Stephen Clark

A 37-year real estate veteran, Stephen Clark is a rare find in his industry. Working within the prestigious network at Desert Sotheby’s International Realty in Coachella Valley, Stephen combines impeccable professionalism with a service-first approach that can best be described as an attitude of respect for everyone whose path he crosses. His natural curiosity for people’s life goals and dreams, and his exuberance to be their consummate helper in their pursuit, disarm even the most skeptical of individuals. His results are reflected in the many stories and accolades of satisfied clients; from widows and empty nesters starting a new chapter in their lives to individuals and families relocating to the desert. Stephen believes real estate is never about the house. It is about what motivates people to find enjoyment in their lives. He loves helping his clients figure out how this translates into their real estate needs and then pursuing that goal with his boundless enthusiasm and expertise.

Hailing from the bustling seaport city of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada, Stephen’s eventual career path could likely be predicted in his entrepreneurial tendencies and interests at a young age. From his early morning paper routes to selling floral arrangements left over from his minister father’s Sunday service, Stephen was always insatiably interested in experiencing the world around him, meeting new people through his spontaneous acts of service. Although his passion for real estate started at age 11, he pursued a variety of interests, one being in the hotel industry, namely Four Seasons Hotel, where he learned what exceptional customer service truly means. Stephen finally ended up in real estate in Honolulu, working as a new agent at Dolman Associates after obtaining his license in 1984. His resourcefulness and people skills created many opportunities that set the stage for the success he would experience upon moving to San Diego. There he assisted developers with marketing their new home developments, eventually being asked to open a sales office where he officially became their broker of record. A few years later he started his own agency with a partner whose career he was instrumental in helping jumpstart, inspiring her with his enriching real estate experiences and anecdotes. What became known as Clark Tess Properties in San Diego they later sold to Coldwell Banker in 2003. After abiding by a 10-year non-compete agreement, Stephen joined Sotheby’s in San Diego in 2013, serving his clients for 7 years before heading to California’s desert valley in the summer of 2020.

Now, Stephen feels fortunate to be assisting clients old and new in and around Palm Desert where he resides, a place he had envisioned moving to after a brief visit to the area in his early 20’s. He’s helped several of his Canadian friends find their California-lifestyle home. Always mindful of raising the bar in the quality of transactions and service for his clients, he’s committed to continual self-learning. The list is long of Stephen’s professional designations and certifications; everything from buyer and seller representation to negotiation expertise. Stephen uses his passion and compassion, his empathy, and his dedication to integrity beyond reproach, to allow for good things to flourish for others. Strong bonds of friendship tend to grow out of his professional interactions, and he feels fortunate to be gifted with stories and special moments with all of his clients.

Travel, time spent with friends, meeting new friends on his morning walks with Murphy, his Wheaton Terrier, self-enrichment programs, and practicing kindness to everyone he encounters fill up the rest of Stephen’s adventurous and well-loved life.