Ilan Penson
Meet Ilan Penson, a trusted real estate advisor and longtime East Bay neighbor who believes that buying or selling a home is about far more than a transaction, it’s about stepping into a new chapter of life.
Ilan is known for her steady, thoughtful approach and her ability to make complex decisions feel clear, manageable, and grounded. She supports new buyers and longtime neighbors alike as they move into their next chapter, offering care, clarity, and a personal, steady touch throughout the process. Clients often share how supported and confident they feel working with Ilan - not rushed, not pressured, but truly listened to and guided every step of the way.
Before real estate, Ilan spent over 25 years in sales and marketing as a digital advertising sales executive, negotiating complex deals with Fortune 100 companies. That experience sharpened her ability to listen closely, advocate thoughtfully, and navigate important decisions with confidence and integrity, skills she now brings into every real estate relationship. Her approach is consultative and collaborative: your goals become her goals, and every decision is made with intention and care.
Originally from New York, Ilan has called the Bay Area home for nearly three decades, with the past 14 years rooted in the East Bay. She raised her family in Montclair and is deeply immersed in the local communities, from schools and neighborhood organizations to clubs, trails, and the vibrant cultural life that makes the East Bay such a special place to live. She doesn’t just know the area, she lives it.
At her core, Ilan is a community builder. She brings people together through neighborhood gatherings, shared moments, and a genuine belief that small connections matter. Whether she’s helping a first-time buyer imagine life in a new home or supporting a longtime neighbor as they thoughtfully downsize, Ilan shows up in the big moments and the quiet ones in between.
Outside of work, Ilan loves live music, baking, hosting dinners and gatherings at home, and spending cozy evenings with family and friends. You’ll often find her exploring the trails of the East Bay Hills with her chocolate lab, Sunny, or wandering local neighborhoods in search of the shops, restaurants, and community spaces that give each area its unique character.
If you’re looking for a real estate advisor who is deeply rooted in the East Bay, values relationships over transactions, and brings clarity, care, and steadiness to every step of the journey, Ilan would be honored to support you.
