Pleasanton’s $1 Billion Luxury Real Estate Standard: Meet the Team

Liz Venema is the Founder and Strategic Architect of the Venema Homes Team, one of the most respected and recognized real estate teams in the Tri-Valley and beyond. With over 45 years of experience in real estate and business leadership, Liz brings unmatched market knowledge, negotiation expertise, and a genuine passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals.

Under Liz’s leadership, the Venema Homes Team has achieved $1 billion+ in total sales volume, with an average sales price of $1.8 million+. The team has earned Keller Williams’ Quadruple and Triple Platinum Awards for Outstanding Sales and ranks among the Top 1% of real estate teams nationwide. In 2024, the team was ranked #122 in the country for mid-sized teams and was voted Pleasanton’s Best Real Estate Team by Pleasanton Weekly readers for the second consecutive year.

Liz has lived in Pleasanton for over 40 years, raising her two daughters through the highly regarded Pleasanton school system. Real estate is a family affair: her oldest daughter now serves as the team's Director of Operations, while her youngest is a top-producing agent on the team. Liz’s deep roots in the community and lifelong connections make her an invaluable resource to buyers and sellers at every price point.

Raised in Walnut Creek by a builder and developer father, Liz was immersed in real estate from a young age. Her father’s wisdom, that there’s nothing greater than owning your own home and land, shaped her perspective and fueled her purpose. Liz purchased her first home at age 20 and has never looked back.

Prior to real estate, Liz was the General Manager of 11 retail stores, overseeing sales, marketing, training, and operations. This foundation gave her a natural edge in real estate: a keen understanding of people, an eye for detail, and a gift for creating successful systems. Her intuitive ability to listen, take action, and advocate fiercely for her clients is what has built her sterling reputation.

Known for her bold and effective marketing strategies, Liz blends strategic pricing, targeted exposure, and expert negotiation to position her clients for success, always striving for a win-win outcome. Whether you're buying your first home or selling a luxury estate, Liz's dedication to excellence remains constant. Her clients don't just hire an agent, they gain a lifelong advocate.

Experience Excellence. Experience the Venema difference.

Amanda Davlin is the Chief Operating Officer of Venema Homes, where she oversees the daily operations, marketing strategy, and client experience with precision and care. A Pleasanton native with deep roots in the Tri-Valley, Amanda combines her professional polish with a personal understanding of the community she serves. From overseeing marketing strategy and systems to ensuring every transaction runs smoothly, Amanda is the backbone of the team’s success.

After graduating from Foothill High School, Amanda earned her degree from the University of San Diego, where she graduated with honors and studied abroad through Semester at Sea—traveling to over 13 countries including Brazil, Ghana, India, Vietnam, and China. Her early career in law, including her time assisting a prestigious Newport Beach family law firm and attending law school, sharpened her eye for detail and strengthened her client-first mindset.

Amanda has led operations for top-producing real estate teams, contributing to multiple Keller Williams Triple and Quadruple Platinum awards, including ranking in the top 1% of real estate teams nationwide. Her expertise spans everything from crafting compelling social media campaigns to implementing cutting-edge tech solutions that make the home buying and selling process seamless for clients.

Today, as Chief Operating Officer of Venema Homes, Amanda manages with vision, grace, and a fierce commitment to excellence, all while balancing her favorite role: mom to Wyatt and Eli. Her leadership behind the scenes ensures that every client experience is not only smooth but exceptional.

I began my real estate career and became a licensed Realtor in 2019 and quickly established myself as a top performing agent in the Tri-Valley market. Through my brokerage, I earned Rookie of the Year in 2020, the Highest Luxury Sale Award in 2023 ($4.85M), and the Rockstar Award in 2024. In 2024, I also obtained my Broker’s license, further expanding my ability to guide clients at the highest level.

To date, I have personally closed around $150 million in real estate sales, including the highest sale ever recorded at my brokerage, $6.5 million in 2025. My success stems from deep community knowledge, precise negotiation, strategic marketing, and the trust I build with clients at every step of the transaction.

