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Meet the Team

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Meet Dawn & Jim

Experience. Integrity. A Family Approach to Real Estate.

Father-Daughter Real Estate Team | Orange County, California

Dawn Nicolaisen and Jim Dillman are a father-daughter real estate team with deep roots in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach and a shared commitment to providing exceptional service throughout Orange County.

Together, they bring a unique combination of real estate expertise, strategic marketing, construction knowledge, local insight, and hands-on client service to every transaction.

Dawn brings more than a decade of real estate experience along with an MBA and a background as a Fortune 500 marketing executive. Her strengths in strategic marketing, branding, negotiation, and business strategy allow her to create thoughtful, customized plans designed to maximize exposure and results.

Jim brings decades of experience in the building, construction, and development industry. His understanding of how homes are built and what to look for in a property's condition, quality, potential, and value provides clients with an important perspective when buying or selling a home.

Together, they offer clients something difficult to find in real estate: two generations of experience working together with a genuine family commitment to your success.

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What Sets Us Apart

We believe exceptional real estate service is about more than opening doors or putting a property on the market. It is about understanding your goals, developing the right strategy, protecting your interests, and being there for you from the first conversation through closing and beyond.

Our clients benefit from:

  • Personalized guidance tailored to your goals and circumstances
  • Deep local knowledge of Orange County and its diverse communities
  • Construction and property insight from decades of building and development experience
  • Strategic marketing designed to showcase each property's unique value
  • Strong negotiation focused on protecting your interests and maximizing results
  • Responsive, hands-on service throughout the entire transaction
  • Concierge-level support before, during, and after the sale

Our goal is simple: create maximum exposure, generate qualified interest, and position your property to achieve the strongest possible result.

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Where We Serve

Our primary focus is coastal Orange County, with extensive knowledge of:

  • Newport Beach
  • Costa Mesa
  • Huntington Beach
  • Laguna Beach
  • Dana Point
  • Irvine
  • Aliso Viejo
  • And communities throughout Orange County

Because we live and work in the communities we serve, we understand that every neighborhood has its own character, market dynamics, and lifestyle.

More Than Agents
Your Real Estate Advisors

When you work with Dawn and Jim, you gain more than two REALTORS®. You gain a team with complementary expertise and a shared commitment to your best interests.

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Our Promise

We believe the best real estate relationships are built on trust, communication, and results.

Whether you are buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, investing, or selling a significant property, we will provide honest advice, thoughtful strategy, and attentive service every step of the way. Our business is built on relationships—and we are committed to earning your trust long after the transaction closes.

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Let's Work Together

Whether you're ready to buy or sell, considering a move, or simply want to understand your options, Dawn Nicolaisen and Jim Dillman are here to help.

With local roots, decades of combined experience, and a true family commitment to our clients, we bring a different perspective to Orange County real estate.
Let's make your next move a successful one.

Dawn Nicolaisen & Jim Dillman
The L3 Real Estate
DRE #01982039 | DRE #01996619

Contact Us

GET TO KNOW US

Father-daughter real estate guidance backed by decades of local experience, integrity, and personal attention.

No results.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Working with Dawn was a phenomenal experience. As first-time home buyers, we were pretty clueless as to the process of buying a home. Dawn was with us every step of the way, going above and beyond to ensure we were up to speed on every detail of this process. She is a total professional and the most thorough and comprehensive agent. We feel supremely blessed and fortunate that we teamed up with Dawn, who...

— Buyer

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Amazing daughter and father duo! Dawn and Jim both offer superior customer service and knowledge! Dawn is extremely detailed and the best realtor I have ever worked with, while Jim brings his sharp eye and experience as a general contractor to the field of real estate. Jim was very patient showing us multiple properties, and Dawn negotiated with her quick wit, intelligence, poise, and expertise. Both wen...

