How long have you been in business?
I have been a full-time real estate agent for more than a decade, and have been a homeowner in Point Loma for more than 20 years.

What do you love most about what you do?
Helping people with what is often one of the most consequential transactions of their lives while giving them confidence they’re in good hands. I love the mix of strategy, marketing, negotiation, and creativity that real estate rewards. No two days or two clients are ever the same, which keeps me on my toes and never bored.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
Details matter. Clarity wins.

Do you have a furry office assistant or workplace mascot?
Yes! My four-legged assistant Coco is never far from my side when I’m in the office. She inspires me to take regular cuddle breaks, no matter what I might be working on.  

What’s a piece of advice you tell to your clients or customers that will save them time, money, or both?
Real estate can throw a lot at you, so I sometimes remind clients to stick to what they can genuinely control. When we prepare well, set reasonable expectations, and communicate clearly & openly, the whole experience becomes more efficient and the results get better.

Tell us about a moment when you knew you chose the right career.
There is no single moment I can point to. However, the fact that I am energized by my work and love what I do the vast majority of the time reinforces my decision daily. 

What’s a memorable experience you’ve had with a customer or client?
Despite flying around in helicopters for listings featured on TV, what stands out most to me is seeing clients thriving in their homes, or in some cases, thriving after a home sale enabled a new path forward for them. 

What’s a lesson you’ve learned the hard way in business?
Early on, I thought saying yes to every opportunity was the path to success. It took me a little while to learn that the best outcomes happen when there’s a good fit on both sides. When clients and I click, the process is smoother, the decisions are clearer, and the results tend to exceed expectations. Plus, everyone has more fun along the way, which is not something you hear everyday in real estate.

Which part of your job will AI never be able to do?
Never say never, but replacing the human side of advising someone during a major life transition is tricky. Buying or selling a home is emotional as much as it is financial and there are so many nuances that can be vitally important. The trust built face-to-face isn’t something an algorithm can easily replicate. I am personally present for much of what I do, whether that’s discussing optimizations while walking the home with a seller before listing, or being present to personally show a home to buyers and share my personal knowledge about the community. It’s that personal presence and steady guidance that make all the difference - we hopefully still have a few years before AI harnesses all of that and Robo-Realtors takes over.  ;) 

Where’s your go-to spot in Point Loma when you need to think, recharge, or celebrate?
I try to make it out to Cabrillo National Monument every week or two. If you see some crazy person attempting to run up the newer trail that connects the tidepools to the upper part of the park, there’s a good chance it’s me (say hi!). I find it a great way to recharge, reconnect with nature, and enjoy the incredible views there. The Bessemer path is a close second. 

What’s something interesting, fun, or unique about you or your business that might surprise us?  Before real estate, I built a home-improvement and tool-review website. I’ve tested everything from high-end table saws to obscure gadgets most people never knew existed. I also traveled around the country (and a little globally) to visit with and see the latest products from companies in the industry, and I attended home and construction trade shows regularly.  

What’s a fun or interesting skill or talent you have outside of work?  I like writing and creating content online. I channel some of that energy into writing content for the blog section of my real estate site. I tend to write about topics of interest in the real estate realm, and more recently, I’m starting to cover content focused on local interests and businesses. My most recent post was a guide to San Diego’s many craft breweries, organized by neighborhood: https://marclyman.com/san-diego-breweries/

What’s a TV show or movie that accurately or inaccurately portrays your profession and why?
Just about all real estate “reality” shows do NOT accurately depict most of our industry. Those shows often make it appear like the agents make the decisions for their clients and their clients are just along for the ride (which is often a bumpy one). Agents should be there to provide sage guidance and perspective to their clients (ideally with minimal ego and drama), so the client can make solid, informed decisions. That approach doesn’t make for good TV though.  ;)