Meet The Team

Kara Schug

Founder
Kara has been a licensed New Mexico Real Estate Broker since 2003. She holds the Certified Luxury Home Market Specialist (CLHMS) designation, iBuyer, and E-Pro certification, and is a member of the Keller Williams Realty Luxury International Division. She is also a Past Chair and current member of the Leap Committee at GAAR. Since 2012, Kara has been in the top 5% of all producing Realtors in the Southwest MLS. Kara was also awarded the “Hall of Fame” designation for earnings in excess of $1 million. She is also the Team Lead for Casa Dream Team. Kara has the resources, reputation, relationships, and know-how to help her clients achieve their real estate goals and make the process as stress-free as possible. With the Keller Williams tools and systems, it makes for a one, two knock out!

Born in Pennsylvania, Kara moved to Texas at the age of 4. After moving nine times in six years, she moved to New Mexico in 1998, where she has been ever since. After owning a RE/MAX brokerage for 8 years, Kara learned the art of negotiation and the value of relationships. Being a leading top producer, Kara prides herself on being able to provide her clients with the most up-to-date information on buying, selling, financing, investing, and flipping in the state of today’s market. She loves the people she gets to meet. Kara works almost 100% by referral. Her success in Real Estate is arguably based on her dedication to building and maintaining relationships, as well as her ability to cater and adapt to all of her client’s Real Estate needs, by creating a personalized approach for each of her clients.

The Real Estate industry has been a blessing to Kara. She takes great joy in helping raise the level of professionalism in her industry.She gives back by teaching required Continuing Education courses and coaching other Realtors to help them meet their goals.

Outside of Real Estate, Kara enjoys traveling with the love of her life, spending time with her five grandchildren, working out, learning, playing the drums, hiking, and cooking.

If you have any Real Estate questions, please contact Kara at kara@karaschug.com or 505-264-3005.

Kristen Werntz

Team Leader / Director of Operations / Realtor®, Associate Broker
Kristen is the Director of Operations for Casa Dream Team. Kristen first became introduced into the real estate world after working in a law office specializing in real estate and contracts. She has since graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s in Criminology and a Master’s in Business Administration with a Finance concentration.

Kelly Chau

Associate Broker, Stager
Kelly Chau was born and raised in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Vietnam and moved to Singapore for her studies. She comes from a background of 8 years in real estate development and brings business development and investment to bear when working with her real estate clients. Kelly attended TMC Academy – University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate in Singapore and earned an International Business Degree, and her skills in real estate give her a unique insight into how to bargain, protect clients, find the best deals, and market properties.

Kelly entered the Real Estate world in order to be her own boss, share good experiences while working with a Realtor, provide better for her family, meet new people, and help people accomplish homeownership.

Kelly is married and lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with her husband and kid, she spends her free time cooking Asian food, gardening and hiking with families and friends.

If you have any Real Estate questions, please contact Kelly at kellychau@kw.com or 505-737-9421.

Get Pre-Approved!

Eleanor Hutt

Loan Originator

NMLS #470211
Email: ehutt@WaterstoneMortgage.com
Office: 505.219.3249
Mobile: 505.463.6742
Fax: 505.214.5613
In 1980 I started in real estate in California, working in commercial real estate for about 15 years before moving to residential lending here in New Mexico. My extensive experience as a loan originator and knowledge of the industry allows me to tailor each loan to meet the specific needs of my client. Everyone’s story is different, so no one loan will fit everyone’s needs. My job is to find that perfect fit. I pride myself on honesty, hard work and professionalism and I am dedicated to making the process a positive and rewarding experience for you. I welcome the opportunity to earn your business and your trust.

Working at Waterstone Mortgage allows me to offer a broad range of mortgage products to meet your needs, while the company’s sterling reputation allows me to offer top-notch service. Buying a home is the single most important investment we make. That’s why you can be confident that I will be there to help you through the entire process “from start to finish” every step of the way.

I look forward to working with you!

Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. Branch License #41DBO-89060.

Tracy Von Blon

Transaction Coordinator
I have been an active Realtor/Transaction Manager for 17 years.

With a passion for service, I carry the values of hard work, integrity, and outstanding client service to ensure a successful closing.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, tennis and spending time with family and friends.

Ben Gutierrez

Marketing Specialist
Email: gutierrezben767@gmail.com
Phone: (505) 933-0139

I am the Head of Marketing for the Casa Dream Team. Ben has graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Summa Cum Laude Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a concentration in marketing. He has been working with the Casa Dream Team since the summer of 2021.

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