Meet Diana Culver, A.S. | Award Winning San Diego REALTOR® & Mortgage Loan Officer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Culver, A.S. and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Diana, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success is my passion for life and constant learning. They say knowledge is power — and I truly believe that when you stop learning, you stop growing. That mindset has shaped every part of my journey, both personally and professionally. My parents, both immigrants — my mother from Mexico and my father from Iraq — instilled in me the value of education and entrepreneurship from a young age. Their belief in hard work and lifelong learning gave me the foundation to stand out in competitive industries.
Growing up, my siblings and I were immersed in our parents’ flower shop business. By the time I was thirteen, they had opened a second location, which I helped run after school with just one other sibling. Entrepreneurship became second nature. Even when I worked full-time jobs, I always thought and acted like a business owner. My love for florals and events evolved naturally, and I pursued formal training early on. At 16, I became the youngest Certified Balloon Artist through the Qualatex Balloon Network. I spent countless weekends volunteering and studying under world-renowned floral designers, driven by passion, energy, and a clear vision for my life.
Studying abroad in Florence, Italy was one of the most formative experiences of my life. Immersing myself in a different culture not only deepened my appreciation for art, history, and architecture but also taught me adaptability, resilience, and global awareness. Living and learning in a city so rich in tradition and beauty gave me a broader worldview and a deeper understanding of human connection—something I now carry with me in my career. It reinforced the value of lifelong learning and the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone to grow both personally and professionally.
In 2009, I launched my own floral company, Fleur D’Lis Flowers, which grew rapidly — doubling in volume year after year and earning five-star reviews. My dreams were unfolding fast. But in 2013, everything changed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29. After chemo and several surgeries, I paused to re-evaluate my life. Though my husband offered to help me restart my floral business, I realized I needed a different path — even if I couldn’t yet explain why.
Over the next few years, I found healing and rediscovery through gardening, hiking, learning new languages, returning to opera, and being present for my three daughters. Eventually, I felt ready to channel my experience into something new — and real estate became that calling.
Continuing my commitment to education, I pursued formal studies and graduated with degrees in Real Estate and Business/Economics from Cuyamaca College. This academic foundation gave me a deeper understanding of market dynamics, lending practices, and economic trends — all of which I apply daily to guide my clients with clarity and confidence. Whether I’m helping someone buy their first home, tap into their equity, or make a strategic investment, my goal is to empower them with knowledge so they can make informed, confident decisions every step of the way.
With decades of experience in business, marketing, and client care, transitioning into real estate felt seamless. From understanding client needs to navigating tough situations calmly, many of the skills I use daily were forged back when I managed my parents’ shop as a teen. I believe the key to thriving in this industry — or any industry — is education. You can’t control the market, but you can control how prepared and informed you are.
What should our readers know about your business?
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
San Diego is a transient city — full of newcomers and ever-changing neighborhoods. As someone who was born and raised here, I’ve had the privilege of watching our county evolve since the 1980s. That lifelong perspective is incredibly valuable to buyers and sellers who are either new to the area or haven’t followed local changes. I can speak from firsthand experience, tell stories, and clearly explain the nuances of each neighborhood — what makes them shine and why they matter. My husband is a high school football coach, and since 2003, I’ve visited 66 of the 88 high schools in San Diego and Imperial counties. I also have three daughters who’ve played water polo and soccer across San Diego and into Orange County, which has allowed me to get to know even more schools and communities. I don’t just know the map — I’ve lived it.
RELATABILITY
Our lived experiences shape who we are, and mine have given me the gift of being able to relate to almost anyone I meet. The biggest thing that sets me apart? I lead with love. I believe everyone’s life story could be a movie — but we often miss the plot by not listening. I have a deep respect for the immigrant who can’t yet speak English, and often know just enough of their language to help them. I love listening to aging seniors share memories of their past, and I’m endlessly inspired by children discovering the world with wonder. I connect with people by seeing them, hearing them, and honoring their journey — and in turn, the right clients naturally find me.
EXCITED ABOUT
What excites me most is the shift happening in our industry — a call for more transparency, professionalism, and purpose. I believe we’re entering an era where passionate, knowledgeable agents will rise and help elevate real estate as a true profession. Homeownership is more than a transaction — it’s the beginning of generational wealth. My parents were renters in Section 8 housing, and I became the first in my family to own a home at 20. Today, as both a real estate agent and mortgage loan officer, I get to show others from similar backgrounds that they too can build a future through real estate.
