Natalie Rivera Benavent
License #: 49334
Born in Puerto Rico, Natalie grew up around water in a family of traditional seafarers. She graduated from the Texas Maritime Academy at Texas A & M in 2001 and went on to serve over 15 years on various commercial vessels all over the world. Having risen to the rank of Master-Unlimited, Captain Rivera devoted the latter part of her sea-going career to training and mentoring marine crews as a vessel compliance auditor and to the development of competency assessment systems. She is still sought after for speaking engagements and maritime regulatory committees on the topics of competency and licensing.
To bring balance to a life at sea, she would buy and sell homes while on land. Spearheading several extensive remodel efforts, she was able to apply her knowledge of engineering and mechanics from vessel accommodations to the residential property realm. What started as a pastime segued to a challenging and rewarding career on land. After meeting her husband on a chance trip to Santa Fe in 2009, she decided to settle down and make her home in the high desert with him and their dogs. She obtained a New Mexico Real Estate Broker License and started her career at Sotheby’s. In 2015, Natalie joined Barker Realty Family.
Natalie is fluent in Spanish and offers bilingual support to various local charities, loves to cook for friends, and enjoys the outdoors. She is dedicated to furthering the mission of the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, providing funding support for history and the arts as a Voting Trustee of the Board of Directors and Chair of their Business Council. Having seen the world, managed international crews, and worked in high-stress environments, she enjoys the slower pace of life in Santa Fe, brings a balanced perspective and calm demeanor to real estate, and cherishes the opportunity to preserve the cultural richness of New Mexico through her philanthropic endeavors.
What people are saying about working with Natalie
“Natalie is not only competent, professional, responsive and proactive, knowledgeable, she is such a pleasure to work with!! Initially, as a buyer, I was going to forgo using a realtor. Natalie exceeded my expectations. This purchase was the smoothest real estate transaction and I have had many, which was largely due to Natalie’s talent and personality—a million thanks!"
—Claudia McCabe
“We knew from the start that we had a unique property to sell, but that didn't stop Natalie from marketing and ultimately finding a buyer for our property in Santa Fe.
We are glad we chose her to be our agent and if the time comes that we need to find an agent in Santa Fe, we will definitely contact Natalie Rivera Benavent!”
—Maria Barton
"I have worked with many Realtors over the past 30 years. I recently retained Natalie Rivera Benavent to sell a property. She was exceptional. She was extremely organized and worked every aspect of the transaction from listing to closing. I would definitely recomend her."
—Daniel Monte, Esquire
“Natalie and her team are absolute pros who make the process of buying a home clear and smart for the rest of us. There are a lot of realtors, but only one Natalie. She's a superhero; the one to have at your side on a purchase that might be the biggest of your life She supported and advocated for our needs at every step. We never felt pressured--only educated and equipped by someone who has to be among the best in the business. Thank you Natalie and team for making the impossible possible.”
—Shawn Boyd & Kathleen Smith
“Natalie is top notch, and a definite asset to your establishment. She is forthright and trustworthy re working together at a geographical distance, she communicated to me what I needed to know and always left decisions to me, so I knew I was in charge with her at the helm. She has resources to use so things get done, e.g., her handyman, cleaner and " gofer" person. She stayed in touch constantly so I'd know what was going on, and yes, I will gladly recommend Natalie! I considered her my "angel" all through this ordeal. She made sure my house was sold and SOON, with a fair and good price!”
—Pamela Clemensen