Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa De Jesus.
Hi Lisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began in real estate and community service long before I ever knew the term Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Over the years, I’ve welcomed every twist and turn — from serving on community boards and city planning commissions to building deep expertise in complex land use and housing policy. Those experiences shaped my purpose: to help homeowners, investors, and even local governments see possibilities where others saw hurdles. Along the way, I became a licensed California Real Estate Broker and launched ADU Gurus™, a consulting practice grounded in strategic insight and education that demystifies the ADU process for clients and real estate professionals across Southern California and beyond. Today, that purpose has grown into a platform that addresses pressing housing challenges with creativity and impact. I recently developed ADUrealestate.NET™ — a resource spotlighted in the San Diego Business Journal (https://www.sdbj.com/real-estate/website-assists-property-owners-in-complex-adu-sale-process/) — to assist property owners navigating the intricate process of marketing and selling ADUs, especially now that legislation like AB 1033 is reshaping how these units can be valued and transacted. Through my work, I combine market expertise, policy fluency, and a community-centered mindset to help people build wealth, expand housing options, and participate in the future of housing innovation in California. My mission remains the same and is simple: empower communities, create housing opportunities, and help property owners build long-term real estate wealth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
God, no. It has absolutely not been a smooth road — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. This work has stretched me intellectually, professionally, and personally. My mind has been challenged and, at times, completely boggled by the pace of change. The biggest ongoing challenge has been managing growth while staying ahead of a moving target. State statutes evolve, cities interpret and codify those statutes differently, and every jurisdiction has its own nuances. At the same time, I’m running two distinct companies — one focused on real estate transactions and another on ADU design and permitting — each with its own demands and responsibilities.
Now we’re entering yet another layer with ADU sales under AB 1033. Until each city formally opts in and clarifies how it will implement the law — and until lenders, title companies, and the secondary market fully adapt — there’s constant complexity. Staying current isn’t optional; it’s essential. Add to that my role in community planning and public service, and the learning curve never really ends. But that’s also what drives me. The challenges have sharpened my expertise and reinforced my commitment to being a trusted resource in an area where clarity truly matters.
As you know, we’re big fans of ADU Gurus LLC™ and ADU Real Estate.NET™. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My work operates at the intersection of policy, property, and practical execution. Through ADU Gurus™, we specialize in ADU feasibility analysis, strategy, design coordination, and permitting guidance. We help homeowners, investors, and even other real estate professionals understand what is actually possible on a property before they invest significant time or money. It’s part regulatory translation, part strategic planning — and it requires staying deeply current with state legislation and local implementation.
Through ADU Real Estate.NET™, we focus on the next phase — positioning, marketing, and selling properties with ADUs, particularly in jurisdictions that opt into AB 1033 and allow separate conveyance. What sets us apart is that we don’t just “list properties.” We understand the entitlement pathway, the valuation nuances, lender considerations, and how evolving statutes affect the transaction. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of being known as a trusted educator in a rapidly changing housing space. My goal isn’t just to close transactions — it’s to bring clarity to complexity and help property owners make informed, strategic decisions in a market that is still figuring itself out.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that adaptability isn’t optional — it’s essential. In housing and real estate, especially in the ADU space, change is constant. State laws evolve, cities interpret them differently, lenders adjust policies, and markets respond in real time. If I become rigid, I know that I will fall behind quickly.
I’ve learned to stay curious instead of frustrated, to pivot instead of resist, and to view change as information not disruption. Flexibility doesn’t have to mean a lack of direction — to me, it means being grounded enough in my mission that I can adjust my strategy as conditions shift. In an industry that never stands still, the ability to evolve has been my greatest asset.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adugurus.com
- Instagram: @adurealestate
- Facebook: ADU Real Estate
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hwradu
- Youtube: @adugurus
- Other: https://www.henrywrightrealty.com
Image Credits
All pics are mine and no credits are necessary or applicable.
