By: PR Team Cloud Realty
Meet Zulay Rennells, a realtor with a big heart and an even bigger passion for helping people find their perfect home. If you’re in San Diego County, you might have heard her name before—she’s quickly becoming one of the area’s go-to real estate agents, known for her dedication, knowledge, and personal touch. But what really drives Zulay? It turns out, her story started long before she ever got her real estate license in 2018.
Zulay was raised as a “military brat,” moving from base to base as her family followed her father’s career. For some kids, that would have been tough, but for Zulay, it was an adventure. One of her favorite childhood memories? Going to open houses with her mom. They would wander through homes in new neighborhoods, imagining what life could be like there. At the same time, Zulay spent hours helping her dad with home improvement projects. It was these experiences that sparked her interest in real estate, long before she realized it could be her career.
Fast forward to today, and Zulay is a realtor with a mission: to help people find not just houses, but homes. “Real estate is fun because each client’s needs and resources are different,” she says. “Helping those first-time buyers navigate their biggest investment is a reward all in its own.”
Since getting her real estate license, Zulay has built a career not only in buying and selling homes but also in property management and leasing. Having grown up in military housing, she understands the importance of feeling at home, no matter where you are. She remembers the property managers she knew as a kid who went the extra mile—organizing BBQs and community events that helped families connect. It’s that same sense of community that Zulay now tries to foster in her own work.
But it’s not always easy in today’s real estate market. One of the biggest challenges? The recent settlement by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which has shaken things up across the industry. “There’s a lot of confusion and rumors,” Zulay says. But instead of letting it throw her off, she’s using it as a chance to stand out. “Being able to give clear and precise answers is a great opportunity to set yourself apart.”
The other major hurdle is the economy. It’s tough for buyers right now, with lenders tightening up and financing becoming trickier. For Zulay, though, this is where her extensive network of real estate professionals really comes in handy. Whether it’s finding the right lender or figuring out the ideal financing options, she’s there to guide her clients through every step of the process.
Looking ahead, Zulay predicts some big changes for the industry. “I see the real estate market becoming more investor-owned,” she says, pointing to companies like Amazon, BlackRock, and Open Door that are already making moves. While Zulay loves helping her investor clients, she’s also committed to helping everyday people achieve their dream of homeownership. “I will continue to strive to help the average person live the American dream and find their first home.”
If she could change one thing about the industry, it would be to increase transparency and reduce the miscommunication that can often happen during the buying and selling process. She’s a big believer in ongoing education and thinks realtors should have mandatory training and refreshers throughout the year. As someone who also works in property management, Zulay is required to take yearly courses, which help her stay sharp. She thinks it’s a practice that should be adopted across the board.
At the heart of Zulay’s work is her personal philosophy: Treat others the way you’d want to be treated. It’s a simple but powerful guiding principle that shapes how she approaches every client. “I always think, what if the roles were reversed? How would I or my loved one want to be treated?” she says. That approach has helped her build strong relationships with clients, many of whom come back to her for future real estate needs or refer their friends and family.
Of course, real estate can be demanding, and finding balance is a constant challenge. But Zulay has a few hobbies that keep her grounded. She loves dancing, running, volunteering, and trying out new things. These activities, she says, have taught her valuable lessons that she applies to her work. “Running taught me that starting is the hardest part,” she explains. “And dancing helped me see that all things have a rhythm, including real estate.”
Recently, Zulay has been getting into homesteading—a new interest sparked by her family. She’s excited to explore the idea of living off the land and becoming more self-sufficient. Who knows? It could even influence her next steps in real estate.
In the fast-paced world of real estate, where deals are often won or lost in the blink of an eye, Zulay Rennells is a breath of fresh air. She’s not just selling houses—she’s helping people find their home, with a focus on community, honesty, and a commitment to doing the right thing. For buyers and sellers in San Diego County, Zulay is more than just a realtor; she’s a trusted guide through one of life’s biggest milestones.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the content, the real estate market is dynamic, and specific outcomes or results cannot be guaranteed. Readers should not rely solely on the information presented here for making real estate decisions. It is recommended to consult with qualified real estate professionals or other relevant experts for advice tailored to individual circumstances. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for actions taken based on the content of this article.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
