What began as an incredibly difficult time in my life ended up opening the door to a new chapter and a new passion.
The night my son was in a car accident, I was told he wasn’t going to survive. He’d been life-flighted, and doctors didn’t expect him to make it through the night. But against all odds, he made it. He had surgery, went through years of therapy, and eventually recovered enough to go into nursing himself because of the care he received.
To help him cover the exorbitant medical debt, I made the decision to sell my business. It was my main source of income, but there was no hesitation. Taking care of him came first, and making sure he had a clean start was what mattered most. For him, it meant a clean slate after all he had overcome. For me, it meant starting over, but I was no stranger to that.
My upbringing prepared me to take on any challenge. When my parents divorced at 17, I was on my own. My mom struggled with mental health, and I often found myself trying to support her through the darkest times of her life. It gave me a deep empathy for people and how much a small act of kindness or a moment of connection can mean. Watching my dad run his hair salon and work tirelessly also showed me what it looked like to be an entrepreneur and serve others.
I didn’t go to college, but it forced me to become resourceful, driven, and persistent. One of the few jobs I ever held ended when I was told I worked too hard. That told me everything I needed to know. At 23, I started my first business.
Over the years, I’ve owned a fine jewelry store for 26 years with multiple locations, a packing and shipping company, therapeutic massage businesses including the Northern California and Nevada territory for Massage Heights, and an auto repair shop I still own today. What ties all of those ventures together is how I run them—making quick, smart decisions, putting people first, and being willing to do the work.
Once my son was stable, I knew I had to rebuild. I got my real estate license at 56. I didn’t tell anyone, not even my husband. I studied, passed the exam, and jumped in. That first year, I sold 35 homes, working seven days a week, 12-15 hours a day. My motivation propelled me to become a top producer early in my career, ranking among the top 1% of REALTORS® nationally. Beyond the success, I found something even more important—I loved real estate.
Nothing compares to the moment I hand someone their keys. Real estate brought together everything I’d learned in business and connected it to something deeper. Helping someone find the right home, build a future, or take their first step toward financial stability had an impact far beyond the closing day.
Real estate has become a passion of mine, and I’ve implemented what I have learned into my own life. I’ve helped each of my children buy homes. I’ve built a portfolio of investment and commercial properties, started a home staging company, and launched the Terry Cicchetti Realty Group. I have enjoyed sharing what I have learned to help my team grow into strong, capable agents to further my impact beyond just the transactions I am a part of.
This chapter began with incredible hardship, but it led me to a career that reflects every part of who I am—entrepreneur, caregiver, problem-solver, and someone who believes that helping people can change lives.
Outside of real estate, I prioritize time with my 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 9 dogs. I’ve always loved animals, and with an 11-acre property and the means to support their medical needs, I can give them the space, care, and love every animal deserves.
When my oldest grandson looked at me and said, “Nana, I want to be just like you,” it stopped me in my tracks. More than anything, I want to be remembered as someone who truly cared. Someone who showed up, listened, and made a difference, even in small ways.
That’s exactly how I approach real estate. I work with first-time buyers, people downsizing, and those rebuilding after divorce, really anyone facing a major life transition. It’s never just about the house. It’s about helping people navigate one of the most emotional decisions of their lives. I know the Sacramento area inside and out, from rural properties to upscale communities, and I take the time to understand each client’s lifestyle and goals so I can guide them to the right fit. In negotiations, I have a 97% offer acceptance rate, even when competing with cash buyers, because I ask the right questions, build strong relationships, and write offers that truly stand out.
Clients know they can count on me, no matter what. Whether it’s negotiating a tough deal, solving a last-minute issue, or picking up the phone in the middle of the night, I show up. I want every person I work with to walk away knowing they were seen, heard, and truly cared for. That’s what matters most to me.
Sincerely,
Terri Cicchetti
REALTOR® | LIC#02075629
Call/Text 530-919-1747