Stella Honjo: A Family Foundation, Genuine Connections, and a Passion for People

“I had been looking to make a change for some time, and when the opportunity to join Stilhavn came up, it felt like the right direction. As I started to look into the brokerage a little more, it really affirmed that joining would be a great decision. The opportunity to surround myself with some of the industry’s most experienced agents, who have taught me and continue to teach me so much, made it a natural fit.” — Stella Honjo

Real Estate Runs in the Family

For Stella Honjo, a career in real estate was a natural next step. Growing up, she was surrounded by the industry, with nearly every member of her family finding their own path within it.
When her parents first arrived in Canada, they began working as residential managers in a small building. Her father later spent more than 15 years in property management, while her mother worked across residential management, property management, and as a licensed Realtor.

With her sister also pursuing a career in strata and property management, the industry has always been part of Stella’s life. Yet it was the variety, connections, and opportunity to help people that ultimately drew her toward becoming a Realtor herself.

Now six years into her career, Stella continues to appreciate that no two days are alike. From changing market conditions to meeting people from different backgrounds and walks of life, she finds fulfillment in a profession that allows her to connect with and support others.

Relationships Over Transactions

For Stella, the most rewarding part of real estate is being involved in the different chapters of her clients’ lives. Whether helping someone purchase their first home, sell a property, build personal wealth through real estate, or bring a design and construction vision to life, she values the opportunity to be part of their journey.

Stella believes that building genuine connections is at the heart of what she does. Her approach is grounded in a simple philosophy: relationships always come before transactions.

That means providing honest advice, even when it isn’t necessarily what a client hopes to hear. Whether recommending that a seller wait for more favourable market conditions or helping a buyer recognize potential concerns with a building, Stella prioritizes informed decisions over simply completing a sale.

A Love for Vancouver’s Neighbourhoods

Stella primarily works throughout East Vancouver and Vancouver’s Westside, with a particular appreciation for Mount Pleasant, Main Street, Fraser, Cambie, and Kitsilano.

She loves the energy and individuality of these communities, from their local bakeries, cafés, and independent shops to their restaurants, shopping destinations, and distinctive architecture. Each neighbourhood offers its own character, with a mix of older homes and newer developments that tell different stories. Stella believes that choosing a home is about more than the property itself. It’s also about finding a community that complements your lifestyle.

What Sets Her Apart

Hard-working, loyal, charismatic, and outgoing are just a few of the ways Stella believes others would describe her. She’s also quick to acknowledge her sense of humour and a stubborn streak, bringing plenty of personality and determination to everything she does.

That determination carries into her professional life, where she’s proud to be part of a team that has qualified for the Medallion Club every year. For Stella, the recognition reflects the dedication and consistent effort that go into supporting clients and achieving results.

Beyond the Deal 

Outside of real estate, Stella enjoys exploring Vancouver’s food scene, whether discovering new restaurants, returning to familiar favourites, or spending time cooking at home.

She also makes time for kickboxing and Pilates, along with walks through local parks and along the seawall. When she’s looking for a quieter activity, she enjoys reading and colouring.

A Home at Stilhavn

For Stella, joining Stilhavn marked an exciting new chapter in her career. After considering a change for some time, the opportunity to work alongside Rob Zwick became an important part of that decision. Her first meeting with Rob made it clear that joining his team was the direction she wanted to pursue. As she learned more about Stilhavn, the brokerage’s experienced agents and collaborative environment further reinforced her decision.

Surrounding herself with knowledgeable professionals who continue to share their experience and insight has been especially meaningful to Stella. With six years in the industry and a strong foundation in relationship-driven service, she looks forward to continuing to learn, grow, and help her clients navigate their real estate journeys.