Anastasia Pena’s journey into real estate began with a deep desire to change her circumstances and build a more stable future. Raised in Houston’s Cottage Grove neighborhood, she experienced firsthand what it meant to live in challenging housing conditions, from modest apartments to a deteriorating home. Witnessing the neighborhood’s transformation through gentrification sparked a realization: If she could understand how people purchase real estate, she could someday create her own path to homeownership.

At just 16, Pena graduated high school and jumped into the workforce. Her first position, as a receptionist and brokerage assistant at a local real estate school, laid the foundation for her career. Over the years, she gained valuable experience through roles with a title company and boutique brokerage, eventually earning her broker license.

Throughout her career, she has achieved over $50 million in real estate sales, a milestone that reflects her market knowledge, negotiation skills and unwavering commitment to clients’ success. Pena specializes in residential sales and property management, serving clients in the Heights, Jersey Village, Spring Branch and the Inner Loop. She works with first-time homebuyers and sellers, as well as seasoned investors and landlords.

Her early start in the industry, combined with a relentless drive and client-first mindset, set her apart. “Being young and eager to learn gave me the push to go above and beyond,” she says. “I’m deeply committed to listening, engaging and making sure my clients feel supported.”

Pena co-leads a small team at Compass alongside her partner and fiancé, Tuan Le. Together, they also operate Maven Property Care, providing management solutions to Houston real estate investors. Most of their clients come through referrals In 2022, Pena was honored as one of HAR’s 20 Under 40 Rising Stars in Real Estate, and she now serves as the education chair of HAR YPN.