by Katrina Garcia | Aug 29, 2024 | Owner Education
If you’ve been keeping up with the latest news, you’ve probably heard about a major shift in how real estate transactions are conducted nationwide. Today, we’re exploring a crucial development that will now impact both buyers and sellers: the recent...Emily Peterman
Leasing Specialist
Emily is originally from Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Chapman University with a degree in Business Communication. Her first experience in a leadership role was as a department manager at Nordstrom. It was here she developed her skills in people management as well as client retention. She was awarded with a “Customer Service All-Star” award by the CEO for her creative problem-solving skills and stellar success in giving customers the utmost best service. Following this chapter, she moved her expertise into a Project Management role at an Architectural Engineering company in Southern California. It was here she found her passion for home design and ultimately real estate. With Emily’s combined people skills and passion for the business of real estate and property management, she is thrilled to help grow all facets of KeyOpp.
In her free time, Emily loves to travel, cook up a meal in the kitchen, and attend a variety of dance classes. She traveled and trained as a classical ballerina when she was young and was offered a full-time position at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, Illinois following high school, which she ultimately turned down to attend college. Emily loves meeting new people and creating lasting connections. Outside of work she is currently working towards her Real Estate License and hopes to work with the Northern California community soon!
Nathan Maleewong
Leasing Manager
Keyopps employee Nathan
Working for several years in hospitality and sales, Nathan has always strived for achieving the highest satisfaction for his clients. He is known to go above and beyond in order to ensure that his clients receive a positively unforgettable experience. Especially when his responsibility pertains to a monumental event in a person’s life – such as moving into a new home. In terms of the industry, he fell in love with working in a profession that revolves around helping others or guiding people through a significant time in their lives.
As a Leasing Specialist, Nathan always aims to provide the best possible service with dedication to detail, problem-solving, and active listening. As a renter, he has experienced the arduous labor of the rental search and the general moving process. This has inspired him to pivot that experience for searchers and create an easier and more enjoyable process. His extroverted personality and genuine care create an amazing experience for tenants while effectively ascertaining the best possible fit for his clients. Branching off his determined nature, Nathan is skilled at listening to what people need and working diligently to best match his clients with what they are looking for.
In his free time, Nathan loves to explore new places in nature and observe the beauty that the world has to offer. As a creative person, he has an artistic eye and is passionate about photography and videography. He will jump on the chance to practice his craftsmanship any chance that he gets. Personally, he focuses on consistency and positivity in his daily life, with the routines of early morning meditation, exercising, managing a healthy diet, and carrying an open heart to constant learning and making genuine connections.
Kelvin Kam
Partner Broker
Kelvin Kam, the Broker of Record for KeyOpp Real Estate and Founder of Sequoia Real Estate, stands out as a pragmatic leader in the real estate domain. Since embarking on his journey in 2003, Kam’s trajectory embodies a strategic fusion of foresight, diversification, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
In a swift transition from the tech sector to real estate in 2003, Kam seized an opportunity presented at an investment seminar. Acquiring over 20 out-of-state properties in his first year, he took the decisive step of leaving his tech job, cementing his belief in the potential of real estate.
During the 2009 downturn, Kelvin discerned an opportunity with foreclosures, leading him to establish a business focused on purchasing properties at Trustee Sales. His career has since seen the successful flipping of nearly 40 properties, a testament to his keen ability to identify and capitalize on market trends.
Founding Sequoia Real Estate in 2010, Kelvin aimed to address unmet needs in the market. Over the years, the firm has evolved into a significant player, boasting a team of over 100 professionals spread across four offices in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Strategic expansion continued with the introduction of Sequoia Commercial Group in 2020, further solidifying Kelvin’s influence in the industry. In 2022, he launched the Sequoia Arts Foundation, a 501c-approved organization providing scholarships for the visual and performing arts. Continuing his commitment to philanthropy in 2023, Kelvin initiated Sequoia Care Homes, focusing on managing residential care facilities for the elderly and adults with disabilities.
Kelvin’s leadership transcends mere transactions; he annually hosts the InvestNow Conference, drawing over 300 attendees and featuring speakers from around the country. Complementing this, he released a documentary, “A Giant in the Making,” delving into Sequoia Real Estate’s growth. A forthcoming docuseries will spotlight associates, amplifying their brands in their respective markets.
