Derek May, REALTOR®

You can't maximize the value you get from a real estate transaction without getting eyeballs focused on your home. Effective marketing is the lifeblood of any successful real estate practice. Without it, you're not reaching the biggest pool of potential buyers and sellers and invariably leaving money on the table. Your interests are always best served by working with an agent who is good at getting attention - do we have yours?

Before expanding into client representation, Derek May excelled in the field of luxury real estate marketing. He played a pivotal role in founding and growing the brands and marketing operations of several leading Southern California luxury brokerages, including coastal Orange County boutique titans such as Strada Properties, Surterre Properties and VILLA Real Estate. 

Derek went on to create his own consultancy along the way, DM Real Estate Marketing, where he worked hand-in-hand with several established Orange County real estate firms, including First Team Real Estate and Arbor Real Estate. He was also a founding member and co-owner of Nook Real Estate, an innovative digital real estate sales platform acquired by the nation’s top brokerage, Compass, in 2019. 

Well-mapped multi-media marketing strategies are the cornerstone of his approach, including the adept use of search engine optimization and social media to drive massive user engagement with his property campaigns. Real estate is first and foremost a relationship business, but any agent worth their salt will leverage the plethora of digital tools available to real estate professionals.

According to a recent NAR survey, more than 97% of homebuyers used the internet to assist in their home search. That's a staggering number and an amazing transformation over the course of a few short decades. Unfortunately, many agents have yet to harness the full potential of digital marketing tools, but not Derek - digital is in his DNA.

Derek leverages leading-edge tools along with his seasoned real estate operations experience to ensure your transaction gets done in a streamlined manner. 

But Derek is no empty suit. He possesses a keen eye and appreciation for architecture, making him the perfect fit if you're looking to buy or sell a particular aesthetic - especially if that aesthetic happens to be modern. 

Derek is passionate about architecture. So passionate, in fact, that he created the industry's first and only architectural search engine - Search With Style®. He's also ArchitecturalHomes.com's exclusive agent for all of Orange County, giving him insider access to some of the most architecturally-relevant properties in the county and beyond. Whether your passion is urban lofts, mid-century modern homes, or other contemporary spaces - Derek is the perfect sales consultant to contact to achieve your architectural goals..

However, he's well aware that many of us have other, often more pressing concerns regarding our housing, including affordability, quality of life, school rankings, and many other variables you'll consider during your home search. He tailors each home sale or purchase to your individual needs and will do what it takes to ensure a successful conclusion, whether you're buying/selling an ultra-luxe modern abode or you’re seeking/selling your starter home.

Derek has deep roots in the Southern California community. He grew up right here in Orange County, only leaving to attend and graduate from SDSU before returning home. He’s a fan of his SDSU Aztecs sports teams, the Los Angeles Angels, and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

When he’s not in the office, you can find him binge-watching Netflix, on a quest to see every single unique building in Southern California and beyond, or spending nights out tasting the fare at his favorite local eateries. You’ll also find Derek tending to his large (and growing) library of architectural books, mining them for insights and feeding his passion for all things “home”.

Find out how Derek can help you get into the home of your dreams - reach out now to connect.

Contact Derek to help you with your next home.