California eXp Realty Designated Managing Broker Deborah Penny believes technology is something to embrace, not fear.

“So many people think they’re not tech savvy, and when they encounter a situation where they need to be, it’s not helpful to have that negative mindset going into it,” Debbie said. “If they remove the blocks, they’d be amazed at what they can do.”

Debbie Penny (far left) with her colleagues Lee Hammer and Anita Cruz.

Debbie first joined eXp Realty in 2018 as a managing broker. The virtual brokerage felt intimidating at first.

“Just the thought of coming into eXp’s virtual world and having to maneuver with an avatar, I didn’t know if I could do it,” she said. “But I thought, I’m going to give it a try.”

Debbie would practice her technological skills after work, and slowly but surely she began to get acclimated to all of eXp’s online tools.

“From a technology standpoint, I can do so much more now than I ever could before coming to eXp. But from the beginning of my time here, and even now, I was committed to learning, and taking things one day at a time. Once I did that, I become more confident and comfortable.”

It’s advice she now relays to her agents.

“If you don’t know how to do something, do your own research but also ask questions of us. eXp doesn’t want to see agents fail. We want to help them be incredibly successful.”

Learn More About Debbie Penny:

Years in real estate: Since 1988

Leadership positions held:

Broker of record for several large brokerages
Broker/owner of a boutique brokerage
Past member of the grievance committee for Southland Regional Association of Realtors

State where you broker: California

Accolades, accomplishments & awards:

Top Producer of the Year at previous brokerage
Member of eXp Realty’s State Team of the Year – California (2022)
Selected as one of the 50 large real estate firm representatives who will serve on the NAR Board of Directors in 2023.

When and why did you join eXp?

“After a number of years as the Broker of Record at a previous company, I became discouraged due to the lack of support and collaboration. I reached out to a trusted friend who became my sponsor and he introduced me to a group of amazing leaders at eXp, who took time out of their busy schedules to meet with me and answer my questions. The fact that they would so willingly make that time for me was beyond impressive and I felt a sense of excitement that I hadn’t felt in a long time. Change can be scary but I took a leap of faith, made the move to eXp and have never looked back!”

What makes eXp special to you?

“I believe we have the most talented agents and staff in the industry. It never ceases to amaze me that our executive leadership team is always accessible, and are happy to take the time out of their busy schedules to speak with us and to assist when needed. That doesn’t happen in many companies.”

Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?

“Having the California team named as the 2022 State Team of the Year is very significant and special because it recognizes the efforts of every single member of our team, and is something we are all able to celebrate together.”

What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?

“In so many brokerages, the brokers are out there on the island by themselves with no one to collaborate with. At eXp, I am blessed to be part of an amazing team who genuinely like and respect one another, share mutual goals and are willing to work together to put plans in place and find solutions to the challenges we face. Whether it involves meeting in eXp World, through Google Meet or Zoom and even poolside or in a restaurant at an event, the results of those sessions are always fun and productive.”

Best tip to share with agents:

“Never stop asking questions and learning! Read and attend classes and industry events. It is impossible to know everything because change is constantly happening.”