How My Mom Inspired My Real Estate Career

By Moya Robinson

Growing up, I didn’t realize I was getting a front-row seat to one of the most powerful educations in business, strategy, and service, because it all looked like me simply tagging along with my mom.

She was a successful real estate agent in the East Bay, balancing a growing business with being a full-time mom. I was often by her side at open houses, listing appointments, and client meetings, quietly taking it all in. When she earned her license I asked for some of her cards, which she trustingly gave me and I passed them out at my elementary school (I was around 8 and in the 2nd grade) which resulted in her first ever sale. Her next sale was with Ricky Henderson of the Oakland A's which lead to more sports sales, making her a celebrity within my own family. Picture indoor swimming pool's, Lamborghinis and 5 bridge views on Campus Drive which served as inspiration, but yet beyond that, I still knew, this was what I wanted to do, and my own way, without the stiffness and barriers to entry that seemed to come with the field.

I watched her handle tough negotiations with calm and confidence. I listened as she guided nervous buyers and sellers with warmth and wisdom. I saw her make people feel heard, protected, and empowered. Even then, I understood that real estate wasn’t just about property, it was about people.

Without realizing it, I was learning how to advocate, how to lead, and how to build trust. And somewhere along the way, I knew this would be my path too. However after I graduated The University of San Francisco, I could not shake their expectations (possibly from my father, possibly after all the tuition they paid) these expectations, were "higher" for me. Even though running my own successful business looked to me like a great life that allowed me time and space to balance work and personal fulfillment. I was an obedient young lady coming from a culture rooted in family and tradition (2nd generation Filipina/Hapa) so I hesitated to lean into the life I wanted for myself.

And so, while I waited for approval, and permission, love and recognition I worked ...and worked...and worked...because that's who I always was. Ms. good grades, on time (for the most part) and always showing up. I kept placing one foot in front of the other and as so many of us do, I kept doing everything I thought I was supposed to, learning, working, but I didn’t yet understand how deeply important it is to feel seen and accepted in order to truly show up for others. I even studied law during COVID, finally (for a few years, which was enlightening but still not my path, perhaps for animal rights). I even ignored the good signs. My first ever sale was with the owners of the Eastmont Mall (at the time) an investor group who purchased a single family home for their investment portfolio and one of my next sales was a penthouse at the Staten by one of the founders of Oaklandish. Pretty good for a beginner...but yet I didn't believe I was good. I survived the recession and I memorize copious amounts of information about the field I am in without trying.

But for years, I approached this career like a job, do the work, be professional, keep going without realizing my own talent. Unline many people in this field, I grew up in the area, come from a real estate family and love what I do. This isn't cosplay for me, my dad managed real estate offices and trained many very good agents in the area as well. But aside from them, I have started to realize that, the more I believe in my own worth and start to see my own talent, and myself as the main charachter, the more present, powerful, and caring I can be for my clients. That shift has changed everything.

Now, as a second-generation Realtor serving the East Bay, I bring that legacy with me to every client I serve. The knowing that although I have other interests, namely creative ones, this is actually (and quite rarely) what I always wanted to do, and right here in this area, where I was born, raised, and entered this very business at quite a young age. I work hard to combine my deep local knowledge with a high-touch, elevated experience, just like my mom showed me..

Real estate runs in our family. But what I’ve built is uniquely mine, grounded in legacy, elevated by experience, and fueled by my own passion to help people find their place in the world.

Here’s what I’m seeing across the East Bay market right now:

While I’ve been reflecting on legacy and intention, the market has been doing what it does best moving quickly, reacting to broader forces, and creating windows of opportunity for those who are prepared.

📈 Market Snapshot | Week of July 14–18, 2025

Why rates have been volatile lately:• Inflation concerns and global instability continue to push bond yields higher• Mortgage rates are fluctuating in response currently hovering around 6.9%–7.1%• The Fed’s next move is being closely watched and could shift buyer sentiment

Key Takeaways for Buyers• Every ⅛-point change in mortgage rates affects affordability—about $15k in purchasing power on a $700k loan• Smart strategy: Ask your lender about a float-down option or temporary rate buydown• Consider ARMs or properties with assumable loans to maximize value

🔑 Example: My listing at 1555 Lakeside Dr #191 has a rare 3.9% fixed loan with a ~$457k balance—opportunities like this are golden in today’s rate environment

Key Takeaways for Sellers

• Buyers are payment-sensitive, and turnkey homes win

• I can help you target high-ROI updates with minimal spend• Instead of a price cut, consider offering a seller-paid buydown to sweeten the deal

Compass Private Exclusive program let's you test buyer interest discreetly and strategically

If you’re buying or selling in the East Bay, I’d be honored to help guide you, the way I would want to be guided.