Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlene De Cespedes.
Hi Marlene, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My career in real estate actually began on the title side. I became a Licensed Title Agent and founded my own title company, which I operated successfully for over 15 years. That experience gave me a deep understanding of contracts, negotiations, and the intricate details that protect clients during a transaction. It also gave me a true appreciation for what homeownership represents, not just an asset, but stability, legacy, and opportunity.
Over time, I felt called to transition into sales. I realized my passion wasn’t just closing transactions behind the scenes; it was guiding families through one of the most important chapters of their lives. That shift allowed me to combine my business background with my heart for service.
Today, I serve as a Real Estate Advisor with Douglas Elliman in Central Florida, specializing in the Orlando market and surrounding communities. I’ve had the honor of working with luxury buyers and sellers, professional athletes, investors, and local families, but no matter the price point, I approach every client relationship the same way: with a family-style mindset. I protect their interests as if they were my own.
Much of my business is built on referrals, which I consider the greatest compliment. It tells me that the trust, discretion, and care I bring to each relationship truly matters.
Beyond real estate, I’m deeply involved in philanthropy, particularly with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Giving back is not separate from my business, it’s woven into it. Success, to me, has always been about impact.
Looking back, my journey hasn’t been about titles or milestones. It’s been about people, the relationships built, the families served, and the opportunity to help others create a place they call home.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road, and I think that’s true for any entrepreneur.
Transitioning from owning a title company for 15 years to stepping into full-time real estate sales was both exciting and humbling. Even though I understood contracts and closings inside and out, building a brand, generating clients, and earning trust in a new capacity required me to stretch in new ways. I essentially had to rebuild from the ground up.
The market itself has also presented challenges, shifting interest rates, inventory shortages, competitive environments, and economic uncertainty. There have been moments that required tough conversations with sellers about pricing, patience with buyers navigating financing, and constant adaptability.
As a woman in business, and as someone who leads with heart, I’ve also had to learn how to balance empathy with strong negotiation. Protecting clients sometimes means having difficult discussions or standing firm when it matters most.
But every challenge has strengthened my resilience. It has refined how I communicate, how I lead, and how I serve. I truly believe the struggles are what shape your confidence. They teach you discipline, patience, and the importance of long-term thinking.
Looking back, I wouldn’t remove the obstacles. They’re part of the foundation that allows me to guide my clients with experience, perspective, and calm, especially when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The MDC Group at Douglas Elliman Real Estate ?
I am a Real Estate Advisor with Douglas Elliman, serving Central Florida, with a strong focus on the Orlando market and surrounding communities. My business spans luxury homes, lifestyle properties, relocation clients, professional athletes, investors, and families moving into their next chapter.
At its core, my brand is built on two things: protection and relationships.
With over 17 years of experience in real estate, including 15 years as the founder and owner of a title company, I bring a depth of transactional knowledge that many agents simply don’t have. I understand contracts, risk mitigation, negotiation strategy, and the legal nuances that can make or break a deal. My clients feel that level of protection.
I’m also deeply relationship-driven. The majority of my business comes from referrals, both nationally and internationally, and from past clients who continue to trust me with their friends and family. That trust is something I value tremendously.
What sets me apart is the balance between high-level strategy and heart. I take a very thoughtful approach to positioning properties, from pricing analysis and market absorption data to elevated marketing presentation, professional photography, videography, and targeted exposure through Douglas Elliman’s national and international network. I’m part of the Sports & Entertainment Division, which allows me to serve high-profile clients with discretion and care.
At the same time, I treat every client like family. Whether it’s a luxury estate or a first home, the process matters just as much as the result.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built around integrity, consistency, and service. My business isn’t about volume for the sake of numbers, it’s about long-term relationships and being a trusted advisor for life. I want people to feel that when they work with me, they have someone who is strategic, experienced, calm under pressure, and genuinely invested in their outcome.
Beyond the transaction, I’m also proud that philanthropy is woven into my brand. My involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital reflects who I am personally and professionally. Success to me has always meant giving back and creating impact beyond business.
What I hope readers understand is that real estate is not just about buying and selling property. It’s about legacy, lifestyle, and life transitions. My role is to guide, protect, and advocate, every step of the way.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Absolutely. No meaningful success happens alone.
First and foremost, my family deserves tremendous credit. My daughter and my loved ones are the reason behind everything I do. Their encouragement, belief in me, and constant support give me the strength and perspective to keep growing. They remind me why the work matters.
I’ve also been fortunate to be surrounded by incredible mentors and colleagues throughout my career. During my years owning a title company, I learned from seasoned real estate professionals and attorneys who sharpened my understanding of contracts, negotiation, and business leadership. Those early influences shaped the foundation I stand on today.
Within Douglas Elliman, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside strong leadership and colleagues who operate at a high level. Being aligned with a brokerage that values professionalism, brand integrity, and national and international collaboration has elevated my business and expanded my reach. The agent-to-agent referral relationships I’ve built across the country have played a major role in my growth.
My clients themselves deserve enormous credit. Many of them have become advocates and lifelong friends. Their trust, repeat business, and referrals are the greatest endorsement of the work I do. When someone refers their family member, it’s not just a transaction, it’s a vote of confidence.
I’m also grateful for the teammates and partners who support the operational side of my business, from transaction coordination to marketing professionals and vendors who help execute at a high level. Real estate may appear individual from the outside, but behind every smooth closing is a team effort.
I truly believe success is built on relationships, mentors who guide you, peers who challenge you, clients who trust you, and family who believes in you even before you believe in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marlenedecespedes.com
- Instagram: @makeyourmoveorlando
Image Credits
Photographer and credit to Shay Walker
