Meet Jennifer Merritt | Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Merritt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
I’m a strong believer in affirmations! One of my favorite affirmations is, “Everything you want is on the other side of belief.” It speaks to me because I’ve seen firsthand how powerful belief is—in ourselves, in the process, and in our dreams. Whether it’s in real estate or in life, when people truly believe in what’s possible, incredible things happen. For my clients, that belief often transforms the home-buying or selling experience from something overwhelming into something empowering. It’s a reminder that with the right mindset and a little faith, the goals we set are entirely within reach.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m incredibly proud of the business I’ve built at Sand + Stone Real Estate Group. Operating under the amazing brokerage of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, we’ve earned the distinction of being a top-producing team locally and nationally, but what really sets us apart is our personal approach to real estate. My mission has always been to treat every client like family—to genuinely care about their goals, dreams, and long-term success. I’m not in this for the quick transaction; I’m in it for the long haul. I want to be the person my clients turn to throughout their lives as they grow, evolve, and make new moves.

Getting to where I am today certainly wasn’t easy. I started my real estate career during the 2007 market crash, which was a trial by fire, to say the least. But those early challenges taught me some invaluable lessons—how to adapt, stay resilient, and most importantly, build trust. I learned that success in real estate isn’t just about selling homes; it’s about forming lasting relationships with clients. I’ve been fortunate enough to watch many of my clients go from buying their first homes to growing their families and finding their forever homes. That kind of loyalty and connection is something I cherish deeply.

One of the things I’m most excited about is showing people who are new to Los Angeles what this incredible city has to offer. As a native Angeleno, I love sharing my knowledge of LA’s diverse neighborhoods and unique culture. Whether someone is relocating here or simply moving to a new part of town, I want them to feel at home and excited about their new chapter.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are simple but profound: work hard, stay humble, and always put your clients first. Building a business takes time, patience, and a lot of heart. I want the world to know that at Sand + Stone, we’re more than just a real estate group—we’re a team that’s committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our clients. Our goal is to be your trusted real estate resource for life, creating partnerships that go far beyond just one transaction.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was coming to LA for a week, we’d have the ultimate LA experience! First off, we’d kick off the trip with breakfast at Gjusta in Venice—a total gem of a bakery/deli with incredible pastries and avocado toast that’ll change your life. From there, we’d hit Abbot Kinney Boulevard for some shopping and people-watching because it’s the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and cool boutiques.

Day two, we’re heading to Griffith Park for a hike up to the Griffith Observatory. It’s a classic LA activity, but not everyone knows there’s a secret trail that’s way less crowded and has the best views of the city. After that, we’d grab some lunch at Bestia in the Arts District for mouthwatering Italian. Then, we’d wrap up the evening with drinks at Broken Shaker, a rooftop bar with a pool that has some of the most unique cocktails in the city.

Midweek, it’s all about beach time! We’d spend the day where my office is located, Manhattan Beach, of course. We’d start with breakfast at Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, then stroll along the pier and bike along the Strand. For dinner, I’d take them to The Strand House for amazing ocean views and farm-to-table food—definitely a must-visit.

Toward the end of the week, we’d switch it up and get a little artsy. A visit to The Getty Center is a must in LA, with its stunning architecture and gardens. And since we’d be in that part of town, we’d head to Brentwood Country Mart for some casual shopping and maybe even get in a celeb-spotting. We’d end the day at Elephante in Santa Monica for dinner and sunset cocktails—it’s the perfect place to soak in the beachy golden hour.

For a fun night out, I’d definitely take them to Soho House in West Hollywood, if we still had the energy to! And we’d also squeeze in a day trip to Malibu, because what’s an LA trip without a little Malibu Farm lunch and a drive up the coast?

The week would end with a chill Sunday brunch at République—it’s iconic, and the French toast is unforgettable. From there, we’d explore Larchmont Village for a cozy neighborhood vibe with great little shops and cafés, perfect for winding down after a week of LA adventures.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I have to give credit to my husband, Quinn Merritt. His unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been the foundation that allows me to do what I do. He’s always been my rock through the ups and downs of life and business, and I truly couldn’t have come this far without him. His confidence in me is my motivation to keep pushing forward and to always strive for more.

In terms of my career, I have deep gratitude for my early mentors in real estate who helped shape my path during the challenging 2007 market, teaching me the value of resilience and integrity in this business. I also have to give a huge shoutout to my cousin and business partner, Kevin Sanderson. Together, we’ve built Sand + Stone Real Estate Group, and his partnership, vision, and dedication have been key to our success.

Website: https://sandandstone.us/south-bay-homepage/

Instagram: @jennifermerrittrealestate @sandandstonesouthbayhomes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merrittjennifer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferMerrittRealEstate

Image Credits
Tea Tree Productions