Friendly & Expert Real Estate Services

 Sandra (“Sandy”) Ralston is President of HomeGuard Title & Trust and has been practicing real estate law for over 20 years, including residential and commercial closings and 6 years as in-house claims counsel for a national title insurance underwriter.  Raised in Jacksonville, she obtained her B.A. from Stetson University and worked in Washington, DC before returning to Florida and earning her Juris Doctorate in 2002 from the University of Florida.  Away from work, she is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Riverside and serves on the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital.  Married for over 25 years to her husband, Bert, she is most often found enjoying time with friends and family, listening to audiobooks while doing nearly everything else, and lavishing attention on possibly the world’s most affectionate golden retriever.     

Deidra Hall is a Licensed Florida Title Agent and Vice President of Operations. She brings with her 20+ years of experience and knowledge for all types of real estate transactions, including residential, new construction, and commercial.  An Ohio native, she has been happy to call Florida home since 1991. Outside of the closing room, Deidra enjoys fishing with her partner, Mike, and spending time with their dogs, a miniature schnauzer and a griffonshire.

 Brandi Cowan has been the Post-Closing Manager with the HomeGuard family since 2019. Before Brandi received an Associate’s degree in accounting, she spent many years in customer relations, which is evident in her prompt, service-oriented approach to fulfilling customer requests. She was born and raised in Montana, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Stephen. Brandi was a proud military wife for 20 years, and they made Jacksonville their home in 2016. Together, they have one son, whom she enjoys watching play football and baseball. When not out at the field, she enjoys playing with her black labs, reading, working on puzzles, and enjoying the Florida sunshine.   

 Katie Buck joined HomeGuard Title & Trust in 2020 as a processor, bringing with her over 25 years of experience in the mortgage and real estate industry.  She is a Florida native and currently resides in Orange Park with her husband and miniature schnauzers.  When not processing closings, she can be found in the garden or busy crafting and upcycling.  If you don’t know what to do with your plastic grocery bags, Katie can crochet them into a purse or beach bag!   

 Laurie Henry has been processing closings in Northeast Florida for over 20 years.  Before beginning her career in the title industry, Laurie worked with her husband for many years with their construction company, Tracy Lynn Homes.  She was raised and lived in Daytona Beach, Florida until 1988, when she, her husband, and young daughter moved to Jacksonville.  Laurie enjoys reading and spending time with her granddaughter, along with her daughter and son-in-law.