Deb Tomaro

In 2007, Deb walked into an open house that brought tears to her eyes. It was the first time in many years she had felt "at home." At the time, she was living in another city, working in a corporate banking job, but with no plan in mind, she gave in to the pull of this home and moved back to Bloomington. Trying to figure out where to go with her career, she spoke to her Realtor, asking for advice about the real estate business. Her Realtor quickly said, "Oh no, Honey. You're too smart for real estate." Deb didn't know what that meant and thought that most people would want someone smart guiding them in the biggest purchase they would ever make. So for the umpteenth time in her life, Deb ignored advice and went for it.

In 2008, Deb's first full year in real estate , she closed 120 transactions. The average closings per Realtor on her board of realtors that year was 15. At the height of the mortgage meltdown and the Great Recession, Deb found a way to make it work. This trend continued and to date, Deb has closed nearly 800 sales and over $105,000,000. With that kind of experience, her knowledge of the local market, in all price ranges and types of properties, is unparalleled. But her commitment to her clients, as evidenced by her business growth and stability, is even more impressive.

Armed with a serious commitment to educating her clients, Deb makes sure each client understands everything they are signing, every step of the way. She carefully explains the pros and cons of each decision the client is making, outlining all options so the client makes the best decision for their goals and family. Between home buyer classes, YouTube videos, lots of answering questions, constant communication and nearly 100 hours of nationally syndicated podcasts (REAL Real Estate Today on iTunes and other podcast sites), Deb is dedicated to empowering her clients to understand the decisions they are making, the decisions they have to live with. DEMAND to Understand is a catchphrase on the REAL Real Estate Today podcast.

Having caught the podcast bug (meaning she likes to talk), when her contract was up with the national network, she started a local podcast, focusing on helping people find their sense of community. Called "At Home in Bloomington," the podcast showcases the people, places and resources that make Bloomington home. (Check it out on all the usual podcast sites or www.AtHomeinBloomington.com.) This show goes hand in hand with her mission to help educate people, sharing knowledge so that people can live their best lives. At Home. In Bloomington.

Deb's other passions include exploring new places, Chuck Norris jokes, and her three overly cute, misbehaving Bichon Frise dogs. She has a great interest in animal welfare and works with a small group to create resources and support so that senior folks can keep their pets with them for as long as possible.