Description
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.
Business Details
Board of Regents Territory
Certificates
Service Areas
Additional Resources
73580 Minzah Way, Palm Desert, California - YouTube
47050 Amir Dr, Palm Desert, California - YouTube
47037 Marrakesh Drive, Palm Desert, California - YouTube
Featured Listings
Testimonials
Upon the recommendation of our longtime accountant, we spoke with Stephen Clark about selling our
Palm Desert home. We are long distance homeowners, and Stephen was very accommodating in setting
a time to meet at the house.
It was clear when we met that Stephen was informed and aware of the property’s potential. He had a
clear vision for how to freshen, brighten and ultimately surprise us with his inspired yet cost- efficient
ways of managing this home makeover. Stephen’s management style is always positive and
comprehensive, allowing us as owners, to forget we were prepping a house for sale.
As offers came in, Stephen guided us to clear decisions while making us aware of any potential
roadblocks. He supported us throughout, managing the process.
In closing, Stephen Clark is an independent thinker, a problem solver and one of the most reliable real
estate agents we’ve had the pleasure of working with. We recommend Stephen Clark whole-heartedly
to any potential buyer/seller.
Warm regards,
"Wow! How incredible a feeling. A job unlike any other. When you get recognized it feels so good. Helping people sell their home.. amazing."
-Client Testimony
I am writing this letter to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude. Your care, patience, empathy and love throughout this process has made the unbearable an empowering life-changing experience for me. Three years ago, the thought of coming to this finish line was unimaginable. As you know, I was overwhelmed with grief and financial distress. You acknowledged my fragility and took me in small, manageable steps. Through your connections, you helped me to prepare to sell the house. Your advice on cleaning, organizing, staging and repairing was the critical key to the success of the sale. You were patient throughout these months and a wonderful guide and support. Because of your attention to me and this process, by the time we brought the house to market, it sold swiftly and above asking. Furthermore, you forged a connection the new owners and helped steer the sale toward a family that leaves me feeling so thankful that they are in the home. I am certain this would not have been possible without you. As I settle into my rental, with time to reflect on the process, I couldn’t be more grateful. It no doubt you are trusted confidant and consummate professional, but in the meantime you have also become a trusted friend.
The photo book you presented to me with the history of my house, “ A Love Story” literally brought me to tears. I reflect back on this time with so much appreciation and gratitude. This letter can’t possibly describe all I would like to express. I do hope you can share it with future clients, supervisors, and anyone who cares to know just how wonderful Stephen Clark is at his job and at being a human.With love and gratitude forever.
I met Stephen in 2015 when he represented me as a buyer on the recommendation of a good friend. He tirelessly worked to find me the right place and supported me through the entire process. Like most people who work with Stephen, we became friends. Fast forward to 2022, he represented me as a seller at the same property I bought in 2015. It doesn’t matter if you are a seller or buyer, Stephen goes above and beyond what is required of a good agent. He is an equal and his work ethic, responsiveness, diligence and integrity. I have bought and sold many homes in my years on this planet no one, no one watches Stephen
I recently worked with Stephen Clark, of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, in the purchase of my new home downtown San Diego. Stephen is extremely knowledgeable about the downtown area and showed me many options in different neighborhoods so that I could compare values, amenities, buildings and areas. We ultimately found a fabulous condominium townhome in East Village which was just right for me. Through the process, he was extraordinarily communicative and attentive to detail. I knew what to expect every step of the way and when. He worked in a collegial fashion with the seller’s agent while still vigorously protecting my interests. I would recommend Stephen 1000% to assist anyone wither buying or selling anywhere in San Diego.
We cannot recommend Stephen Clark of Sotheby’s highly enough for his work during our recent home purchase and selling. As home buyers and sellers amidst the unprecedentedly fierce San Diego real estate market, we had prepared ourselves for a worst-case scenario, a year of heartbreak and failed offers.
With Stephen as our agent, however, that depressing year never came to pass. We bought our new home at a significantly reduced price due to Stephen’s expert negotiation skills. Stephen represented us so well that our offer prevailed against others, some of which were higher than ours, in one of the hottest-selling neighborhoods in Point Loma.
Stephen was incredibly responsive, quickly arranging tours and inspections and answered every single one of our question-laden emails with rocket speed. Honestly, we do not know when he sleeps or eats with all the attention he gave to us. We know he has many clients, but we genuinely felt like we were his top priority with the personalized service he provided.
Stephen, we wanted to thank you for doing such an excellent job helping us sell our house! You made it seem so effortless for us but we know that was because of the hard work you put in on our behalf. You were organized, on time, and so knowledgeable! Our deal was complicated with multiple issues and you gave us good advice, worked with third parties and then put up with us as well! We would highly recommend you to anyone who needs a good hard working agent and if we move again we will definitely think of you first. In the meantime, let’s party!
Thanks again!
I had very high expectations working with Sotheby’s and apparently they have very high expectations of their brokers. Stephen Clark was recommended to me by a friend, I did not know him before and there are plenty of brokers to choose from. He took the stress out of selling and handled the transaction perfectly including follow up after the sale was complete. Five Stars!
Stephen has been our realtor on two different occasions; each time the experience has been absolutely seamless and without issue. The level of service, from initial discussions to a fully executed agreement, couldn’t have been more pleasing.
In a time when service seems to be a lost art, Stephen keeps hope alive!
With his can do and customer centric focus, Stephen is more than a realtor; he’s a true professional.
This year, I made the decision to sell my Del Mar home of nearly 30 years. Before listing, Stephen went over recent comps with me. We discussed the pricing models of various user websites like Zillow and why those pricing estimates are flawed. Ultimately, Stephen recommended that I obtain an independent appraisal so that I could have an idea of the price at which a knowledgeable professional would value my home. As a potential listing agent, Stephen explained to me that it was important that he and the seller (me) be in alignment on pricing; otherwise, there could be frustrations on both ends, and differing expectations.
The appraisal came in at a solid price, and Stephen then provided his recommendations on paring down the contents of the house before listing. All of his intuitions and advice paid off – my listing was “live” for less than a week. We had three full days of appointment showings and at the end of Day 3, had six offers on the house. We closed with an all cash offer above list price- and 15 day escrow.
I had been looking all along at houses for my next home. Here again, Stephen’s knowledge of the market and neighborhoods was impeccable. There were homes I saw on websites and wanted to see. Stephen explained that he felt these homes would not suit my needs, but happily took me to see them. In every case, when Stephen felt a house did not fit my needs, he was absolutely right.
Ultimately, I purchased a lovely home in Kensington. Because of Stephen’s strong professional relationship with the listing broker, we were able to see and make an offer on the house before the MLS listing went live. When I was visiting open houses, many of the listing brokers asked whether I was working with anyone. When I told them I was represented by Stephen Clark, they consistently said that he had an extremely good professional reputation. My offer on my new home was accepted just days after we accepted the offer on my Del Mar house. Both properties have closed, and I am soon to move into my new home. Having Stephen as my trusted advisor – both on the sale of my home and my purchase of a new home – made this process go smoothly and quickly. I highly recommend Stephen Clark, whether you are buying a home or listing one.