CO-FOUNDER 

DRE #01876942

Derek Sandoval is the Co-Founder of SC Real Estate, a Northern California real estate organization focused on delivering exceptional service, building long-term relationships, and helping clients create wealth through real estate. Since beginning his real estate career in 2009, Derek quickly established himself as one of the top-producing agents in the Keller Williams Northern California and Hawaii Region and has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, business leader, and industry coach.

Over the course of his career, Derek has personally closed well over 200 transactions and, as a top Team Leader for five Keller Williams offices, has overseen more than 10,000 transactions. His leadership experience includes driving sales growth, expansion, profitability, and agent development across multiple real estate organizations throughout Northern California.

Today, Derek works alongside his wife and business partner, Tess Costello, to lead SC Real Estate with a mission rooted in integrity, collaboration, and service. In addition to serving buyers, sellers, and investors, Derek specializes in guiding clients through complex life transitions including relocation, probate, and divorce-related real estate needs. He is also passionate about giving back through programs designed to support local heroes such as veterans, healthcare workers, and educators.

Beyond serving clients, Derek is deeply committed to developing the next generation of real estate professionals. As a coach and mentor, he leads agent training initiatives and business development programs designed to help agents build sustainable, relationship-driven businesses.

Known for his high standards, strategic mindset, and people-first approach, Derek believes success in real estate is built on trust, service, and the ability to help others achieve their goals.

CO-FOUNDER 

DRE #01997236

Tess Costello is the Co-Founder of SC Real Estate, where she plays a key leadership role in helping clients navigate some of life’s most important financial and personal decisions through real estate. Known for her strong work ethic, thoughtful communication, and client-first approach, Tess is deeply committed to delivering exceptional experiences for buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Northern California.

With a passion for helping people build stability and long-term wealth through homeownership, Tess focuses on creating a smooth and supportive process for every client. She believes real estate is more than a transaction—it’s about guiding families through meaningful life transitions and helping them take confident steps toward their future.

As a co-founder of SC Real Estate, Tess works alongside her husband and business partner, Derek Sandoval, to lead a team built on integrity, collaboration, and service. Together, they have created a culture centered on relationship-building, community involvement, and delivering results that exceed expectations.

Tess is also actively involved in the team’s community outreach initiatives, including programs designed to support veterans, educators, healthcare workers, and other local heroes through specialized homeownership programs.

Whether working with first-time buyers, move-up families, or clients relocating to the region, Tess brings care, professionalism, and dedication to every relationship she builds.

DIRECTOR OF AGENT DEVELOPMENT

DRE #01406356

Amber Yturralde serves as the Director of Agent Development for SC Real Estate, where she leads the training, coaching, and professional growth initiatives for the organization’s agents and business partners. With extensive experience across residential real estate, commercial real estate, investment properties, contract law, leadership, and technology, Amber brings a well-rounded and practical approach to agent development.

Amber is passionate about helping agents build sustainable, profitable businesses by combining strong fundamentals with proven systems and accountability. Through her leadership, she supports the growth of SC Real Estate’s training platforms including the Sales Team coaching program, the eXplode Program, and eXpansion University, providing agents with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to succeed in today’s evolving real estate industry.

Amber, Tess and Derek previously worked together earlier in their careers, where they helped grow a coaching program to more than 100 agents. Their reunion at SC Real Estate reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, leadership, and building a culture focused on agent success.

Known for her strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and dedication to helping others win, Amber plays a critical role in empowering agents to take action, grow their businesses, and deliver exceptional service to their clients.

Through coaching, consulting, and hands-on mentorship, Amber helps transform potential into performance—supporting agents as they build careers that are both impactful and rewarding.

DIRECTOR OF TRANSACTION COORDINATION

DRE #01803157

CTC #1017114

Sarah Hernandez serves as the Director of Transaction Coordination for SC Real Estate, bringing more than a decade of experience supporting our team and ensuring every transaction is handled with precision and care. Sarah has been an integral part of our organization since 2012 and is the owner of Top Performance T.C., where she provides professional transaction coordination services designed to keep every file organized, compliant, and moving smoothly from contract to close.

Sarah earned her California Broker’s License in 2013, giving her a deep understanding of contracts, compliance requirements, and the legal framework that governs real estate transactions. This expertise allows her to meticulously review each file, verify documentation, and ensure that every step of the process meets the highest professional and regulatory standards.

In her role with SC Real Estate, Sarah oversees the coordination of our transactions from the moment a property goes into contract through the successful close of escrow. She works closely with agents, clients, escrow officers, lenders, and vendors to maintain timelines, manage documentation, and facilitate communication between all parties involved.

Known for her organization, attention to detail, and calm problem-solving approach, Sarah plays a critical role in delivering the smooth, professional experience our clients and agents expect. Her leadership behind the scenes ensures that every transaction is not only efficient, but also fully compliant and professionally managed from start to finish.

Justin Forrest

"We worked with Derek and Tess on the sale of our home on two seperate occasions as well as the purchase of our current home and a rental property. They are excellent negotiators, professional and courteous. They do a wonderful job of simplifying the sales process and really make it feel seamless. We would highly recommend them if you are looking to buy or sell a home." 

Andrew Tenaglia

"I engaged the SC team to assist one of my clients in the sale of their rental property. My client is retired and had owned the property for several years. Overtime, being a landlord became challenging, and she decided it was time to sell the property. Exiting this particular property came with some complexity. I recommended that she engage the SC team to assist her. From the moment they met, I could see my client's stress level, easing. Throughout the process, Derek and Tess were careful to engage the client regularly and address all of her concerns in a timely fashion. My client has told me more than once that she was pleased with the service she received. I appreciate that Derek and Tess are knowledgeable, detail, oriented, and also personable. Those three things are a rare combination."

Johnathan Cueva

"Derek was extremely helpful to prepare us and the home for the sale, then he helped us find a new home. He has extensive knowledge of the area and has a vast network of resources to help during the buying and/or selling of a home. Buying or selling, he is the best person to have on your side along for the journey."

Tony Caldiera

"This team was incredible with helping us with our house. Derek and Tess were very professional and responsive from our little questions to finding us the perfect home for our family. They know all the ins and outs of the industry and helped us navigate through the entire process to the the very end and beyond! Definitely enjoyed working with them! Thank you!!!."