Thais Derich

My Journey Into Real Estate

I started in real estate before I was married or had children. Early on, I was fortunate to work with a life-changing Realtor®, Don (now retired), who encouraged me to think beyond buying a home and instead buy our first investment. I purchased a duplex in San Francisco with a simple but powerful strategy: let the rental income help pay the mortgage. A few years later, now married, my husband and I converted that duplex into a triplex, learning every detail of the process, from permits and construction to leasing and long-term property management.

Real Experience, Not Just Theory

In Mill Valley, we purchased our primary residence with a legal two-bedroom, one-bath unit in the yard, long before ADUs became mainstream. Over time, we expanded our portfolio to include multiple properties across Mill Valley and the greater Bay Area. I've managed every property myself. My experience spans multi-family rental properties, short-term and vacation rentals, ground-up ADU development, extensive remodels, 1031 and reverse 1031 exchanges, and private lending. This hands-on background gives me a deep, practical understanding of how properties actually perform.

From Investor to Trusted Advisor

After years of building my family's portfolio, I realized something important: I wanted to help others build wealth through real estate, too. Today, I bring both worlds together, the in-the-trenches experience of an investor and property manager, paired with the professional expertise of a licensed, full-time real estate agent and advisor. Whether you're buying or selling your first home, acquiring an investment property, purchasing a second home in Marin, navigating a multi-family sale, or completing an exchange, I understand how to plan and execute with intention.

Rooted in Marin, Connected Worldwide

Based in Mill Valley, California with Compass, I'm happy to work with clients locally, across state lines, or internationally through trusted referral partnerships. My goal is simple: to help you make smart, confident real estate decisions and enjoy the process along the way. I want to be the kind of real estate advisor you text long after I've retired, just to say hello or share your latest purchase or sale, the same way I still stay in touch with my first agent.