Meet Monica Li

My Real Estate Journey: From China to Seattle

My journey in real estate began in my childhood, rooted in the vibrant city of Guangzhou, China. Surrounded by the sounds of construction and the buzz of market transactions, I was unknowingly absorbing the fundamentals of real estate. My mother, a savvy investor and flipper, taught me the value of smart investments, while my father’s work in government construction instilled a deep appreciation for the built environment.

As a young student, I was captivated by the housing market. Terms like leverage, cash flow, and return on investment became second nature. When it came time to choose a major at Sun Yat-sen University, business was theobvious choice. There, I combined my passion with academic rigor, developing a solid foundation in analysis and market dynamics. After graduation, I ventured into the corporate world, spending seven years in sales and marketing. This experience sharpened my negotiation skills and taught me the art of branding—skills that would later prove invaluable in real estate.

In 2017, I took a leap of faith and moved to Seattle—a city that welcomed me with open arms. The moment I arrived, I knew I had found my new home, a place where I could build my future and create a life for my family. I continued my education at the University of Washington, studying global business and integrating my international perspective with insights into the U.S. market.

After exploring different neighborhoods, from downtown Seattle to Central Seattle, Redmond, and now Issaquah, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the area's diverse lifestyles and communities. I’ve experienced apartment living, townhouse life, and single-family home ownership, allowing me to relate to the varied needs of my clients. As a mom to a spirited 2.5-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old Shiba Inu, I know firsthand the importance of great schools and family-friendly environments.

Since becoming a full-time broker in 2018, I’ve had the privilege of guiding over 110 buyers and sellers through their real estate journeys, completing transactions totaling more than $100 million. My mission is clear: to be the most client-obsessed broker in the industry. Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, I specialize in helping clients, especially newcomers, navigate the challenges of relocation, thrive in a competitive market, and find creative solutions for upsizing or investing.

When I’m not showing homes or hosting open houses, you can find me swimming, painting with my daughter, or taking my family on sunny-day adventures. My goal is not just to help you buy or sell a home but to save you money and make the process as seamless as possible. 

Let’s embark on this journey together. Your dreams are within reach, and I’m here to help you every step of the way.