Elizabeth Chu, also known as #SassyAgent, brings smiles and sparkles as she struts into the luxury real estate industry in Orange County, California. When you meet Sassy, as Liz is often identified as by her colleagues and friends, you’ll see why she causes ripples and sparks as soon as she joins the influential league of top real estate agents.

A certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) who’s achieved GUILD recognition (CLHMS) quickly ranks among the top 1% of realtors in her marketplace.

Why Sassy?

I’ve been sassy since birth! I’ve used the word “sassy” throughout my 15 years in the fashion and beauty industry and it stuck. It was a seamless transition to being known as Sassy Agent when I pursued real estate. I have a big, bold personality and just have to share it. I have 4 siblings who excelled academically and professionally. As the youngest, I had big shoes to fill.

Growing up in a traditional Chinese household, I was anything but traditional. I broke all the rules and lived freely with an unstoppable spirit. I loved being creative, unique, kind, and am always driven. I never took the usual paths and always found sassy ways of doing things.

Why and how did you get into real estate?

It’s a true passion of mine to work with people. I have a knack for it and enjoyed touching lives with pure enthusiasm and creative abilities when I was in the beauty industry for 15 years. Even then, I’ve always been fascinated by real estate and had several family and friends involved in some way or form.

During the economic downturn in 2008, the luxury beauty space was hit hard. I decided to pursue my real estate license a couple years later. It eventually felt natural for me to leave the industry and challenge myself with something fresh. I decided quickly that I wanted to be one of the top Realtors in my marketplace. In order to do so, I knew I had to have a niche and focused on luxury real estate.

Has it been easy?

Like any business, there are challenges. Real estate is not easy, but breaking into the highly competitive luxury space was not a small feat. Earning the respect from colleagues who have worked for years and decades was one of the first challenges. My big personality and larger-than-life spirit shake things up and sometimes, people don’t like that.

My approach to marketing and branding myself has always been louder than most. To be constantly heard and seen is not easy, but it’s necessary. I created lifestyle-themed open houses, produced videos, and painted the town regularly. Eventually, everywhere you go, someone has heard or seen me.

Give us an example of a challenge you’ve encountered or how peers have responded to you.

Real estate is not for everyone. Many have tried and failed. Luxury real estate can be elitist with entitlement issues. I remember an instance where one luxury real estate agent would outright refuse my client and I the opportunity to tour their listings. Another time, one of my clients who was a home buyer received a call from an agent asking “Why did you choose the new girl? She doesn’t know what she’s doing.”

What do your clients appreciate most about you?

Everyone’s definition of luxury is a little different. Luxury is a lifestyle choice so I work hard to understand what they want to ensure they have what they need. I am genuine and make home buying and selling fun.

Do you have a motto you live by or any great thought you'd like to share with our readers?

Be sassy, irreplaceable, bold, lively, and kind. Shut out the noise and keep on going. Make your mark and be yourself.

***

@YvonLux is a marketing CEO and founder of VANT4GE, LLC who is also a social and lifestyle influencer, Yvon Lux and @YvonLuxFood. She is also a published blogger and editor for her Apple News channel.

The young female founder has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Modern Luxury Magazine, and various other media outlets. Connect with her on Instagram and subscribe to her channel!