A Realtor® for the past 18 years, Lynn Nakasato-Aglipay works under the umbrella of Compass representing buyers, sellers and investors in a variety of real estate transactions. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a finance and international marketing degree and worked as director of finance and operations at a midsize start-up company before moving into real estate work. Lynn specializes in the areas of Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Hermosa Beach, Lomita and San Pedro.
What is your agency known for?
“Not only does Compass have the most talented agents and advanced technology in the industry, they also invest in my clients through Compass Concierge services. I don’t know any other agency that gives my clients an opportunity to transform their home and prepare it for sale with zero costs and no upfront fees.”
What are the benefits of a career in real estate?
“Wow, there are so many, where do I start? I think the most important for me is being able to spend time with my kids without feeling like I have to use a ‘vacation’ or ‘sick’ day. I was always able to attend my children’s school activities. Even now that they’re grown, I could hop on a plane to New York or drive to Newport for the day to visit my girls. I’ve also met some of the best people, made the greatest friendships, and I can shop during the weekday when most people are at work.”
What does it take to become a top earner in your field?
“Four words: Be Coachable, Be Disciplined! In this field, hard work truly does pay off. In today’s climate, you have to be on top of your game.”
Speak about the flexibility required to be successful in real estate.
“Real estate is not for the faint of heart. I think one of the keys in this industry is flexibility—being able to pivot at a moment’s notice. There are curveballs behind almost everything we do, from client meetings to transactions. I am a coordinator of sorts, making sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit. Something as easy as meeting with a client can cause you to be flexible. You gather all your materials, get your ‘presentation’ mindset in check and head to your clients when they call and ask if you can come by the same time tomorrow instead. Flexible, it happens … namaste!”
What do you love most about your job?
“I love being able to educate my clients on the home buying and/or selling process. Teaching them about how the process works, figuring out what all their options are and discussing strategies that best fit their needs is what I enjoy most. Most people don’t really know what it takes to buy and sell a home. In fact, on a recent listing presentation, I went over the process, options and strategies with my sellers (who are also buyers), and their response was, ‘Wow, you handle all that? I didn’t realize that’s what has to happen or that we even have options.’”
How are your clients using smart-home technology?
“It’s amazing how far technology has come. A Ring-type doorbell used to wow a potential buyer, but today it’s almost standard that a home has one. I’m currently working with a builder who is building townhomes that will be smart-home capable. You’ll be able to activate the garage door, lights, entertainment, temperature, door locks etc., all from the touch of your electronic device. That’s pretty cool!”
Do you involve your family in your work?
“Real estate is one of those careers in that you really need the support of your family. Your time can be very flexible, but you are always ‘on’ 24/7 and there is always work you could be doing. My kids have put up open house signs, delivered flyers, licked envelopes, delivered things and have helped and supported me through it all. I would love it if either of them would join me in real estate, but they are recent college graduates and are embarking on their own professional paths. Maybe one day one of them will join me … a mom can dream, right?”
What are key factors for finding a good fit when choosing a broker to work with?
“There are three important factors for me when it comes to choosing a broker. 1. Working with a like-minded broker and talented peers who push me to do better. 2. Making sure my values align with the company I choose. 3. What can the company offer that will enhance and simplify the process for my client and/or myself? I didn’t find Compass, they found me. Compass agents are vetted prior to joining and are the most well-respected and talented agents in the area. That along with the utmost in technology is a win-win for everyone. I love being part of a company that I consider to be the cream of the crop in real estate.”
Do you think home prices will continue to soar in 2022?
“Interest rates have been moving upward, and it has pushed some buyers out of the market, but it’s amazing how many other buyers there are taking their place. The South Bay continues to have very little inventory and a multitude of buyers. I believe we will still see prices increase, but depending on interest rate fluctuations, maybe not as robust as the last two years.”