By: Cloud Realty
Daniel K. Cheng wasn’t always set on a career in real estate. In fact, his journey started in a completely different direction. At 23, he launched a business, but after a couple of years, something just didn’t click. He couldn’t see himself staying in it for the long haul. That’s when a good friend, noticing Daniel’s personable nature, gave him a nudge toward real estate. “He told me I’d be great at it,” Daniel recalls with a smile. “I guess he saw something in me I hadn’t quite realized yet.”
At 25, Daniel took the leap, got his real estate license, and never looked back. That was in March of 2003, and now, two decades later, he’s sold hundreds of homes across San Francisco and San Mateo County. Daniel is quick to point out that his success didn’t come overnight. He poured time into reading, learning from industry veterans, and soaking up the wisdom of his mentors. “It’s been a long road, but the lessons I’ve picked up along the way have been invaluable, not just for business, but for life.”
The real estate market, like life, can be unpredictable. “We’ve seen some real ups and downs,” Daniel says, referring to the housing crash, the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent interest rate hikes. Navigating these challenges hasn’t been easy, but Daniel approaches them with a calm, steady hand. “It’s about staying informed. Our clients look to us as their guides through some of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make, so we have to stay on top of everything.”
While the industry has seen its share of turbulence, Daniel is optimistic about the future. There’s a lot of buzz about technology, especially artificial intelligence, playing a bigger role in real estate. But Daniel doesn’t believe tech can ever replace the human side of the job. “AI can help with some things, but when it comes to truly understanding what someone needs in a home, nothing beats real human connection.”
For Daniel, the rewarding part of being a realtor is working with people. “I’ve met so many different folks, and they’ve taught me more than I could’ve imagined,” he says. It’s not just about finding the right house; it’s about understanding the person or family behind the purchase. Each client is unique, with their own set of needs and dreams. And Daniel takes pride in figuring out how to help them achieve those goals.
But like any job, real estate comes with its frustrations. One of the more recent changes that Daniel finds challenging is the National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, which made buyer’s agent commissions negotiable. “It’s confusing for clients and adds more time to our conversations,” he explains. Though the end result often remains the same, he wishes for a return to the simpler system of the past. “It feels like we’re just taking a longer, more complicated path to get to the same place.”
Despite the occasional headache, Daniel wouldn’t trade his job for anything. What sets him apart in this highly competitive market is his belief in constant growth and evolution. “The world is always changing. If you’re not growing and learning, you’re falling behind.” This mindset has kept him at the top of his game, always looking for new ways to serve his clients better.
Balancing the demanding nature of real estate with his personal life isn’t easy, but Daniel has found his own way to manage it. “Real estate is 24/7,” he admits. “But making time for family, friends, and hobbies is just as important as work.” Outside of real estate, Daniel’s passions include vintage cars, especially models from the 1950s to 1990s. He loves going to car meets and track events, where he can indulge in his love of classic vehicles.
And then there’s karaoke. Yes, you read that right—Daniel loves to sing. “It’s a great way to unwind and have some fun,” he says, grinning. “I’ve been known to set up the occasional karaoke session with friends. It’s all about releasing stress and enjoying the moment.” For Daniel, these moments of joy are just as important as his professional successes. They help keep him balanced and bring a sense of fulfillment that extends beyond work.
As Daniel looks ahead, he’s excited about what the future holds. He knows that technology will continue to change the landscape of real estate, but he’s confident that the heart of the job—helping people—will always remain the same. “At the end of the day, this business is about people. It’s about understanding what they need, what makes them tick, and how you can help them find a place to call home.”
After two decades in the industry, Daniel K. Cheng isn’t just a realtor—he’s a trusted advisor, a friend, and a man who values the connections he’s made along the way. It’s not just about buying and selling houses. For Daniel, it’s about the people and the stories behind every home. And that’s what makes his work so meaningful.
Published By: Aize Perez
