Bill Ruth was born on the Peninsula and raised in a real estate family. Apart from attending college at the University of Southern California – where he received a degree in Real Estate Finance – and a short stay in Westwood in his early twenties, Bill has lived in Palos Verdes for his entire life. Bill and his wife Deena have three children. Bill loves to do any activity outside, especially on or near the water. He is an active tennis player, water skier, snow skier, and loves to spend time on Catalina Island with his wife and children. Bill is a recent past President for the Palos Verdes Association of Realtors and has been a Board Member for three years. He currently serves as Chairman of the Scholarship and Fundraising Committee. He served on the Board of the Peninsula Education Foundation for seven years, six of which he served as Vice President of Major Donors. The schools in Palos Verdes are a passion that both Bill and Charlie feel very close to – both being graduates and their kids being educated through the terrific schools on the Peninsula. Bill is also very involved in Rolling Hills Covenant Church, where he has attended since nursery school. Bill started his real estate career in the commercial side with his father who was a developer at the time. After moving back to Palos Verdes and commuting to Santa Monica every day, he thought he would try his hand at residential real estate and joined his mom at Ruth Realty. Since that event over 25 years ago, he has never looked back.
Charlie Raine moved to Rolling Hills when he was 5 years old. He attended local, public schools from kindergarten, graduating from Miraleste High School. He attended California State University, Long Beach and Michigan State University. Charlie and his wife, Pia, have one daughter who is with CBRE, commercial real estate. An outdoor enthusiast, Charlie spends approximately 10 days per summer as a Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard in Redondo and Hermosa Beach, swims, bodysurfs and regularly competes in Master’s Swimming National Championships. He recently served as a Board Member of the Peninsula Education Foundation and continues to devote time to various charities and other organizations. He currently volunteers on a commission in Rolling Hills as well as a board member of a couple different organizations. Charlie majored in Restaurant Management at MSU and worked for a national restaurant chain before deciding to follow both parents into the real estate industry. His father was a commercial real estate broker and his mother was a highly regarded residential agent in Palos Verdes. Charlie has specialized in residential sales from the beginning, and has been focusing on the local market for over 30 years.
Carissa Wright can’t remember a time when she wasn’t interested in real estate. Growing up, she often found herself buried in a stack of “Homes for Sale” magazines outside the local Blockbuster video store, scouring the offerings and studying the listings.
College sent her in a different direction – after graduation, she spent time in the banking industry, managing a team of 20 in addition to overseeing branch operations, and then into nonprofit management. As it turns out, these industries and roles honed key skillsets important in her next move, which came in 2015 when she pursued her lifelong interest – a career in the housing market and the opportunity to own her own business.
Wright’s realty business was born shortly after the arrival of her daughter. She wanted to be closer to home for her baby while still being in the business of guiding, helping and supporting others. Her husband, who owns his own business as a general contractor and real estate developer, encouraged her to take the leap.
It was time to follow her true passion.
The transition from managing a business to owning one, and providing excellent customer service at every turn, came naturally to Wright. She is a full-service realtor who takes pride in doing the heavy-lifting for her clients as they navigate one of the biggest decisions in their lives. When selling, she coordinates and manages all partners and vendors to get the home sell-ready. And when buying, she meticulously walks clients through the process from start to finish, ensuring they are comfortable at every turn and that they understand all their options.
“I want clients to let me take the stress and complications out of buying or selling the home for them, to feel taken care of every step of the way, and to be free to focus on their lives,” she said.
“I work day and night for my clients. I absolutely love what I do.”
Wright and her husband, James Ian, have four children. The family lives life to the fullest in their South Bay community, hiking, surfing, biking and fitting in lots of games of soccer.
As a native of Southern California, I have a unique perspective of the South Bay that allows me to transact my client’s real estate needs through my deep understanding of our unique communities.
I was raised to have an entrepreneurial spirit that drives me to seek the highest level of satisfaction among those who trust me with their real estate needs.
Although I am a newer member of the Keller Williams family, my goal of developing a successful career as a Realtor is evidenced by the same dedication it took to graduate summa cum laude from Vanguard University of Southern California with a degree in Business Administration. I am an active member of Rolling Hills Covenant Church, participating in events such as Sharefest and other fundraisers.
I am an active beach volleyball player and golfer, and volunteer as an assistant coach at Los Angeles Harbor College and local high schools.
My commitment to you is simple: I will earn your trust by providing the highest level of customer service possible. I am part of a team that includes experts in all aspects of real estate with proven contacts to make necessary referrals to qualified affiliates and ensure that your transaction is seamless.
It’s that simple. I promise!