From a young age, I knew that if I wanted a different kind of life, I’d have to earn it. I leaned on the values my parents taught me, put in a lot of hard work, and bet on myself to create the life I wanted.  

 

My parents immigrated from Zacatecas, Mexico in the early 1980s and worked in agriculture their entire lives. My dad worked in the fields 10 hours a day, six days a week. My mom often worked in the fields too. They did what they needed to in order to support our family. That was their focus, and that was the example they set. 

 

During high school, I spent my summers working in the fields with my dad. It was hot, the work was exhausting, and the days felt endless. When you’re out in the sun doing hard labor all day, it’s not hard to get motivated to find a different line of work. If I wanted a different future, I’d have to work for it. My parents had done everything they could to give me opportunities they never had. I knew it was on me to take those seriously and do something with them.

 

After high school, I decided to pursue higher education at California State University, Chico to stay close to my family. I loved math and numbers so I decided to major in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. One of the classes required for my degree was Principles of Real Estate. I really enjoyed this class and saw myself doing this as a career in the future. 

 

I graduated in 2010, as the recession was still winding down. The job market was rough, so I took the best opportunity I could find: a position at Wells Fargo. It aligned with my degree and gave me a clear track forward. But after a while, I started to feel stuck. The work felt repetitive, and I didn’t feel connected to any of it. I kept pushing forward, but I knew this wasn’t the kind of career I wanted to spend my life in. 

 

In 2011, we helped my mom buy a house in Sacramento after my father passed away. I paid close attention throughout the process. The real estate agent was confident, helpful, and clear. I remembered that real estate elective I had taken and thought to myself, “This looks way more fun!” She was out meeting people, solving problems, and guiding families through big decisions. I wanted that. I wanted a job I could actually enjoy, where I could help people and still build a stable future for myself and my future family. 

 

Shortly after we closed on my mom's house, I signed up for my real estate courses and got my real estate license. I had nothing to lose at the time so I left banking and jumped into real estate full time with RE/MAX.

 

That first year, I joined a team and leaned on a few contacts I had built through my college network. I said “yes” to every opportunity, followed up on every lead, and stayed consistent. I ended the year with 18 transactions. It wasn’t easy, but I loved it! I like meeting people, being out in the community, and solving problems for people. My work has a real impact on the people I serve, and that has only fueled my passion to continue learning, growing, and perfecting my services. 

 

Now, over 10 years later, I’ve built a business I’m proud of. My wife and I have two kids, Michael (4) and Alyson (3). Having kids has only made my goals even clearer. I think about how much my dad worked and how much he missed at home. Because I am not in a traditional 9-5, I can take my kids to the park, be home for dinner, and stay very involved in their lives. It can be a balancing act, but I’m grateful to have the flexibility to prioritize family and build a business I’m proud of. 

 

With over a decade in real estate and hands-on experience as an investor, I offer a sharp understanding of market value, property condition, and how to spot real opportunities. Managing my own flips and rental properties has taught me what to look for, what to avoid, and who to rely on. The insights and connections I’ve built over the years now directly benefit every client I work with. 

 

Whether you're buying your first home, selling, or exploring investment opportunities, I’ll guide you through every step with honesty and clarity. I especially enjoy helping first-time investors take that leap — walking them through the process, breaking down the numbers, and connecting them with the right team to get started. For buyers, I point out potential issues during showings, explain what repairs might cost, and make sure you're not walking into surprises. For sellers, I help prep your home to hit the market strong, coordinating vendors for anything from carpet and paint to light remodeling. I’ve built a reliable network of contractors, handymen, and inspectors that my clients benefit from every day. I stay hands-on throughout the process, and my clients know they can reach me directly. I treat every transaction like it’s my own, and my focus is always on doing right by the people I work with.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Mike Talamantes

REALTOR® | LIC# 01912658

Primary 916.267.5512

talamantes.mike@gmail.com 

miketalamantes.com