About Rachel Sheftel

Born and raised in Southern California, I moved to the Bay Area to attend UC Berkeley, and like so many who come here for school, I never left. I fell hard for the East Bay—its neighborhoods, its people, and its layered charm. Over the years, I’ve lived all over Berkeley and now call Albany home.

I was probably the only kid you’ve ever met who waited eagerly for the Sunday newspaper just to read the Homes section. I went on to get my degree in Cognitive Science, dabbled in product management, and worked in casting in film and television—quietly convincing myself I couldn’t really be a REALTOR®, but real estate was always in the back of my mind. In 2021, I finally got my license, and I’m so glad I did.

This job hits every note for me: forming meaningful relationships with incredible clients (many of whom I now call friends), flexing my design eye when prepping homes for market, and harnessing the type-A personality that drove my teachers crazy but keeps my clients’ transactions running like clockwork. There’s truly never a dull moment.

I met Rachel Melby as a fellow REALTOR® and immediately recognized her as a kindred spirit. We admired each other’s work from afar, crossed paths professionally, and became fast friends. When she joined Red Oak (where I already hung my license), it was the perfect opportunity to join forces.

Working together has made the job more fun, more focused, and more fulfilling. Our strengths complement each other in all the best ways. We both love our community, love our clients, and love the privilege of helping people find their place here.

When I’m not helping clients, you can usually find me at the wheel making pottery at the Berkeley Potters’ Studio, sipping an oat milk latte at Hal’s Office on Solano, walking in the Berkeley Hills, or trying new restaurants with my husband.