Born and raised in Southern California, Chrisian Stubbs went to work selling recreational vehicles just one week after earning a degree in business administration from California State University, Monterey Bay in 2015.
When he became the company’s top performer within his first 60 days in the industry, he was offered the position of finance manager, where he could put his business skills to use.
“But I quickly learned that getting approved to finance an RV was sometimes tougher than getting a mortgage loan for a home,” said Stubbs, who got his real estate license in 2019 and traded in a lucrative corporate position to start a career in real estate with a confident, ‘I can do this!’ frame of mind.
Joining First Team Real Estate, serving Orange County and surrounding areas, he teamed with a business partner in 2021 and they began onboarding agents.
“But too many people were not putting in the man hours. It wasn’t the right fit for me,” said Stubbs.
So, in 2023 he bought out his partner, introduced exacting standards that pared the existing team from 33 to 15, and began building anew with a cohesive and intentional agenda.
Today, Stubbs’ mega-team, operating under the banner of First Team Real Estate with more than 50 agents and four administrators in their Mission Viejo office, is intent on finishing 2025 with more than 300 transactions and some $300 million in sales.
With an average sale price of over a $1 million, and an in-progress plan to expand the team’s footprint, it is a goal Stubbs fully intends to meet.
Barbara Pronin: Chistian, leading a team of 50 or more agents is a demanding task. What is key to your management style?
Christian Stubbs: My job is a little like being a broker, and I’m grateful to First Team and Michele Harrington for giving me the autonomy to build this team and for their support and guidance. As team leader, I don’t sell anymore. My role here is primarily operations, recruiting, teaching, and mentoring. The team is supported by our in-house staff – a marketing manager, a transaction coordinator, an administrator, and two virtual assistants.
BP: With a team this size, how do you stay in touch?
CS: We meet weekly, in person, every Wednesday, and we typically have 80 percent or more in attendance. We use this time to stay abreast of sales and opportunities, to share intel, celebrate wins, and set goals. We also have frequent marketing/training sessions, one-on-ones as needed, and a new agent launch program that focuses on teaching new people our core principles and their value. We are an intentional team with a proven culture of productivity that stems directly from the systems we have in place.
BP: Systems in what sense?
CS: Definitive systems for recruiting, onboarding, the first 60-90 days, and our proprietary ‘Online University,’ – a kind of Real Estate 101, if you will, that covers internal resources, tools and technology, goal orientation, and assignment to a personal mentor – a carefully chosen team member to help guide them through their first transactions. We want our new people set off on the right foot and internalize our culture.
BP: What do you look for in a recruit?
CS: We attract a lot of prospects, but we are not for everyone. We want intentional people who want a full-time career and are willing to put in the work. That means committing to our program, internalizing our processes, and preparing for rapid acceleration.
BP: Tell us about your market area.
CS: About 85 percent of our business comes from the Orange County market, and some 20 to 30 percent from the Inland Empire. Orange County will always be our focus, but our plan in 2025 is to significantly increase our presence in the fast-growing Inland Empire market.
BP: Your average selling price?
CS: Just over $1 million.
BP: What is it that makes your team the go-to experts in your market?
CS: Professionalism. Market expertise. Full focus on meeting the goals of every client. We have the best resources, the best people, and the prestige of the First Team reputation.
BP: Besides growing your presence in an adjacent market, what are your plans in 2025?
CS: We recently hired an in-house videographer to help fine-tune our marketing campaign, and we expect to be doubling our team size. By this time next year, we’ll have 75 to 100 agents, and we‘ll be adding a sales manager position.
BP: What advice would you give to team leader starting out?
CS: Be intentional from the outset. Create a culture of productivity and zoom all the way out. Know what kind of a team you want to build and set exacting standards. At the end of the day, it’s your standards that inspire and foster success.
Stubbs Team Listing
24467 Sunlight Lane
Laguna Niguel, California
4 BR, 2.5 Bath, 1,714 Sq. Ft.
Listing Price: $1,225,000
From the listing description: This beautifully designed single-family home offers four generously sized bedrooms, each designed to maximize space and light. With an open-concept design, plantation shutters and tons of natural light, this home exudes the perfect balance of inviting atmosphere for entertaining or relaxing. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the charming backyard containing room for play, gardening or hosting friends. The primary suite is an elegant space that comes with a walk-in shower, a soaking tub, and a massive walk-in closet. The home has been re-piped and comes with a fully owned solar system, saving you hundreds of dollars monthly on expensive electric bills. With a low HOA, you can enjoy the benefits of a well-kept community without the burden of excessive fees. Conveniently located near shopping centers, world-famous beaches and an array of walking and hiking trails, your weekends will be filled with adventure and leisure. Don’t miss your chance to own this unique property that has never been on the market before. This is more than just a house—it is a home that incorporates the Southern California lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
To see the full listing, visit https://24467sunlight.com/
For more information about the Stubbs Team, visit Onyxhomes.com.