INDUSTRY CHALLENGE
As of May 15, 2025, there are over 41,000 licensed agents in San Diego County. Everyone knows someone who “does real estate,” but not all agents are equal. One of my biggest challenges — and missions — is helping the public recognize the difference between part-time, passive agents and full-time professionals who treat this as a serious career. Media often paints agents as sleazy salespeople, and that stigma can be hard to shake. I’m working every day to raise the bar through education, advocacy, and action — showing clients how to identify a truly great agent.
CLIENT CHALLENGE
While most agents get licensed in a few months, I chose a different path. I spent two years at Cuyamaca College studying Real Estate Practice, Finance, Appraisal, Property Management, and Economics — earning degrees in both Real Estate and Business/Economics, along with completing my pre-broker coursework. That depth of education became a game-changer during a recent transaction in Ramona, CA. My buyer’s appraisal came in low and Tidewater was triggered — meaning the appraiser couldn’t find comparables to justify the offer price. I knew what to do. Thanks to my training in appraisals, I identified better comps and challenged the initial decision. After two rounds of rejection, I interviewed local agents, compiled stronger data, and submitted a thorough report. My diligence paid off: the value was reconsidered, my client was clear to close, and they got the home of their dreams — along with the repairs and no out-of-pocket commission. That’s the power of education, tenacity, and heart.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Within my first year of real estate I was nominated for the San Diego Association of REALTORS® Circle of Excellence “Top 40 Under 40” award. The award is specifically targeted towards individuals under 40, acknowledging their achievements at a relatively early stage in their careers. The selection process considers various factors, including career accomplishments, demonstrated passion for the real estate profession, involvement in industry organizations, and contributions to the community. While sales volume and success are important, the “40 Under 40” award also recognizes contributions through mentorship, leadership, and community service. The award is a prominent recognition within the SDAR and the wider San Diego real estate community.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
It’s San Diego! We’re chock full of great places to eat, hang out and explore. Every day would include a hike, a place to eat and several activities! One day might be eating breakfast at Beehive in Pacific Beach, then head to the PB pier and walk along the boardwalk, have lunch at a Korean BBQ place in Convoy, drinks and appetizers at a speakeasy, and catch the sunset on top of Mt Helix with a panoramic view of San Diego, the Pacific and Mexico. Daytrips are nice so if it was the fall, we would go apple & pear picking in Julian in the morning, hike Eagle Peak, have lunch at Dudley’s bakery and pick up some delicious apple bread and of course a pie from Julian Pie Company. Summertime is all things coastal, so a hike at Torrey Pines is a must, then make our way to La Jolla where we would find the hidden swings that face the ocean, eat lunch at The Cottage and order the Stuffed Avocado Salad, catch a comedy show at The Comedy Store in La Jolla, and eat dinner at Le Coq then play Galactic Bingo at Sycuan Casino where they have a drag queen hosting–it’s wild! If we were exploring the Southbay, we’d have breakfast in the Crown Room in the Hotel Del Coronado, ride bikes in the picturesque neighborhoods, lunch at SeaPort Village, go take pictures at the southwestern most point of the contiguous United States located at the Tijuana River National Estuary, then if everyone’s passports were in order, cross the border and have dinner at my uncle’s restaurant overlooking Tijuana.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are two people I have to thank who played pivotal roles in my journey. First, my husband — he saw potential in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. With my background in retail and sales, he believed I’d thrive in real estate. After I completed chemotherapy and was officially in remission, he gently asked if I wanted to return to my previous industry. I told him no — but I wasn’t sure what came next. It took time to recover mentally, physically, and spiritually before I realized he was right. His constant support made it possible for me to find the strength to start over and build something new.
The second person is someone who has been important to me for decades — my dear friend and agent, Barbara Blakeley. She helped us buy our home back in 2004 and stayed in touch ever since. During my cancer treatment, she was often the one taking me to my chemotherapy appointments. When I decided to pursue real estate, I called her and asked for her blessing to enter the same industry. Her response meant everything to me: “Yes, we need more good agents in this business.” Her friendship and mentorship have been worth far more than any transaction or commission. Having her in my corner gave me the confidence and reassurance I needed to take that leap.
Website: https://dianaculver.kw.com
Instagram: @dianaculverrealtor, @dianaculverlends
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-culver-263517247/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dculver_realtor
Facebook: @dianaculverrealtor, @dianaculverlends
Image Credits
None.
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