Take 10 With Real Estate Agent Sage Penkin of Yost Quesada
As COUPAR Design expands into different markets, we are thrilled to have our go-to real estate partner in San Diego, The Yost Quesada Team. This savvy team of real estate agents seamlessly assists their clients with purchasing and selling in the San Diego area. COUPAR has particularly enjoyed collaborating with Yost Quesada team member Sage Penkin, who has her finger on the pulse in the real estate realm. We are excited to align with the Yost Quesada team and serve as a support system for homeowners.
CC: What gets your heart racing about The Yost Quesada Team’s listings so far this year?
SP: I love the variety! We've assisted sellers with everything from one-bedroom condos on the Bay to large homes with pools in Escondido. Strategizing and preparing with the sellers is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job.
CC: What advice would you give to new homeowners embarking on their first purchase adventure?
SP: First-time home buyers want to work with an agent who will take their time, go at the buyer's pace, and make them feel comfortable from start to finish. Our team loves helping first-time home buyers and takes a very detailed approach to the process. Ensuring our clients understand how we operate is crucial to success in the San Diego market. The first step is to sit down for a detailed new buyer consultation, where we explain what to expect at every stage of the journey.
CC: What inspires you about the San Diego homes currently on the market?
SP: San Diego boasts a great variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. Whether you're dreaming of a modern condo downtown, a beachside bungalow, or a sprawling ranch-style home, there's a neighborhood in San Diego where you can find it. The architectural diversity here, from historic Spanish-style homes to contemporary masterpieces, adds to the City's allure. We love being the ones to help you discover and achieve your perfect home in this vibrant and diverse City.
CC: Which areas of San Diego boast the most eye-catching homes, and how does this make for a great market for experienced home buyers?
SP: The definition of eye-catching is subjective, as it varies from person to person! La Jolla boasts some of the most breathtaking residences I have ever encountered for those seeking grand and luxurious homes nestled along the coast. The Spanish Colonial homes in Mission Hills exude a charming blend of elegance and history that is truly captivating. For aficionados of mid-century modern architecture, the neighborhoods of North Park and South Park offer a plethora of distinctive and innovative homes that are sure to capture attention.
CC: How can Californians from other regions seamlessly transition into the laid-back San Diego lifestyle?
SP: The transition is easy because San Diego is such a unique city. If you prefer a laid-back vibe, you can live near the beach in La Jolla or Encinitas. On the other hand, if you crave a more upbeat energy, you can explore downtown or unique neighborhoods like Little Italy. I love that San Diego offers the best of both worlds—a big city with a small-town feel.
CC: How does the success (or failure) of interior design affect the value and vibe of your client listings?
SP: Properly prepared homes tend to perform exceptionally well! A home's design and presentation are highly influential to potential buyers who dream of living in that space one day.
CC: How can your clients feel comfort, trust, and excitement when collaborating with designers like COUPAR to create their dream home?
SP: YQT has an excellent track record of using outstanding vendors to help our clients' homeownership dreams come to life. Adding COUPAR to our list of collaborators is an exciting development. We trust COUPAR to fulfill our client's visions for their homes. The work I've seen COUPAR accomplish is genuinely remarkable, and I can't wait to see the beautiful transformations they'll bring to San Diego homes.
CC: What kind of experience do you offer when working with clients in and outside the San Diego market?
SP: Our team distinguishes itself from other agents by providing a red-carpet experience for all our clients. We go above and beyond by offering FaceTime showings to accommodate clients who cannot visit properties in person, tailored to their schedules. Our commitment to being available 24/7, including holidays, ensures that there is never a day when our team is unavailable to assist you in achieving your real estate goals. The collaborative nature of our team enhances our effectiveness as agents as we work together to devise strategies for getting clients into contracts or optimizing the sale of their homes.
CC: How does your sense of fashion influence your career in real estate?
SP: One of my favorite things is choosing my outfit to match the house's aesthetic. For a super eclectic and funky listing with taxidermy and intriguing art, I had a lot of fun dressing up for the open house. Similarly, for a coastal listing, I like to switch to something that flows and feels breezy, paired with a big pair of sunglasses.
CC: What is your current TV Obsession?
SP: I am a die-hard Game of Thrones fan, so naturally, House of the Dragon on HBO has me glued to the screen. I live for the sets and costumes—the attention to detail blows my mind. Each episode has the budget of a major blockbuster, allowing for the creation of intricate sets, detailed props, and, of course, incredible dragons brought to life by the best visual effects team in the industry.
