A Conversation with Steven Mullins on Real Estate, Negotiation, and the South Bay. Originally published in Southbay Magazine. This interview has been republished with permission.

Throughout my career, one of the questions I'm asked most often isn't simply about the real estate market. It's about how I approach helping buyers, sellers, and investors make informed decisions during one of life's most significant financial transactions.

Several years ago, Southbay Magazine interviewed me about my transition from practicing law to real estate, what distinguishes my approach, and how my legal background continues to influence the way I represent clients throughout the South Bay.

While market conditions have evolved since this interview first appeared, the principles that guide my business remain the same: thoughtful advice, strategic negotiation, strong relationships, and always putting my clients' interests first.

The interview below has been lightly updated to reflect my current practice while preserving the original conversation.

Steven Mullins is a South Bay real estate advisor with Vista Sotheby's International Realty, representing buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, El Segundo, and surrounding communities.

A UCLA graduate and Loyola Law School alumnus, Steven practiced law for 15 years as both a real estate attorney and corporate mergers and acquisitions attorney before transitioning full time into real estate. His legal background, combined with years of local market experience, provides clients with thoughtful guidance, strategic negotiation, and careful attention to detail throughout every transaction.

Steven has also served as a Reserve Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy and remains actively involved in the South Bay community.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM YOUR PEERS?

I bring a completely different skill set and experience to the table than other Realtors®. There are a few others with a law background, but I don’t know of many with 15 years of legal experience in M&A, corporate, transactional and real estate law.

My legal background continues to influence how I analyze contracts, negotiate on behalf of clients, and stay ahead of evolving California legislation affecting buyers, sellers, and investors. Combined with years of experience in South Bay real estate, I strive to provide clients with thoughtful guidance, practical advice, and a long-term perspective throughout every transaction.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE POTENTIAL CLIENTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

My philosophy is simple: my clients come first.

Every client has unique goals, and I believe the best representation begins with listening. Whether someone is buying their first home, selling a longtime family property, or expanding an investment portfolio, my role is to provide honest advice, strong advocacy, and thoughtful guidance from beginning to end.

Many of my clients become long-term friends and trusted referral partners, and earning that confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of my business.

WHAT DISTINGUISHES YOU AS A TOP PROFESSIONAL IN YOUR FIELD?

Real estate is the place where my personal interests and professional strengths collide. As a resident for 23 years, I have a strong knowledge and love of the South Bay communities. I enjoy helping clients navigate an ever-changing market while building lasting relationships that extend well beyond the closing table.

WHAT GIVES YOU AN EDGE?

It is paramount to have someone with the experience to navigate the negotiation process and maximize the client’s position as well as strong relationships with other agents to help bring parties together. I tap into my legal background to negotiate on behalf of my clients whether they are buying or selling. Over the years, I have established solid working relationships within the real estate community. Over the years, I've built strong relationships throughout the South Bay real estate community, including access to professional networks that often provide insight into off-market opportunities before they become widely available.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GENERALLY GIVE BUYERS?

Every buyer's situation is different, which is why I encourage clients to focus first on their long-term goals rather than trying to perfectly time the market.

Buying a home isn't simply about purchase price. It's about finding a property that fits your lifestyle, your financial comfort level, and your future plans.

Markets will always fluctuate, but thoughtful preparation, realistic expectations, and a sound strategy often matter far more than trying to predict short-term changes.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE GREATEST LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUYERS AND INVESTORS?

The South Bay continues to benefit from exceptional schools, a strong local economy, limited housing supply, and an outstanding quality of life. Those fundamentals have supported long-term demand across a variety of market cycles.

I believe opportunities continue to exist for both homeowners and investors who take a long-term approach and focus on properties that align with their financial goals and lifestyle.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I genuinely enjoy what I do. Every day is different, and I appreciate the opportunity to help people through important life transitions while working in communities I'm fortunate to call home. I wake up every morning and can’t wait to get my workday started. Whether I’m running on The Strand, meeting new clients or attending a school event, it is great to see friends, coworkers and clients enjoying the unique environment that I am so fortunate to live and work within. Real estate provides me an opportunity to engage in a business that is both personal and professional. I also love that I can utilize my legal background and calm demeanor to help my clients feel less stressed and more confident throughout what can be an emotional process.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY?

I live in Hermosa Beach with my wife, son and daughter. I was in Manhattan Beach for a few years, but we decided to move to Hermosa and stay there to raise our family. Supporting local schools, youth sports, and community organizations has been an important part of raising our family in Hermosa Beach. I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation board and the Hermosa Beach Little League board, and I’m a member of the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce.

CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION

Whether you're considering buying, selling, investing, or simply have questions about the South Bay real estate market, I'd be happy to connect and share what I'm seeing in today's market.

ABOUT STEVEN MULLINS

Steven Mullins is a South Bay real estate advisor with Vista Sotheby's International Realty, serving buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, El Segundo, and surrounding communities.

A UCLA graduate, Loyola Law School alumnus, and former real estate and corporate attorney, Steven combines legal insight, strategic negotiation, and deep local market knowledge to help clients make confident real estate decisions.