Meet Deborah Pisaro | Owner/Founder – Boutique Real Estate Company

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

Hi deborah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
After two decades in real estate, I realized I wanted to build something that felt more personal—something that combined everything I love: storytelling, design, strategy, and community. I’d worked under big brokerages and learned a ton, but I wanted the freedom to lead with creativity and tailor the client experience from start to finish. That’s when Coastline 840 was born.

The name reflects my inspiration—the 840 miles of California coastline—and my mission: to help people buy, sell, and design homes that feel deeply connected to place. I wanted to create a boutique real estate company that didn’t just feel transactional, but thoughtful, curated, and rooted in design. Starting my own business gave me the space to build a brand that mirrors how I see the world—and how I serve my clients.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is called Coastline 840, a boutique real estate company inspired by the 840 miles of the California coast—and the endless stories that unfold along it. After over 20 years in the industry, I wanted to create a brand that felt personal, design-forward, and rooted in storytelling. Real estate, for me, isn’t just about the deal. It’s about architecture, intention, and helping people move through meaningful life transitions with care and confidence.

What sets Coastline 840 apart is the blend of real estate expertise and design sensibility. I’ve renovated multiple homes—including my latest purchase – a 1907 Craftsman in Silver Lake—and I bring that creative lens to every project. Whether it’s preparing a listing for market, advising on a renovation, or reimagining a space, I treat each home like a canvas. I even wrote a book about the renovation journey of my Silver Lake house—it was a personal labor of love, and a reflection of how deeply I care about the connection between design and daily life.

I’m also excited to share a little piece of that design philosophy through my Mid-Century Modern Airbnb. It’s more than just a rental—it’s an experience. Guests can stay in a thoughtfully curated space that captures the spirit of California architecture and style. It’s a way for people to live in the kind of design-forward environment I advocate for in my real estate work.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve had to navigate uncertainty, imposter syndrome, and a few hard pivots. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, especially when it comes to brand, voice, and client experience. I’ve also learned that doing good work—quietly, consistently—always pays off. It’s not always the flashiest approach, but it builds trust, and that’s everything in this business.

What I’m most proud of is the way Coastline 840 has stayed true to its core: a thoughtful, design-driven real estate experience that puts people first. I’m not here to do things the way they’ve always been done. I’m here to build something that feels honest, elevated, and genuinely helpful.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and this brand, it’s that we show up with heart. Whether you’re buying, selling, renovating, or dreaming, we’re here to help you move forward—with style, strategy, and intention.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a week to show my best friend around, we’d make it a true “California experience”—rooted in Los Angeles but with detours that highlight the coast, architecture, food, wine, and all the creativity that makes this state so special. It would be a mix of natural beauty, design inspiration, great meals, and a little real estate magic tucked into every day.

**Day 1 – California Welcome: Los Feliz + Griffith Park**
We’d kick things off in my neighborhood, Los Feliz. Coffee at Maru, then breakfast at All Time on Hillhurst. We’d walk it off with a hike up to the Griffith Observatory—quintessential LA views with a nature-meets-architecture moment.
Lunch at Pine & Crane, then a design stroll through some of my favorite Eastside neighborhoods—Silver Lake, Echo Park, and a quick drive through The Oaks to admire the Spanish-style and mid-century homes.
Dinner would be at Budonoki—my favorite Eastside izakaya—followed by a glass of California Pinot Noir at Bar Covell.

**Day 2 – Ojai Daydreams + Scenic Coastline**
Originally, we might’ve taken the classic drive up the coast through the Palisades, but with the recent wildfires impacting that area, I’d shift the plan a bit—out of respect and with hope for a safe recovery for everyone affected.
Instead, we’d head to Ojai—a peaceful, design-forward town tucked into the mountains. We’d stop at Beacon Coffee, explore the shops (Bart’s Books, In the Field, and deKor & Co.), and grab lunch at The Dutchess.
In the afternoon, we’d relax at Tipple & Ramble or sneak in a mini spa moment at Ojai Valley Inn. On the way back, maybe stop for a golden-hour beach walk near Rincon or Ventura—open coastline, salty air, and slower pace.
Dinner back in LA might be at Found Oyster or Dunsmoor—hyper-local, cozy, and very California.

