I came to Grass Valley on a business trip and immediately knew it was home. My wife, Brooke, and I moved, ready to build our future—but life had other plans. Challenges forced me to adapt, innovate, and push forward, leading me to build a business, master real estate investing, and create lasting value for my community.

Real estate wasn’t part of my original plan, but in hindsight, I had been preparing for it my entire life. I became interested in real estate investing at 13, watching my parents purchase and manage rental properties. Even then, I was fascinated by how the right property could create long-term wealth and opportunity. But when it came time to choose a career, I pursued English literature, drawn to the power of storytelling and the impact great teachers had on my life.

At 19, I met Brooke, my now wife, and followed her to UC Santa Barbara, where we both finished our degrees. After graduating, we moved to Sacramento where I worked as a ski and boot technician and substitute teacher. I quickly realized that while I loved learning, the structure of teaching didn’t suit me. I found myself watching the clock, itching to be outside, solving real-world problems, and building something of my own. That restlessness led me to a sales position with Black Diamond, where I traveled to climbing gyms across the West Coast, educating staff and owners on outdoor gear and business opportunities. It was my first introduction to sales, and I loved the challenge of identifying needs, presenting solutions, and creating real value for people.

One of those business trips took me to Grass Valley, and I immediately knew it was where Brooke and I were meant to be. In 2015, we sold our house and moved, ready to plant roots in a community that felt like home. But something was missing—a climbing gym. I had always been drawn to the idea of building something that mattered, and Grass Valley needed a space where people could connect, challenge themselves, and grow. The vision was clear, and in 2016, I co-founded Gold Crush Climbing Gym with two business partners. That same year, Brooke and I bought our Grass Valley home, and we welcomed our first son, Sage, into the world. It should have been a year of celebration, but then, my independent sales position with Black Diamond went in-house. Suddenly, I was unemployed, with a new mortgage and a newborn, staring down an uncertain future.

Failure wasn’t an option. I threw myself into the gym, working long hours to bring the vision to life. We didn’t have deep-pocketed investors—we had grit, determination, and a belief that this was something our town needed. Over the next year, I poured everything I had into building the gym, working 18-hour days, juggling construction, operations, and marketing. When Gold Crush finally opened, it wasn’t just a business—it was proof of what persistence and a clear vision could accomplish.

But I wasn’t done. In 2017, I began studying permaculture and self-educating on real estate investing. I consumed every book, podcast, and resource I could find, determined to understand how land, sustainability, and smart investment strategies intersected. In 2018, I joined a commercial acquisitions team while also identifying residential investment properties for investors in Nevada County. My understanding of real estate deepened, and I saw firsthand how the right investments could transform people’s lives.

Our family grew alongside my career—Jasper was born in 2019, and Rose in 2021—but so did my drive to create something bigger. I knew real estate wasn’t just about buying and selling houses. It was about guiding people through one of the most important financial decisions of  their lives, helping them see possibilities they might have missed, and ensuring they made choices that aligned with their long-term goals.

In 2020, I became a licensed realtor, blending my background in construction, investing, and land stewardship to serve my clients in a way that few others could. Transitioning into real estate was a challenge—I had built a reputation as the “climbing guy,” and I wasn’t sure how people would see me. But I quickly realized that the skills I had honed over the years—problem-solving, negotiation, and an unwavering commitment to adding value—were exactly what made me great at this job. 

Through every challenge, I have built, adapted, and pushed forward—not just for myself, but for my family, my clients, and my community. That’s what drives me every day.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions a person can make, and I take that responsibility seriously. My role goes beyond transactions—I solve problems, anticipate challenges, and guide my clients with clarity and confidence.

With a background in construction, investing, and permaculture, I assess properties beyond surface appeal. I analyze land for microclimates, slopes, and long-term sustainability while identifying potential red flags that could impact a home’s value. My experience in commercial acquisitions and high-stakes negotiations allows me to advocate for my clients effectively, ensuring they make informed, strategic decisions.

I thrive in complex situations, managing all the moving parts while maintaining clear communication with lenders, vendors, and other key players. The home-buying or selling process can feel overwhelming, but I make it as seamless as possible—so my clients feel supported, empowered, and confident in their future.

Sincerely,

Desmond Sandy

REALTOR® | LIC# 02083867

Call/Text 530.263.1925

Desmond@SandyRealEstateGroup.com

www.sandyrealestategroup.com