
About Us
Our Story
VIRECO — short for Vertically Integrated Real Estate Company — was built to redefine how families and investors experience real estate. Focused on the Central Valley with an eye toward broader opportunities, VIRECO combines deep local roots, trusted relationships, and comprehensive services to deliver clarity, confidence, and smart outcomes for every client.
Our Approach
At VIRECO, we believe real estate is more than transactions — it’s about opportunity, growth, and community. That’s why we provide vertically integrated services, guiding clients through every stage of the process:
Buying & Selling Homes — Expert guidance to find the right property or maximize value on a sale
Investment Advisory — Helping investors make smart, strategic decisions
Marketing & Exposure — Modern, targeted marketing strategies to ensure visibility and results
Local Expertise — Decades of relationships and knowledge across the Central Valley and Bay Area markets
Personalized Support — One team managing everything, delivering a seamless, confident experience
Joe Ballas
Co-Founder & CEO
Joe Ballas, a third-generation Central Valley resident and licensed real estate broker, VIRECO benefits from Joe’s over a decade of experience supporting state and federal leadership, giving him unique insight, credibility, and connections that translate into an advantage for clients navigating the real estate market. Joe’s personable, people-first style ensures clients feel guided, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
Hala Samow
Co-Founder & COO
Hala Samow, a seasoned marketing executive with over 15 years of experience in the B2B tech space. Hala brings extensive expertise from working with both Fortune 500 companies and Bay Area startups, leveraging data-driven strategies and operational excellence to ensure VIRECO delivers a seamless, high-impact experience for every client.
“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away. Purchased with common sense, paid for in full, and managed with reasonable care, it is about the safest investment in the world.”
— Franklin D. Roosevelt