Inman

In midst of franchise push, Climb Real Estate names new president

Climb

Christine Kim is taking the helm of the San Francisco-based Climb Real Estate as president and co-founder Chris Lim is set to move into an advisory role to support parent company Realogy. Realogy acquired Climb in 2016 and announced last month plans to begin franchising the brand.

Christine Kim | Credit: Climb Real Estate

In 2006, Kim joined Climb, a mobile-first real estate brokerage geared towards the next generation of agents and consumers, as a marketing leader and top agent. In her new role, she’ll oversee the day-to-day operations of all brokerages on the own-side.

“When I first met Kim in 2005, I quickly recognized her experience, intellect and energy as truly one of a kind,” said Lim, in a statement. “Diversity and inclusion is at the core of our business and we’re proud for have an Asian woman stepping into a leadership role. I can’t think of a better successor to lead the brokerage that I built.”

Kim will take over the brand as one of few Korean American women to hold an executive level position in the residential real estate industry, according to Climb. Prior to joining Climb, she was the broker-owner of Bridgepointe Group. She has been a Realtor Magazine 30-under-30 recipient and served as the founding chapter president for The Asian Real Estate Association of America, Silicon Valley chapter, as well as president of the Korean American Professional Society.

Chris Lim | Credit: Climb Real Estate

“I am extremely honored to be the new president of the Climb Real Estate Bay Area offices,” Kim said. “Climb has grown to be one of the San Francisco’s real estate top brands by creating a culture of where agents want to be, and by providing innovative solutions that help agents thrive, no matter where they are in their real estate career.”

“I look forward to focusing my efforts on growing our Bay Area presence while working with Chris as he concentrates on advising the national franchise expansion,” Kim added.

Lim, in his new role, will be focused on the expansion of Climb through new franchises. The company’s growth through franchising will focus on bringing its technology-first approach and mobile-offerings to urban areas in the United States.

Since its acquisition, Climb has grown to more than 200 agents with offices in San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland.

Email Patrick Kearns