LEAGUE OF HER OWN

She has $1.65 billion in residential real estate sales, sets sales records in coastal OC, and is the number-one agent in Shady Canyon. But for Jacqueline Thompson, professional success is only part of the story.

BLUE DOOR MAGAZINE: What are the secrets to your success?

Jacqueline Thompson: I build relationships and don’t merely sell homes. Therein lies a huge difference. My clients know I am their biggest advocate and am there at a moment’s notice when trusted counsel is needed. I’m often told I am terrifyingly responsive. But for me, I should be—as I am here to serve.

BDM: What’s different about your approach?

JT: I am more than an agent—I’m a member of our community. I am committed to investing in the people, places, and things that have supported me throughout my career. It’s my way of paying it forward and bringing things full circle. For me, while I love my career, it’s more about building a legacy. One way I am doing that is through a special donation to UCI’s new hospital.

As a female and an immigrant to the U.S., after college I relocated to the OC with my husband Bill without any connections. Disenchanted by my work in corporate America, I decided to become an agent. Through hard work, I have built a reputation as one of the leading agents, and I strive to create opportunities for others who are passionate about being changemakers.

BDM: Any “crown jewel” listings you especially love?

JT: 26 Grey Owl is a spectacular property with over 75,000 square feet of land in the heart of OC. It’s one of the finest properties built to date. It was ahead of its time when it was first built and now it’s stood the test of time. I saw it over ten years ago, and when I had the option to represent the seller in the marketing of the home, I loved it even more! I made one call to a client who is a dear friend of mine and told him that ‘this’ was the home for him! He laughed as he had just purchased another home from me less than five months before and was already undergoing an extensive remodeling project on that home. Yet he and his wife fell in love with the home and I couldn’t be happier to be the ‘matchmaker.’ It’s always rewarding when I’m able to bring my clients to the home of their dreams—especially when they thought they found their dream home already!

Villa di Ricordi in Shady Canyon sold in an off-market sale with Jacqueline Thompson representing both buyer and seller.

BDM: What past experiences have primed you for your current-day success?

JT: The most important thing I learned was how hardworking the construction crews are that worked on building these beautiful, massive homes that I would eventually—one way or another—get to sell. In the early days of my career, I would bring them sandwiches from a broker preview, and they were always grateful.

My parents who are devout Buddhists taught all of us children compassion and kindness through their actions. When you see how hard everyone is working to support themselves and their families, you can’t help but be grateful and for that reason I will always be kind to everyone.

I’m grateful for the struggle. Every obstacle came with a choice—a choice to work hard or a choice to back down. I believe my character was continuously sharpened through every experience. I am humbled by the amazing people I call my clients who invest their trust in me year over year when it comes to their real estate needs.

BDM: Where do you see the coastal real estate market going in 2022 and beyond?

JT: The beauty of our little corner of the world and highly esteemed neighborhoods will continue to attract domestic and international clients. On a daily basis, I find myself talking to clients from Los Angeles County, specifically Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades; plus the Bay area and New York to name a few. These are people who are looking to relocate to our area. Award-winning schools, world-class shopping and dining, pristine beaches, and dreamy year-round weather will continue to push demand for housing here for many years to come. I tell my clients that I consider coastal Orange County ‘the Hamptons’ of the West Coast.