Why do some people stand out in a community? What unique qualities enable some
leaders to create a lasting impact? The answer lies not in what they do, but in why they
do it. And when you understand why Caron Koteles Riha does what she does, you begin
to see why she has become such an integral part of the Rochester community. Caron
isn’t just a realtor; she’s a connector, an advocate, and a champion for the place she
calls home.
While working as a Certified and Degreed Paralegal, Caron gained extensive experience
across various fields of law, including family law, estate planning, and many aspects of
residential and commercial real estate sales, management, and acquisitions. This diverse
background provided her with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in
property transactions. Homeownership was a strong personal goal for Caron, but
becoming a first-time homebuyer proved to be an intimidating experience, one that
ultimately shaped her career path in real estate.
For Caron, real estate is not just about transactions; it’s about transformation. Since
1994, she has helped over 1,278 families find more than just houses; she’s helped them
find homes. But her “why” goes deeper than the numbers. Her journey into real estate
was inspired by her own personal experience, which ignited a passion to guide others
through what can often be a challenging process. “Buying my first home was
overwhelming,” she shares. “I realized there was an opportunity to advocate for others,
and I never looked back.” That realization has fueled a career that has generated over
$380 million in home sales, but more importantly, it has built trust, relationships, and a
legacy of care.
Caron prides herself on being a skilled communicator and active listener, which allows
her to connect with clients, understand their unique needs, and guide them through every
step of the process with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s providing hands-on support
for first-time buyers or offering expert guidance to seasoned clients, some of whom have
bought and sold with her up to eight times, she tailors her approach to ensure every
experience is seamless and stress-free. The best leaders understand that they are part of something greater than themselves,
and Caron lives this belief every day. She doesn’t just work in Rochester; she is deeply
involved in shaping its future. Her “Tuesday Chat” podcast, for example, isn’t just a
platform to promote local businesses, it’s a way to amplify the voices that make Rochester
unique. “We created Caron’s Corner Fireside Chat as a fun way to spread the word to
Rochester about who these businesses are and what they do,” she explains. “Our town is
full of amazing entrepreneurs and community leaders, and I wanted to create a space to
highlight them.”
Caron’s dedication to the community extends well beyond her work in real estate. She
actively serves on several boards and organizations, including the Real Estate One
Charitable Foundation and the New Day Foundation for Families Fighting Cancer, where
she devotes her time and energy to causes that deeply impact the community. In addition,
she co-chairs a PCN Chamber of Commerce group and a mastermind group of diverse
business professionals.
Recently, Caron was elected as a Director for the North Oakland County Board of
Realtors, where she advocates for homeowners, homeownership, and her fellow real
estate professionals. “Here in Rochester, we are all about community. This means helping
each other out whenever possible.”
Each year, Caron and her team host the Annual Community Shred Event, raising funds
and awareness for local families affected by cancer. She also actively volunteers for
Special Olympics Michigan and has participated in the annual Polar Plunge into the
Detroit River for 15 consecutive years, helping to raise money for the organization.
What makes Caron’s approach to real estate and life so impactful? It’s her belief in the
power of relationships. She doesn’t just see clients; she sees people with unique stories,
dreams, and challenges and she treats every relationship with care and respect. “We
prioritize listening to our clients and go above and beyond to tailor our services to meet
their unique needs” she says,
“Clients want to know their agent is accessible, connected,
and can get the job done. A lot of what we handle with clients is managing expectations
and elevated marketing tactics. A super strong business skill set, incredible communication skills, and the vast experience to handle the unknowns are all keys to a
successful real estate story.”
Her secret? Active listening, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to guiding her clients
through every step of the process. Whether it’s helping with decluttering, staging, or connecting clients
with trusted contractors, Caron goes above and beyond to ensure a seamless experience.
Looking ahead, Caron remains focused on the evolving needs of the Rochester community.
“Rochester is a great place to live, learn and celebrate. Maintaining strong values is important to the
overall health and stability of our community, allowing for economic growth, social cohesion, and a
sense of belonging.” “The market is always changing,” she notes, “but the need for trusted advisors
never does.” Whether navigating interest rate fluctuations or new housing trends, Caron’s advice to
her clients is always rooted in experience and genuine care. “Every client is unique,” she says.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why I take the time to create personalized strategies for
each situation.”
She’s also embracing technology, integrating smart tools to enhance the buying and selling experience
while maintaining the human touch that sets her apart. “Technology is a great asset,” she
acknowledges, “but at the end of the day, nothing replaces personal connection.”
When she’s not selling homes or volunteering, Caron enjoys everything Rochester has to offer.
Whether it’s attending local charity events, golfing with friends, or biking along the trails, she fully
immerses herself in the community she loves. “Rochester isn’t just where I work,” she says. “It’s where
I’ve raised my family, built lifelong friendships, and found my purpose.” However, if you think you see
Caron everywhere, take a closer look because you might just be running into her identical twin.
But Caron's passion for Rochester’s growth is contagious, and she’s excited about the future. With her
daughter, Lauren Koteles, now a full-time member of her team, Caron is looking forward to continuing
their shared mission of serving the community with excellence. “Having Lauren on board is amazing,”
she beams. “She brings fresh ideas and energy, and our clients love her attention to detail.”
At the core of everything Caron does is a simple but profound belief: real estate is about people, and
people are the heart of the community. It’s this belief that drives her to work tirelessly for her clients,
advocate for local causes, and find new ways to connect and inspire.
Her story is a testament to the power of purpose, passion, and connection. And if you ask anyone in
Rochester, they’ll tell you, Caron Koteles Riha isn’t just a realtor; she’s the heart of the community. For more information on Caron and her work in Rochester, visit www.caronkoteles.com.
“Rochester is a great place to live, learn and celebrate. Maintaining strong values is important to the
overall health and stability of our community, allowing for economic growth, social cohesion, and a
sense of belonging.”
“Every client is unique,” she says.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, which is why I take the time to create personalized strategies for
each situation.”