Founder and Realtor®
With over 30 years of experience in San Francisco real estate, John is an expert negotiator with a deep knowledge of the marketplace, neighborhoods, and homes. This knowledge, along with his connections and the respect of his colleagues in the business allows him to easily navigate every kind of market, successfully serving his clients, which include first-time home buyers to venture capital executives and even the occasional rock star.
Originally from the East Coast, John moved out to California to attend Claremont McKenna College. He quickly fell in love with Northern California and San Francisco and has lived here since 1980. Coming from a family that for over six generations had either been selling or building real estate, starting in the business came naturally to him. In 1993, after working for five years with his father at Merrill Lynch Real Estate, John migrated to Hill & Co., a prestigious luxury real estate brokerage, where he spent the next 25 years of his career as one of the firm’s top producing agents.
In 2018, John decided he wanted to optimize his ability to help his clients, thus his firm Aethos Real Estate was created in partnership with the powerful real estate technology firm, Reside. By leveraging Reside’s pioneering and innovative approach to the real estate industry and their exceptional technology-driven marketing, John is able to focus directly on his clients and their needs, as well as foster relationships within the community and across the country. This allows Aethos’ clients the advantage of an experienced, boutique brokerage providing unrivaled technology-driven services and marketing sophistication.
John chose the name Aethos, because throughout his career as a realtor he has been guided by his ethics: Respect, Integrity, Accountability, and Empathy. He is known for making the process of buying or selling a property as pleasant and stress-free as possible. He does this with humor, enthusiasm and his dedication to his client’s wellbeing.
Prioritizing a work/life balance, John is able to carve out plenty of time to spend with his lovely wife and three children. Additionally, he volunteers at their schools, travels, performs in local theater, and teaches historical fencing.
Founding Associate / Realtor®
Corey Ye was born and raised in San Francisco, and his roots and his connections to the city’s varied and vibrant communities run deep. From the Mission to Potrero Hill, the Marina to Chinatown, Corey knows the streets of San Francisco, and he leverages this insider’s knowledge to give his clients at Aethos Real Estate a true five-star real estate experience. Corey’s first exposure to real estate came a few years ago when he helped his parents purchase a home (It was in Daly City actually). From there, he worked as an admin with a busy San Francisco agency where he quickly transitioned from office staff to agent. Since then, he has earned a reputation for being the type of proactive and efficient agent who provides solid solutions to the many problems that often confront buyers, sellers, and investors while maintaining a high level of communication. As a real estate agent, Corey understands that each and every client has different goals that inform their specific buying or selling experience. To that end, he utilizes the latest in tech-driven marketing strategies, as well as savvy negotiation skills, a firm knowledge of local markets and trends, and a strong work ethic to get the best possible results. A graduate of UC Davis with a degree in a Managerial Economics, Corey is a big fan of Bay Area sports. He’s also proud of nearly a decade that he spent working with local kids at the Chinatown Beacon, a community center that empowers kids and nurtures the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
Associate / Realtor®
Debra Lee is an engaging and skilled Realtor who has been successfully helping her clients buy and sell properties for over a decade. Growing up and living in San Francisco most of her life, she has developed a deep connection with the rich diversity and vibrancy of this unique area. She has witnessed its evolution, from the city of her fond childhood memories to the ever growing and changing energetic metropolis it is today. Her deep-rooted knowledge and experience with the unique characteristics of the various San Francisco neighborhoods, their micro-climates and properties, are assets she uses to help her clients find their match, whether they’re looking for their very first home, a home to grow into, a nester’s paradise, an investment property, or to sell their property. Though her background ranges from visual design, sales, management, event planning, and organic gardening, being a Realtor in San Francisco is something she truly enjoys. Here, she combines her love and knowledge of The City with her exceptional communication skills. She believes in the importance of taking the time to really listen to her clients to get a clear sense of what their needs and goals are, and to bring calm and clarity to any concerns that they might have. She understands that buying or selling a home is one of the most important decisions that most people will encounter, and she enjoys using her experience and savvy to help guide her clients, striving to make the experience as smooth and easy as possible. In Debra, you will also find a skilled negotiator who will work diligently and intelligently to get you the best outcome possible, whether you’re buying or selling property. Perhaps the best testament to her success is the lasting relationships she has forged with clients. A good number of her business comes from repeat clients, or referrals from past clients. When Debra is not busy helping her clients, you might find her zipping through the streets of San Francisco on her motorcycle, exploring new hiking trails, thumbing through a book in a warm spot at City Lights Bookstore, or connecting with friends over yummy food and wine at a local restaurant.
