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aura Catrina has been a licensed Realtor for just over eleven years, with a decade spent at PMZ. Her office sits at 1410 California St. in Escalon, and she describes her entire career as being intertwined with PMZ, a brokerage that provides robust support and management to help agents and clients thrive.
Her background is steeped in customer service, a path she followed since college. Yet she felt unfulfilled, working more for employers than for people. Real estate offered a chance to truly assist clients in reaching their goals. A native of Escalon, she attended local schools—Van Allen Elementary, El Portal Middle, and Escalon High—before studying at Delta College and CSU Stanislaus, where she earned a BBA in business administration with a marketing focus. Business‑law courses and marketing insights have proven invaluable throughout her real‑estate career.
Technology has reshaped the industry since she began. She embraces change as a learning opportunity rather than a hurdle. From basic social media to sophisticated digital marketing tools and emerging AI, she keeps pace by reviewing trends each morning. Known as the “209 Real Estate Lady,” she serves the entire Central Valley 209 region, covering Escalon, Riverbank, Oakdale, Modesto, Turlock, Stockton, and surrounding communities.
Market dynamics have shifted: construction slows, and some residents leave for out‑of‑state jobs or financial reasons, while others return, drawn back by California’s climate and the close‑knit community of places like Oakdale and Escalon. Whether guiding a young couple to their first home or helping a family sell a generational property, she prioritizes nurturing relationships. “Almost all my clients remain in contact, many becoming friends,” she says.
For newcomers to real estate, she recommends finding a seasoned mentor, securing a reliable tax preparer, and remembering that it’s a people‑oriented business, not just sales. Authenticity matters; clients appreciate genuine human connection over a scripted approach. Her guiding principle is “Relationships matter, make them count,” a mantra she applies both professionally and in her community.
Catrina is deeply involved locally: she sponsors Chamber of Commerce events, supports city recreation teams, contributes to high‑school activities, and sits on the board of the Escalon Consolidated Fire Protection District. She credits her family, friends, and community for the success of her business and enjoys the flexibility that real estate offers, allowing her to serve on the fire board, engage with the Chamber, cook, spend time with loved ones, and occasionally travel—Tahoe being her favorite getaway.
To connect with Laura Catrina, visit https://lcatrina.pmz.com or call 209‑604‑1799.
