Karen Manuel

Karen has a BA in Management. She has worked in a few industries but found her home in real estate. She loves architecture. The varied styles of east bay homes provide constant inspiration and enjoyment for her. She owns a bungalow in Alameda, which was a true fixer when she purchased it. She completed a big renovation on her home and learned a lot about old homes and remodeling in the process. She brings this experience to her work every day.

She earned her salesperson's license and began selling real estate in 2005. In 2016 she earned her broker's license. That same year Karen completed a real estate Innovator's Certificate program at Stanford Graduate School of Business. This program focused on Negotiation, Design and Marketing through story telling. In 2018 she earned her CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation. This designation, which requires a high-level sales and education, is held by only 3% of the real estate agents in the country.

Karen believes in volunteerism and has donated her time to organizations throughout her life. She is a board member of Friends of the Alameda Free Library. In the past she has raised funds for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland and Park Day School. She’s been a room parent, produced teacher appreciation meals and coordinated soccer uniforms. She taught CPR and Keep Your Child from Choking classes for the American Heart Association. She was a counselor for a sexual assault crisis service and a candy striper.

She loves to cook and entertain. Karen has held season tickets at Berkeley Repertory Theater since 1983. She belongs to the Wicked Women’s Book Club and the Oodles of Poodles hiking group. She has a goal of seeing all the Oscar nominated movies (before the Oscar ceremony) each year. If you run into her, ask her about standard poodles, gin, garden roses, movies, poker, knitting... and real estate of course.