Associate / Realtor®
Amber Lum is a native San Franciscan with a keen eye for style and design. With a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Oregon, Amber has had many artistic journeys into various mediums, including charcoal, textiles, wood blocking, and photography. Her passion for art and aesthetic sense are things that inform her work as a Realtor. But perhaps more importantly, Amber is extremely well versed in the intricate inner workings of San Francisco real estate, as she is a second generation Realtor who has grown up with Realtors on both sides of the family. As a San Francisco Realtor, she gets to enjoy blending her appreciation for the sheer beauty of this area with a profession that some might say is in her DNA. From a young age, she was already steeped in the nuances of San Francisco real estate. And as she later entered the field herself, she was able to confirm first hand many things she had gleaned growing up. She knows the importance of being an exceptional communicator, of truly listening to her clients and consistently staying in touch to update them on prospective properties, negotiations, changes in market trends, or at times just to see how her clients are doing. She also knows that aside from simply knowing the intricacies of the market, an agent who excels has certain indispensable qualities. This agent must have rock solid work ethics, exceptional attention to detail, is patient, pro-active, open minded, creative, empathetic, fearless at negotiations, and above it all, still be clear headed and professional. Perhaps representative of San Francisco’s spirit and history of celebrating diversity, Amber grew up speaking Cantonese and has studied Mandarin. Prospective clients who are more comfortable communicating in these languages will also find Amber an ideal representative. San Francisco is an unusually beautiful city. Its undulating coastal landscape, its breath taking views, its celebrated hills, landmarks and architecture, its rich and colorful history, and its abundant diversity, are not lost on this energetic native. She knows that it’s a blessing to grow up and live here, and feels lucky to help others to thrive in this truly unique area.
Listing Coordinator
A San Francisco Native, Lilly has been a Transaction Coordinator in the Bay Area for 10+ years. Based out of San Francisco. I am a Certified Transaction Coordinator through C.A.R., as well as, a Licensed Real Estate Agent. I have completed transactions throughout the entire Bay Area and other parts of California, mostly Residential Real Estate.
Transaction Coordinator
After several years in Title and Mortgage Lending, in 2009, Nichole was inspired to follow in her grandmother footsteps and became a licensed real estate agent. Nichole currently works in a supportive capacity, processing contracts paperwork for Aethos Real Estate. Nichole is recognized by all who have worked with her for efficiency, perseverance, and dedication to customer service, problem resolution, and follow-through.
Business Manager
Jessica is a Bay Area native with a background in property management, real estate sales, and start up tech, creating the perfect blend of experience for helping real estate agents take their business to the next level. She earned her Real Estate license in 2013 and has supported four brokerages in that short time, accumulating knowledge of what works and what doesn’t work for agents and brokerages. She loves researching ways to leverage technology to save time and money.
Executive Assistant
Diane has been in the real estate industry, in all facets, for over 32 years, including escrow officer, mortgage broker and Executive Assistant to top producing agents. She currently specializes in transaction compliance and broker operations.
Real Estate & Tax Lawyer, Broker-of-Record at Reside
Acting as our broker and in-house legal counsel, Hilary is the person our agents turn to for legal advice. Before becoming a successful broker in her own right, Hilary practiced real estate law for 5 years at a San Francisco law firm, building a solid foundation of real estate knowledge.
Creative Director
Corey Alverson lived and worked in the midwest as brand manager for a law firm until moving to San Francisco in 2016. As creative director for Reside, Corey is a strong conceptual thinker with over 10 years of graphic design experience.
Director of Engineering
Chris started in software startups over ten years ago in North Carolina, eventually heading to San Francisco in 2013. He now leads the engineering team, ensuring on-time delivery of features, high quality of product, and secure protection of data.
Marketing Director
Ashley Bledsoe joins Reside as Channel Marketing Director following 7 years at San Francisco’s largest residential real estate brokerage. At Zephyr Real Estate, Ashley worked on agent marketing strategy, from developing novel online marketing channels to elevating and refining traditional real estate marketing efforts. Ashley is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and the proud daughter of a top producing Virginia Realtor(r).
Marketing Engineer
San Franciscan, technology nerd, and knowledge enthusiast. As a digital marketing manager, John has led online marketing programs in web design, web development, lead generation, and SEO. At Reside he is part of a team focused on creating integrated marketing strategies for top performing real estate agents.