Global real estate brokerage The Agency announced seasoned real estate professional Jeff Barnett has joined the firm as managing director, tapped to lead the brokerage’s expansion into the Los Gatos market as it continues to grow its network of offices throughout Northern California.
The new location will be the first for the firm in Los Gatos and the second in the greater Silicon Valley region.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jeff Barnett to The Agency as we continue to strengthen our brokerage’s presence in Northern California,” said Rainy Hake Austin, president of The Agency. “With his unparalleled knowledge and expertise, we’re honored Jeff will be at the helm of our newest South Bay location as we further our footprint throughout the region. Jeff is an inspiring leader and well-respected professional in our industry, and I am excited to work alongside him again as we continue to partner with the best while adapting The Agency brand so that it resonates in new local communities. We look forward to bringing the strength of our brand, our innovative practices, and proven track record to further advance Bay Area agents’ successes.”
Most recently serving as vice president and managing director at Compass, Barnett brings more than 30 years of experience to The Agency Los Gatos. He has served as a mentor to hundreds of agents over the course of his career.
His professional real estate career began in the late 1980s at Fox & Carskadon. He went on to join Bay Area brokerage Alain Pinel Realtors in 1991 as one of its original sales agents. Barnett created the brokerage’s Masters program for working agents and people new to the business of residential real estate. He taught the course for two years and then transitioned into the role of vice president and manager of the brokerage’s Los Gatos office in 1995. In 2019, Alain Pinel Realtors merged with Compass and Barnett continued to work with his staff members and agents.
“I am beyond excited to once again be teamed with Rainy Hake Austin and numerous former colleagues within The Agency’s leadership team to expand our presence here in Los Gatos,” Barnett said. “I have long admired The Agency’s approach to business, especially as the brand has grown globally while maintaining its boutique feel and white-glove service for agents. I am most looking forward to continuing to elevate the service experience provided to agents through creativity and technology that enhance the human experience.”
As an active member of the California Association of REALTORS (CAR) and National Association of REALTORS (NAR), Barnett has taken on many leadership roles within the organizations and frequently coaches newly-licensed sales professionals as they embark on their careers. In 2011, he was inducted into the NAR Hall of Fame and in 2016 he received the Director for Life award from CAR.
Barnett and his wife Kari have three children, Brandon, Shauna and Jaydon. In his free time, he enjoys gardening, playing ice hockey and riding motorcycles.
This announcement comes at a time of growth for the firm in Northern California. The Agency recently launched its first Silicon Valley offices in Los Altos. The brokerage currently has several offices throughout Northern California, including Sonoma County, the East Bay, Marin and Carmel, with plans to continue to expand further throughout the Bay Area.
