From Taiwan to the Kanawha Valley: Yun Liang’s Journey in Real Estate

In this episode of the Kanawha Valley Hustlers podcast, I chat with Yun Liang, a local realtor in the Kanawha Valley. She shares her journey, her work in real estate, and her thoughts on the market.

Yun has been in real estate for six years. Originally from Taiwan, she moved to the United States at 14 and settled in the Kanawha Valley, where her godparents lived. She describes the move as a significant culture shock, going from the bustling city of Taipei to the more laid-back atmosphere of West Virginia. Despite the initial adjustment, she stayed, went to school, and eventually found her way into real estate.

When I ask Yun about the current real estate market, she tells me it’s busy despite higher interest rates and an ongoing inventory shortage. She feels this shortage has persisted since the pandemic, though she doesn’t make predictions about future trends. Instead, she focuses on helping people find the right homes, a part of her job she finds fulfilling.

Yun explains how the business has changed during her time in real estate. Cold calling and face-to-face meetings have largely been replaced by digital communication, social media, and third-party platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com. While these tools have made reaching clients easier, she emphasizes the importance of staying local and connecting directly whenever possible. Yun also mentions the rise of 3D tours and drone videos, which she finds useful in showcasing properties online.

Reflecting on her early experiences in West Virginia, Yun recalls a time before cell phones and instant communication. Writing letters to her family and waiting a month for their replies was a stark contrast to today’s fast-paced digital world. That experience, she says, shaped her appreciation for meaningful connections.

As we wrap up, Yun invites anyone looking to buy, sell, or rent a home to reach out to her through Old Colony’s website. She stresses the value of working directly with local agents to ensure a more personal and reliable experience.