Get to Know Katie & Gunar
Get to Know Katie & Gunar: The Faces Behind Sea Haven Real Estate and Sea Haven Homes
If you’ve spent any time exploring Cape May’s coastal neighborhoods, chances are you’ve admired a home touched by Katie and Gunar Arenberg. As the husband-and-wife team behind Sea Haven Real Estate and Sea Haven Homes, they’ve spent the past decade redefining what it means to live and build beautifully on the coast.
What started as a dream and a single renovation loan has grown into two thriving businesses built on craftsmanship, creativity, and connection. But before Sea Haven became the trusted local name it is today, it all began with one fixer-upper and a lot of hard work.
From Sweat Equity to Sea Haven
Katie and Gunar’s story began much like many homeowners’—with a vision, a renovation loan, and a willingness to get their hands dirty. They purchased their first home in Cape May, took on the challenge of a live-in renovation, and poured heart and sweat equity into every project. A few years later, they sold the home for a profit and rolled that momentum into their next one.
That first success sparked a pattern: one project at a time, they built equity, experience, and confidence. Before long, they purchased their first income property- a small home in Villas, NJ, which they renovated into a charming year-round rental. From there, things took off. Working side by side, they began renovating and reselling homes throughout Cape May County, each one reflecting their growing skill and signature coastal style.
Along the way, they developed a core belief that guides every part of their business today: real estate isn’t about getting rich quick, it’s about quality and legacy. Because they’ve lived the process themselves, they understand every challenge and reward that comes with buying, selling, and renovating homes. That firsthand experience allows them to expertly guide their clients through any transaction no matter how complex- with genuine empathy, insight, and confidence. Their diverse background means they can meet every client where they are, whether it’s a first-time homebuyer, seasoned investor, or family building their forever home in Cape May County.
In 2023, they officially opened Sea Haven Real Estate a natural evolution of their years of experience in design, construction, and real estate investment. Their goal was simple: to create a trusted, full-service local brand where clients could find, buy, design, and build their dream homes by the sea.
Building a Reputation, One Home at a Time
Today, Sea Haven Real Estate and Sea Haven Homes have become synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship, creative design, and an unwavering work ethic. Clients know Katie and Gunar as a team who truly shows up for each other, their clients, and their employees.
Katie serves as Broker of Record for Sea Haven Real Estate, helping buyers and sellers across Cape May County navigate the market with confidence. Her background in design and development allows her to see potential where others might not, and her leadership keeps every client experience rooted in trust and collaboration.
Gunar leads the construction and development side as head of Sea Haven Homes, overseeing everything from new builds to major renovations. Known for his calm approach and meticulous attention to detail, he brings decades of hands-on expertise to every project turning ideas into architectural artistry that feels timeless and distinctly coastal.
Their approach is grounded, not glamorous but built on experience, relationships, and respect for the process. They don’t just work in Cape May County; they’ve lived every side of the real estate journey themselves, and that’s what makes them uniquely equipped to guide others through it.
Family, Values, and Life Beyond the Build
Beyond their work, Katie and Gunar’s most important role is as parents to three amazing daughters. Family is the foundation of everything they do—and the reason they’ve built a business that gives them the flexibility to be present in their children’s lives. Whether they’re at a job site, an open house, or a soccer game, their values remain the same: show up, work hard, and care deeply.
The Arenbergs also share a love for travel and international real estate. They’ve built and invested in properties abroad, frequently traveling to Nicaragua, where they spend as much time as possible soaking in beach life and drawing inspiration from the natural beauty around them.
Working together as a husband-and-wife team hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding. Their success comes from understanding each other’s roles—Katie guiding the real estate and design vision, and Gunar leading the development and construction side—and respecting the strengths they each bring to the table.
Your Cape May Haven Awaits
Whether you’re buying, selling, building, or just beginning to dream, Katie and Gunar bring integrity, artistry, and heart to every step of the process. From blueprint to closing table, they’re here to help you find and create your place by the sea.
Ready to work with Katie and Gunar?
Click here to get started or give us a call today to begin your Cape May story.
Go Behind the Scenes with the Arenbergs
Want to see Katie and Gunar in action? Don’t miss our Sea Haven Renovation Series on YouTube where we take you behind the walls of a real Cape May renovation from concept to completion. Follow along as the Arenbergs share design insights, renovation tips, and a rare inside look at how a coastal dream home comes to life.
🎥 Watch the full series here:
