Helping San Fernando Valley Homeowners Navigate Life’s Next Move
Downsizing, inherited homes, and major transitions handled with clarity, strategy, and care.
More Than a Transaction
Real estate is rarely just about square footage.
It’s about timing. Family. Finances. Legacy.
Real estate decisions often come during meaningful life moments — downsizing after decades in a family home, preparing an inherited property for sale, or simply knowing it’s time for a change. I provide thoughtful strategy, steady guidance, and a clear plan so you can move forward feeling informed and supported.
Inherited a Home? Let’s Make Smart Decisions, Not Emotional Ones.
As a certified Probate & Trust Realtor and Seniors Real Estate Specialist, I guide families through the financial, practical, and emotional side of selling inherited property throughout the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas.
When You’re Ready for A Change
Downsizing can feel overwhelming at first. What should you repair? What should you keep? When is the right time to start preparing? Selling a long-time family home isn’t just a transaction. It’s decades of memories, responsibility, and often multiple opinions.
My role is to bring clarity, structure, and a steady hand.
I created a simple, thoughtful Downsizing Checklist to help you take the first step — at your own pace, with clarity.
Let’s talk about what’s next
Every home — and every transition — is unique.
Whether you’re considering downsizing after many years in your home or navigating the responsibilities of an inherited property, the best next step is a private conversation tailored to your situation.
During our consultation, we’ll review your timeline, financial considerations, property condition, and any family dynamics that may influence the process. My goal is simple: to provide clarity, structure, and a thoughtful plan so you can move forward with confidence.
I’m conveniently located in the Porter Ranch Vineyards and welcome in-person meetings. If you’re outside the area or prefer flexibility, I’m equally happy to connect by phone or Zoom.
There is no pressure — only informed guidance and strategic support.
Kind Words from Clients
Real estate decisions often come during meaningful life transitions. I’m grateful for the trust my clients place in me — and honored to guide them through the process with care and clarity.
“I unexpectedly lost my beloved Aunt and became her Executor. Living in New York while her belongings and property were all in California added an additional layer of complexity as I was handling everything.
Fortunately, my parents had worked with Karen Kikalo when selling their home in Northridge in 2018. Karen helped my parents with everything from packing and organizing to recommending small improvements that made a big difference. Their house sold after just one weekend's open house, and I heard nothing but glowing reviews about her. They spoke so highly of her, and I knew I could trust her to help me during this difficult time.
When I reached out to Karen to help with my Aunt's home, she was incredibly supportive. She offered several options and guided me through each step, talking me through anything I didn't understand and respecting our families stance on pricing goals and timing. We chose to have an estate sale (Karen provided the recommendation for the company and it was a great experience), and after that, Karen coordinated a professional cleaning and other activities to get the house to look its best, and then set up the first (and only) open house. The house sold in the first weekend, just like my parents' did!
I am deeply grateful for Karen's expertise and kindness throughout this process. Without her help, I'm sure I would still be sorting through mementos. My mother affectionately refers to Karen as "Wonder Woman" for all the support she's provided. If you're buying, selling, or handling the estate of a loved one, I highly recommend Karen. She's an incredible realtor who goes above and beyond to help you reach your goals.”
-Kim C. - Northridge
“Last November we decided to sell our house in Chatsworth. After looking at several agent options we were most impressed with Karen and her approach to selling locally. Karen was the best. Not only did she know and understand our local property market, she kept us informed as to local trends and gave solid sound advice accordingly. Result, our house closed within three weeks, no hassles just smooth sailing all the way. Karen exceeded all expectations especially in this interesting home sale market. We cannot say enough about how great Karen was and we highly recommend Karen to all home owners who need a local Real Estate expert to handle their home sale or purchase.”
- Greg K. - Chatsworth
“To say that Karen went above and beyond is an understatement! She was truly fantastic in every way. From the sale of my 84 year old father's house (which was quite complicated) to the purchase of the idea home for him in Santa Clarita - Karen was by our side every step of the way. Karen knows the ins and outs of real estate, escrow, inspections, capital gains and tax ramifications and was honestly so comforting during some stressful moments. She handled it all with grace and never wavered.
Buying and selling a house can be quite stressful, but Karen was patient, kind and knowledgeable - there for every question and concern and reassuring us when we were stressed and overwhelmed.
With Karen's help, we found the perfect new house - just around the corner from us! And the best news is that he absolutely LOVES it!! It is the start of a new chapter - literally life changing not only for him, but for my husband and I and my brother, who all live nearby.
This move simply would not have happened without Karen. We are forever grateful for her and would 100% use her again for any future real estate transactions we have. I honestly cannot recommend (or thank) her enough.”
- Denise R. - Santa Clarita
“Karen is a capable, reliable, professional realtor who is attentive to her clients' needs and always committed to getting them the best outcome. Plus, she is an absolutely lovely person who is delightful to work with. From our first communication with her about wanting to sell our home, it was ten months before we had everything in place to actually go to market. She patiently worked with us and counseled us through the process as the real estate market was undergoing very major changes (increased interest rates, etc.). The short version: We sold our house for several thousand dollars over our listing price in ten days after it was first listed. I highly recommend Karen Kikalo.”
- Dennis L. - Chatsworth