Meet Charlotta Thompson eXp Realty of California, Inc. | Realtor and Global Real Estate Advisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlotta Thompson eXp Realty of California, Inc. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotta Thompson, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Having my client’s best interests at heart FIRST, not the paycheck! I take my career and real estate representation very seriously. Professionalism, integrity and honesty are of outmost priority in my character. This is how I was raised back home in Sweden and it means everything both on a personal level, as well as professionally. My father always said, “if you speak the truth you can never get in trouble”, and there is a lot of truth to this! He also told me to NEVER give up! I have a sign on my desk stating this, and it is truly what I believe in no matter how difficult of a task or what life throws you, just keep moving forward in a positive manner! Lastly I like to solve problems, concerns and any issues that arise out of many of our transactions in real estate. Some very challenging, this is where looking at these issues from different angles come into play and so does careful thought and negotiation in combination with a cool, calm and collected attitude. I will always do what is best for my client and what they prefer and want. The end goal to close a deal, is a fair meeting of the minds, it has proved to always be a win-win for all parties involved. I am forever grateful to all my previous clients, I don’t take any of it, or them for granted and acknowledge the importance of my role in representing them with the outmost fiduciary duty.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a Realtor and Agent it’s all about representation. As I mentioned earlier, my dad was a sports agent. I saw and experienced first hand what it really means to fully represent another person or entity. Do what is right for your client with outmost care. For me, it is also quality, I take the time to make sure every single step from start to finish is handled and overseen. Professionlism, and brutal honest conversations are what drives me in every transaction. I came to the US as an International Student and studied here at SDSU graduating with a Business/Marketing degree. I worked for several years as a Marketing Research Analyst then Director for leading Television stations like Channel 8 and 10. I also worked in marketing for an AM & FM radio station as well. I learned a lot in the Marketing Department of the San Diego Union Tribune straight out of college. This taught me how marketing, advertising, graphic design, writing, tech saviness and market research translates into solid sales and results. I took this with me into the world of residential real estate. My passion for Real Estate and analyzing location, size, upgrades, price per sf, etc. was there long before I became a licensed Realtor. I bought and sold homes personally and learned how it worked, I had rental property, I renovated and sold and learned quickly what materials would be most cost-efficient and gave the best return for investment, I was fascinated by the whole process and when my two daughters were at an age where I felt comfortable to get my license I was all in. It is a 24/7 business. I thrive on it, the more challenging, the more I love it. I have worked for the “big traditional ones” Prudential (now Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, RE/MAX, Windemere and Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty but recently made a move to one of the nations fastest growing cloud based brokerages called eXp Realty which now are exceeding 47,000 agents globally with presence in several countries. This is a great fit for me as many of my clients are from abroad. During this unfortunate pandemic we had to switch gears and worked remotely using technology…virtual 3D tours, video, zoom meetings etc, It was a natural transition for me to join the wave of going virtual in this ever evolving industry of real estate. We still represent in the traditional way of offering advice, guide, negotiate and market homes for sale on behalf of our clients; however nowadays knowing how to promote using a 3D cloud based platform and all technology available at your fingertips is key. I have even represented clients buying homes sight unseen from Europe here in San Diego by using technology. It can be done and I’m all for learning new avenues in which to most effectively market homes, and educating myself to stay current and offer the best possible representation. At the end of the day knowledge is power, always has been and will continue to be. Bring in some fun and laughter to the mix and it makes each transaction so much more rewarding. There is no greater feeling in the world than handing over they key to a new homeowner. The smile on my clients faces is priceless. This is what it’s all about. I’m also very excited to join forces again with the extraordinary Broker Associate, Sharon Fornaciari. We reunited as business partners recently and we are very excited to continue to assist current, past and new clients with all their real estate needs.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego has so very much to offer, there is a reason we are called America’s Finest City! I would start with La Jolla, taking a stroll along the Cove, looking at the seals, of course browse all the amazing shops and boutiques, and lunch at George’s rooftop Ocean Terrace offering breathtaking ocean views. Another favorite is Del Mar Village, a walk along the beach, love dog beach here! Some favorite spots are Poseidon for happy hour or dinner, miss Jimmy O’s amazing DJ and dancing on Friday nights hopefully we can safely return to this one day soon. The new Monarch at Del Mar Plaza is wonderful place for Sunday brunch. My daughters graduated Coronado high school and visiting this beautiful peninsula is an absolute must, seeing and learning about the history of the Hotel Del Coronado is fascinating. There are so many museums to tour in Balboa Park, not to mention just strolling the park itself. Downtown is close to my heart having lived there 8 years prior to moving to the beach. Pre-Covid I loved listening to live music at Eddie V’s down at the Headquarters, we used to walk our dogs or ride bikes along the Embarcadero and Seaport Village. For fine dining and atmosphere I love Del Frisco’s Steakhouse by the Intercontinental Hotel, Herb and Wood in Little Italy, and Barbusa is a strong favorite – best Italian food! Morning Glory in Little Italy, best fun atmosphere and brunch spot overlooking the piazza. Pendry Hotel down in the Gaslamp has a beautiful pool rooftop and excellent spa. Their Fifth & Rose cocktail bar great spot for people watching along 5th avenue in the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Love the new Huntress Steakhouse diagonally across and Lumi rooftop under the starts offering sushi and more! Another popular spot to bring visitors is Altitude Skylounge at the Marriott on the 22nd floor, it has beautiful views of the city, Coronado Bridge, bay and ocean and Petco Park watching the San Diego Padres play baseball! Union Kitchen & Tap always a go to on 5th Ave. Hilton Bayfront is my favorite spa spot in San Diego, coffee afterward on their patio overlooking Coronado and the Marina with stunning yachts – I’m a boat enthusiast having grown up on an island. I would also drive visitors up to Encinitas and Cardiff very chill vibe, coffee shops, lots of vintage boutique shopping which leads me to another of my favorite places to visit as well, Cedros Design District in Solana Beach!! Another must stop is Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, rollerblading or bike riding along the boardwalk and/or bayside, renting paddle boards, kayaks, boats or jet skis and enjoy our beautiful bay or simply just put on some sunscreen, bring a beach towel and relish in the miles of sandy beaches and a dip in the blue pacific ocean!!

