For all her world travel and professional expertise, REALTOR® Raquel Montes has a down-to-earth attitude. What drives her is the happiness of her clients and knowing that she’s helping them with one of their most important decisions — a place that they will call home.

Growing up in Venezuela, Raquel studied at the University of Zulia and Simón Bolívar University, where she earned a degree in chemical engineering. But her heart led her down a different professional path, and she started her own business as an interior decorator. When her husband’s career presented an opportunity in 2006, they moved to Houston, and, after a brief hiatus in California, they returned in 2012.

The following year, Raquel became a real estate agent and found her heart’s true desire — a profession that combined her analytical skills, passion for home décor, and extraordinary life experience. Navigating several moves in a few short years gave her the added insights she shares with clients as she guides them through the process. She has a particular talent for assisting people with acclimating to a new town and perhaps a different culture; she is fluent in Spanish. Raquel especially likes working with international and first-time buyers, as well as retirees, but she happily assists all buyers and sellers. She also has a knack for helping investors locate and buy profitable properties, providing them with an end-to-end service that includes marketing those properties for lease.

In addition to her vast experience, Raquel is committed to furthering her real estate knowledge. She has earned several professional designations, including Certified Home Marketing Specialist (CHMS), Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE), Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI®), Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), and Texas Residential Leasing Specialist (TRLS).

Yet, Raquel still finds time for crochet, jewelry making, yoga, volunteering for church and community organizations, and spending time with her two daughters, who are pursuing careers in health care. With roots in three countries — Spain, Venezuela, and the U.S. — she loves traveling and learning about diverse cultures. But for Raquel, home is where the heart is.