In the News | Melina Rissone
Top San Diego Realtor
Below is a sample of Melina’s interviews, press, and media highlights showcasing her take on San Diego real estate. As an associate broker with Coldwell Banker West, she shares practical guidance on market trends, pricing, and strategies for buyers and sellers—including seniors and clients navigating divorce—so you can move forward with an expert on your side.
As Featured In:
Tom Ferry Speaker
Melina Rissone was invited to present to hundreds of real estate agents at the Tom Ferry Elite Retreat, a high-level conference where top professionals gather to sharpen their skills and better serve today’s changing market. With more agents looking to understand the opportunities and responsibilities that come with senior clients, Melina’s expertise in guiding older adults through housing decisions stood out as especially relevant and in demand.
In her popular talk, “The Silver Tsunami,” Melina explained how to support seniors through major life transitions with empathy, clarity, and a smart selling strategy—from downsizing and retirement moves to complex family dynamics. The session earned a strong response from attendees and led to an invitation to return as the keynote speaker for two “Deep-Dive” follow-up webinars, focused on how agents can train to meet the unique needs that arise when working with seniors.
Top 3% Realtor in Real Producers
Being named to the Top 400 out of more than 15,000 Realtors is a significant achievement, placing Melina in approximately the top 3% of agents in the region. This recognition reflects a high level of performance, client trust, and consistent results in a competitive market, and serves as strong validation of her expertise and professionalism.
Interview with Estate Planning Attorney Amy Hsiao
Melina Rissone sat down with respected San Diego estate planning attorney Amy Hsiao for an in-depth conversation on how individuals and families can protect their assets, real estate, and loved ones through every stage of life. The discussion covered critical topics including trusts, property ownership, divorce, retirement planning, healthcare directives, and strategies to avoid costly legal disputes, offering practical guidance for anyone navigating major life transitions.
This comprehensive interview highlighted the importance of proactive planning, especially for homeowners, seniors, blended families, and business owners. Together, they explored real-world scenarios and step-by-step approaches to safeguarding wealth, preparing for incapacity, and ensuring a smooth transfer of assets to the next generation.
Real Producers Magazine
Melina Rissone was featured in Real Producers Magazine for her standout work serving San Diego homeowners. Known for her expertise in helping clients through retirement, divorce, and relocation, Melina brings over 20 years of experience, trusted guidance, and a client-first approach to every transaction. The feature shines a spotlight on her reputation for professionalism, compassion, and results.
LaJolla.com
Melina Rissone was recognized by LaJolla.com as one of the Top Real Estate Agents in San Diego, highlighting her reputation as a trusted advisor for clients navigating major life transitions. She was noted for her ability to deftly guide buyers and sellers through complex situations — particularly divorce-related moves and other significant housing changes.
The feature underscores Melina’s commitment to providing steady, knowledgeable support during emotionally charged decisions, as well as her strong presence in the San Diego market. Her inclusion among the region’s leading agents reflects both her results-driven approach and her specialized expertise helping clients move forward during pivotal moments in their lives.
SDVoyager Interview Feature
Melina Rissone was featured in SDVoyager’s “Conversations with Inspiring People” series, which highlights local entrepreneurs and community leaders making a meaningful impact in San Diego. In the interview, she shared her professional journey, the experiences that shaped her approach to real estate, and her mission to help clients navigate major life transitions with confidence and clarity.
The feature also spotlighted Melina’s dedication to serving clients through complex situations such as retirement moves, downsizing, and divorce-related sales — emphasizing her belief that real estate decisions are deeply personal and life-changing. Her story underscored the resilience, empathy, and strategic guidance that have earned her recognition as a trusted advisor in the San Diego housing market.
Rebl Marketing Podcast
Melina Rissone joins Rebl Risty for a powerful conversation on how smart, intentional marketing directly improves outcomes for real estate clients navigating major life changes. From strategic video and analytics to client-first systems and review generation, Melina explains how modern marketing builds trust, increases visibility, and creates stronger negotiating leverage — especially for seniors, divorcing couples, and homeowners facing complex transitions.
The episode also highlights why asking clients how they want to be served is the key to earning five-star experiences, how repurposing content across platforms maximizes consistency and reach, and why accurate home value reports are essential for confident financial decision-making during life’s pivotal moments.
Julie Derry Interview
In this interview, Melina Rissone sits down with Julie Derry, one of San Diego’s most trusted Certified Senior Advisors, to talk about how families can plan ahead and avoid aging-related crises. Julie explains what a Certified Senior Advisor does, when to consult one, and the most important steps to have in place before an emergency hits.
They also cover today’s biggest aging challenges, housing options for active adults (from independent living to assisted living and nursing care), and how families afford the care they need as circumstances change. Julie shares practical guidance for long-distance families and explains how to connect with experts, resources, and next-step planning.
How I Can Help You
Every client’s journey is different. From life transitions to luxury listings, these services are built to provide clarity, confidence, and support at every step.
Home Valuations
Learn your property's true market potential. I provide comprehensive, data-driven valuations to ensure you have the numbers needed for confident decision-making.
Luxury Homes
Experience sophistication in every detail. I specialize in high-end properties, connecting discerning buyers and sellers through deep market expertise and personalized attention.
Aging Homeowners
Make your next chapter simpler and less stressful. As a Certified Senior Advisor, I offer compassionate, tailored solutions for older adults and connect you with trusted specialists from CPAs to downsizing organizers.
San Diego Insight
Make smarter decisions with a local advantage. My 20+ years of deep knowledge of San Diego neighborhoods and pricing dynamics helps you buy better or sell stronger in this competitive market.
Divorcing Couples
Reach a fair outcome without unnecessary conflict. As a Real Estate Collaboration Specialist for Divorce, I provide a neutral, structured approach to selling, helping both parties move forward with minimal disruption.
Relocation Services
Feel at home the moment you arrive. I help you move with confidence, handling every detail of your relocation with end-to-end support from logistics to local guidance.