Maureen Megowan of RE/MAX Palos Verdes Realty

South Bay Digs: Tell us about your fascination with South Bay history.

Maureen Megowan: I started out as an art history major. I love history, and my husband, Bruce, loves history. It was something we had in common early on. We couldn’t believe that there was hardly anything online regarding South Bay history. We thought, ‘People are coming to the South Bay, and they need context.’ 

SBD: You’ve lived in the South Bay for 30 years. What is the most significant change you’ve seen during that time?

Maureen Megowan: Probably two things. One, the population and development explosion of Manhattan Beach, and two, the building of Terranea Resort, where the old Marineland used to be. It’s unbelievable to have had that come to fruition after 20 years of sitting empty.

Terranea is for all of the South Bay. It’s such a landmark development. People are coming to the South Bay from everywhere; they look at property on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and the beach cities. The South Bay corridor has become magical. 

SBD: Why do you think buyers from overseas or other parts of the U.S. are looking to buy property in the South Bay?

Maureen Megowan: It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to live. We’ve raised three kids here. I do think that not as many people know about it as they should.  I hope with the Internet explosion, more people will come to love it like we do.

My husband and I first lived in Manhattan Beach. Then we moved to Redondo Beach. We were going to move back to Manhattan Beach, but we found a great opportunity in Lunada Bay with an ocean view. We’re definitely ocean rats! Palos Verdes has grown and changed—it was very quiet when we first moved here! It’s really been something to watch the South Bay grow up.  

SBD: So how does an art history major end up choosing real estate as a career?

Maureen Megowan: I have a bachelor’s degree in clothing and textiles and an advanced degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise. I was in the clothing business for more than 20 years, and those skills translate into decorating. Also, I think like a contractor. 

SBD: How does that mindset help you as a Realtor?

Maureen Megowan: I love to sell gorgeous homes. There are a lot of old homes in the South Bay, and there’s a buyer demand for renovated and new homes. To feed that demand, I became a Certified Distressed Property Expert. I’m also a member of the RE/MAX Collection, which focuses on luxury properties. 

SBD: Where do you see the real estate market going?

Maureen Megowan: RE/MAX International covers a huge market. That’s the direction of the business. There are a lot of people overseas buying properties here to live in and for investments. The “international” part of my business is where I see the future.  

SBD: What would you say is the secret to your success?

Maureen Megowan: It’s being passionate about what I’m doing, and being engaged in getting the best results for people. There is a level of care and interest one has to have for people.

I will do whatever people need before, during, and after the deal to make sure they’re comfortable. You have to be a good listener and be flexible. It’s an interesting and historical time to be in real estate. 

SBD: What advice would you give to people who are just starting out in real estate?

Maureen Megowan: You have to take it seriously. It’s a really deep business; it’s not as fast and simple as one might think when starting out. You have to be willing to work hard.

Get yourself a mentor, and go with someone you trust who can give you good information. Choose carefully which company you go with, and I would recommend getting as much education and resources as possible. And come prepared with strong ethics, because it’s all about ethics and taking care of people.

Photography by Paul Jonason