In the world of real estate, Kelvin Kam stands as a leader, his journey serving as a blueprint for those seeking strategic diversification and aiming to make a lasting impact on the industry.
Karmen Wong
Listing Coordinator
Karmen Wong’s journey to real estate was inspired by her positive experience buying a home with her sister over two years ago. Their agent, who was patient and knowledgeable, made the transaction feel like a breeze. This experience, coupled with her Aunt’s belief in real estate investment, ignited Karmen’s interest in pursuing it as a career. She is driven by the opportunity to help others through one of the most significant transactions in their lifetime.
What excites Karmen most about her work is the ever-changing nature of real estate. Each transaction involves different clients and properties, allowing her to connect with people and assist them in achieving their real estate goals.
Clients often describe Karmen as reliable, efficient, and honest. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and entertaining friends and family at their home.
Her favorite month of the year is December because she loves the festive atmosphere of Christmas, the joy of shopping, and the warmth of family gatherings. Karmen’s passion for real estate and dedication to client satisfaction make her a valuable asset to the KeyOpp Real Estate team.
Eileen Chau
Marketing Specialist
Eileen Chau’s journey to real estate was inspired by her childhood experiences in a family business and frequent relocations, fostering an intrigue for architecture, interior design, and negotiation styles unique to different cities. This diverse background naturally led her to become a real estate agent, where she could seamlessly merge her passions.
Clients often describe Eileen as detail-oriented, patient, and realistic. Her excitement for work stems from the ever-changing landscape of architecture and design cultures, continuously breathing new life into the old.
Outside of work, Eileen can be found at home with her family, either in the kitchen or curled up with a good book. Family is something she could never give up, as they keep her grounded and on the straight and narrow.
One of the nicest things said to Eileen was an offer for a position at an art gallery, a gesture sparked by her love for a painting and the captivating story behind it.
Originally from various parts of California, Eileen’s journey continued at San Francisco State, where her passion for marketing blossomed through coursework in her Marketing major. Her finance background at Bank of America, coupled with her business acumen gained from assisting her parents’ business, positions her perfectly as a Marketing Associate at KeyOpp Real Estate.
Letty Lee
Buyer Specialist
Letty, a proud native of San Francisco, brings a wealth of diverse experiences in her role as a Realtor. Having lived in neighborhoods such as Crocker Amazon, Ingleside, and Sunset and attended schools in Chinatown, Mission, Balboa Terrace, Parkside and Park Merced, she offers direct knowledge and experiences of the vast communities in San Francisco.
Her experience in the technology industry of assisting college graduates find their dream job was the start of her desire to help individuals at a significant moment in their life. She then transitioned to help families relocate and find their dream home across the United States. These experiences coupled with her personal home buying journeys fueled her interest to pursue real estate.
Letty excels at simplifying the real estate process, ensuring her clients understand and anticipate every step along the way. Her unwavering commitment to delivering top service, coupled with meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to staying on top of the market, ensures that buyers receive maximum exposure to properties that align with their needs, all at the best possible value.
In her leisure time, Letty indulges in her love for travel, culinary exploration, and quality time with her husband and three children. Letty has high integrity, boundless energy, strong work ethics and a passion to help others achieve their real estate dream.
Carlyne Du
Transaction Coordinator
Carlyne brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Transaction Support in the real estate sector. With a solid background as a Transaction Coordinator, she has been the trusted point of contact for numerous clients, ensuring seamless transactions from start to finish. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to compliance have consistently ensured that all necessary documents are accurately managed and in full accordance with regulations.
Carlyne’s dedication to providing exceptional service not only streamlines processes but also instills confidence in clients, knowing that their transactions are in capable hands.
Beyond her professional acumen, Carlyne embodies a friendly and approachable demeanor, fostering positive relationships with clients and colleagues alike. Her proactive communication style ensures that all parties involved are kept informed and supported throughout the transaction process. Carlyne’s ability to navigate complex procedures with ease, coupled with her personable nature, makes her an invaluable asset to any real estate team. Whether facilitating negotiations or overseeing document management, Carlyne’s commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of her work, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations.
Katrina Garcia
Digital Marketing Specialist
Katrina embarked on her professional journey as a Digital Marketing Specialist in Real Estate right after graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing Management. Her role sparked a passion for creativity and learning in real estate advertising, aligning perfectly with her business-minded nature and aspirations to own a business one day. With five years of experience under her belt, Katrina is particularly drawn to the ever-evolving nature of marketing, which challenges her to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Katrina indulges in flower arrangement and baking, hobbies that offer her a creative outlet away from the digital world. These pursuits not only showcase her artistic side but also provide a peaceful contrast to her dynamic career in digital marketing, embodying her well-rounded approach to both her personal and professional life.
