We believe in living where you love and loving where you live. Our passion is sharing our mountain communities with you!

Based on the belief that we are all more successful if we strive toward a common goal rather than our individual interests, our CEO, Tara Chisum, crafted an innovative team-based business model and brought a new level of real estate service to Northern New Mexico.

When you hire Chisum Realty Group, you hire a team of specialists advocating for you in every transaction step. We’re the only team-based agency in Northern New Mexico with dedicated Buyer Specialists, Seller Specialists, a Marketing Director, Listing Manager, and a Contract-To-Close team. Our team-based approach allows your transaction to be as smooth as possible while allowing us the bandwidth to provide the attention, experience, and local expertise your goals require. Come experience the Power of Teamwork with the Chisum Realty Group.

Our Team

Tara Chisum | Owner & Qualifying Broker

Known as a straight shooter and an accomplished business owner, I bring a strategic yet personable approach to real estate. I am a Seller Specialist focused on highest return, and lowest disruption for my clients. I contribute my company’s success to our team-based approach and a belief that a team of specialists will always outperform a group of generalists. Combining a strong inner drive with a passion for learning, I believe there is always room to improve. A refreshingly straightforward approach, high integrity, and extensive knowledge are the keystones to my business. My thirst for outdoor adventures originated as a child and is currently fulfilled by skiing, mountain biking, and camping with husband, John, and our dog, Ruby.

XC Biking Photo of Tara Chisum Owner and Real Estate Listing Specialist

Kachina Peak Taos ski Valley Photo of Tara Chisum Owner and Real Estate Listing Specialist

Jim Merritt | Director of Marketing

From photography, videography, to destination marketing strategies, it’s my job to make sure your home looks the best and new home buyers are discovering the Enchanted Circle. I’m originally from Wisconsin then attended Middle Tennessee State University, obtaining a B.S. in Production and Technology. I started my career as an audio engineer but quickly gravitated towards the camera. I moved to Colorado in 2009 where I started and ran a Video Marketing company, honing my marketing and video production skills. I then found Angel Fire and fell in love with the amazing summer weather, New Mexican food, abundant activities, breathtaking views, and downhill mountain biking! After a short but fun run as Angel Fire Resort’s Manager of Marketing and Promotion, I moved to Chisum Realty Group to be more hands on with production as well as strategy. My favorite hiking partners are my beautiful blue-eyed wife, daughter and dog.

Jodee Thayer | Operations Manager

“If there’s not a system in place, she’ll create one,” is a common sentiment expressed about me by those I have worked with. Constantly on a quest for understanding and streamlining processes, the Operations Manager role is a natural fit for me. I’m a planner with a practical attitude and have over 25-years of experience in operations and management. I bring to the table expertise in project and process management and strive to continuously improve our systems and processes in order to make every real estate transaction as smooth as possible.

I’m a native New Mexican and have also lived and worked in Europe, Hawaii and Virginia. I earned a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science while living in Europe and now I call Red River, New Mexico home. I am an avid snow-skier and horsewoman. When I have downtime, you’ll most likely find me winding the wonderful trails of the Sangre de Cristo mountains with my horse, Fred.

Kate Schoepfle | Seller Specialist

As a Seller Specialist, my role is to assist Sellers by providing the highest level of education and advocacy throughout their selling process – from toying with the idea of selling through closing. I specialize in knowing the contracts inside and out, understanding the changing market conditions, and providing support in all stages of the selling process.

I’ve been with Chisum Realty Group since 2016 and have had the opportunity to work in various roles including Buyer Specialist, Seller Specialist, Client Care Coordinator and have worked all over the Enchanted Circle.

I was born in Colorado to Vail ski instructors and for 16 years lived on a sailboat traveling the east coast and Caribbean. I moved to New Mexico to attend New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology where I earned my degree in Astrophysics. These unique lifestyle experiences have helped me learn to think outside the box and I’m passionate about using this talent to help our clients achieve their goals. I love to ski, hike, sail my 14 ft sailboat on local mountain lakes and share this gorgeous place with others!

Skiing at Angel Fire Resort with Kate Theisen Real Estate Condo Specialist

Golf with Family at Angel Fire Resort with Kate Theisen Real Estate Condo Specialist

Justin Webb | Seller Specialist

Justin Webb, Listing Specialist at Chisum Realty Group

I am a Seller Specialist, which means I am solely vested in making sure my clients are informed about the market, to make the best decisions about listing their property.

My wife and I fell in love with the enchanted circle and decided to make this our permanent home in 2018. We love to go skiing, fishing, snowmobiling, and hiking. I grew up in Texas and earned a BBA from Wayland Baptist University. After college, I worked in the oil and gas industries, overseeing high priority projects and I will apply the same dedication to your property as well. Along with the amazing team here at Chisum Realty Group, we will be able to assist you through every major step of your transaction and help you achieve your real estate goals.

John Cornish | Seller Specialist

After living in Florida and Texas for the last 40 years, my wife and I were lured by the beauty of the Enchanted Circle and moved to Taos. With a BS in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas, and 25 years in medical device start-ups, I decided to make the transition into real estate. As a Seller Specialist, I focus only on maximizing my clients return on the sale of their assets, with the cooperation and support of my team members. I like to ski, fish, bike, cook and hike with my dog, Lucy.

Andrew Incerto | Seller Specialist

As a seller specialist, I have the opportunity to focus all my efforts on ensuring that my client’s listing needs are met.