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 was fortunate to grow up most of my life on a small beautiful Island in Sweden as an only child to parents with a heart of gold and with good values and morals, both very grounded and genuine. My father who devastatingly to us all passed away recently from COVID, was not only an amazing dad but also the greatest role model and mentor. My dad taught me so very much about life, and pretty much all I know in business – besides what I learned in college – I traveled the world with him and my mom, and I got to sit in on so many meetings, listen in on negotiations. He is a former professional soccer player who turned sports agent and entrepreneur who founded and built his own company within sports management, consulting, events and was involved in the music and film industry as well on a management/producer level. He also created Victoriadagen, an event celebrating Princess of Victoria of Sweden’s birthday July 14 every year for 40 years. It grew to become a 3 day event with corporate sponsors, golf tournaments and included a 1-hour TV broadcast in 60 plus countries with an amazing show for the public and Royal Family showcasing wonderful well known musicians and artists. I had an opportunity to meet with top level corporate executives and professional athletes all growing up. I quickly learned there is a very similar winning, forward-thinking and optimistic mindset between pro athletes and business executives. I could sit and talk with my dad for hours about life in general, but our common interest was business…marketing strategies, budgeting, creativity, how the economy is doing, forecasting, negotiating techniques, listening skills, expanding, investing, keeping an open mind, the importance of building relationships and maintaining them, to be humble, to be grateful, speak the truth, stay positive, do the right thing, never judge another human being, treat others the way you want to be treated and most importantly never ever give up!!! He had some of the best advice you could ever dream of getting. No matter how busy he was he always had time for my call, even in midst of meetings or client dinners or in between flights. He always said family first, I couldn’t agree more. I have two daughters Natalie and Nicole, they mean the world to me and I’ve really made a point passing along all the wonderful traits and life lessons my dad taught me. He was loved by so many. I like to believe he is still with me in spirit. My mom was the woman behind the man who loved and supported him and was always there for me and still is! They were married 51 years, so very rare nowadays. They are true role models to me on so many levels.

Website: https://www.charlottathompson.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/charlottathompson/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/charlottathompson

Twitter: twitter.com/charlottasold

Facebook: www.facebook.com/charlottarealestate

Other: https://www.bestcoastalproperties.com