 

With decades of experience in real estate, I excel at handling complex transactions with confidence while prioritizing the individual needs of every client. I take the time to truly understand your unique circumstances and provide options that align with your goals. Whether working with seasoned investors or first-time buyers, my focus is always on creating value and building a foundation for your future. By educating you along the way, it is my goal to empower you to make informed decisions that represent your goals. My hands-on approach, attention to detail, and dedication to delivering results ensure that every transaction is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.

 

My real estate career has been built on relationships—I love connecting with people and I pride myself on creating connections that last well beyond closing day. Many of my clients have become lifelong friends, and I cherish the opportunity to share in their milestones—whether it’s seeing a family expand into their dream home or watching young buyers take their first steps toward financial security. I bring a combination of expertise, responsiveness, and a personal touch to every client interaction, and I am deeply committed to ensuring you feel supported throughout the entire process. For me, real estate is about more than property—it's about helping people navigate life changes, solve problems, and achieve goals with confidence.

 

Sincerely,

Deborah Leone