Community Highlights: Meet Devan Terry of The Terry Group LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devan Terry.

Hi Devan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My introduction to real estate began at age 11, when my mother owned an apartment complex in Baldwin Village—a community many know as “the Jungles.” Watching her manage the property gave me an early understanding of what it means to own, maintain, and provide housing. At that young age, I didn’t yet know what real estate would become for me, but it planted the first seed.

Before entering the industry professionally, I spent 17 years as a probation officer. That experience shaped my perspective on people, stability, and community. I learned how deeply housing impacts every part of a person’s life—from opportunity to mental well-being to long-term progress. Those insights, although gained in a completely different field, ultimately became a foundation for my real estate approach.

My real estate career formally began with Keller Williams Inglewood, where I built my early experience in residential sales. I later joined The Urban Company, working on mixed-use development and gaining hands-on exposure to program-based housing and affordable housing models. That exposure changed everything—it helped me understand how structured, mission-driven housing programs could support both communities and property owners in powerful ways.

I went on to complete the USC Ross Program in Real Estate, which deepened my knowledge of development, finance, and scalable real estate solutions. During this time, the idea for what would become the Housing Care Solution model began to take shape.

The concept is simple but transformational:
Service providers gain a new way to scale their programs quickly, and homeowners—especially those facing vacancy issues, inconsistent Airbnb bookings, or frequent tenant turnover—gain access to a long-term, stable partnership. Through this model, homeowners receive a reliable tenant program plus a 5% partnership payment each month for participating. I believe this approach can create lasting awareness of the need for stronger partnerships between service providers and property owners, while offering homeowners a meaningful new way to leverage their real estate assets.

Today, as an agent with Coldwell Banker Realty , my work brings together everything I’ve learned—from childhood exposure to property ownership, to public service, to development experience. My mission remains clear: to create value, expand access, and help individuals and communities thrive through innovative, sustainable housing solutions.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely not been smooth. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that support doesn’t always come from the people you expect—at least not right away. When you step into a new industry, especially one as demanding and competitive as real estate, you imagine family and close friends will be your first clients. In my case, my very first client actually fired me—and it was one of my best friends. That was a humbling moment, but also a necessary one. It taught me early on that professionalism has to stand on its own, regardless of existing relationships.

I’ve also encountered clients who were unreasonable, or who believed they knew more than I did. At first, those situations were challenging, but they pushed me to sharpen my communication, set boundaries, and stand confidently in my expertise. Real estate will test you in ways you don’t see coming.

Then there’s the emotional side of the business—like having to tell clients that their offer wasn’t accepted after they’ve fallen in love with a property. Delivering that news never gets easier. Every client journey becomes personal, so their disappointments feel like my own.

One of the more difficult situations I faced involved a selling agent who tried to keep my clients’ earnest money deposit without cause. Navigating that required me to step back, gather myself, and seek legal guidance from our internal hotline. Moments like that teach you how important it is to protect your clients, understand the contract inside and out, and remain calm when others aren’t acting ethically.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Today, I am a real estate professional with Coldwell Banker Realty, and my business is built on a commitment to service, community, and integrity. My work spans both residential and commercial real estate, but what truly defines my approach is the way I combine traditional real estate practice with a focus on housing solutions that support long-term community stability.

I specialize in helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate competitive markets with clarity and confidence. Because of my background, I bring a unique perspective—one shaped by 17 years as a probation officer, where I learned firsthand the importance of stable housing, structured support, and creating opportunities for people to move forward in life. That foundation influences every client relationship I build.

Before joining Coldwell Banker Realty, I worked with Keller Williams Inglewood and later with The Urban Company, where I gained exposure to commercial real estate, mixed-use development, and program-based housing. That experience—and the challenges I saw in communities around Los Angeles—inspired me to create the Housing Care Solution model.

The Housing Care Solution is designed to benefit both homeowners and service providers. Homeowners who struggle with vacancies, inconsistent Airbnb bookings, or rapid tenant turnover gain a stable, long-term partner. Service providers gain a reliable pipeline of housing so they can scale their programs quickly and sustainably. Homeowners receive predictable monthly partnership payments of 5%, while communities benefit from increased housing availability and supportive services.

What sets my brand apart is the combination of strategic real estate practice with a mission-driven mindset. I understand real estate both as a business and as a tool for social impact. I’m proud that the work I do is rooted in integrity, advocacy for my clients, and a genuine desire to strengthen the communities I grew up around—like Baldwin Village, where my exposure to housing first began as a child.

What I want readers to know is this:
My business is about more than closing deals. It’s about creating value—whether that’s securing someone’s first home, helping an investor stabilize a property, or building partnerships that expand housing access for families who need it. My goal is always to guide with transparency, serve with purpose, and deliver results that make a lasting difference.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
One person who deserves major credit is Keisha Mack. Keisha brought me into her network at a time when I was still finding my footing in the industry. She introduced me to people I needed to know, opened doors that helped broaden my professional reach, and gave me access to resources and relationships that would have taken much longer to develop on my own. Her support wasn’t just helpful—it was pivotal. She helped accelerate my growth and showed me what it looks like to elevate others as you rise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://soldbydterry.com
• Instagram: soldbydt
• Facebook: Devan Terry
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devan-terry-97a0201b3/