Moving to California pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I never expected. It wasn’t just about relocating—it was about learning to trust in new opportunities, build deeper relationships, and discover new ways to serve others through both my faith and work.

 

"Ever thought of moving to California?"—it was an email from a retired pastor friend. At that time, I never imagined leaving Oregon. I was already doing what I loved, leading a small church and working in real estate. But the email planted a seed I hadn’t expected. At first, I laughed it off. Why would I leave? Our family was well-established here. Uprooting everything seemed crazy. But that question stayed with me, gnawing at the back of my mind.

 

My wife, who has always been my strongest supporter, was initially hesitant. But as we talked more about it, we came to a simple understanding: if God was in it, we’d move. With time, it felt like doors were quietly opening, small confirmations in conversations, circumstances aligning, and an inner certainty that stepping into the unknown was the right thing to do. So, we made the decision to head to Pacific Grove in 2014.

 

Transitioning to California, however, wasn’t smooth sailing. As a pastor, I walked into a new church where the leadership had been established for years. I knew that change would be hard for the congregation. It is common for people to leave when a new pastor comes in. I kept questioning myself, wondering if I was doing something wrong or if we had really made the right move. But deep down, I knew this was where I was meant to be. I trusted God’s plan. Slowly, the community started rebuilding, and we began to see new life in our church family.

 

Once the church was in a good place, I returned to real estate. My involvement in the community—whether through the church, our kids’ activities, or local events—helped me build many natural connections here. Just like pastoring, real estate is all about relationships. By being present in people’s lives, building trust, and nurturing those connections, I was able to grow my real estate business organically within the community.

 

Looking back, the move taught us something powerful about letting go of expectations. I had built this life in Oregon, with my church and real estate, and I could’ve easily stayed comfortable in that. But moving to California made me realize that sometimes, our preconceived ideas of how things should be hold us back from what they could be. When we open ourselves to possibility, especially when it feels uncomfortable, that’s where real growth happens. Sometimes, we need to let go of our own plans to make room for God’s. 

 

What I’ve learned most through this journey is that greatness isn’t about how many people you serve but how deeply you impact their lives. I’ve never strived to lead a larger church or to be the top real estate agent in my area. Instead, my focus is on the depth of those relationships and the ways I can make a difference, one person at a time. That’s what truly matters to me. Whether it’s something small like sending birthday cards to stay connected or helping someone navigate life’s hardships and exciting milestones, I never underestimate the power of simply being there for people. 

 

Outside of work, I love time with family and friends. Our two youngest, Larkin and Trinity, are still in school and involved in the Junior Giants League Baseball Program and Larkin loves cheerleading. Our two oldest are building great lives for themselves. Daniel is a Marine, and Rebecca, after serving in the Army, has started her own family with our first grandchild, Dylan Marie. I also enjoy playing pickleball and we love to travel. 

 

While I don’t mix preaching with real estate, the passions that drive me—building relationships, serving others, and being a resource—naturally carry over into everything I do. It is a special honor to be entrusted to guide people through one of their most significant financial decisions, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.

 

As a REALTOR®, I offer a personalized and solutions-driven experience. I love the marketing side of working with sellers—creating custom strategies to showcase their homes and attract the right buyers. But I also work closely with buyers, helping them navigate the market with the same relationship-focused approach to find the best match for their needs. My strength lies in problem-solving—whether it’s negotiating tough deals, finding creative solutions for financing, or navigating HOA restrictions. I’m committed to doing what it takes to help my clients succeed, always with a focus on building trust and going above and beyond. Even after the transaction is over, I remain a trusted resource as a lifelong REALTOR® and friend.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dave Lucas

REALTOR® | LIC#02092197

Mobile (831) 884-3521

dave@monterey-homes.com

www.davelucas.homes