Brian McGriff
About
About Me
I’m a dedicated and experienced California realtor, passionate about helping clients find their dream homes, secure investment properties, and get the best value for their current homes. I bring a personal touch and a wealth of expertise to every transaction, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience for my clients.
Early Life
I was born in 1978 in Sacramento, California, and grew up as an ’80s and ’90s kid. Sports were a big part of my childhood—baseball, wrestling, biking along the American River, and boating at Folsom Lake with friends. Losing my dad in a car accident at age 11 was a pivotal moment in my life. His influence, especially through baseball, shaped my values of loyalty, trust, and dedication, which continue to guide me today. After my dad’s passing, my family became smaller until my mom remarried, and we moved to Elk Grove for better schools and sports programs. I’ve maintained lifelong friendships from those formative years.
Education
I graduated from Elk Grove High School in 1997 and attended Consumnes River College and Sacramento City College before transferring to Sacramento State University. I earned a degree in Fire Science and Business in 2003. While at Sac State, I joined the Delta Chi fraternity and stayed active in baseball. During college, discovering I was colorblind shifted my career path
from firefighting to business, ultimately leading me to real estate—a field where I could combine my passion for helping people with my entrepreneurial drive.
Career History
After college, I co-opened the Corner Bar & Restaurant in East Sacramento. The home of the original Shakey’s Pizza near Sacramento State University, a place that held special childhood memories. Following the sale of the restaurant, I transitioned into mortgage lending in 2003 until the 2008 real estate collapse. I returned briefly to the restaurant industry, nearly becoming a sommelier, before choosing real estate for its flexibility, hands-on nature, and the opportunity to make a direct impact in people’s lives. I obtained my real estate license in 2012, spent a year under a mentor, and then joined RE/MAX, where I’ve built a successful career helping clients navigate complex transactions with confidence and care.
Awards and Recognition
I’ve earned the RE/MAX 100% Achievement Award and was a member of both the Executive Club and the 100% Club Team. I’m also a longstanding member of the Masters Club with the Sacramento Association of Realtors. One of my proudest moments came in 2020 when I was featured on the cover of Top Agent Magazine as the number one agent in all of Northern California—an honor that reflects my commitment to excellence in every transaction.
Professional Affiliations
I remain active with the Delta Chi fraternity alumni and Sacramento State Alumni Club. I’m a member of both the Sacramento Association of Realtors and the East Bay Association of Realtors. Additionally, I hold a current EMT license through Sacramento State’s continuing education program.
Ideal Clients and Services
I love working with first-time homebuyers, families, single parents, newlyweds, and investors. I provide guidance throughout every step of the process—from inspections and negotiations to paperwork and home repairs. My extensive network of trusted vendors, including electricians, plumbers, HVAC specialists, and general contractors, ensures my clients receive top-notch service. Building lasting relationships is a cornerstone of my approach, making the home-buying or selling experience both personal and rewarding.
Favorite Real Estate Stories
One of my favorite stories is helping a young family find their first home on a tight budget. Months of searching culminated in priceless joy when we closed the deal. Over the years, as their family grew, they returned for a bigger home, and today, our families are friends, with our kids growing up together. Moments like these are the heart of why I love real estate—helping clients through milestones and watching relationships thrive.
Personal Life and Interests
I’m a proud parent of two amazing children, ages 10 and 12, who inspire everything I do. I actively coach my son’s baseball teams and my daughter’s softball teams. We enjoy staying active together with paddleboarding, hiking, biking, and camping. Weekends are best spent outdoors, and we love family trips to South Lake Tahoe, Santa Cruz, San Diego, and Bodega Bay. Living a healthy, balanced lifestyle—incorporating meditation, nature, and spirituality—is important to us. My kids are my greatest joy, and I treasure every adventure we share.