Marjorie Batinga
Transaction Coordinator
I began my Real Estate career in 2020 as a Compliance Transaction Coordinator. I was their very first virtual assistant. As a pioneer, I finally became team leader.
As I work and communicate with agent’s Transaction Coordinators everyday, my interest to work as one arises. Then I was lucky to land a job as a Transaction Coordinator. From there, I knew this is the career I really wanted to excel in.
My time with KeyOpp gave great chances, including working as a customer support agent. This work broadened my education and allowed me to interact with a wide range of people, all while satisfying my intrinsic drive to help others.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Katrina indulges in flower arrangement and baking, hobbies that offer her a creative outlet away from the digital world. These pursuits not only showcase her artistic side but also provide a peaceful contrast to her dynamic career in digital marketing, embodying her well-rounded approach to both her personal and professional life.
Hedda Cheuck
Buyer Specialist
I’m a Realtor, Investor, Developer, and a Mother of two children. I’ve project-managed over $40 million in residential developments in San Francisco and the Bay Area. I am originally from Vancouver, Canada and moved in 2000 to the Bay Area where I began in Commercial Banking and then Title & Escrow Sales. Furthering my passion in Real Estate, I purchased my first out-of-state investment property in 2003, and first home in 2005, I’ve learned the meaning of cash flow, and since then have rehabbed and lived in multiple duplexes and single family homes in San Francisco. I love the multi-facets of Real Estate investing, and sharing this knowledge with friends so that we can all grow together and reach financial freedom.
Fun Fact
“I’m filled with lots of energy and love planning travels with my family & friends, experiencing new adventures together. In the winter, you’ll find me on the mountains skiing as often as I can with my family and in the summers camping throughout California.”
My time with KeyOpp gave great chances, including working as a customer support agent. This work broadened my education and allowed me to interact with a wide range of people, all while satisfying my intrinsic drive to help others.
Lawrence Leung
Co-founder & Director of Operations
With over 30 years of real estate experience, Lawrence brings a family-focused approach to Real Estate. Starting early on by assisting his father with hands-on repairs and maintenance with various properties and later assisting with the backend operational processes, Lawrence along with his wife Melanie Leung have a developed multiple businesses focusing on all aspect of Real Estate including, but not limited to, Property Management, Investment Strategies as well as Buyer and Seller Representation. By working in multiple aspects of the real estate process, he brings a multi-faceted perspective to the buying and investment process. As a duo team with a strong knowledge of property investment, Lawrence is able to provide all the necessities an investor needs to make the smart choices.
In his spare time, Lawrence loves spending time with his kids. They enjoy camping, playing sports, and skiing in Lake Tahoe as a family.
If you’re looking for a trusted advisor with a strong investment background, you can’t do better than Lawrence Leung.
Melanie Leung
Co-Founder & Head of Real Estate
Having grown up with parents working in real estate, I found my passion for this industry at an early age. I chose to follow in their footsteps after seeing how many clients they were able to help fulfill the American Dream of Home Ownership. After 7 years of working extensively in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have developed a keen understanding of the local market and always take the time to figure out what clients really need from me as a professional real estate broker. I take pride in serving my clients with the utmost level of care and professionalism. It is my job to ensure a smooth, worry-free, and satisfying experience for everyone involved.
As a mother of three children, I fully understand the aspects of finding the perfect home for your family. There are so many factors to consider which makes the home search quite arduous. Where do you start and what is most important to you? Is it the neighborhood or schools or safety? This is where I can offer my insight and guide clients in the right direction. Helping buyers find a home where they can raise a family and build memories for a lifetime is most rewarding to me.
I also understand a seller’s sentimental value when letting go of a place where they raised their kids and nurtured a home for thirty years. Helping sellers find comfort during the sale process is my specialty. With extra care and attention, I have been able to appease my clients and manage their properties delicately. These valuable experiences have allowed me to assist my clients during all stages of their lives – whether it’s their first home purchase, purchasing an investment property, or downsizing to a smaller home.
If you would like to know more about how I can fulfill your real estate needs, please contact me at your convenience.