**Day 3 – Santa Ynez Wine Country**
Road trip! We’d head to Santa Ynez to taste wine and soak up the scenery. Folded Hills, Story of Soil, and Peake Ranch are my go-to’s—not just for the wine, but for the design and storytelling.
We’d grab lunch at The Lucky Hen or pack a picnic to enjoy among the vines. If we stay the night, it’s either The Skyview in Los Alamos (mid-century vibes and poolside drinks) or The Capri in Ojai for something more serene.
Dinner would be outdoors—under string lights, surrounded by lavender and oak trees, sipping local Pinot.

**Day 4 – DTLA: Art, Architecture & Local Energy**
Back in LA, we’d dive into Downtown. Coffee at Verve, followed by visits to The Broad and Hauser & Wirth for some art inspiration.
Lunch at Bavel, then boutique shopping at the ROW and a little architectural sightseeing—Union Station, the Bradbury Building, maybe a secret rooftop or two.
Dinner at Camphor—sophisticated but unfussy—and if we’re feeling it, cocktails at The Wolves, a beautifully restored bar with vintage interiors and a next-level cocktail program.

**Day 5 – Laurel Canyon + Dream Homes**
We’d ease into the day with Courage Bagels, then take a drive through Laurel Canyon to tap into that Old Hollywood energy—winding roads, iconic architecture, and hidden design gems around every corner.
Since I’m a real estate agent, no visit would be complete without stopping at a few open houses—especially if it’s a Tuesday or Thursday, when LA’s broker caravans happen. It’s basically a self-guided tour of the city’s most inspiring homes, from classic Spanish-style estates to architectural masterpieces in the hills. We’d jump in and out, dreaming up design ideas and soaking up all the character each home has to offer.
In the afternoon, we’d visit a few design shops or meet up with a builder or artist friend.
Dinner at Kismet or Saffy’s, then maybe a backyard concert, gallery opening, or spontaneous gathering—because that’s how LA magic works.

**Day 6 – Atwater Village + Elysian Views**
Coffee at Proof Bakery, a walk through Elysian Park for skyline views, then brunch at Botanica in Silver Lake—always beautiful, always seasonal.
We’d spend the afternoon wandering Atwater Village, stopping into indie shops and grabbing a glass of wine at Tabula Rasa.
Dinner would be laid-back—maybe a taco crawl, or something grilled and shared with friends at home.

**Day 7 – Sunday Slowdown**
Our final day would be a slow, golden Sunday. A long walk, some vintage shopping, maybe a few more open houses—because yes, we’re still doing that—and one last sunset drive down the 2.
Windows down, music up, talking about everything we’ve seen and how good it feels to be in a place where beauty, creativity, and community all come together.

In California it’s the layers. One moment you’re surrounded by redwoods, the next you’re in a modernist home with floor-to-ceiling glass, then you’re drinking wine that tastes like the soil and sea. There’s beauty, resilience, and reinvention in every corner of this state—and that’s what keeps me endlessly inspired.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without a doubt, I have to give the biggest shoutout to my two daughters. They are my greatest inspiration. Watching them grow into strong, creative, curious young women reminds me every day why I do what I do. They keep me grounded, motivated, and endlessly curious. I want to show them that you can build something meaningful on your own terms—with heart, with grit, and with purpose.

I’m also incredibly grateful for the friends, creative partners, and amazing clients who have walked this path with me. Their trust, ideas, encouragement, and collaboration have shaped my journey in ways I never could’ve done alone. I’ve learned so much from the people I work with—and I carry those lessons into every new project, listing, or design.

And of course, a huge thank you to Side, Inc.—my brokerage partner and a true force behind the scenes of Coastline 840. Their platform gave me the tools and support to scale with intention, and the freedom to build a brand that reflects my vision. They’ve empowered me to do business differently, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

Website: https://www.Coastline840.com

Instagram: @debbie_pisaro

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