Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Simone l Paterno of South Orange County mainly.

We recently had the chance to connect with Simone l Paterno and have shared our conversation below.

Simone l Paterno, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
es—absolutely. I always advocate for my clients, especially when someone deserves fair representation. One example that stands out is when I helped a woman who had lived with her partner for over ten years. After he passed away, his family took possession of the home, leaving her and her young child without housing.

She was employed, had savings, and was responsible—but she had no credit history and struggled with the modern rental application process. I took the time to organize a strong, professional rental package that clearly told her story and positioned her ahead of the competition, not behind it.

It required extra time and effort with no immediate benefit to me—but that’s part of my responsibility as a Realtor. I believe in doing the right thing for good people, and I’ve found that integrity and service always come back in meaningful ways.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Simone Paterno, a Realtor® with Stark Team Real Estate, and I’ve been in the business since 2009. Real estate runs in my family, and for me, it’s never just been about transactions—it’s about people, trust, and long-term relationships.

My approach is very hands-on. I listen carefully to understand a client’s vision, help set realistic expectations, and then guide them through the process with clarity and strategy. I combine strong negotiation skills with up-to-date market knowledge and modern technology to help buyers find the right home and sellers achieve top value.

What truly sets me apart is personal attention. I don’t pass clients off to assistants—I stay closely involved from start to finish. Communication, integrity, and advocacy are non-negotiable for me.

I specialize throughout Orange County, including Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Trabuco Canyon, and surrounding coastal and inland communities. From condos and single-family homes to canyon, lake, and coastal properties, I love helping clients find the lifestyle that fits them best.

Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or renting, I support the entire process—from loan approval and market analysis to title, escrow, staging, and contractor coordination. Real estate is a major life decision, and I take that responsibility seriously.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother taught me most of what I know about this business. She was a Realtor for over 50 years, and she showed me that success comes from treating everyone with respect first and never losing focus during negotiations. Watching her work was an education in itself—negotiation is truly an art, and she always believed there was a resolution to be found.

With tenacity, discipline, and genuine care for people, she consistently brought deals together in a way that created fair, mutually positive outcomes. That philosophy still guides how I work with my clients today.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering teaches you resilience and clarity. If you persevere, it forces you to grow, adapt, and ultimately become better. It also teaches you to separate emotion from decision-making—especially in business—so you can learn from challenges instead of being defined by them.

Most importantly, it shows you how to choose your battles wisely and respond with grace. Even when situations feel impossible, there is always something to learn that prepares you to handle the next challenge with greater strength and perspective.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
People often misunderstand what a Realtor actually does. They think my job is just opening doors—but the real work happens inside the showing. I’m constantly reading between the lines: Does this home fit how my buyer actually lives? Is a room too big, too small, or perfect for their work-from-home setup? Is the layout safe, functional, and a good long-term value? I’m educating buyers in real time on what truly matters.

On the seller side, it’s part strategy, part creativity. I don’t just “list” a home—I craft a standout story. That means identifying the smartest improvements, creating a clear marketing theme, and positioning the property to attract the right buyers and the highest possible price.

And no—it’s not one-size-fits-all. Every home, every client, and every strategy is different. That’s what makes the work fun, and that’s where real results come from.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I always do my best—whether anyone is watching or not. Integrity isn’t something you turn on for credit; it’s how you operate when no one’s keeping score. A lot of the most important work I do happens behind the scenes, and that’s exactly where it should happen. The results speak louder than the recognition anyway.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.starkteam.com/about
• Instagram: Simone Paterno@starkteam.com
• Linkedin: Simone Paterno Realtor at Stark Team Real Estate
• Twitter: Simone Paterno Realtor at Stark Team Real Estate
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simone.paterno.
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stark-team-real-estate-trabuco-canyon?osq=stark+team+real+estate
• Youtube: Simone @Stark Team Real Estate @simonepaterno3832

Image Credits
All photos provided by Stark Team Real Estate