Elsa Benedict

Elsa’s real estate career started in 1991, when she helped develop a 122-home subdivision in Brawley. She was the sales manager, agent and marketing department all at once, which turned out to be the best training she could have asked for. She learned the business from the ground up and never forgot the value of understanding how a home is built.

Real estate runs in her family. Her mother was a REALTOR®, and Elsa admired the way she worked: ethical, detailed and genuinely devoted to her clients. “Following in her footsteps was a lucky move. I learned from the best,” she says.

Elsa grew up in Brawley, the daughter and granddaughter of farmers who grew watermelons, cantaloupe and other produce. Community has always mattered to her. In Mission Hills, she has volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, where she served as PTA president and vice president.

Before joining Compass, Elsa spent nearly 26 years as an independent broker. She owned two offices in the Imperial Valley and another in South Park, San Diego. Her path has included some interesting turns: after graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Broadcasting, she became the weathercaster for KECY-TV, serving the Imperial Valley and Yuma. During that same period, she also served two terms as Mayor of Brawley and one term on the City Council.

Today, Elsa’s office is in Historic Mission Hills, which feels like a natural fit. She has a real affection for vintage architecture and neighborhoods with character, and she loves helping clients buy and sell homes with history and soul.

“I think what makes me different is that real estate isn’t just a career for me. It’s a lifestyle. I love every part of it, and helping someone find the home they’ve been dreaming about never gets old.”

When she’s not working, you’ll find Elsa with her two children, Sam and Saylor—usually at the beach or hunting down an open tennis court.