Real People. Local. Here to Help You Make the Right Decision.

We’re not a big company or a call center—we’re a husband-and-wife team based right here in San Diego, helping homeowners navigate real situations every day.

Over the years, we’ve worked with people facing all kinds of challenges—inheritances, problem tenants, major repairs, life transitions, and everything in between.

Our approach is simple: we listen first, understand what matters to you, and help you figure out the best path forward—even if that doesn’t involve us.

If it does make sense to work together, we’ll be straightforward, transparent, and respectful every step of the way. No pressure. No games. Just real people trying to do right by you.

We’re Derek and Brooke Harms, a local husband-and-wife team helping San Diego homeowners navigate real estate decisions with clarity and confidence

Derek Harms is a devoted husband, proud father of two daughters, and a real estate investor who believes success means more when it’s shared. Whether he’s renovating homes, leading investor meetings, or playing in the backyard with his girls, Derek’s life is grounded in faith, family, and creating lasting impact.

Faith is the foundation that guides Derek’s decisions, relationships, and long-term vision. It shapes how he does business, how he serves others, and how he shows up at home each day. That spiritual compass keeps him focused on what truly matters — building a life of purpose, integrity, and generosity.

Family is at the center of everything Derek does. He and his wife, Brooke, are raising their daughters in a home filled with love, laughter, responsibility, and strong values. From family trips and beach days to school events and bedtime routines, Derek treasures being a hands-on dad. Those everyday moments are what fuel his drive to build not just wealth, but a meaningful life his children can look up to.

Derek’s competitive spirit and discipline were shaped early through athletics. A former college baseball player, he learned the value of teamwork, resilience, and steady leadership under pressure — lessons that continue to influence how he runs his business and leads his community today.

Professionally, Derek is the founder of Harms Buys Homes, where he and his team specialize in revitalizing properties and creating quality housing for families throughout San Diego County. His approach is simple: do right by people, add value wherever possible, and leave every property — and every relationship — better than he found it.

Derek’s passion for real estate extends far beyond his own projects. He proudly serves as President of NSDREI (North San Diego Real Estate Investors Association), a nonprofit organization focused on education, mentorship, and helping everyday people change their lives through real estate investing. Through leadership, events, and community outreach, Derek is committed to raising the standard of integrity and professionalism in the industry.

He also believes physical discipline fuels mental clarity and strong leadership. Whether it’s early workouts, staying active outdoors, or simply prioritizing his health, Derek views fitness as an important part of showing up with energy for his family, business, and community.

When he’s not working on homes or supporting local investors, you’ll most likely find Derek outside — fly fishing, golfing, hunting, or exploring with his family. Time in nature is his reset button and a reminder of why he works so hard in the first place.

At the end of the day, Derek isn’t just building houses — he’s building a life rooted in faith, family, community, and purpose. And that’s the foundation behind everything he does.

Brooke Harms brings a strong background in digital marketing, creative strategy, and brand development to Harms Buys Homes. With years of experience leading campaigns, managing creative direction, and helping businesses communicate clearly with their customers, Brooke has a natural eye for how trust is built through honest messaging, thoughtful design, and a genuine understanding of people.

While Derek leads the day-to-day real estate operations, Brooke plays an important role in shaping the heart and personality of the Harms Buys Homes brand. Her perspective helps keep the company grounded in what matters most: treating people with care, communicating clearly, and making sellers feel comfortable during what can often be a stressful or emotional decision.

Outside of the business, Brooke is deeply devoted to her family. She and Derek are raising two daughters, with a third on the way, and much of her time is spent pouring into their home, marriage, and children. Her warmth, creativity, and steady presence are a big part of the family-first values behind Harms Buys Homes.

Together, Derek and Brooke want Harms Buys Homes to feel different from the typical “home buyer” company. Their goal is to build a business that is local, trustworthy, approachable, and human — one where sellers feel heard, respected, and confident about their next step.

Drew is a Home Buying Specialist at Harms Buys Homes and works closely with Derek, Brooke, & Laurence to help homeowners navigate their options with clarity and confidence.

He’s often one of the first people you’ll speak with, and his goal is simple: understand your situation, answer your questions, and help you figure out what makes the most sense—without any pressure.

Drew graduated from the University of Nebraska, where he developed a strong work ethic and a practical, people-first approach that carries into how he works with homeowners today.

Whether you’re dealing with a property that needs repairs, a life transition, or just exploring what selling could look like, Drew takes a straightforward and respectful approach to every conversation.

He believes the best outcomes come from listening first, being transparent, and making sure homeowners feel comfortable every step of the way.

Laurence is a key part of the team at Harms Buys Homes, supporting day-to-day operations and helping ensure every homeowner experience runs smoothly from start to finish.

Originally from Belgium, Laurence has lived in several parts of the world—including the Caribbean and Montreal—before settling in San Diego in 2009. Her diverse background brings a thoughtful, adaptable, and people-first approach to everything she does.

She began her career in San Diego managing a coworking startup, where she helped grow and operate multiple locations across the county. In 2018, she joined Derek as his executive assistant and has since become deeply involved in the real estate side of the business, supporting transactions, systems, and team operations.

Laurence is fluent in French, Spanish, and English, and is known for her attention to detail, reliability, and calm, solutions-oriented mindset behind the scenes.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in nature, practicing yoga, creating art, and being with her daughter.

There is no obligation and no pressure. Just a straightforward conversation, a fair offer, and a local team ready to help you figure out the next step.