Tara Ellis: Helping People Find Their True Home

For Tara Ellis, “home” has never been just a structure. “It’s a feeling, a foundation and a place of belonging.” Tara shares. “A home is where you connect with your family in the deepest way—your safe place to land at the end of the day.”

            Though she always felt a calling toward real estate, building a home with her husband, Brandon, came first. “I stayed home with our two boys, Jake and Ty, when they were young, and then began studying for my real estate license,” she recalls. “Our family’s roots run deep in Tehama County. I’ve been following the market and properties here my whole life. It felt natural to start sharing what I love with others.”

            After twelve fulfilling years with Stromer Realty Company, Tara earned her Broker’s license and launched Ellis & Co.—in true Red Bluff style—on rodeo weekend. “Nothing changed except our name,” Tara says with a smile. “I have the same wonderful team of realtors, the same location, the same phone number and the same dedication to serving our clients and our community.”

Helping people realize the American Dream

            Tara’s journey has been shaped by more than just experience. Her values and vision were deeply influenced by mentors Linda McCay and her husband, Tom—trusted guides who left a lasting mark on her professional and personal life.

            “Linda and Tom modeled what it looks like to lead with kindness, to work with integrity, and to treat people with genuine care,” Tara says. “They’ve been a foundational part of my story.”

            Carolyn Walker, a longtime client of Tara’s, has seen the difference that early foundation has made in Tara’s work ethic. Carolyn shared, “Tara genuinely cares. She advocates for her clients with integrity, expertise, and heart. Her attention to detail, market knowledge, and professionalism make her a true standout in her field.”

            For Tara and her team, real estate is not about transactions—it’s about relationships. “Owning your own home is still the American dream, and dreams deserve patience,” Tara explains. “We walk through homes with our clients, and you can see the possibilities lighting up in their minds. Especially with first-time buyers—it’s magic. You never forget what that moment feels like.”

Co-Owner and Realtor Alexandra Cappello puts it this way: “Home is where life happens—it’s where laughter echoes through the halls, milestones are celebrated, comfort meets chaos, and peace finds you at the end of a long day. It’s an honor to be invited into such a personal chapter of someone’s life,” she continues. “We’re not just opening doors—we’re opening new beginnings.”

Advocating for the Tehama County community

            For Tara, Alexandra and their team—Lauren Brown, Brook Dominick, and Sierra Flores—real estate is about more than business. It’s about life. “We’ve written more offers from the sidelines of sports practices than we can count,” Tara laughs.

            Their deep involvement in Tehama County extends beyond listings and closings. They are parents, volunteers, and advocates for local businesses—living the life they help others step into. “Tehama county is a jewel and one that is often overlooked,” Tara says. “Our county is full of beautiful and amazing people — not to mention beautiful and amazing properties. We love to market Tehama County as a wonderful place to live —because it is!”

A place to begin and to return

            “Home is where you walk through your darkest and your brightest moments,” Tara says. “It’s the heartbeat of a family—the source of strength and stability as we go out into the world. Being trusted to help people find that place is an honor we never take for granted.”

To learn more visit ellisandcompany.com, call (530)527-3100 or stop by at 340 Hickory Street, Suite 1, Red Bluff.

One of Kate Hiller’s hobbies is to drive the rural roads of Tehama County, look at properties and wonder what would be said if the ‘walls could talk.’