Sometimes you don’t realize you’re on the wrong path until life forces you to stop and take a harder look. For me, that pause created the space to finally jump into something I’d been thinking about for years.

 

When the pandemic hit, I lost my job at a real estate tech company. With the market frozen and no clear next step, I wasn’t sure what was next—until a friend introduced me to a broker from Spokane. He looked at me, a lifelong Seattleite with a strong network, and said, “You should be doing this.” It clicked. Real estate had been on my mind since 2013, but back then, a broker told me I’d need money I didn’t have. I let that stop me. This time, I didn’t.

 

I started the licensing process in October 2020 and became a broker in April 2021.

 

That first year was full of lessons. I had no experience, no pipeline, and no clear road map—just a willingness to put in the work and trust that it would eventually pay off. On my one-year anniversary, I went under contract on what would turn out to be my biggest sale to date. That was a turning point. It proved that consistency works. You just have to keep showing up.

 

My background in tech sales helped in ways I hadn’t expected. The negotiation, communication, and ability to connect with people all translated. My father’s influence was also impactful. My dad was a Cantor at our synagogue for 39 years. Everyone knew him. When he passed away, over 500 people attended the funeral, with more than a thousand watching online. He was deeply respected and taught me that reputation isn’t built overnight. It’s built by being the same person in every room, every time.

 

What’s kept me in this business is the challenge, the variety, and the relationships. No two days are the same. One day I’m at my desk, the next I’m hosting an open house or walking a property with first-time buyers. But what matters most is the impact. Helping someone find a place that truly feels like home—that’s the reward. Their excitement is contagious.

 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you find something you love, just go for it. Work hard. Serve people well. And trust that the effort will pay off.

 

My wife, Tatiane (Tati), has been by my side since the early days of my career in real estate. She saw the struggles, but never stopped supporting me, recommending me to people, and bringing me new clients. It really does make all the difference having someone believe in your dreams, and that is exactly what I try to do for my clients.

 

Outside of work, we love to ski, hike, and spend time with friends and family—especially enjoying everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Every client I work with gets a personalized approach, ensuring you have a truly great experience that works for you and your needs. I handle the details behind the scenes, coordinating showings, tracking timelines, and staying ahead of potential issues. I even will preview properties before sending them to clients so we don’t waste time. 

 

My job isn’t about pushing people to make quick decisions. I want you to feel confident in where you end up and how you got there. I care about the experience as much as the outcome. Trust is built by showing up, staying consistent, and putting in the work to do things right. Even after the transaction, I’m committed to being a lifelong resource, supporting you on the entirety of your homeownership experience!

 

Sincerely,

 

Akiva Kurland