Brenda O’Brien considers team, clients a family | News

When Brenda O’Brien was a youngster, she tagged along with her father on his homebuilding jobs. Little did she know, she would parlay that into a successful real estate career. 

“I watched homes take shape from the foundation to the roof,” she said. “You could say I was born with a hammer in my hand.”

She helms Brenda O’Brien Team with Long Realty, which focuses on residential sales. 

“I bring a lifetime of hands-on knowledge and a love for helping clients find the perfect place to call home,” she said. 

She was inspired not only by her father, but her husband as well. He suggested a real estate career because she would “be good at it,” said O’Brien, who, at the time, was working as an administrative director for a mental health and outpatient substance abuse treatment program in Alaska.

“That simple comment planted a seed,” she said. “At the time, I was happy in my job, but the idea kept growing. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much I loved the idea of helping people find their dream homes and start new chapters in their lives. It feels like the perfect blend of my skills and passion.”

She earned her real estate license in Alaska in 1993. Soon, O’Brien gained experience working with homebuilders, residential sales, multifamily properties, land sales, subdivisions, development and commercial real estate.

With the Brenda O’Brien team, she focuses on Oro Valley, the country’s No. 1 wealthiest and safest retirement town, according to GoBankingRates.

She said the “vibrant area perfectly blends security, natural beauty and abundant amenities.”

“Oro Valley, along with neighboring communities like Marana and Tucson, shines with safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, world-class hiking and biking trails, renowned golf courses, and thriving parks and recreation programs,” O’Brien explained.

“From luxurious golf communities to serene horse properties and picturesque unincorporated areas, there’s something for everyone to love here.”

She makes home buying easy. She follows her heart and listens to her clients to match them with their “perfect home, at the right price, in the ideal location.”

With sellers, she takes a similar approach.

“My focus is on understanding their unique goals and to position their home in the best light, ensuring it sells quickly and at the best price in today’s market.” 

O’Brien doesn’t accomplish this on her own. Her team members are associate brokers with top-tier certifications, including CRS (certified residential specialist), GRI (graduate of the Real Estate Institute), and ABR (accredited buyer representative). 

Their commitment to excellence in real estate ensures a high level of service, offering clients a professional, well-rounded approach to buying and selling properties, O’Brien added.

Associate brokers Michael Lynch (O’Brien’s son) and Paula Puls adhere to her philosophy of treating clients with respect, care and attention to detail. 

Lynch began his career with her in Alaska, while Puls started in a prestigious boutique office in the North Shore of Chicago. 

“Their backgrounds shape our approach, ensuring that every client feels like part of the family,” O’Brien said.

Administrative assistant Michelle Rollins rounds out the team. An “incredible” staff member, Rollins, “keeps everything running smoothly, from office paperwork to our team’s marketing. Together, we are committed to delivering the highest level of service and expertise every step of the way.”