It’s only when everything is stripped away that you see what truly matters. Through great challenges and the process of rebuilding, I leaned on my faith and connected with a deeper sense of purpose. 

When the 2008 market crash hit, everything I had built over nearly two decades in real estate collapsed. I was at the top of my game—earning awards, leading in sales, and providing a stable life for my family. Then, almost overnight, it all stopped. The phone went quiet. Deals fell through. Homes sat on the market with no buyers in sight. We lost our home. We lost our cars. Everything we had worked so hard to build was gone, and the weight of that loss was overwhelming.

My kids were old enough to understand what was happening, and it gave them a different perspective on life at an early age. The home they had grown up in was suddenly gone. The stability we had always prioritized was shaken. I kept pushing forward, but there was no hiding the reality—we were in survival mode, and everything felt uncertain.

What carried us through that time was our faith. My wife and I had given our lives to Christ in 1996, just a few years into our marriage. That decision had already carried us through difficult seasons, and during the crash, it became our anchor once again. Our faith didn’t just get us through—it was strengthened in the process and reminded us what truly matters.

My priorities have always been faith, family, and business—in that order. Being in real estate since 1990, I have seen it as more than a career. It gave me the chance to build meaningful relationships, spend time with my family, and serve others in a way that aligns with my values. Because of the flexibility in this profession, I was able to be present—whether that meant traveling for my son’s soccer tournaments or supporting my daughter during her pageant years. And all along, I built a business on the principles of honesty, integrity, and doing right by people.

In time, I became one of the top solo agents at the highest-producing RE/MAX offices in California and Hawaii. That season brought success and stability, but when the crash hit, I had to start over. I went back to the basics: door-knocking, cold calling, working short sales and foreclosures, and partnering with investors. Slowly, business returned. And as it did, our family became even stronger. We didn’t just recover financially. We came out of that experience more grounded, more intentional, and more committed to living with purpose.

Through all of it, Elijah was watching. The ups, the downs, the rebuilding—he saw it all. But instead of being discouraged, it shaped him. He understood the cost, but also the strength it took to keep going. After graduation, he built a successful career at Nike, where he worked for five years. Then in 2024, he decided to get his real estate license and join me in the business.

Working alongside him has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life. We bring different strengths but share the same values. Our business has always been about more than transactions. It’s about guiding people through transitions, offering clarity in uncertain times, and serving with integrity. And now, it’s also about legacy—building something lasting, together, rooted in the same faith that carried us through our hardest seasons.

Outside of work, I stay active, spend as much time as I can with my family, and serve regularly through our church. I’m involved in outreach, helping feed the homeless, praying with those in need, and simply showing up for people who are going through hard times. That time spent giving back is just as important to me as anything I’ve accomplished professionally. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do—and who I do it for.

With over three decades of experience in the industry, I bring a deep understanding of the real estate market, strong negotiation skills, and a commitment to putting clients first. I’ve built a reputation on trust, consistency, and results. My background includes everything from traditional home sales to short sales, foreclosures, and investment properties. I’ve worked through a variety of markets and that experience allows me to offer clients clarity and confidence in moments that often feel overwhelming.

Elijah brings a fresh perspective, backed by years of corporate experience and a strong work ethic shaped by everything he’s witnessed growing up around the business. He understands today’s buyer and seller—from digital marketing strategies to relationship-building with a younger demographic. Together, we’re able to blend experience with innovation. Our approach is hands-on, highly responsive, and focused on problem-solving. Whether it’s preparing a property for market, negotiating terms, or walking buyers through every step, we aim to create a smooth and supportive experience. Above all, our clients know they’re working with people who genuinely care—who listen, who show up, and who follow through.

 

Sincerely,

Adrian Urrea