Rachel Melby, founder of the Little Hill Real Estate Team, has once again been named the Best Real Estate "Rising Star" in the 2025 Best of El Cerrito awards. Melby says her first win two years ago helped launch her business and build momentum. “Winning Best of El Cerrito in 2023 was a turning point,” she said. “Displaying the BOEC logo on my website, Yelp, and emails instantly signaled credibility. It continues to open doors and validates my work in the community I love.”

A marketing and brand-building maven, Melby launched her real estate business with a simple philosophy: care over contracts. Melby believes clients deserve to feel informed and respected, rather than pressured into making quick decisions. That philosophy has earned recognition and loyalty from countless clients.

The Little Hill Real Estate Team leans into its community ties, presenting as more than just realtors. “We’re neighbors, hikers, volunteers, and local connectors,” Melby said. “We live here, we love it here, and we want that energy to ripple out to every client.”

For Melby, the 2025 award is more than a title. It’s validation of the trust she’s built, and in a competitive housing market, trust may be the biggest win of all. “As someone committed to building a business rooted in El Cerrito, there’s simply no higher honor [than winning BOEC],” she says. “It’s recognition that resonates with the people I most want to serve.”

Find out more about Best of El Cerrito here https://bestofelcerrito.com