Losing my CFO job was unexpected, but it led me to a career where I empower others who, like me, have faced challenges or felt underrepresented.

My journey has been anything but conventional, and as I reflect on it, I’m truly amazed by how far I’ve come. I was born in California and experienced a lot of instability growing up. By my early teens, I found myself without a permanent home. 

A turning point came when I faced legal troubles at 19, which led to time in county jail. After being released at 21, I struggled to find direction and continued making choices that didn’t serve me well. I had almost accepted that this was simply the life I was meant to live. 

Everything changed when I found out I was expecting my daughter, Lynay. I briefly considered all my options, but after doing some soul searching, and having an unexpected conversation with a stranger named Angel who showed up at my door encouraging me, I felt it was a sign she was meant to be here. 

Lynay became my greatest source of motivation. I didn’t yet believe I deserved a better life, but I knew she did. In the beginning, we relied on public assistance and local food resources. I enrolled in trade school, and eventually secured a job doing billing at a medical agency. That opportunity allowed us to move from an unsafe living situation, into our very first apartment. The apartment was run by a nonprofit that focuses on helping women. They required homebuyer courses as a stipulation of the reduced rent. I found myself in one of those classes, and in 2008 after living there 3 years, I purchased my first home—a milestone I never imagined reaching.

I’ve always had a talent for numbers, so I enrolled in college to study finance while juggling work and single parenthood. After four years, I graduated with honors, moved up in my career, and eventually became the CFO of a healthcare firm.  

During this journey, I met my former spouse. We supported each other with our mutual goals and in 2010 we welcomed my second daughter, Ruby. Life had begun to feel more stable.

Life flipped upside down again when, as I was selling my 1st home, I was laid off as CFO. The disappointment and stress hit hard. After finally finding stability, this was not the setback I expected. That’s when my REALTOR® suggested I get my real estate license, especially since I had handled my home sale so well (yeah right!) At first, I thought it was a terrible idea, but I decided to give it a try. When I stepped into Keller Williams, its culture clicked with me––the idea of always coming from contribution, and always aiming for win-win deals. If it wasn’t a win-win, it was a no-deal, and that resonated.

The first 5 years were grueling—no vacations, working 7 days a week—but the job suited me. My non-traditional background allowed me to connect with many different clients on a more personal level, especially those going through challenging times. I understood struggle, and my empathy allowed me to do everything possible to get people what they needed.

Nowadays, I decompress by leaving town occasionally, heading to the beach, or just hanging out with my daughters. I love my dog and enjoy hosting dinner parties. Giving back remains a cornerstone of my life. Through my office, and independent events we donate to charity every year. I’m especially passionate about empowering women and those from a background facing systemic economic barriers, and helping them succeed in this industry. We all need a hand, and I love being that compassionate and inclusive hand—for both my clients and my colleagues. 

I thrive on working with clients facing complicated situations—whether they've experienced divorce or loss, a person managing excessive clutter, maybe facing foreclosure, or those with the need for non-traditional financing. I understand these challenges firsthand and will do whatever it takes to help my clients reach their goals. Every problem can be figured out and negotiated, and I’m here to solve any hiccups along the way. 

With a strong finance background, I analyze data carefully to provide my clients with accurate, insights on market trends, interest rates, and return on investment for investors. My approach to pricing is strategic and data-driven, ensuring my clients make informed decisions without emotional bias. I’m always real and straightforward—if there’s a great deal, I’ll tell you, and if there’s something concerning or needs to be addressed, I’ll be transparent about it.

Helping my clients is my top priority. That’s why I work with lenders and programs that support minorities and low-income buyers, showing them, how real estate can be achievable for everyone and a powerful financial tool for passive income. 

Sincerely,

Cyrene Dellinger
REALTOR® | DRE 01974789
Mobile (818) 645-0845
cyrene@cyreneproperties.com
www.cyreneproperties.com