The name Ronica Warden is probably a familiar one to you. A Tulsa native and graduate of Chelsea High School, Ronica has lived in Claremore for the past 35 years. There are many ways you might know her; she worked for local chiropractor Dr. Quigley, then in the HR department at Claremore Regional Hospital. She then worked as the volunteer director for a hospice company. She was also incredibly active in fundraising endeavors with Kiss a Pig, United Way, Rogers County Adult Day Center, and Special Olympics. In the 90s, she single-handedly raised $2 million for area charities. But you might know her best as a realtor.
She has been married to retired Claremore firefighter Jim Warden for 22 years, and they have four children (Summer, Becca, Michael, and Ryan), nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She always had a plan of becoming a realtor after she retired, and when her husband said, “Why don’t you just do it now?”, she took the plunge. That was 18 years ago.
For the past nine years, she’s been with the Keller Williams Claremore-Owasso office, located in The Market shopping center. Although she’s based in Claremore, she covers all of northeastern Oklahoma. Thanks to referrals, she sells homes in Jenks, Broken Arrow, Tulsa, and even Skiatook.
A devastating breast cancer diagnosis fell on Ronica in April 2018. Currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, she hasn’t missed a beat. She’s still at work every day, buying and selling properties for her clients all over the region. Ronica and her assistant, Pamela Stafford, are keeping busy these days. Ronica said, “Of course there are good days and bad days, but that’s the same for everyone. Everything is good!” She has absolutely zero plans to stop working and doing what she loves.
Being a veteran in the business, Ronica is always eager to help new realtors who are just starting this demanding career. She said, “The more good realtors out there, the better we all look. So I’m always ready to help those who are new to be successful.”
The key to being a good realtor, according to Ronica, is listening. “You can’t talk someone into buying a house. You can’t force anyone to buy something they aren’t comfortable with. The most important thing is to listen to your clients in order to find exactly what they want,” said Ronica. And listen she does, as witnessed by the fact that she’s had many repeat customers. She’s now even selling to the next generation of families.
Ronica’s favorite thing about Keller Williams is that they’re always on the cutting edge of technology. In fact, Ronica even has her own app. Clients can download it for free and browse all of the latest listings. You can download the app HERE. If you prefer, you can also look at available properties at RonicaWarden.com.
While it’s always been said that the spring is the best time to list a house, Ronica said that’s not necessarily true. “This is a great time to list because the homes are decorated for the holidays and there’s not as much competition. Serious buyers are always ready to buy, no matter the time of year. During the holidays, people are coming home to visit, and they may be looking to move home. What better time than now?”
Ronica prides herself on being active in the community. She’s always available to help new residents with common questions and referrals, whether it be the best area dentist or hairdresser.
If you’re interested in buying or selling your home, contact Ronica at ronica@ronicawarden.com or give her a call at 918-636-9529.
Keep it local, Claremore!