Seasoned industry leader joins global brokerage as it expands its Silicon Valley presence into the South Bay
NEW YORK , Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Global real estate brokerage, The Agency proudly announces seasoned real estate professional Jeff Barnett has joined the firm as Managing Director, tapped to lead the brokerage's expansion into the Los Gatos market as it continues to grow its network of offices throughout Northern California. The new location in San Francisco's South Bay will be the first for the firm in Los Gatos and the second in the greater Silicon Valley region.
"I am thrilled to welcome Jeff Barnett to The Agency as we continue to strengthen our brokerage's presence in Northern California," said Rainy Hake Austin, President of The Agency. "With his unparalleled knowledge and expertise, we're honored Jeff will be at the helm of our newest South Bay location as we further our footprint throughout the region. Jeff is an inspiring leader and well-respected professional in our industry, and I am excited to work alongside him again as we continue to partner with the best while adapting The Agency brand so that it resonates in new local communities. We look forward to bringing the strength of our brand, our innovative practices, and proven track record to further advance Bay Area agents' successes."
Most recently serving as Vice President and Managing Director at Compass, Jeff brings more than 30 years of experience to The Agency Los Gatos. Deeply passionate about helping his team thrive, grow and be successful, Jeff is dedicated to instilling a people-first approach in his office culture. He has served as a valued mentor to hundreds of agents over the course of his career. Jeff's professional real estate career began in the late 1980s at Fox & Carskadon. He went on to join Bay Area brokerage Alain Pinel Realtors in 1991 as one of its original sales agents. His astute knowledge of the business, marketing prowess and energy quickly earned him a top spot in the emerging company. While honing his skills as a trouble-shooter and deal maker in the heart of the South Bay, Jeff created the brokerage's Masters program for working agents and people new to the business of residential real estate. He taught the course for two years and then transitioned into the role of Vice President and Manager of the brokerage's Los Gatos office in 1995. The office grew steadily, expanded into multiple locations and continued to dominate the local market. In 2019, Alain Pinel Realtors merged with Compass and Jeff continued to work with his esteemed staff members and agents.
As an active member of the California Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), Jeff has taken on many leadership roles within the organizations and frequently coaches newly-licensed sales professionals as they embark on their careers. In 2011, he had the honor of being inducted into the NAR Hall of Fame and in 2016 he received the Director for Life award from CAR. Jeff and his wife Kari have three children—Brandon, Shauna and Jaydon. In his free time, Jeff enjoys gardening, playing ice hockey and riding motorcycles.
"I am beyond excited to once again be teamed with Rainy Hake Austin and numerous former colleagues within The Agency's leadership team to expand our presence here in Los Gatos," said Barnett. "I have long admired The Agency's approach to business, especially as the brand has grown globally while maintaining its boutique feel and white-glove service for agents. I am most looking forward to continuing to elevate the service experience provided to agents through creativity and technology that enhance the human experience."
This announcement comes at a time of impressive growth for the firm in Northern California. The Agency recently launched its first Silicon Valley offices in the market of Los Altos. The brokerage currently has several offices throughout Northern California, including Sonoma County, the East Bay, Marin, and Carmel, with plans to continue to expand further throughout the Bay Area. The Agency recently announced a number of new leaders to its Northern California team, including industry veteran Quetzal Grimm as Managing Director tasked to lead the growth of its Silicon Valley offices, Mike Schwartz to aid in new market strategies, and Aisha Chiapetta, as Vice President of Strategic Growth. As one of the fastest-growing luxury boutique brokerages in the world, The Agency plans to announce additional strategic partners and expansion in the coming months.
About The Agency
The Agency is an agent-first, tech-driven boutique luxury global brokerage representing clients worldwide in a broad spectrum of classes, including residential, new development, resort real estate, luxury leasing and vacation rentals. Breaking away from the traditional brokerage model, The Agency takes a collaborative approach to the business, fostering a culture of partnership in which all clients and listings are represented in a collaborative environment. Agents and clients benefit from the shared resources and networks of the entire global team, including in-house creative, public relations and cutting-edge technology divisions. The Agency has closed more than $45 billion real estate transactions since 2011, comprising over 60 offices in six countries, and counting, as one of the fastest-growing boutique, luxury real estate brands in the world.
Media Contact
Laura Corrigan, The Agency, (424) 354-1078, [email protected]
SOURCE The Agency

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