Still Waters, Steady Heart — My 22nd Year as a Bay Area Real Estate Agent

My 22nd Year as a Bay Area Real Estate Agent

This year, the RealTrends national rankings were released—an industry-recognized list based solely on performance metrics: actual transaction volume and total dollar value closed in the past year. Out of thousands of agents across the country, I ranked #154, with 58 listings and $127 million in closed sales.

I still remember the thrill back in 2016 when I first made the list at #249. Since then, I’ve gradually moved up—ranking #180, #151, and even reaching #131 at my peak. Landing at #154 this year? Not bad at all. Laughs. It’s hard to believe it’s been 22 years of writing contracts, handing over keys, and building trust. In my very first year, I closed 21 homes—20 of which were for clients I had never met before. Looking back, maybe that was the earliest sign that I was made for this.

RealTrends—an authority in U.S. real estate—ranks agents based on prior-year transaction data.

It’s an honor to be recognized, but I’ve come to a place in my career where I no longer chase rankings. After consistently landing in the top 200 year after year, I’ve realized that what truly motivates me isn’t the numbers—it’s the people. These days, I aim to go far beyond just being a "real estate agent." I strive to offer broader insight, deeper guidance, and unwavering support. My team and I hold ourselves to a high standard—not for the accolades, but for the simple reward of hearing a client say, “I’m so glad we chose you.”

At the Heart of It All: People, Not Properties

Real estate has always been about more than just transactions. When clients share their needs, I listen—and I remember. Every new listing triggers a quiet mental checklist: Who could this be right for? Years of working in the Bay Area have tuned me into the unique rhythm of this community. I’ve never viewed myself as a “salesperson,” but rather as an advisor—focused on my clients, their lives, their goals, and what truly matters to them.

Sometimes a beautiful home appears—on the surface, it seems perfect. But maybe the location isn’t ideal, the layout doesn’t suit their needs, or the long-term value just isn’t there. In those moments, I’ll tell my clients to walk away. Sure, closing the deal would mean a commission. But I know I wouldn’t sleep well knowing I allowed a compromise that didn’t serve them.

To me, real estate—at its best—is about guiding people toward wise life decisions. And years later, when a client tells me, “I’m so glad I listened to you,” that means everything. It’s also why many come back when it’s time for their next chapter—whether it's a second or third home.

I won’t make grand promises about magical deals or unrealistic prices just to win a listing. But I will protect my clients from costly mistakes and keep their best interests front and center. One client even joked, “You’re not allowed to retire until you’ve helped my kids buy their homes!”

Renovations: Where Details Speak Louder

Preparing a home for the market isn’t about a quick coat of paint—or going overboard with a full remodel. It’s about making smart, thoughtful upgrades—guided by experience, budget, and a deep understanding of what today’s buyers truly value.

Every renovation plan begins with a simple question: Who is the likely buyer for this home? We consider the layout, location, and size, then tailor a strategy that highlights the property’s strengths.

We make every dollar count. Whether it’s focusing on the kitchen, bathrooms, or boosting curb appeal, our approach is always intentional: elevate the home’s appeal without unnecessary spending. There have been many late nights when our team is still deep in discussion, debating color palettes and layout tweaks. Because in the end, the goal is always the same—help the home shine at its absolute best.

🔗 Click here to explore a few of our recent renovation projects.

The Team Behind the Scenes

None of this would be possible without the incredible team that stands beside me. Our contractors show up—even in the pouring rain. Our stager often works late into the night, making sure every detail feels just right. And behind them are the quiet heroes: the deep cleaners, photographers, HVAC techs, roofing crews—all carefully vetted and trusted over time.

So much of the value we create happens in the spaces buyers never see. That’s where the real work lives—in the details, the prep, and the care we put into every step.

Our shared goal is simple: to treat every listing like it’s our own. To bring back the home’s warmth. To help buyers feel it the moment they walk through the door.

Client Words: The Warmest Reward

📸 Sometimes, all it takes is a quick glance at a client message on Zillow to feel completely recharged.

Just last week, a client sent this to our team group chat:

“Thank you to the entire team — we’re very pleased with the sale price, especially given the current market conditions! 

@Yvonne Yang, thank you for leading this powerhouse team with such finesse and strategy! 

@Tiffany Wong, your design was stunning—buyers fell in love and bid higher! 

@Zijian, your marketing and copywriting brought so much attention! 

@Sofia Magallon, thank you for getting all the documents together so smoothly.

Hands down the BEST real estate team in the Bay Area — we feel lucky to have worked with you all.”

Messages like this mean more to me than any number on a ranking list. The market shifts. Sales come and go. Rankings rise and fall. But what’s never changed in these 22 years is the heart of the work: helping someone find peace in a new home—or the confidence to step into a new chapter.

That’s what keeps me grounded. That’s what keeps me going.

There’s still a long road ahead. And I’m still here—quietly doing the work, one home, one client, one story at a time.