Cristi Chaquica Fostering Effective Leadership in Real Estate

The world of real estate has many players and a lot of moving parts. From a problem-solver mindset to strong interpersonal communication, a successful real estate agent needs to demonstrate a variety of traits to be successful. Top San Diego-based real estate agent Cristi Chaquica shares details about her current role at Compass, key characteristics of effective leaders, and so much more.

Can you describe your role at Compass?

I recently joined Compass as a broker associate, having transitioned over from Pacific Gate by Bosa, one of San Diego’s newest urban Super Prime luxury residences. In my new strategic partnership with Compass, the country’s largest independent real estate brokerage, I help people from all walks of life with their various real estate needs. Whether my client is buying their very first home or looking for an investment property, my 20 years of real estate sales and marketing experience have equipped me with the capacity to make the transaction as stress-free as possible.

How do you find gratitude and joy in your daily life? How has this affected your professional life?

I find gratitude every day in both my personal and professional life. Not only am I grateful for my husband and three wonderful children, but I am also thankful that I can help my clients with possibly the biggest purchase they will ever make, which is finding their new home. This is such a fun process to be a part of and earning their trust along the way just makes it infinitely better. Over the past five years, it has been a pleasure to get to know my clients and forge meaningful relationships with them. Ultimately, I find gratitude in making a positive impact on their lives.

What does effective leadership look like?

In real estate, being a good leader does not just mean setting goals and getting results. It requires you to be proactive, efficient, and adaptable to change. Effective leadership also involves delivering the highest quality of work and services to clients. To lead by example, you have to properly assess their wants and needs early on and keep a close eye on market trends. As a broker associate, I use my experience and expertise to seamlessly guide clients through the real estate process from beginning to end.

What is the most rewarding part of working in real estate?

I do not look at buying or selling homes purely as a business transaction. I am playing a role in creating memories for new homeowners that will last a lifetime. For me, the most rewarding part of working in real estate is all the wonderful people I get to know along the way. Whether it is other agents and brokers in my industry that I get to collaborate with nationally and internationally, or clients who become my lifelong friends, the people I have had the opportunity to meet and work with make my job incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable.