Residence and landscaped garden

About · Broker Associate · GRI · SFR · DRE 01836182

The knowledge to see more. The character to stay with it.

Steve Thielsen brings seasoned broker judgement, an engineer's analytical training, practical construction knowledge, composure when a transaction turns difficult, and advocacy that never makes the work about himself.

Steve Thielsen

About Steve

Exceptional representation for extraordinary properties.

Steve Thielsen brings an uncommon combination of real estate expertise, engineering knowledge, residential and commercial construction experience, and proven leadership to every transaction. With nearly 20 years of success as a real estate professional and broker, preceded by twelve years in technical sales / electrical engineering, designing commercial building controls, Steve approaches real estate with a level of insight, precision, and problem-solving ability that few agents can match.

As a U.S. Army combat veteran, Steve brings discipline, integrity, accountability, and determination to everything he does. Clients rely on him for straightforward advice, diligent representation, strategic negotiation, and careful attention to every detail.

Steve’s extensive knowledge of residential and commercial construction, electrical systems, property improvements, and complex real estate matters allows him to see beyond a property’s surface appearance. He helps sellers identify opportunities, anticipate potential concerns, and strategically prepare and position their properties to achieve the strongest possible results.

Representing sellers is at the heart of Steve’s business. Whether marketing a luxury residence, country estate, investment property, commercial property, or uniquely complex real estate asset, he provides comprehensive representation from the initial consultation through the close of escrow. Steve coordinates staging, inspections, repairs, disclosures, marketing, negotiations, and contracts, ensuring every element is handled with purpose and precision.

Steve is also deeply committed to helping buyers make confident, well-informed decisions. His construction and engineering background enables him to evaluate properties with a knowledgeable eye, identify potential concerns and opportunities, and help buyers fully understand what they are purchasing. From evaluating value and negotiating favorable terms to navigating inspections and escrow, Steve works diligently to protect his buyers’ interests throughout the transaction.

Steve understands that selling or purchasing real estate can be both financially significant and deeply personal. Whether representing an extraordinary property or helping a client discover the right one, his goal is simple: maximize your opportunities, minimize your stress, protect your interests, and make your next move your best one yet.

Talk with Steve about your next move

Record & recognition

Licenses, experience and recognition.

The path

1984–1998
Building tradescommercial and residential work
1988–1998
U.S. Army ReservesOperation Desert Storm 1990–1991 · Army Achievement Medal, two awards
1995–2007
Technical sales / electrical engineercommercial building controls, audio/video and special systems
2007
Real estate careerSalesperson since November 2007
2016
Broker licenseSince April 2016

Education & training

EducationB.S., Electrical Engineering · South Dakota State University
Safety training10-hour OSHA construction seminar, 2005

Credentials & affiliations

California licenseDRE 01836182 · Broker
DesignationsGRI · Graduate, REALTOR® Institute & SFR · Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource
AffiliationsNational and California Associations of REALTORS® · BAREIS · Petaluma chapter · IEEE

Recognition

23Century 21 awards since 2011
5.0across 108 reviews, 84 of them written

Quality Service Award 2011 and 2025 · Quality Service Pinnacle Award every year 2012–2023 · Masters Diamond 2012, Ruby 2013, 2014 and 2018, Emerald 2015, 2020 and 2025 · President's Award (CENTURION with Pinnacle) 2021 and 2022

Client evidence

What 84 written reviews keep saying.

108 clients have responded on RealSatisfied and 84 wrote a review. Counted by what they bring up in their own words.

44 of 84

They mention responsiveness and follow-through.

From our first conversation to closing, Steve was incredibly helpful, communicative, and demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the local market.

Taylor and Nick C.

22 of 84

They describe a calm process.

He was always accessible, consistently kept us informed throughout the entire process, and made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth and straightforward.

Brooks & Alexis

21 of 84

They bring up construction and repairs.

His background in engineering allowed him to point out what would appear to be small flaws regarding homes to the common eye, but would in fact turn out to create huge issues for us as buyers down the line.

Aly & Adam

16 of 84

They describe problems caught early.

Steve always told us what was going on; what needed to be done to sell this house; what problems, if any, surfaced and how to fix them

Madeline R.

They come back.

Steve not only helped us buy our dream home but guided us through a slowish market and got our house sold!

Bailey T.

After selling my home, Steve helped me purchase a new home with the same precision and skill.

S M.

This is the second time I have counted on Steve's expertise.

Ellen B.

Get in touch

Bring the address and the questions.

A first conversation is about your property, your timing and the decision in front of you.

Contact Steve