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By Devin Davis, Bay East Association of Realtors
As the workweek winds down for many, it’s just getting started for real estate professionals.
“It’s very common for real estate professionals to work late nights, weekends and even holidays to meet clients’ needs or handle unexpected challenges,” said Sam Yusufi, Realtor and chair of Valley Real Estate Network (VREN). “These sorts of personal sacrifices are just a fundamental part of the profession.”
For many real estate professionals in the Tri-Valley, Friday is the kickoff for some of the busiest days of their workweek.
Friday is also the day that VREN holds its weekly meetings. The meetings, which have been held at various locations in Pleasanton for decades, provide real estate professionals opportunities to learn about homes on the market, share clients’ needs and stay informed about market trends as well as network.
The Friday VREN meetings also include guest speakers who are experts in both real estate and community issues. Yusufi said that including community updates about economic conditions, Pleasanton schools, public safety and information about local events helps real estate professionals better understand their “office” — the neighborhoods where they help clients buy and sell homes.
Yusufi explained that networking is both a skill and resource real estate professionals rely on to help their clients.
She said marketing meetings like VREN allow real estate professionals to create and maintain relationships not only with real estate agents, but a myriad of other professionals including inspectors, appraisers and contractors.
“Some may be surprised to learn the real estate profession requires a deep personal connection and being able to put clients in touch with well-respected and trusted referrals takes a lot of stress out of an already emotional transaction,” Yusufi said.
“Our referral network helps clients find the right inspectors, movers, insurance, doctors, dentists and even daycare,” said Tracey Esling, 2025 president for Bay East Association of Realtors. “Ultimately, we often become the service providers for several aspects of our clients’ lives.”
Esling said a real estate professional’s network can help a buyer whether they are searching for a home below the median price in the area or a luxury home.
There are some agents that hone their skills in the luxury market with a Luxury Home Certification (LHC), which allows them to develop distinct negotiation tactics and how to work in a market where homes are significantly more than the median sale price.
The California Association of Realtors reported the median sale price of a home in Pleasanton was $1.83 million in February of this year and in many communities that price would be considered a luxury home.
Esling mentioned, even with a specific certification, almost all agents will come across things they haven’t seen in the past, but regardless of the client or the price of a home, they will facilitate the process and find solutions.
“Real estate professionals have to be analytical, strategic, service-oriented and most importantly compassionate yet strong,” Esling said. “These are skills we use Monday-through-Friday and every weekend, too.”
Editor’s note: Devin Davis is a public affairs specialist for the Bay East Association of Realtors, which is based in Pleasanton.