After graduating from TCU, I worked as a Geologist around Texas. Soon after, I moved to New Mexico, and began working as a Project Manager. During that time, I frequently spent my off time fishing, skiing, camping, and hiking in the enchanted circle. I am so excited to now call this place home, and I am eager to share my passion for the area with my clients. As a Project Manager, my responsibility was to deliver the highest quality product to our clients, in a timely manner. I bring that same level of care and commitment to make the selling process as smooth as possible. With my attention to detail, organization, and the Chisum Realty team, I am confident that we can maximize your home’s value, and meet all your Real Estate needs.

Robban Reynolds | Taos Specialist

Robban Reynolds has lived in Taos since 1995 and found it to be a natural place to nurture a love of HOME. After 20 years of Taos living, Robban understands the numerous intangible benefits of life in New Mexico. She attributes much of her success to her passion for the place she calls home.

With a degree in Journalism and Advertising, and a lengthy background in graphic design, her attention to detail and strong sense of composition and style are a perfect combination to sell or help find your new home. Robban’s creative, enthusiastic, and caring nature is perfect for matching each client’s desires as well as skillfully featuring a home’s unique presence and character, matchmaker at large!

Let Robban the Realtor be your match maker and match your dream home to you!

Cynthia Arvidson | Buyer Specialist

I’ve been in Taos for nearly two decades, hailing from Texas before that. I moved here to build spec homes using SIPs (structural insulated panels) and fell in love with New Mexico’s weather, culture, and outdoor life. For 11 years, I proudly served as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Taos which is one of the only affiliates continuing the tradition of building with adobe bricks. I enjoy the great outdoors and try to hike and snowshoe as often as possible.

I love being with Chisum Realty Group. I started as a Seller Specialist but now I am enjoying being a Buyer Specialist. Knowing both sides of the business allows me to be a well rounded advocate for my clients. This role also allows me to share my knowledge of the Taos area, the building industry, local connections, and local real estate market. I’m results-oriented, a creative problem solver, and motivated to help you find the best property to meet your real estate goals and dreams.

Amanda Tafoya | Buyer Specialist

Working with Amanda Tafoya is like having the home field advantage. She was born and raised in Taos and is familiar with the unique aspects of Northern NM. Her involvement with the community extends to serving on the board for Taos Little League, Governing Council for Taos Charter School and UNM Taos Education & Career Center Board. After staying home to raise her four children, she was employed as a nurse at Holy Cross Hospital.

Wanting a different kind of experience, she co-owned a paint business and worked with home construction, including developing homes. Her main focus was helping people with interior design aspects, including colors, tiles, paint, and appliances. She excels at finding the right fit for her clients. As a Buyer Specialist, she is able to combine the two things she loves. Taking care of people and Real Estate.

Carrie Barr | Buyer Specialist

As a buyer specialist, I focus all of my time and energy into finding the perfect home to suit my clients. My extensive background in customer service has prepared me to thrive at meeting the unique needs of each individual.

I was born and raised in West Virginia, and now happily call Taos my home. My enthusiasm for New Mexico’s beauty and culture is matched in my desire to have it include anyone who wishes to spend their life here.

Renee Kuharski | Buyer Specialist

Choosing Angel Fire was easy! I had family here and I love to ski and golf, get the dogs out on a hike or snowshoe, and climb mountains. With advanced degrees from Colorado, and an undergrad from Wisconsin, I was able to combine all those pursuits through the years working in the ski industry and in Higher Education. After 40 years in Colorado, on a leap of faith, moved here full-time in 2017. I also enjoy project sewing and am the designer and creator of fun, colorful dog beds (and even some for cats) at Rowdy Dog Beds. Bringing a love for the mountains and resort lifestyle, but in the laid-back Angel Fire way, as a Buyer Specialist I can bring my experience to the best of both worlds, finding your perfect home and sharing my love of the area.

April Ralph | Buyer Specialist

The end of the circle for a tourist is a home buyer. After most of my adult life in Tourism Marketing, I wanted to complete that circle as a Buyer Specialist in Angel Fire.

Previously from Durango, Salida, and Crested Butte, Colorado where I raised my three children and met my husband Greg, I’m all about the mountain living. As marketing and public relations professionals in ski resorts, Greg and I have enjoyed skiing and cycling most of Colorado. As an Angel Fire resident since 2019, with our two dogs Tilly and Wilma, and our cat Roscoe, we enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that Angel Fire has to offer. We love to ski, hike, cycle, swim, paddleboard, canoe, and do whatever else we can do outside. The Enchanted Circle has so much to offer and each town has its own personality. I am excited to share my knowledge and love for this area.

Kay Brown | Office Manager

Although I was born in Lubbock, Texas, I’ve lived in Northern New Mexico for several decades and am absolutely addicted to green chili! I’m also addicted to the Enchanted Circle’s radiant skies, the warmth of its tri-cultural people, and the simple beauty of life here. My passions include spending time with my children and grandchildren, baking, gardening, learning new things and encouraging others. I love people with my whole heart.

In the role of Chisum Realty Group’s ‘Air Traffic Controller,’ my goal is to help build trusting relationships and incredible success stories for our clients, buyer and seller specialists, and our management team. If you hear a little bit of Southern Hospitality in my voice, that’s because I want you to feel right at home! As you visit our Angel Fire, Red River, and Taos offices – Welcome!

Baylee Thayer | Lead Transaction Assistant

The lead transaction assistant role suits my innate desire to meet customer needs. Known for high levels of empathy and sincerity, my background in logistics and natural tendency for order all combine to help me and our team serve our customers and meet their real-estate goals.

Prior to moving to Angel Fire in 2018 I spent 10 years working in the Department of Energy industry in Virginia. I grew up in Colorado but am a native New Mexican and love this area because of the mountains, the art, culture, and the proximity of family.