DeRenzis McGarry Group

Darin DeRenzis at a client’s property, 2012

From partner Darin DeRenzis

Born and raised in the South Bay, I’ve had the privilege of watching it evolve from a collection of beach towns into one of the most desirable coastal communities in the country. While we’ve welcomed thoughtful growth, beautiful new developments, thriving technology, aerospace and local business, what has always set this area apart hasn’t changed: the lifestyle. The South Bay is still defined by its strong sense of community, exceptional schools, active outdoor environment and neighbors who genuinely care about one another. People are choosing a way of life when they buy a home here.

Business Milestones

Over the past 20 years, our business has grown alongside the South Bay community—reflected in several meaningful milestones. Our partnership with longtime friend and colleague Rob McGarry, formed nearly three years ago, continues to be one of the most rewarding and exciting chapters of our business. This year, the DeRenzis McGarry Group was named to RealTrends’ “The Thousand” list, placing us among the top 0.5% of Realtors nationwide and one of only six individuals or teams within our brokerage to earn that distinction—an accomplishment I’m incredibly proud of. Our growth is also reflected in the success of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty. As a founding partner, I’ve had the privilege of helping build the firm into the South Bay’s leading brokerage.

Valuable Advice

Our role with our clients is evolving in an exciting way. Many of the families we’ve served for years are now thinking beyond their home and looking at real estate as a vehicle for building long-term, generational wealth. Given this demand, we’re introducing a broader focus on multifamily investments, development opportunities and other strategic real estate assets that help clients grow and diversify their portfolios. My wife, Meredith Johnson, and I are on that same journey ourselves—intentionally applying the knowledge we’ve gained throughout our careers to build lasting wealth for our own family. That alignment makes the advice we provide even more meaningful, because we’re living the same strategies we recommend.

Southbay Love

I was part of the Southbay magazine family from the very beginning, when the firm was called Luxury Life & Style. My dear friend, Todd Klawin, founded the magazine. Having just begun my second career in real estate, I immediately saw their audience aligned with the clientele I was working with. Back then, the real estate market was challenging and headlines were filled with uncertainty. But Southbay never lost sight of what really mattered: our community. It celebrated local businesses, highlighted the people behind them and reminded readers of the character and resilience of this community. That was important then, and I think it’s even more meaningful today.

Main image photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro | Throwback image photographed by Remy Haynes