If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're at a turning point.
You may still love Los Angeles — the energy, the culture, the access — but you're starting to imagine something different. More space. Easier routines. A home instead of just a location. Maybe schools are becoming part of the conversation. Maybe you're simply craving a lifestyle that feels more grounded and sustainable.
That moment is one I understand deeply, because I've lived it myself.
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The rolling hills and sunsets that drew me to Woodland Hills - Victory Trailhead
I'm originally from Colorado, and that early connection to space, nature, and balance has always stayed with me — even as my life and career took me through different parts of Southern California.
I moved to Southern California the day after graduating high school, settling first in Orange County, where I lived for nearly twelve years. Over time, my life and career took me through Long Beach and Downtown Los Angeles — each chapter shaping how I understand different neighborhoods, markets, and lifestyles across the region.
I became a licensed real estate agent in 2016 and built my early career in competitive, fast-moving markets throughout Los Angeles. I worked with clients buying and selling condos, lofts, and single-family homes, learning quickly how important strategy, timing, and clear communication are when decisions matter.
As much as I loved that chapter, I always knew it wasn't where I wanted to stay long-term.
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When I moved to Woodland Hills, something shifted. It felt less like searching for the next place — and more like recognizing the right one.
Woodland Hills offered the balance I had been looking for: proximity to the city without the constant friction, space without isolation, and a strong sense of community that still feels deeply connected to Los Angeles. It also mirrored what I was seeing with my clients more and more.
Many of the people I work with are making the same transition — often from areas like Sherman Oaks — because they're ready to buy a home, not just a place to live. They're thinking about schools, long-term value, and what their daily life actually looks like.
The West Valley isn't a compromise. For many buyers, it's an intentional upgrade.
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After moving to the area, I joined one of the top real estate teams in Westlake Village, where I spent two years refining my systems, sharpening my negotiation skills, and working at a high level across a wide range of transactions. That experience gave me a strong foundation and a clear understanding of what truly serves clients well — especially in competitive or emotional situations.
In 2024, I earned my broker's license. It was a step I took deliberately as I prepared to build something of my own — something more personal, more hands-on, and more aligned with how I work with clients.
That decision led me to launch Stacey Hayes Homes at the Compass Calabasas office, where I'm able to combine local expertise with powerful tools and resources that ultimately benefit my clients.
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Today, I focus on helping buyers and sellers throughout the West Valley — particularly Woodland Hills, West Hills, and Calabasas — with a special passion for clients transitioning from Los Angeles.
Because I've made that move myself, I'm able to guide clients not just through the transaction, but through the decision. We talk about lifestyle, commute, schools, and long-term plans — not just price per square foot.
My goal is always clarity, never pressure.
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One of the things I appreciate most about Woodland Hills is how livable it truly is.
I love being able to run to Pilates in Calabasas, stop by Erewhon, and still be home in minutes. I was genuinely excited when Alfred Coffee opened in Woodland Hills — a small detail, but one that speaks to how the area continues to evolve.
There's also something deeply underrated about everyday convenience: grocery stores without paid parking, easy errands, and space to breathe. When I want to get outside, I love walking or hiking at Victory Trailhead, and Westfield Topanga is a true hub for dining, shopping, and daily life.
And one of my favorite perks — especially in the summer — is the easy access through the canyon to Malibu. Being able to enjoy beach days without feeling far removed from home is one of the things that makes living here feel so special.
I'm also an avid road cyclist, and the West Valley has some of the best cycling routes in Southern California. The canyon roads are incredible for long rides, and there's a strong cycling community here. Whether it's an early morning ride through Calabasas or exploring the rolling hills around Westlake Village, the area offers the perfect blend of challenging terrain and accessible routes for cyclists of all levels.
Early morning rides through the canyon roads are one of my favorite ways to experience the community
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This year, my focus is on building even deeper roots here — not just professionally, but personally. Woodland Hills doesn't feel temporary to me. It feels like home.
Through Stacey Hayes Homes, my goal is to help clients feel confident, informed, and supported — not just during the transaction, but long after closing. This isn't just where I work; it's where I'm choosing to build, long-term.
Real estate is personal. Where you live shapes your daily life, your routines, and the memories you create. I take that responsibility seriously.
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Whether you're actively searching, casually exploring the idea of moving to the West Valley, or simply want to understand your options, I believe the best real estate decisions are made with preparation, honesty, and trust.
If that approach resonates with you, I'd love to be a resource — whenever the timing feels right.
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**Thinking about relocating to Woodland Hills or the West Valley?** Here are some resources to help you get started:
Whether you're ready to move tomorrow or just beginning to explore your options, I'm here to guide you with expertise and intention.
Thinking about leaving LA for the West Valley? Discover what changes, what stays the same, neighborhood comparisons, budget frameworks, and how to avoid common mistakes when relocating from Los Angeles to Woodland Hills, West Hills, or Calabasas.
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