Penny Leopold and the phrase “Sun Valley real estate” are virtually synonymous. She’s widely recognized by clients and peers alike as one of the most knowledgeable, effective real estate professionals in the Wood River Valley and throughout Blaine County. Penny and her husband Norm, an attorney and retired judge pro tem, moved from Seattle to Sun Valley in 2001 planning to “give it a try”. Like so many people, they fell in love with the quality of life and unique sense of community, deciding it was the perfect place to raise their two children and make it their permanent home.
A graduate of the University of Washington with degrees in Sociology and Society and Justice, Penny’s continued interest in education is a life-long pursuit. From a “Semester at Sea” program exploring the western Pacific, to learning a strong work ethic with her first job as a young teenager, Penny has rich life-experience that she skillfully applies for the benefit of her clients, family and friends. Growing up and working in the family business of commercial real estate, her father, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, taught her a great deal about both business and ethics that serve as her foundation as a realtor today.
After graduating college, Penny worked at Nordstrom HQ in sales and as an assistant buyer. Here she honed her skills in negotiations, sales, and fostering trust-based relationships. Following many years in sales-related enterprises on a national scale, as well as supporting the family commercial real estate business, she joined Windermere in 2003 where she grew her client base and earned a reputation of honesty, integrity and respecting confidentiality. In 2007 she was recognized for her contributions and was selected for the prestigious Realtor of the Year award and was a runner-up in 2009. After nearly 11 years with Windermere, she joined Ralston Group Properties – a perfect fit of shared values, relevant experience, and earnest hard work on behalf of all clients.
Penny works primarily in residential, but also engages in commercial real estate in Sun Valley, and throughout the Wood River Valley and Blaine County. Her residential work ranges from exclusive residences and high-end second homes, to ranch properties and “fixer-uppers”. Regardless of scale, she places high priority on the fact that real estate is a business transaction, and always goes the extra mile to ensure her clients truly understand the business transaction, make informed decisions, and are positioned to ensure that their purchase or sale is right for them. The “business lens” that Penny possesses and leverages for her clients’ benefit is further enhanced through the experience gained in the commercial real estate investments that she and her husband actively own and manage. It’s no accident that over 90% of Penny’s clients are referrals as she loves the business, and her enthusiasm about real estate and doing best by her clients is infectious!
An active member of the Sun Valley community, Penny gives much of herself to various area organizations. From serving as a Board member of the Ketchum Community Library, supporting the Blaine County School District and Camp Rainbow Gold, to helping create affordable housing, feeding those in need, and lending a hand to people with physical disabilities, she and Norm quietly enjoy giving back to the community that they love.
Contact Penny Leopold: 208-309-1130 | penny@ralstongrp.com.
