Meet Katrina Lien | Real Estate Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katrina Lien and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katrina, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
My success starts with an early morning routine to keep me on track. I typically wake up around 5:30 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. and begin my day with a workout, whether at the gym or a Lagree/Pilates class. Staying active in the morning boosts my endorphins, helping me stay focused, positive, and motivated throughout the day.

Another key habit is creating a daily to-do list and consistently using time-blocking to manage my schedule. I do my best to review my schedule each night to stay organized and ensure nothing is overlooked. This habit helps me prioritize tasks, stay focused, and avoid feeling overwhelmed by distractions. It also clears mental clutter, making it easier on me to concentrate on what truly matters.

In real estate, being 100% on top of things is essential because what you do today lays the foundation for long-term success. Building strong connections with everyone you meet is equally important because at the end of the day, your success comes from who you know, who likes you, and who trusts you. That’s why I make it a habit to set aside time for catching up with leads, friends, family, and acquaintances, as well as attending networking events. These habits are vital for creating and sustaining a successful real estate business. Building connections is not just a business goal but also a personal growth opportunity for me. As a social person, I enjoy learning from others through meaningful conversations.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I jumped into real estate in 2021 and learned so much during my first year under a team—from negotiating and building client relationships to understanding the escrow process and marketing my business. I closed 9 transactions in my first year during one of the hottest real estate markets, and I was incredibly proud. It confirmed that this is the career I want to pursue long-term.

Over the past few years, building meaningful connections with my clients has been a priority. Real estate isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about getting to know my clients personally and forming lasting friendships. Whether it took 6 months or 2 years, these genuine connections made the journey exciting for both my clients and me. It also allowed my clients to trust me and my advice more as they got to know me. People tend to trust those they connect with, and my ability to build relationships with a positive, energetic attitude sets me apart.

While relationship-building is one of my strengths, I won’t lie—rejection over the phone can be tough. Sometimes, I put off cold calls or avoid them altogether. Calling someone I’ve never spoken to before, or who hasn’t responded to previous messages, is nerve-wracking. But I remind myself that growth comes from discomfort. It leads to better self-awareness, emotional control, and ultimately, success. It’s all about doing the work, staying positive, and moving forward. If something doesn’t work out, I focus on getting the next “yes” instead of getting caught up in negative thoughts.

Looking ahead, I’m committed to being a real estate agent for the long haul and possibly starting my own real estate investments. I recently transitioned to being an independent agent with one of the top brokerages in the U.S. I’m also focused on building my brand and becoming known as “Katrina Lien, the Orange County real estate agent,” especially on social media. Today, people search for agents online—whether through Google or platforms like Instagram and Facebook. By sharing my personal and professional journey and staying true to myself and my niche, I know my business will continue to grow and be recognized.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I was born and raised in Orange County, so there is so much to do, but these are my favorite spots in the county!

ACTIVITY/SIGHT-SEEING RECOMMENDATIONS: Hike El Moro Canyon Trail in Newport Coast (during sunrise or sunset), take a Duffy boat out in Newport Beach, take a pilates class at Casa de Pilates in Huntington Beach, walk/bike along the Huntington Beach boardwalk, have a beach bonfire on the Huntington Beach City/State beach, have a picnic at Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point and watch the sunset, walk along the Newport Beach Back Bay (during sunrise or sunset)

SHOPPING CENTERS: South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island, Pacific City

RESTAURANTS/FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS: Blue Bowl or Tru Bowl in Huntington Beach, Nardo Italian Restaurant in Huntington Beach, Truly Pizza in Dana Point, Zinque in Newport Beach, Paradise Dynasty in Costa Mesa, Fritzankotters in Huntington Beach, Gurume in Irvine, SET Steak & Sushi in Newport Beach

DRINKS: Postino in Irvine, Zinque in Newport Beach, Treehouse on PCH in Huntington Beach, The Bungalow in Huntington Beach, Hive & Honey in Irvine, Helen’s at AhbA in Laguna Beach, The Watergrill in Costa Mesa, 180blu in Dana Point, Matter of Craft Gastropub in Huntington Beach,

COFFEE SHOPS: MoonGoat Coffee in Costa Mesa, Herst Coffee in Newport Beach, Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee in Westminster, Coffee Dose in Costa Mesa, Nook Coffee Bar in Costa Mesa, Philz Coffee in Huntington Beach, Kei Coffee House in Westminster, White Sparrow Coffee in Tustin, Lion & Lamb Coffee Roasters in Costa Mesa

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe much of my personal and professional growth to my family, friends, and colleagues, including those I knew before real estate and the agents I’ve worked with. Who I am and where I am today is a reflection of the amazing people I’ve surrounded myself with.

I want to give a shoutout to my boyfriend, Darshan A., who has supported me and believed in my growth from day one. We first met at one of my listings during an open house I was hosting. We had planned our first date that day, but I told him I had to work that afternoon, and he showed his support by coming to the open house. After that first date, he joked that he thought I was trying to sell him a house! Haha.

Above all, I want to recognize my mom and dad and give them the majority of the credit for the successful woman I am today. My parents have given me everything I need to succeed—not just material things but also invaluable mental and emotional support, from their advice and knowledge to the strength they’ve instilled in me. They never pushed me to do anything or expect me to be someone. They have always given me unconditional love and support, and trust that I make the right decisions for my happiness.

With their real estate backgrounds, I truly admire them for coming to America as immigrants from Vietnam many years ago and working tirelessly to build a comfortable life. Their hard work has taught me the value of money and inspired me to envision and achieve the life I want.

Website: https://www.compass.com/agents/katrina-lien/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinaa_lien

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrina-lien/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katrinaaforever/