Corey Robinson

For buyers in Marin County and Southern Sonoma, my biggest piece of advice is to focus on the monthly payment, not just the sticker price. Pricing strategies vary wildly here, and what really matters is what fits your actual budget and lifestyle. For younger buyers or first-time buyers, it can make sense to stretch a bit if it helps you achieve long-term stability in a market that appreciates consistently. I often tell my clients to be actively patient. That means getting fully prepared up front. Not just a preapproval, but a full underwriting with your lender so you can write a clean, compelling offer the moment the right home hits the market. In today’s more balanced North Bay market, sellers value certainty. A slightly lower offer with stronger terms often beats a higher offer with contingencies. And remember the 80/20 rule. If a home checks 80 percent of your boxes, it’s worth considering. Waiting for the perfect unicorn often leads to being priced out. You want to buy the right home in the right neighborhood at the right time, and that is absolutely possible with the right strategy.

My philosophy for Marin County sellers is simple: if it’s not compelling, it’s not selling. Buyers today are selective and have options. Your home needs to stand out with either compelling presentation or a compelling price. Before listing, I look at property prep purely through an ROI lens. Strategic updates like paint, flooring, lighting, landscaping, and staging often return three to four dollars for every dollar invested. They also help homes sell faster and avoid the painful cycle of price reductions. If the property can be vacated and staged, that’s even better. Staged homes photograph better, show better, and sell for more in virtually every part of Marin and Southern Sonoma. Every seller situation is unique, so we create a custom pricing and marketing plan designed to help you sell quickly, attract multiple offers, and achieve the strongest possible outcome.

I work with buyers, sellers, and investors across Marin County and Southern Sonoma County in just about every scenario you can imagine. First-time buyers, experienced homeowners, long-time Marin families, divorcing couples, upsizers, downsizers, and multigenerational families. I also work with trustees navigating the sale of family homes after the passing of loved ones. These are delicate, emotional transactions that require experience, communication, and compassion. I’ve been fortunate to guide many families through these moments, and I’m grateful for the trust they place in me. Whether you’re relocating to the Bay Area, buying your first condo, selling a luxury property, or building a real estate investment portfolio, I’ve seen it all and have the local expertise to help you succeed.

One recent sale in San Anselmo really stayed with me. The home had been in the same family for more than 40 years. After both parents passed away, I worked closely with the daughters to prepare the property during a slower season. We invested strategically in paint, flooring, lighting, and full staging to modernize the home while preserving its warmth. Because of the prep work, the home sold quickly with multiple offers, while several nearby listings sat on the market. It was emotional, meaningful, and such a privilege to help this family close a major chapter with confidence and peace of mind. These are the moments that remind me why I love being a Marin County Realtor.

Real estate has been a part of my life since I was a kid. I worked in property management every summer when I came home from college, doing everything from digging fence posts to driving Fortune 500 CEOs around town. Those experiences showed me the human side of real estate long before I ever sold my first home. I got my real estate license in 2006 and went on to work for a family trust with a large portfolio of Northern California properties and businesses. That exposure to investments, operations, and negotiations gave me the foundation I use today as a Realtor and as the founder of Journey Real Estate. I’ve always loved the entrepreneurial side of this business, and building a client-focused, community-driven real estate team in Marin has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Absolutely. I take personal growth and professional development seriously because my clients deserve the best representation possible. I’m a certified negotiation expert, a member of GoBundance, a real estate investor myself, and an active member of the Tom Ferry Elite Coaching ecosystem. I also participate in multiple mastermind groups focused on real estate, leadership, marketing, and personal development. This constant commitment to learning ensures my clients get cutting-edge strategies, strong negotiation skills, and a trusted advisor who understands the Marin County and Southern Sonoma markets inside and out.