When life gets complicated, your real estate decisions don't have to be.
Whether you're deciding what to do with a parent's home, considering a move, relocating, or simply buying or selling a home, I'll help you understand your options and make the smart choice.
No pressure. No obligation. We’ll start with your questions.
Sometimes you’re not just buying or selling a house.
Maybe you've inherited a home you weren't expecting to deal with.
Maybe a divorce, job change, retirement, or family transition means it's time to sell.
Maybe you're helping a parent figure out what's next.
Or maybe you're buying or selling under completely ordinary circumstances—but it's a big decision, and you don't want to get it wrong.
Whatever brought you here, you don't have to figure it all out by yourself.
My job is to make the complicated understandable, help you see your options clearly, and give you the information you need to make a decision you're comfortable with.
What Brought You Here?
I Inherited a Home
Suddenly there's a house to deal with, along with belongings, repairs, paperwork, family opinions and a lot of questions.
You need guidance on what to do.
I'm Thinking About Selling
What's your home really worth? Should you make repairs first? What would you actually walk away with?
I'll help you answer these questions.
I'm Buying a Home
A house can look great and still be the wrong decision.
I'll help you think beyond the listing photos to the property, location, condition, offer and long-term value.
I'm Relocating to LA
Moving to LA is exciting!
I'll help you navigate the communities and lifestyle considerations before choosing a home in the city.
I'm in a Life Transition
Divorce, downsizing, or family changes can complicate real estate decisions.
I provide the clarity and care you need to move forward.
Three Concepts guide my work
Clarity
Understand your options.
Real estate gets complicated fast. I'll explain what's happening, what matters, and what your choices actually mean—in plain English.
Strategy
Choose the right path.
The obvious answer isn't always the best one. Sell now or wait? Repair or sell as-is? Accept the highest offer or the strongest one?
We'll look at the whole picture before deciding what to do.
Care
Gain a long-term advisor.
I take the time to understand what's happening in your life, what matters to you, and what you need from me.
No pressure. No disappearing after the paperwork is signed. No treating you like another transaction.
You don't have to decide before talking to a Realtor
Sometimes selling now is the right answer.
Sometimes its smart to buy a house that isn't quite perfect.
Sometimes a few targeted improvements could make a meaningful difference.
Sometimes selling as-is makes more sense than putting another dollar into the house.
And sometimes the best decision is to wait, or to gather more information before making a decision.
My job isn't to convince you to buy or sell. It's to help you understand your options so that you can make the choice that is right for you.
We start with what's actually happening.
The property. Your goals. Your concerns. Your timeline. The decisions you're trying to make.
From "What do I do?" to a clear plan
01
Understand
Then we look at the realistic options.
Sell as-is? Make improvements? Wait? Rent? Buy? Move? What might each path cost—and what might you gain?
02
Compare
I'll give you my recommendation and explain why.
Then, you'll make the decision that is best for you.
03
Decide
Once you know what you want to do, I'll help turn the decision into a plan and handle the real estate work required to get you there.
You don't need to arrive with a plan. We can build one together.
04
Act
Real Estate Is About People First.
I'm Russ Shumaker, a Los Angeles REALTOR with Real Brokerage.
My path to real estate was a little unusual.
Before becoming a Los Angeles real estate agent, my career took me through ministry, business strategy, consulting, real estate investing, renovation and construction.
They may sound like very different worlds, but there's a common thread:
Helping people make sense of complicated situations.
As a pastor, I learned the importance of listening—and of being present when life doesn't go according to plan.
As a business strategist and consultant, I learned how to take complicated problems, identify what actually matters, and turn a mountain of information into a clear path forward.
And as an investor, landlord and renovator, I learned to look at a house differently: not just at how it photographs, but at its condition, potential, costs, risks and value.
Today, I bring those experiences together in real estate.
I won't pressure you into a decision. I'll help you understand your options, give you my best advice, and work hard to carry out the decision that's right for you.
Local Expertise
Deeply rooted in the communities of Los Angeles, we provide the local insight you need to navigate your real estate journey with confidence.
Los Angeles
Expertise in the diverse neighborhoods and complex property dynamics of the City of Angels.
North Hollywood
Understanding the lifestyle, commute, and architectural nuances of the North Hollywood area.
PASADENA
Navigating the historic character and architectural significance of one of LA's crown jewel cities.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE
Insights into the distinct blend of high-end living and scenic tranquility unique to the lake community.
SANTA CLARITA
Expert guidance for the modern developments and expansive community
San Fernando Valley
Deep knowledge of the residential and commercial landscapes across the Valley.
Burbank & Glendale
Expert analysis of the residential and commercial real estate markets in these growing communities.
ENCINO
Specialized knowledge of the upscale estates and quiet residential pockets across this iconic neighborhood.
Sylmar & FOOTHILLS
Specialized guidance for hillside and canyon communities with unique environmental considerations.
Porter Ranch
Local insight into the unique residential and lifestyle dynamics of the Porter Ranch community.
layouts of this growing northern hub.
THOUSAND OAKS
Understanding the family-centric values and lush suburban landscape of this Ventura County gateway.
LA CAñADA
Deep appreciation for the high-value properties and serene environments of the foothills.
FILL ME IN ON YOUR REAL ESTATE JOURNEY
That’s what the first conversation is for. Tell me what’s happening, what you’re worried about, and what questions you have. We’ll start there.