DIGS is the premiere luxury real estate lifestyle magazine serving the most affluent neighborhoods in the South Bay and Westside of Los Angeles, California.
Issue link: https://www.southbaydiggs.com/i/1462505
3.25.2022 | DIGS.NET 73 M A R K E T But it was the appeal of working with people one-on-one to bring about positive changes in their lives that had Mullins segue out of a career he liked, and into one that truly satisfies. "I enjoy working with families or individuals that are going through a process that is impacting their lives," describes Mullins, who got his broker's license back in 2005 while still practicing law. By contrast, he points out, "Real estate is a far more emotional process, but I stay very calm, which I think comes from having a legal background." Žis tendency may also have its roots in a different part of his history: At the start of his legal career Mullins also worked as a reserve Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Deputy. "In the back of my mind I always thought being a police officer would be a fun and rewarding thing to do," he recounts. A friend, also a reserve officer, encouraged Mullins to join the ranks. No doubt reinforced during his time in law and order, in addition to remaining a dispassionate ally to clients no matter what, Mullins describes himself as being intensely client-centric, making sure he's always crafting the very best deals for his side—yet another by-product of his background. Protection, after all, is the name of the game in corporate law and as a result, says Mullins, "My clients understand it's all about them." These days, being all about his clients means handling an increasing number of transactions involving investment and income properties. "I'm able to help people that are in the South Bay figure out if they should be investing in income properties," says the broker, who credits a strong local network to finding deals, many of them off-market. "I'm able to find people homes that they could not otherwise find through public searches like the MLS," he points out. Whether it's a 16-unit apartment building or an off-market residence in Hermosa Beach—two of his current transactions— it's a point of pride for Mullins to be able to offer this versatility to clients, whether they're just looking for an investment, or a place to put down permanent roots. Žat's just what this LA native did over 20 years ago when he moved to the Beach Cities, living in Manhattan Beach for a few years before settling in Hermosa Beach, where he still resides. Že Beach Cities is the place where he would meet his wife, raise a family and become part of the community. (It's also where Mullins bought his first home, a Hermosa Beach cottage fixer-upper featured in a 2004 episode of Žis Old House. Že experience inspired him to delve into yet another facet of real estate where he shines—design and construction.) While being active in one's locale and serving others, whether coaching base- ball or serving on the board of the education foundation, has been a lifelong practice for him; nowadays it has the added benefit of helping him bring more real estate options to his clients. "It's critical to have somebody that has their feet on the street, and somebody that is going to have their client's best interests in mind," he states. "Žat's how I approach each relationship that I have." Sold by Steven, off-market: 349 26th Street, Hermosa Beach. Sold by Steven: 3211 N Poinsettia Ave, Manhattan Beach. Available for rent ($20,000/mo): 1931 Power Street, Hermosa Beach.