Today we’d like to introduce you to Marina Macartney.
Hi Marina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
A California-native, I grew up in the Bay Area, graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Spanish. After studying in Alicante, Spain and living in Auckland, New Zealand I returned to California – landing in Orange County where I began a 12-year career in eCommerce. I worked for Buy.com, which was acquired by Rakuten.com, and later went up to join a start-up specializing in helping brands manage their sales, advertising, and fulfillment operations on Amazon.com.
In 2019, I committed to getting my real estate license and began my career in Real Estate on Jan. 1st 2020. Fast-forward 10 weeks to March 2020, when our manner of conducting business and person-to-person communication changed drastically…I had two escrows in motion prior. I delivered my first set of keys with gloves and a face mask on and since then I’ve helped over 40 families buy, sell, or lease homes throughout South Orange County, selling over $47M in my first five years as a Realtor.
I truly enjoy helping families navigate the process of buyer and selling – no matter the circumstances, I’m committed to keeping clients informed so they can make the best possible decisions for their family. My experience in sales management prepared me to assume responsibility for oversight of the multiple aspects involved in Real Estate transactions: financials, schedules, tracking of market and listing activity, etc.
I am highly focused on each clients’ needs, goals, and schedule – leaning on my experience that comes from working with a variety of scenarios, homes, and communities.
Recent achievements and affiliations include being included in the inaugural Top 40 Under 40 in 2023 | By Real Producers – South Orange County.
With the support of the generosity of the community I live in, I regularly donate to non-profit MOMS of Orange County – aan organization that supports pregnancy, infant and family health. I’m also a proud sponsor at my local elementary school.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Realtors quickly learn that a lot can change in a single day in Real Estate – for better or for worse. Creating solutions and options, often in unexpected situations, is certainly a constant in this profession. My Broker and first-hand experience has always taught me that the truth is the best method of communicating, no matter how unfortunate or disappointing some news may be, it’s our job to communicate all situations and most importantly provide options so families can continue planning.
Early learnings include understanding that there are not many “full” days off. While there can be flexibility in our schedules, then comes the unexpected and sometimes immediate need to prioritize transactions and client requests – learning how to manage this is important. Staying informed on the local real estate market, from both a data perspective and from day-to-day involvement provides my clients with insight and realistic expectations which helps keep us aligned as we work together.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Marina Macartney Real Estate?
I’ve worked with a variety of clients ranging from helping families manage a sale and purchase simultaneously, to guiding first-time homebuyers, and helping clients sell their long-time family homes and relocate to other states.
While every family’s needs are unique, I always anticipate the possibilities and communicate these to my clients – this informative approach provides clients with confidence and confirms that I’m constantly planning ahead. This level of organization helps maintain calm if transactions take a stress-inducing turn.
I have excellent transaction support and leverage various tech platforms to keep my business running smoothly – but in the end and throughout the process of buying and selling, my clients are always in direct communication with me. While each client has their priorities that we focus on, I never lose sight of providing options and honest guidance in helping families find their next home – that will provide longevity from both functional and financial standpoints.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
As a business-owner there is always risk. There are so many options when it comes to growing a business today – from digital marketing to traditional marketing, coaching, and everything in between. In my experience market knowledge, persistence, and hard work will outpace risk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marinamacartney.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinamacartney.realtor/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinamacartney/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@marinamacartney
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/marina-macartney-first-team-real-estate-ladera-ranch

Image Credits
Sasha Wasio Jennifer Kuluris
