925-687-0111
Meet the Team
Paul Sinz
President/Broker
DRE Lic. #01051347
Paul started working as a Realtor with Contra Costa Properties in 1988 and after 12 years bought the company in 2000. Paul has worked diligently with dozens of investor clients and tenants to achieve the unique goals of each. As a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a BS degree, having fields of emphasis in Real Estate and Finance, Paul continues to exhibit his acumen for both.
And, he doesn't just help investors and tenants--he believes in real estate himself. He is an investor in real estate, landlord and tenant who has done the hands-on work of buying, selling, remodeling and rehabbing, and holding numerous properties.
Paul is an active sailboat racer, having competed successfully in numerous events including the Pacific Cup race from San Francisco to Honolulu, to multiple season championships in class racing on the San Francisco Bay and in the ocean. As a helmsman and tactician, Paul carries his leadership and teamwork characteristics from the office to the race course exhibiting the winning style his clients and teammates appreciate.
Paul is an Eagle Scout and lives with his wife, Lauren, in Concord. Their son, also an Eagle Scout, is currently proudly serving in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer, 2nd Class. Their daughter is a graduate of Oregon State University. She was married in 2016 and she and her husband live in Oregon. Their son, Harrison, was born in October of 2018.
Pat Strawn
Accounting Manager
Pat started working in the business of real estate in 1977. Our clients have worked directly with Pat for many years, some since she first came to work at Contra Costa Properties in 1988. As the Office Manager, Pat is responsible for managing all accounts receivable, accounts payable and monthly and year-end statements for all of Contra Costa Properties' accounts: single family residential properties, business accounts, commercial properties and two association ownerships of the common area for the Park & Shop, a 35 acre, 77+/- tennant shopping center in the heart of Concord.
Pat adores dogs; she keeps doggie treats at her desk for any client who walks in with their dog! Beyond work, Pat adores spending time with her grandchildren, showing them the ways of her beautiful garden. Pat spends much time enjoying the outdoors in Concord's warm, garden-friendly climate!
Justin Hernandez
Administrative Coordinator
Justin is versatile and accomplished at the many functions of Contra Costa Properties. He began working with the company in September 2007 and quickly worked into the multiple day to day activities including all stages of assisting with the leasing and management process. Justin's tech-savvy talent helps with keeping the records in order as well as working to prepare and finalize all agreements, lease proposals, notices, and leases with their associated documents.
When Justin isn't at work, he is often either enjoying rock music (whether listening to it or playing his six string or bass guitars), dabbling in amateur photography or spending time with his son.
Lauren Sinz
Realtor®/Investment Specialist
DRE Lic. #02039839
In early 2011, Lauren left a 25-year career as a senior account manager in the marketing and advertising industry to pursue real estate full time. She works at Contra Costa Properties as a licensed Realtor®, transaction coordinator and in marketing, investment strategy and management.
Lauren’s company, Contra Costa Property Solutions, invests in real estate with a multitude of creative entry and exit strategies including lease/option, rent to own, subject to, and land contracts.
Lauren is a foster care provider for a non-profit medical alert dog training organization (Dogs4Diabetics), having fostered over 60 dogs since 2009. She is proud of her two children, Jakob and Analise as they embark on their respective lives. Lauren is passionate about fine art, and her hobbies include knitting and baking. She has been known to bake as many as 100 dozen cookies and true to real estate, creates fully edible, marvelously fragrant, gingerbread houses during the holiday season.
What our friends and associates are saying about our team:
"Paul and the team at Contra Costa Properties are straight forward fast acting professionals. As a business, your location is your biggest expense and you need a great partner. Contra Costa Properties is that and more. They care about your business and its growth. They have helped my business with growth opportunities as well as responding fast to issues that arise. Team up with a great team of people and choose Contra Costa Properties."
--Jon Rodriguez Shihan
Certified Chief Instructor
Contra Costa Budokan
"I am writing this letter in gratitude and as a recommendation to Lauren Sinz for the job she did to place my home into a “Rent To Own” contract with a great tenant. From the moment we spoke, I felt her confidence, her professionalism and ability to get the job done.
--Anthony M. Pimentel
"I had a wonderful experience having Lauren Sinz help me with my short sale. She was always pleasant to work with and worked around my very busy schedule. I would highly recommend Lauren to anyone having to go through a short sale. The entire experience was not the nightmare I expected it to be because of Lauren!"
--Isabel Haas
We were very fortunate to have known Paul and Lauren! We did not have that much time left, we needed a place asap and they made that happened within the time frame I had given them. All I can say is Wow that's amazing. My kids love the place, its near the school! Thank you to both of you from the bottom of our hearts keep up the good work !!!! Thank you very much.
--Catherine D.
“I worked alongside Paul as a fellow leader in our Boy Scout Troop, Paul stepped forward when a new Scoutmaster was needed and provided focused leadership and understanding while providing a sterling example to the youth in the troop. His willingness to give of his time and treasure in support of our scouting program and the high school band program show him to be not only a consummate businessman but a valued citizen in our community.”
-- Paul Steelhammer
Waste Water Plant Operator II at East Bay Municipal Utility District, Retired