30-10-2024
MEETING WITH ANNE LAURY, ENTREPRENEUR, MOM, AND SPORTS ENTHUSIAST: FROM TECH TO REAL ESTATE IN CALIFORNIA.
by French Tech SF
Anne Laury has built a remarkable reputation in San Francisco's highly competitive real estate market, drawing on a diverse background that spans both the tech industry and real estate. A graduate of a French business school, she was drawn early to Silicon Valley's culture of technological innovation. After a successful career at renowned companies like Applied Materials and Cygnus (later acquired by Red Hat), Anne made a strategic shift into real estate, which has been her passion for over a decade. Her transition was swift and impactful: she was named Rookie of the Year nationwide at Coldwell Banker during her first year, and within two years, she ranked among the top 10% of agents. Today, she proudly stands in the top 0.5% of agents in California. Beyond her professional success, Anne is a devoted mother and an avid sports enthusiast, with a love for windsurfing and other activities. She is also deeply involved in the French Tech San Francisco community.
In this interview, she shares her vision for real estate in California, the new legislative challenges, and key advice for successfully purchasing property in the region.
“Buying or selling a house is one of the most important decisions in people’s lives. It goes beyond a simple transaction—it’s about true guidance.”
French Tech SF: Can you tell us about your career path and what brought you to California, in Silicon Valley?
Anne Laury: I started at a business school INSEEC, in France and discovered a passion for technology. Since I couldn’t pursue engineering studies after business school, I moved to Silicon Valley and worked for companies like Applied Materials and start-ups such as Cygnus. I also studied at UC Berkeley to deepen my knowledge of capital equipment and processors. After 20 years in tech, I turned to real estate, another passion that had always been on my mind.
FTSF: How did you transition from tech to real estate?
AL: I’ve always had a passion for homes—visiting them, exploring different designs, and attending open houses on weekends. It was something I truly enjoyed, and over time, I realized it could become more than just a personal interest. That’s when I connected with my mentor, Joel Goodrich, who encouraged me to take the leap into real estate. What drew me to this field was the human aspect of it. Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions in people’s lives. It’s not just a transaction—it’s about offering genuine guidance.
FTSF: Which key professionals should one consult when looking to buy in California?
AL: When buying a home in California, it’s essential to have a team of trusted professionals by your side to navigate the complexities of the market. In addition to a knowledgeable real estate agent, you’ll need experts such as mortgage brokers, home inspectors, appraisers, and escrow officers to ensure each step is handled efficiently. Depending on the project, you might also need architects, contractors, or interior designers. At every stage, it's about working with the right people to make the process smooth and successful.
FTSF: What’s your outlook on the future of real estate in California, especially with the upcoming elections?
AL: The short-term outlook for real estate in California is influenced by several key factors, notably the evolution of interest rates and the economic uncertainty surrounding the 2024 presidential elections. If interest rates remain high, the market may continue to cool, particularly for first-time buyers. However, once rates decrease, we will likely see a resurgence of buyers and sellers. Elections always bring a period of uncertainty, but I believe demand for single-family homes will remain strong. In the condo market, prices have dropped, potentially creating investment opportunities for those looking to enter the market.
FTSF: That brings me my next question: Why do the Home mortgage interest rates are keep rising today even though the Fed already cuts them?
AL: Mortgage rates are tied to the bond market, specifically the yields on 10-year Treasury bonds, not directly to the Fed's rate cuts. When bond prices drop, yields go up, and mortgage rates tend to follow. So, even if the Fed reduces short-term rates, other factors like investor demand for bonds can still cause mortgage rates to rise. In short, bond market dynamics, not the Fed's decisions, have a greater influence on mortgage rates, particularly for long-term, fixed-rate loans.
FTSF: Can you tell us about the new real estate laws in California and their impact on the market?
AL: The new commission rule increases transparency and may shift the responsibility for paying the buyer’s agent's commission from the seller to the buyer. While sellers are still encouraged to offer a commission, it's no longer mandatory. Buyers may now need to negotiate, and cover their agent’s fees directly, depending on the transaction and local market. In the Bay Area, however, more than 90% of transactions still offer the typical 2.5% commission to the buyer’s agent, as it helps attract buyers and keeps listings competitive. Offering this commission remains a strategic move to encourage faster and higher offers. First-time buyers might face additional challenges under the new rules, as they could be responsible for paying their agent’s commission. However, some banks offer solutions to incorporate these fees into the mortgage, which helps lessen the cash burden at closing.
FTSF: You’re very involved in the French Tech San Francisco community. What motivates you to stay engaged?
AL: I love supporting the French Tech SF community because it reflects French innovation and entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley. My background in tech allows me to stay connected to this ecosystem. It’s also a way for me to share my experience, both in tech and real estate, and help Silicon Valley/Tech community settle here, finding homes for themselves and their employees. It’s a wonderful way to give back to a community I deeply appreciate.
FTSF: Outside of your career, you’re also a mom and a sports enthusiast. How do you balance your professional, family, and sporting life?
AL: It’s always a challenge to juggle my career, family, and passions. I’m fortunate to have flexibility in my schedule, which allows me to pursue activities like tennis, skiing, and windsurfing. Each of these sports helps me recharge in different ways, maintaining balance in my life. Staying active gives me the energy and focus I need to manage my projects and support my clients with enthusiasm. For me, it’s all about finding the right balance between work, family, and fun.
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