Nicole Ji recognized early on that she had a calling: Her passion—and greatest satisfaction—lies in helping others. She’s always been the person you can count on to show up, whether it’s for a day of volunteering, lending an ear to a friend, giving a recommendation to a client, or simply offering a hug. And throughout her years as a real estate agent, her passion and warm personality has helped her way beyond the simple pleasures of matching her clients with a dream home or helping them sell their own efficiently. “Some days I'm a marriage counselor, a therapist, a friend, a confidant, a consultant, a forms expert, and so much more,” Ji laughs—but it’s too true.

The secret sauce that Ji brings to any of her relationships is her empathy. She prides herself on lavishing attention on her clients, educating them about real estate if necessary, hearing their unique needs, and then acting decisively to help them achieve their objectives. “I’ve been there on the buying side, when my agent didn’t give me the attention I needed, and didn’t hear me,” she recalls. But even that negative experience has been spun positive Ji: It’s made her a better agent, heightening her mindfulness toward her own clients. As a result, she boasts an incredibly loyal, wide-ranging client base.

Ji specializes in Washington’s Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding areas; part of her business is focused on commercial, land acquisition, rural properties, equestrian and hobby farms. Away from her clients, you’ll find her running triathlons to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and supporting Duvall’s Northwest Arts Center, the Riverview Educational Foundation, the Snoqualmie Valley Community Network, Art in Bloom, and Acres of Diamonds. She travels frequently with her husband, Sang, and loves to spend time with her adult kids (Nick & Mikaela) and grandkids, plus her extended family of two horses (Mikaela is an avid rider), and a spoiled cat named Katie Bell.