Our Story

Roger Wheeler and Art Steffen founded Wheeler Steffen Real Estate in 1960, establishing standards of ethics and service that remain the foundation of our success to this day.

Roger was among a third generation of Wheeler’s to live in Claremont. The Wheeler family was among the many citrus growers that helped develop the citrus industry in the Pomona Valley. They helped form one of the earliest cooperatives that allowed the industry to prosper. Roger’s grandfather, Frank Wheeler, was one of the earliest real estate developers in the area. His father, Stuart Wheeler, was instrumental in bringing Route 66 through Claremont.

Art Steffen moved to Claremont in 1957 to establish his own real estate practice after representing various developers throughout Southern California sell new tracts of homes during the post war real estate boom. New to Claremont, Art quickly became active in the community serving on city commissions and participating in service organizations and church groups.

Wheeler Steffen Real Estate Staff
Wheeler Steffen Real Estate Office

After forming their company, they were able to expand their operations quickly and built their first office on Indian Hill Blvd. in downtown Claremont. Soon their growing brokerage grew to 3 offices to serve the northern portion of the Pomona Valley. This growth resulted in the moving of the Claremont Office to its present location on Foothill Blvd. in 1971.

Our Community

Wheeler Steffen’s growth mirrored the growth of Claremont and the surrounding foothill communities. The Claremont Colleges grew in both the number of colleges and students. As the citrus ranches were replaced by new neighborhoods, Roger and Art played pivotal roles in helping to establish a community that resulted in Claremont being ranked as the 5th best place to live by CNN Money magazine in 2007.

Located 30 miles east of Los Angeles, Claremont is an easy drive to all the activities in Southern California including the beaches, mountains and desert.

With the look and feel of an eastern college town, Claremont is host to 5 internationally recognized colleges which include Pomona, Scripps, Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Pitzer. Claremont is also home to 3 prestigious post graduate institutions; Claremont Graduate University, Keck Graduate Institute, and the Claremont School of Theology.

Claremont

In addition to its educational prowess, Claremont’s art community became recognized internationally, featuring artists such as Millard Sheets, Milford Zornes, Harrison McIntosh, Sam Maloof, Karl Benjamin, William Manker, Susan Hertel, and Phil Dike.

With its tree lined streets and vibrant downtown, Claremont contains a wide range of properties including historical homes dating to the late 1800’s, family homes within walking distance to neighborhood parks and schools, to million dollar homes with views of the mountains, valley, downtown Los Angeles, and Catalina.

Tradition and Transition

Roger sold his interest in the brokerage to Art upon his retirement. In 1988 Paul Steffen joined his father to concentrate on the development and growth of the property management company. As Art’s health declined, Paul’s participation in the operations of the real estate brokerage increased. In 2004 Paul purchased the brokerage from his father prior to his father’s passing.

On January 2, 2013 Paul Steffen and his associates were pleased to begin their association with Sotheby’s International Realty®. Through this affiliation Wheeler Steffen Sotheby’s International Realty can now offer our clients unparalleled marketing programs and materials that maximize the exposure of our listings to potential buyers locally, regionally and internationally.

Sold Property

Whether your needs involve a first home, family home, estate, or investment property, Wheeler Steffen Sotheby’s International Realty provides you guidance utilizing our unique levels of expertise, knowledge, and skills to ensure success in your real estate transactions.

Contact us today to experience the difference Wheeler Steffen Sotheby’s International Realty can make in your next transaction.