A single decision changed the course of my life, leading me to new opportunities and the chance to build a better future for my family.
In 2017, my wife and I made the difficult decision to leave Ukraine and start a new life in the United States. We had built a good life there—I had a successful career as a lawyer and even founded my own law firm. But when the war began in 2014, everything changed. As the situation worsened, we knew it was only a matter of time before it escalated further. We wanted a safer, more stable future for our family. When my wife received a job offer in San Jose, California, it felt like the right moment to take a leap of faith. It was a daunting step into the unknown, but we knew it was the best choice for our future.
From the beginning, we loved San Jose, but there were plenty of challenges to navigate during our transition. To become a lawyer in the U.S., I would have needed to spend years re-educating myself, and I knew that wasn’t a realistic option. Instead, I decided to pursue real estate—a field I was already familiar with. Back in Ukraine, my law firm had worked with real estate developments. I had experience negotiating deals, working with buyers, and handling legal complexities. I knew this was a career I could be passionate about, and it was a way for me to continue working with people, guiding them through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.
The language barrier was the biggest challenge for me. While learning everything I could about real estate in the states, I was simultaneously taking English as a Second Language courses at Mission College in Santa Clara. It was intense, but I was determined. In just five months, I passed my real estate exam on the first try. That was a big win for me.
In December 2019 I started my real estate career. Then, just three months later, the pandemic hit, shutting everything down. Despite the setback, I studied the market, kept up with trends, and advised my clients on the opportunities I saw. Those who trusted my judgment made strong investments, and now their properties have appreciated significantly. During that time, I also worked as an office administrator, helping onboard new agents and assisting with marketing. It gave me a well-rounded view of the industry and helped me build valuable relationships.
Real estate allows me to problem-solve, advocate for my clients, and be out in the field, not behind a desk. I believe in transparency—no sugar-coating. My job is to help my clients make informed decisions, even if it means pointing out red flags in a property they love. One of the best parts of my job is building real connections with my clients. For example, last Thanksgiving, I delivered pies to them, and it was a great opportunity to catch up and show my appreciation beyond the transaction. It reminded me that this work goes far beyond the closing table—the relationships I build are for life.
My wife, Maria, has been my greatest support. We now have a beautiful little girl, Leia, and prioritize quality time together. We enjoy traveling, going to Europe to visit family, and exploring different parts of California. I love being in nature too, hiking, snowboarding, and staying active.
Moving to the U.S. was one of biggest decisions of my life, without a doubt. I’ve found stability, confidence in the future, and the ability to build a secure life for my family. My goal is to keep growing my business, helping more families achieve their real estate dreams, and making the most of every opportunity.
As a lawyer in Ukraine, my goal was always to help people, and that hasn’t changed. Now, through real estate, I continue to guide clients through complex decisions and advocate for their best interests. My background in law has made me detail-oriented, organized, and skilled in negotiation, ensuring the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. I prioritize building strong relationships based on trust, open communication, and transparency. I give my clients the information they need to make confident, well-informed choices.
To support my clients, I leverage the cutting-edge tools and technology offered by Compass, including a client dashboard that keeps everything—searches, communication, and documents—in one place. I also have a great transaction coordinator to ensure every detail is handled efficiently. Having relocated myself, I understand the challenges of moving to a new place, and I use that experience to help clients navigate their own transitions with confidence. Many of my clients become friends, and I stay in touch long after the sale, always ready to offer guidance and support when they need it!
Sincerely,
Yuri Lavrentiev
REALTOR® | DRE#: 02103193
Call/Text 669-285-9514
yuri@compass.com
homesbyyuri.com
