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Our Story

A Family Legacy Built on Real Estate Excellence

Since our founding, La Placa Properties has served Orange County with integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to client success. We are more than a brokerage — we are a family dedicated to yours.

Who We Are

Elevating Realty, Enriching Lives

La Placa Properties was built on a simple belief: that buying or selling a home should be a confident, transparent, and rewarding experience. Located in Newport Beach, California, we serve all of Orange County with a comprehensive suite of real estate services that go far beyond the transaction.

Our team brings together licensed brokers, REALTORS®, lending specialists, and administrative professionals under one roof. This means you get seamless coordination from the first consultation to the final closing — without the stress of managing multiple vendors.

The La Placa name carries weight in Southern California real estate. We are affiliated with La Placa Real Estate Orange County and have built partnerships with industry leaders to ensure our clients always receive best-in-class service and access to market opportunities others cannot offer.

Integrity
Honest guidance at every step
Expertise
20+ years of market knowledge
Family
Personal care for every client
Results
Maximizing your real estate outcome
La Placa Properties Newport Beach office — family real estate team serving Orange County
Our People

Meet the La Placa Properties Team

Licensed professionals with deep expertise, personal dedication, and a genuine passion for connecting people with the right properties.

Leadership

Gabe Gonzales, Partner / Broker at La Placa Properties

Gabe Gonzales

Partner / Broker

VP at La Placa Development with degrees in Finance (Azusa Pacific University) and an MBA (Concordia University). Licensed California real estate broker specializing in business development and investment strategy. Partner in La Placa Investment Group focusing on value-add real estate.

Giovanni La Placa, Partner / Operations Director at La Placa Properties

Giovanni La Placa

Partner / Operations Director

Eldest son of the La Placa family with 20+ years in real estate and construction. Full-time firefighter/paramedic certified by UCLA (2002). Manages negotiations, budgeting, and purchasing with a strong entrepreneurial background.

Francis La Placa, Partner / Field Manager at La Placa Properties

Francis La Placa

Partner / Field Manager

Youngest son overseeing subcontractors and project completion. Five-plus years in construction development and design, with extensive knowledge gained working alongside founder Gaetano La Placa.

Sheri La Placa, Controller at La Placa Properties

Sheri La Placa

Controller

Co-founder and wife of Gaetano, married 40+ years. Oversees daily accounting operations and administrative duties — the backbone of the La Placa family operation.

Sales Team

Jen Shaw, Office Manager

Jen Shaw

Office Manager

Bachelor's in Communications/Advertising from Cal State Fullerton. Over a decade in residential real estate, licensed realtor, and former assistant designer for an interior design firm. Volunteers with Special Olympics Southern California and Surfrider Foundation.

Carolyn Kipper, REALTOR®

Carolyn Kipper

REALTOR®

Dedicated real estate professional serving Orange County buyers and sellers with commitment and expertise.

John Heunemann, REALTOR®

John Heunemann

REALTOR®

Experienced real estate agent specializing in Southern California residential properties and investment opportunities.

Mark Delgado, REALTOR®

Mark Delgado

REALTOR®

Results-driven realtor committed to delivering exceptional client experiences throughout the home buying and selling process.

Kelsey La Placa, REALTOR®

Kelsey La Placa

REALTOR®

Continuing the family legacy with dedication to delivering the La Placa standard of excellence to every client.

Blake Cole, REALTOR®

Blake Cole

REALTOR®

Passionate about connecting clients with their ideal Orange County properties and building lasting relationships.

Common Questions

About Our Brokerage

La Placa Properties has deep roots in Southern California real estate and construction, with family members bringing over 20 years of combined experience to every client relationship. The La Placa family legacy spans real estate, development, and investment.

Yes — La Placa Properties is proudly family-owned and operated. The company is built around the La Placa family's values of trust, excellence, and long-term client relationships. Our team includes multiple family members in key leadership roles.

We offer a true all-in-one real estate experience. Rather than referring you to separate professionals for lending, legal, title, and escrow services, we handle everything in-house through our network of licensed experts — saving you time and ensuring consistency throughout your transaction.

Take the Next Step

Ready to Work with Orange County's Premier Real Estate Team?

Contact La Placa Properties today and experience the difference a dedicated, family-owned brokerage makes.