With over three decades of real estate experience each, rennie advisors, Danny Chow and Salina Kai have made a steady ascent to the rennie leaders circle. Having first joined the brokerage in the mid-90s, the pair have witnessed the incredible growth of both their business and the Vancouver real estate market first-hand.
Last year, Salina made media headlines with the sale of a 6,500 sq ft penthouse at Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim. Sold for over $19 million in a multiple-offer scenario, the deal became the most expensive condo sale on MLS in almost a decade. This year, along with her partner Danny, the two are looking ahead at another iconic Vancouver penthouse listing.
Recently, Danny and Salina listed the penthouse at the Callisto, a sprawling 5,300+ sq ft luxury property perched above Coal Harbour. “You hear about $15M mansions, but it’s not very often you hear about a $15M plus condo apartment,” explains Salina. The $15.49M home is an anomaly in the market comprising an entire floor with 360 panoramic views spanning across the harbour, Stanley Park, and the glittering lights of the city.
“If you imagine the consummate image of Vancouver, the Callisto captures everything that should come to mind,” adds Danny, “From the mountains, the water, to Stanley Park – it embodies the West Coast lifestyle people want to be a part of.” The home is undoubtedly unique as one of only eight penthouses along the Coal Harbour waterfront, adding to its rarity.
With a one-of-a-kind offering like the Callisto penthouse and its level of quality and craftsmanship, finding the right buyer is often a matter of strategy. With the support of their dedicated team, much work goes on behind the scenes to prepare a home of this caliber for the market. Leveraging social platforms using geographically targeted ads, geo-fencing, and retargeting campaigns for return viewers, help strategically bring interested eyes into the fold. The team also helps in identifying potential clients who may already own a waterfront property or have the known capacity to purchase a home this substantial.
In addition to introducing the Callisto penthouse to the right clientele, equal attention is placed on targeting their industry contemporaries, to make the most meaningful connections. As the penthouse made its way to market, a select group of realtors from across the Lower Mainland were invited in for a preview. Free to walk the stately halls and experience the level of craftsmanship firsthand. And while photos do their best to capture the elevated standards of the home, some things can only be fully appreciated through experience.
“We’re very hands-on when it comes to curating these realtor lists, it’s very specific. I spend a lot of time going through who has sold high-end homes whether it's detached or attached, in the last couple years, explains Salina. “We’ve built great working relationships with a lot of realtors,” notes Danny, “Sphere of influence is important for being in this business and the reputation we’ve built in this industry.”
As Danny and Salina reflect on their journey, it's evident that their success is not merely measured in transactions closed or listings secured, but more so in the enduring relationships forged and the trust earned. While their success is celebrated, it’s a snapshot that doesn’t reflect their decades-long hustle, the long hours, the stress, the problem-solving, and the unwavering commitment to client care. Or the many vacations they spent on call, jumping on the line to close a deal at 2 am or to coach a client through the home buying journey. 
At the onset of their careers, listing a home of this stature in Vancouver would have been unfathomable to the pair, but decades of hard work later, it is another milestone and privilege on their incredible journey. “Just like with anything in life, you have to work hard – there's no easy way around it,” explains Danny. “Every day, we're working. We never turn off our phones, even when we're on vacation. The three most important things are hard work, honesty, and building trust with your clients.”
Salina also attributes “being a good person” –simple and profound– to their success. “People, especially during these times, are looking for connection. If they feel they can connect with you, they can trust you. They want to know that you care about them, not just helping them buy or sell real estate,” says Salina. “Of course, you have to have the product knowledge and be in tune with the market, but at the end of the day, we’re more than advisors. We are our clients’ confidantes, their counselors, and their friends.”
From their humble beginnings to their recent listing of the Callisto penthouse, Danny and Salina have navigated the ever-evolving landscape of Vancouver's real estate with unwavering dedication. Their approach, rooted in hard work, building trust, and genuine care for their clients, has been the cornerstone of their achievements. As they continue to push boundaries and redefine luxury in the industry, one thing remains constant: their commitment to the people they serve.
