By: Cloud Realty
Daniel K. Cheng didn’t start out in real estate. At 23, he had his own business, but after a couple of years, he felt like something was missing. He couldn’t picture himself doing it long term. That’s when a close friend stepped in with a bit of advice that would change his life. “My friend told me I’d be great at real estate,” Daniel recalls. “He said I had the right personality for it.”
By the time Daniel was 25, he took his friend’s suggestion to heart. He got his real estate license and kicked off his new career in March 2003. Fast forward 21 years, and he’s become one of the go-to realtors in San Francisco and San Mateo County, helping hundreds of families buy and sell homes. But he didn’t just stumble into success. It took years of learning, reading, and mentorship from some of the best in the business. “I learned from the people who’d been through it all,” he says. “It’s those experiences that helped me grow, not just as a realtor, but as a person.”
Like many realtors, Daniel has seen the real estate market ride its share of highs and lows. From the 2008 housing crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s learned to roll with the punches. “The market can be unpredictable,” he says. “We’ve seen some major changes, especially with interest rates and the economy. But it’s our job to stay informed and adapt, so our clients get the premier advice possible.”
That connection with clients is something Daniel takes seriously. While technology continues to reshape the industry—artificial intelligence, in particular, is making its mark—Daniel believes nothing can replace the human element in real estate. “AI can do a lot, but it can’t understand the needs, emotions, and nuances of a person. That’s something only a realtor can do,” he explains.
The personal touch is where Daniel shines. “For me, the best part of this job is working with people. Real estate has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life, and each of them has taught me something valuable,” he says. Daniel thrives on getting to know his clients and helping them through what’s often one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
That said, not everything in the industry is perfect. Daniel points to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, which made buyer’s agent commissions negotiable, as one of the more frustrating changes. “It’s confusing for clients, and it takes more time to explain. The process just got more complicated,” he says. In his view, it’s a lot of unnecessary complexity to reach the same outcome—sellers still need to compensate buyers’ agents if they want access to the premier clients.
Even with the challenges, Daniel loves what he does. His approach to real estate is guided by a personal philosophy: always grow, always adapt. “The world is always moving forward, and if you’re not growing, you’re falling behind,” he says. That attitude has kept him on peak of his game in an industry that never stands still.
Of course, real estate can be all-consuming, and Daniel is well aware of the need to strike a balance between work and personal life. “Real estate is a 24/7 job, but you’ve got to carve out time for yourself, your family, and your passions,” he says. One of those passions? Vintage cars. Daniel is a serious car enthusiast, particularly when it comes to models from the 1950s to the 1990s. He enjoys going to car meets and track events, where he can indulge in his hobby and take a break from the pressures of work.
But there’s more to Daniel than houses and horsepower. He’s also got a love for music, specifically karaoke. “I love to sing,” he says with a laugh. “Every now and then, I’ll get some friends together for a karaoke night. It’s a great way to unwind and have fun.”
This balance of work, play, and passion is what keeps Daniel grounded. It’s also what helps him bring his best self to his clients. “When you find time for the things you love, you come back to work more focused and energized,” he says. And his clients see the difference. Daniel is known not just for his expertise but for the personal connection he builds with each client.
As for the future, Daniel sees big changes on the horizon for real estate, but he’s ready for whatever comes next. “Technology will keep evolving, but I don’t see it replacing the human side of the job anytime soon,” he says. “This business is about people, and that’s never going to change.”
At the heart of Daniel’s success is his belief in the power of relationships. He doesn’t just help people buy and sell homes—he helps them navigate life’s big moments with care and empathy. In a competitive industry, that’s what sets him apart. As Daniel puts it, “It’s not just about closing deals. It’s about helping people find the right place to call home.” And after 21 years in the business, Daniel K. Cheng is still doing just that—one home, and one client, at a time.
Published By: Aize Perez