— Buyer

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

We could not have asked for a better experience. We put our home on the market during uncertain times, and Dawn helped us understand the entire process. She is absolutely professional, knowledgeable, and is in constant communication with you. She ensured we were aligned every step of the way. Selling a home can be so daunting, but Dawn made the process so smooth and seamless! We highly recommend Dawn and...

— Seller

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn was easy to work with and always available if we had questions or concerns. She helped us with both the purchase of our new home and the sale of our old one, and we are very grateful to have moved through that stressful process with Dawn.

— Buyer & Seller

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn is wonderful to work with. She listened to our desires and needs, then knew all about the properties that were suitable. Looking for a home is very personal, and I knew from the start that she would find us the perfect place.

— Buyer

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn was excellent and helped us find a home that was within our budget in the neighborhood that we wanted to live in Eastside Costa Mesa. She knew the market and advised us every step of the way. Very responsive and negotiated masterfully.

— Steven C.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Dawn is the quintessential professional, yet she is so personable. From the minute I met her, I noticed a warmth that made me feel that she was a good friend and that she has my best interests at heart. I give her 5 stars for her knowledge, expertise, and wonderful personality.

— Eric B.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

I was very happy with the job that Dawn and Jim did in helping me sell my property. Got a great price! We had a couple of issues on the buyers end that Dawn was able to navigate through with ease.

— Andrew P.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

When I made the decision to sell my condo, I was concerned that there were some low sales in my building in the months previously that could affect the outcome of my sale. Dawn stepped in and gave me the guidance I needed to prepare the condo so that it would show brilliantly. Then she navigated the marketing and showing of the property so that we ultimately got the top price in the building for that siz...

— John G.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

When we decided to sell our condo, we knew Dawn was the best person for the job. Dawn and Jim are extremely diligent, thorough, communicative, and supportive throughout the entire process. We decided to sell on the precipice of the market slowing down, which meant we were up against fewer buyers. However, Dawn was tenacious and persistent in helping us put our best foot forward to ensure the sale of our ...

— Seller

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Past Transactions

Sold

5401 Seashore Dr
$7,150,000

5401 Seashore Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92663

  • 3 BEDS
  • 2,298 Sq.Ft.

Sold

2015 Aliso Avenue
$2,505,000

2015 Aliso Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

  • 3 BEDS
  • 2 BATHS
  • 1,536 Sq.Ft.

Sold

225 18th St
$2,280,000

225 18th Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

  • 3 BEDS
  • 3 BATHS
  • 2,773 Sq.Ft.

Sold

26982 Safiro
$1,785,000

26982 Safiro, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

  • 5 BEDS
  • 3 BATHS
  • 3,055 Sq.Ft.

Sold

324 Gulf Stream Way
$1,500,000

324 Gulf Stream Way, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

  • 4 BEDS
  • 4 BATHS
  • 2,575 Sq.Ft.

Sold

927 Presidio
$1,475,000

927 Presidio, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

  • 3 BEDS
  • 2 BATHS
  • 1,501 Sq.Ft.

Sold

10581 La Fuente Street
$860,000

10581 La Fuente Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

  • 3 BEDS
  • 2 BATHS
  • 1,298 Sq.Ft.

Leased

121 Topaz Ave
$9,500/mo

121 Topaz Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662

  • 5 BEDS
  • 3 BATHS
  • 1,800 Sq.Ft.

Leased

301 18th A
$4,000/mo

301 18th A, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

  • 2 BEDS
  • 2 BATHS
  • 900 Sq.Ft.
View All

Find Your Dream Home Today

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Work With Us

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a cherished property, or seeking strategic investment advice, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Partner with a dedicated, father-daughter team that combines local Orange County expertise with personalized, hands-on service.

Contact Us
Get in Touch
Contact Details

Dawn Nicolaisen, Realtor®

(714) 309-1707

[email protected]



1503 South Coast Dr Ste 130

Costa Mesa, CA 92626



Nicolaisen, Dawn Marie | CA DRE# 01982039
L3 Real Estate | Signature Realty Group