Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlyse Scherr.
Marlyse, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always believed that a home is more than just a living space — it’s a foundation for the life you want to live. That belief was instilled in me from a young age.
My mom constantly reimagined our childhood home — she sponge-painted our bedroom in layers of color and hired friends to sketch a mural of a captive audience behind our upright piano. She also took my sister and me to open houses all over the city. I still remember the first house I fell in love with when I was nine — a late 1800s home in University City, Missouri, with the most incredible woodwork and stained glass.
So when I became a Realtor in 2014, it felt like a natural fit. I was fortunate to start my career under the mentorship of Jade Mills, one of the top agents in the world. I admired how calm, considerate, and deeply ethical she was — lessons that still shape the way I approach my own business today.
After going out on my own, I found myself drawn to properties with character and history. LA is incredibly rich in both. From celebrity legacies to renowned architects, so many homes here have a story — and helping bring those stories to life is my favorite part of being a Realtor.
That passion also extends to working with longtime homeowners. I love helping people who have lived in their homes for decades navigate the process of selling. Decluttering becomes an act of honoring the chapters that came before — while making space for what’s next.
The best part of being a Realtor in LA is helping clients find or pass along their own piece of LA history. That’s why helping clients write the next chapter of their own LA story — whether they’re buying or selling — is such a joy and privilege.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Ha! Between having two children, a global pandemic, and rising interest rates, I’d say absolutely not.
I closed just one deal in my first year in real estate. In the beginning, I made the mistake of letting senior agents “big time” me during negotiations — it taught me a lot about trusting my own voice and instincts.
Pregnancy brought its own challenges. With both of my kids, the first three months were rough — I could barely function. I had to schedule everything for the first half of the day, because after noon I couldn’t get out of bed.
Then the pandemic hit, causing a number of deals to fall through. But it also opened new doors: virtual tours became the norm, and a true sense of teamwork emerged between agents — all of us trying to figure out how to move a very in-person business forward without in-person interaction.
Now, with rising interest rates, the market has shifted again. Many buyers are waiting in hopes of future rate drops, while sellers with 2% loans are understandably hesitant to let go of those rates. What was once a “starter home” for many is now becoming a 10-year home as people choose to stay put and make it work.
Every transaction teaches me something. And being a mom has helped me tremendously in this business. It has made me more calm during negotiations, more determined and fierce in protecting my clients’ interests, and more patient. Just like with my kids, sometimes I just need to count to eight before responding — which, funny enough, often seems to be the secret to getting the other agent to reveal where they’re willing to negotiate.
It has also sharpened my focus on understanding exactly what my clients need and ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout the process. It’s a constant process of learning and growing — both as a mom and as an agent. And through it all, I’ve found that I truly love this business — not in spite of the challenges, but because of them. Each experience has strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy, and reminded me why it’s such a privilege to guide people through one of the most meaningful transitions in their lives.
In the end, the ups and downs have made me a better agent, a more patient mom, and someone who truly appreciates what it takes to create a home — because a home is always so much more than a place to live; it’s a reflection of resilience, growth, and new beginnings.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I’m a residential real estate professional based in Los Angeles. I specialize in helping buyers and sellers navigate LA’s vibrant real estate market — with a particular passion for historic homes, homes with character, and guiding longtime homeowners through thoughtful transitions.
I’m known for bringing both strategic insight and genuine care to the process. My clients trust me to market their homes with integrity, position them to attract the right buyers, and manage every detail with professionalism and warmth. I also love helping buyers discover homes that truly reflect who they are — and who they aspire to become.
What sets me apart is the deeply personal approach I bring to each transaction. I view real estate as a foundation for life, not just a business deal. My background in community leadership and my experience as a mom give me perspective, patience, and a strong sense of purpose in this work.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of my business mantra: “A home is more than just a living space — it’s a reflection of who you are and who you aspire to become.” That philosophy drives everything I do, from designing thoughtful marketing materials to guiding clients through life’s transitions.
At its heart, my business is about helping people feel at home in Los Angeles — whether they’re buying their first place, selling a beloved family home, or discovering the next chapter of their LA story.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think the quality that has been most important to my success is listening with intention — to my clients, to the market, and even to the unspoken dynamics of a negotiation. Real estate is rarely about numbers alone; it’s about people, life transitions, and emotional investments.
I take great care to understand not just what my clients want, but what they need, and to create a thoughtful strategy around that. Listening also helps me navigate the more delicate moments — whether helping longtime homeowners part with a beloved property or helping buyers find the home that will support the life they’re building.
Another essential quality is my genuine love of hosting and creating experiences — I never host a boring open house! I always try to get a sense of the story of the people who will best fit the property and create an event to match. Sometimes that means a bounce house for a family-friendly neighborhood, a DJ for a lively modern space, or even a pre–open house sound bath to invite calm and connection into the home. These moments help potential buyers experience the property not just as a house, but as a future home — one they can truly imagine living in.
I also think calm and resilience have served me well — especially through all the market shifts, life changes, and curveballs this business brings. At the end of the day, my clients know that I am their steady advocate and that I truly care about helping them achieve a meaningful outcome.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbymarlyse/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/homesbymarlyse/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HomesByMarlyse
Image Credits
Family Photo: Tyler Chase
Head shot: Jae Carlie
