Editor’s note: In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are featuring eXp agents of this heritage and sharing their stories of service, values, and commitments.
In 2018, Garrick Yan outgrew the small, boutique California real estate brokerage he first joined when becoming an agent. He was thinking about starting his own brokerage when he remembered eXp Realty.
“I knew about eXp’s model, so I reached out to Tom Truong, who I knew through AREAA (Asian Real Estate Association of America),” said Garrick. “The eXp model allowed me to start a team with full backend technology and broker support without the startup headaches. We are a ‘brokerage within a brokerage.’ We are also not limited to my geographic location. We can expand nationally across state lines and globally across borders.”
Prior to becoming a Realtor, Garrick taught K-12 at a private school for 10 years and while a noble profession, the modest income would not allow him to grow financially. His parents owned investment properties, so he took a page out of their book.
“I thought, ‘if you can own one investment property, why not two or four?’ So, I started off investing, then got my license. Now I want to help others do the same.”
> See why independent brokerages are flocking to eXp Realty
Garrick is also deeply involved in many different real estate groups and associations and is the lead moderator for the eXp Asian Network, a ONE eXp affinity group that supports and enables eXp agents to better serve the Asian community by understanding the needs, wants and challenges within the Asian community.
‘While the eXp Asian Network helps us increase productivity and find opportunities within the Asian community, we are here to serve everyone,” said Garrick. “But, certainly, having a dedicated Asian network helps us collaborate in solving specific cultural needs and literally, speaking the language.”
Learn more about Garrick Yan:
Years in real estate: Investor since 2005, agent since 2012
Gross sales and transactions in 2021: $50 million on 65 transactions
Brokerage history:
- eXp Realty (March 2018-current)
- California Pacific Brokers (2012-2018)
Main territory: San Francisco Bay Area
Main focus: Single-family homes, investment properties and first-time buyers
Number of people on team: 15 team members
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- Certified International Property Specialist
- Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
- Bay East Association of Realtors Global Workgroup Chair (2019-current)
- Bay East Association of Realtors Achievement Club (2012-2022)
- eXp ICON Agent (2021)
- eXp Asian Network Moderator
- eXp Realty San Francisco Bay Area Agent Forum Moderator
- Asian Real Estate Association of America National Chapter Development Chair (2022)
What makes eXp special to you?
“We are a company where you can have a small boutique feel but have the big company support. We can customize our own agent culture within the team but have broader agent networking opportunities. I am a member of eXp Asian Network, ONE eXp, San Francisco Bay Area Agent Forum, eXp Luxury, eXp ICON, eXp Team Leaders communities. Any agent can step up and contribute. The more you give, the more you receive.”
Is there a significant experience you can share since you joined eXp?
“Helping new agents close their first contracts and earning ICON agent status in the process.”
What is one thing about eXp that surprised you?
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I joined a ‘small’ national brokerage. eXp numbered about 15,000 agents nationally in 2018. In the San Francisco Bay Area market, eXp Realty had probably about 250 agents total. All that has changed dramatically during the time I have been with eXp Realty.”
Have you had any experience or success around eXp’s global revenue share and commercial businesses yet?
“As my real estate business has grown, I have started to explore the commercial business. I got a commercial mixed-use listing, and a 3-acre residential development listing. Take advantage of all the resources and education that eXp Realty has to offer.”
“Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” – Zig Ziglar
What kind of collaboration have you experienced at eXp?
“As a team leader, I have made our team meetings open to other agents to get to know the process of being on a team. Being able to hold agents accountable. Being able to dial (prospect) with other agents. And being able to share how to build a big business with new agents, experienced solo agents and team leaders.”
Best tip to share with other agents:
“Network, network, network! Also, mentor and be mentored.”
10 Fun Things About Garrick Yan
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Spending time with family and friends without having to worry about the busyness of the world. Better if this is in a new place to explore. And better yet with good food.
Who is the person you most admire?
My dad was an immigrant from China. He served in the U.S. Navy upon arrival in the United States. He worked hard to provide for our family. He always had a conversation.
One thing you can’t live without?
Family and friends.
One trait that has led to your success?
Working harder than my competition. This may include being incredibly patient, researching tirelessly and always going the extra mile (sometimes literally).
What celebrity would play you in a movie or TV show?
Jimmy O. Yang.
Pet peeve?
Giving up without trying.
Little known fact about yourself?
Prior to real estate, I was a computer engineer and a K-12 teacher.
Song you never tire of?
Electronic and dance music.
Favorite meal?
Too many choices, but here are some: Beef chow fun; Chirashi; Pho combination with beef on side; medium-rare prime rib and pizza!
Your epitaph will say:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
— 2 Timothy 4:7
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