As Junior Partner with the Venema Homes Team, I contribute directly to the team’s growth while consistently ranking among the top 1-10% of producing agents in the Tri-Valley. My leadership and sales have helped the team earn multiple Triple Platinum Awards and win recognition as the Best Real Estate Team in the community for multiple years.

A Pleasanton homeowner since 2020, I bring firsthand local insight and market expertise to every transaction. Real estate runs in my family. My father owns a general contracting company, and my mother, Liz Venema, is a top producing Realtor and owner of Venema Homes. Growing up in this environment gave me a unique understanding of property valuation, investment strategy, and what it takes to succeed in real estate.

Beyond transactions, I am dedicated to leadership and community advocacy. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Young Professionals of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and within the Bay East Association of Realtors I am on the committees of the Young Professionals Network and the Local Government Relations Committee. I have represented our region at Legislative Day at the State Capitol and YPN Advance in Chicago, collaborating with leading real estate professionals nationwide.

My approach is defined by strategic guidance and exceptional service, delivering outstanding results while building long term relationships grounded in trust, integrity, and expertise.

Lisa Desmond is a top-producing Realtor specializing in multimillion-dollar luxury properties throughout the Tri-Valley and East Bay. With a background in finance and contract management, Lisa brings a strategic, analytical approach to real estate that her clients deeply value. Her calm confidence, attention to detail, and strong negotiation skills have made her a trusted partner for discerning buyers and sellers seeking a seamless experience at the highest level.

Lisa has earned several prestigious industry awards throughout her career, including Keller Williams Tri-Valley’s 2016 Rookie of the Year, multiple Platinum Level Team Sales Awards, and the Bay East Grand Master Achievement Award. She also holds the Certified Negotiation Expert® (CNE) designation and consistently attains Keller Williams' "Capper" milestone for revenue performance.

Before transitioning into real estate, Lisa served as Chief Financial Officer for a cleantech software firm and previously held the role of Inside Sales Manager for an energy services company. She earned her B.S. in Finance from Northeastern University in Boston and draws on her extensive corporate leadership experience to expertly guide clients through complex transactions with clarity and confidence.

Known for her professionalism, integrity, and in-depth market knowledge, Lisa continues to be a key member of the Venema Homes team, offering luxury-level service, strategic insight, and a commitment to excellence.

Michelle Kroger is a dedicated Realtor with Venema Homes, bringing a thoughtful, client-centered approach to every transaction. With a background in cost accounting for a local developer, Michelle developed a strong understanding of real estate from behind the scenes before stepping into the sales side. Her attention to detail, organization, and calm under pressure make her a trusted guide for buyers and sellers alike.

Michelle began her real estate journey as the Client Services Coordinator for the Venema Homes Team, quickly proving herself as an invaluable member of the team’s success. Since becoming a licensed Realtor, she has supported numerous clients across the Tri-Valley with care, professionalism, and a passion for helping people feel at home.

A longtime San Ramon resident of 24 years, Michelle is deeply connected to the local community and genuinely believes the Tri-Valley is one of the best places to live. She’s proud to share that perspective with others, helping them find not just a home, but a neighborhood they love. Michelle was a key contributor to her team’s Keller Williams Quadruple Platinum Award in 2020 and has helped maintain the high standards that earned recognition among the top 1% of teams nationwide.

Michelle is currently celebrating her 28th wedding anniversary and is the proud mother of two grown children. Whether supporting clients or cheering on neighbors, Michelle leads with warmth, integrity, and a genuine love for the place she calls home.

Jacob Ackman has lived in Pleasanton his entire life, growing up in the Ruby Hill community. After graduating from the University of Nevada, Reno, he launched his career as an Account Executive at a San Francisco-based software company, where he spent three years sharpening his sales and client service skills.

Driven by a desire to make a greater impact closer to home, Jacob transitioned into commercial real estate with The Econic Company. There, he represented both landlords and tenants in leasing and purchasing transactions, gaining valuable experience in the East Bay market.

Now, Jacob brings that expertise to the Venema Homes Team—pairing a lifetime of local insight with over a decade of sales experience to help clients navigate the home buying and selling process with confidence.

When he's not helping clients find their perfect home, you’ll likely find Jacob on the golf course, spending time with family and friends, or cheering on the Warriors as they dominate the court.