As a sales manager at Nordstrom, Patrick De Leon traveled across the United States, but it was his time in Seattle that truly captured his heart. So when the opportunity arose to relocate from San Francisco to this vibrant city, he didn't hesitate. A few new jobs and neighborhoods later, Patrick was ready to become a homeowner. After attending an open house event for what would soon become his first home in Redmond, Patrick’s unexpected journey into the world of real estate began.

"Merely two months after I closed on my first house, I decided I wanted to enter the real estate market," Patrick reflects. With a solid background in sales, real estate felt like a natural next step. Initially balancing real estate with his corporate job as a Product Manager, Patrick soon recognized that his part-time commitment didn’t align with the high level of service he aspired to provide. “It felt like a disservice to my clients,” he concedes. 

Confronted with this realization, Patrick took the courageous step to pursue a full-time career in real estate, despite some reservations. “I was worried at first,” he confesses. “It felt akin to purchasing a one-way ticket to another country,” he says, acknowledging the uncertainty of such a career change. “Fortunately, with a strong support system, I was able to make the jump.” 

After interviewing several offices to find a place to hang his license, Patrick met Bob Steedman of Coldwell Banker Bain in Bellevue. The connection was immediate, and Patrick was convinced that Bob was the right mentor for him. “I spent about four months there before Bob left for Windermere Yarrow Bay, and I immediately said, ‘I’m going to follow Bob.’” Despite skepticism from his peers, who insisted it was too soon and his business too young, one 9 a.m. phone call changed everything.

Lew Mason, the branch manager at Yarrow Bay and Bob’s predecessor, reached out to Patrick. "He mentioned he knew I was newer to the business but had been highly recommended," Patrick recalls. By extending an invitation to meet on the same day, Lew took a chance on Patrick, who seized the opportunity, rearranging his schedule to accommodate the meeting. This pivotal moment propelled Patrick to where he needed to be.

At Yarrow Bay, Patrick thrived, embracing opportunities to learn from his peers and expand his team. He attributes his success to the generosity and expertise of the brokers in the office, who freely share their time, knowledge, and wisdom. “Real opportunities stem from their kindness, and I always ensure to pay it forward,” he says. 

When setting business goals, Patrick prioritizes actions and accountability. “We establish team goals for various aspects such as the number of open houses we’ll do a year, expanding our knowledge, manifesting what we want for ourselves and, most importantly, for our clients,” he explains. “Hard work yields rewards, and I strive to instill this in my team.” He also empowers his team to set and pursue their own goals, providing them with the necessary templates and tools to ensure success and an unmatched level of service.

Family serves as Patrick’s driving force in expanding his business. “My family means everything to me,” he says. “Their support and sacrifices inspire me to push my limits and strive for greater achievements.” Despite the geographical distances, Patrick cherishes every opportunity to reunite with his loved ones. His success in real estate enables him to give back to his family in meaningful ways, which fills him with immense gratitude for his accomplishments. “I’m truly grateful for what I’ve been blessed with,” he shares.

For Patrick, real estate transcends a mere profession; it’s a means to create opportunities and make a meaningful impact. As he continues navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the industry, his commitment to integrity, humility, and serving his clients remains steadfast.