We met over 10 years ago when Kristen began dating Mary Ann’s son, Jimmy. Eventually, Kristen and Jimmy got married, and we started spending even more time together as a family. One day, we realized we had great chemistry and a shared vision—so we teamed up to build a dynamic real estate partnership.

And off we went!

We believe you should know the people behind the business card . . .

SO HERE’S OUR STORY!

 
Kristen

I always thought I’d be a teacher, and in many ways, real estate lets me live out the same passions: learning, empowering people through education, and working toward meaningful goals.

I was a strong student and a competitive diver through college. My days were highly structured—wake up, go to class, train, repeat. Someone was always telling me what to do. In the middle of that busy life, I met Jimmy—Mary Ann’s son—and we began dating.

After graduation, the transition away from athletics was hard. For the first time, I wasn’t a diver—an identity I had carried my whole life. I became a 6th-grade teacher, hoping to channel my love of learning and encouragement into the classroom. But once I was in it, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. Teaching had been my goal for years, but I knew I needed to rediscover who I was outside of sports—and find work that truly lit me up.

After COVID hit, Jimmy and I moved to California to be closer to his family. We packed up our home and our dog, Ranger, and began a new chapter. Around that time, Mary Ann—an experienced REALTOR®—invited me to join her team.

Over the past four years, I’ve learned so much from working with her. In 2024, I entered a new chapter again, welcoming our daughter Lucy into the world.

Real estate blends everything I love—educating people, building trust, and channeling my competitive spirit. Whether it’s helping clients navigate the complexities of a transaction or guiding them through a multiple-offer situation, I’m in my element. And yes, I’m still very much an athlete—I train and run half marathons in my free time.

Starting my life as a mother while growing a business with someone I admire deeply—Mary Ann—is something I’m incredibly grateful for.

 
Mary Ann

Kristen and I balance each other so well. She sharpens my eye for detail, and I help hone her instincts around negotiation and client strategy.

After 26 years in the business, I’ve developed a good sense for reading people—something I missed in my early career. My first job was as an accountant. After graduating with a BS in Accounting, I worked for a CPA firm and was assigned a real estate company as a client. That’s when I realized I was in the wrong field—I wanted to work with people, not just numbers.

I gave real estate a try in New Jersey, but I was young and inexperienced, and I failed. I went back to accounting—but the dream never left me.

After moving to California with my husband, I gave real estate another shot. With his support, I got my California license in 1999—and that year, I earned Rookie of the Year. They say timing is everything, and in my case, it truly was. It felt amazing to be out from behind a desk and helping people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my career has been seeing clients return again and again. I’ve helped first-time buyers find their starter homes, then later their family homes, and eventually downsize as empty nesters. Being trusted through every stage of life is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

If and when I retire, it’s comforting to know the business I’ve built can stay in the family. Kristen and I have been working together for four years now, and we keep growing stronger. We’re both deeply connected to our community—I volunteer with Stanford Blood Bank and Grid Alternatives, and Kristen supports causes that address food insecurity, build women’s leadership, and create support networks for new moms.

 
Our Partnership

When we teamed up, we knew we were bringing different strengths to the table—but we didn’t realize just how much we would help each other grow.

We’re passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and work hard behind the scenes so our clients enjoy a seamless, low-stress experience. One of us is always available to show homes, answer questions, or talk through decisions, and we constantly push each other to bring our best every time.

Kristen brings calm and clarity to the process, with a meticulous eye for detail. She carefully studies contracts and documents, guiding clients through each step in a way that’s clear and reassuring. Her thoughtful communication helps people feel confident and well-informed throughout the journey.

Mary Ann, a strategist at heart, knows the market inside and out. She brings a strong presence to negotiations and advocates fiercely to get the best possible outcome for her clients—whether they’re buying their first home or selling one they’ve lived in for decades.

Together, we focus on empowering clients to make smart, informed decisions. We dig into unclear or missing information so we can offer honest, expert advice. And we connect clients with a trusted network of vendors offering fair pricing and reliable service.

 

Mary Ann Wallace
REALTOR® | DRE# 01252067
Direct 408.307.0055
maryann.wallace@compass.com

Kristen Wallace
REALTOR® | DRE# 02147480
Direct 408.482.0202
kristen.wallace@compass.com

HomesByWallace.com