Tianying Xu: Bridging Real Estate Expertise and Development Innovation Through Strategic Leadership and Client-Centered Solutions

The 10 Most Influential Women Leaders in Real Estate, 2025

Blending technical expertise with a passion for real estate, Tianying Xu has built a multifaceted career that spans sales, renovations, and property development. As a licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Houlihan Lawrence and President at E Owners Inc., she offers clients more than traditional real estate services.

With a background in civil engineering and a master’s in business and management, Tianying brings a strategic edge to every project, from property acquisition to full-scale renovations. Working alongside with her team at E Owners.Tianying provides a one-stop solution for clients, combining real estate expertise with licensed home improvement services in Westchester.

Bridging Cultures Through Real Estate and Community Care

Tianying’s path into real estate wasn’t a straightforward one, but it was driven by purpose and passion. With a background in civil engineering, she first entered the housing market in Westchester as a realtor, eager to understand the industry from the ground up.

But for Tianying, selling a house was never the end goal — it was just the beginning. “My service just started after they bought the house,” Tianying explains, highlighting her commitment to clients beyond the closing table.

Recognizing the unique challenges many of her clients faced, particularly language barriers, she took it upon herself to bridge that gap. Even clients who spoke English often struggled with the intricacies of homeownership, from basic maintenance to navigating local services.

Tianying went above and beyond, offering after-sale services that transformed her role from realtor to trusted advisor. She connected clients with security companies, insurance providers, and lawn care services, and even arranged gutter cleanings — ensuring that every house wasn’t just bought but also cared for. “I was helping them get on the track to US local life,” she shares, reflecting on her hands-on approach.

Her dedication came at a personal cost. “I have no Sundays and Saturdays,” Tianying admits, underscoring the round-the-clock nature of her commitment. Yet, the long hours were a small price to pay for the sense of community and trust she built with her clients, many of whom were navigating life in a new country.

Balancing Work, Life, and the Pursuit of Perfection

Establishing herself in the real estate industry wasn’t without its hurdles, but for Tianying, the challenges became stepping stones toward growth. As a woman in business, she quickly recognized the challenge of maintaining harmony between her personal and professional life. “We need to balance life and work,” she reflects, though achieving that balance often felt elusive.

Pouring all her time into her career, Tianying found herself on call at all hours. “Sometimes it’s difficult for me if my clients have something happen — an emergency late at night or very early in the morning,” she says, illustrating the relentless demands of the job. Yet, her ambition didn’t stop at selling homes.

After years in the field, Tianying expanded her role to include home renovations and development, stepping deeper into the complexities of the industry. This new venture brought fresh challenges. “It’s very hard to find good workers who have real skills for the job,” she admits. The search for reliable talent became a constant task, compounded by the need to communicate clearly with clients and ensure their vision was accurately reflected on the job site.

Time management became one of her greatest concerns. Juggling client expectations, supervising renovations, and ensuring every detail met her high standards required a careful balancing act. “Doing the work details and making sure all details are correct is more important as well,” Tianying emphasizes.

Despite the long hours and constant demands, her commitment to quality and client satisfaction never wavered. It’s this dedication that has not only set her apart in a competitive industry but also solidified her reputation as someone who truly cares about the homes — and lives — she helps shape.

Blending Engineering Precision with Real Estate Expertise for Tailored Client Solutions

Tianying seamlessly integrates her background in civil engineering and business management into her real estate career, creating a distinctive approach that prioritizes both structural integrity and investment potential. For her, helping clients purchase a property isn’t just about closing a deal — it’s about guiding them toward smart, future-proof investments.

“When assisting clients in finding properties, I prioritize selecting those with significant potential for appreciation,” Tianying explains. She recognizes that each client has unique preferences and varying levels of involvement when it comes to home renovations. “Typically, clients fall into three categories,” she elaborates. “Those who cannot accept renovations, those who can accept renovations but prefer not to manage them, and those who are willing to accept renovations and wish to be involved in the management.”

This understanding allows Tianying to tailor her services, offering flexibility and personalized solutions based on her clients’ comfort levels. Her company provides a comprehensive, one-stop service designed to simplify what can often be an overwhelming process. From drafting design blueprints to overseeing construction details, sourcing materials, managing implementation, and conducting meticulous quality control, Tianying ensures that every project is handled with precision.

“We adjust our services according to the different needs of our clients,” she notes. At the heart of her process lies clear and consistent communication. “The most important and initial step is clear communication between the designer and the client to understand their needs,” Tianying emphasizes.

It’s here that her expertise truly shines, bridging the gap between architectural knowledge and real estate insight. Her ability to interpret client visions while aligning them with market trends ensures that buyers not only find homes, they love but also make sound financial decisions.

Clients often express gratitude for having a real estate agent who not only understands market dynamics but also brings a deep knowledge of architecture to the table. This dual expertise offers them peace of mind, knowing that the properties they invest in are structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, and poised for appreciation.

Turning High-Stakes Deals into Seamless Success Stories

Tianying has built a reputation for navigating complex, high-stakes transactions in the luxury real estate market with precision and poise. Her ability to combine swift decision-making with meticulous attention to detail has led to some of her most impactful projects — especially in the competitive world of luxury homes and estate auctions.

One standout moment in her career came a decade ago when she assisted a client in acquiring a luxury property at auction under extreme time pressure. “Within just one hour, we swiftly reviewed the inspection report and consulted with the attorney on all legal provisions,” Tianying recalls.

With only ten minutes remaining before the auction began, she secured a fully furnished luxury home in Scarsdale for $1 million below market value — a rare and impressive feat. This lightning-fast transaction showcased not only her deep understanding of the market but also her ability to remain composed and strategic under pressure.

But Tianying’s expertise extends beyond the auction floor. Her work in luxury home renovations highlights her ability to manage complex projects with an eye for quality and client satisfaction. One such project involved a 16,000-square-foot estate purchased online by a client living in Australia.

“The client did not participate in any aspect of the process,” she explains, yet within just three months, Tianying orchestrated a full-scale renovation. When the client returned, she was greeted by a move-in-ready home that surpassed expectations. “She was delighted,” Tianying shares, recalling the moment.

Her seamless handling of international clients, including those from China, reflects her adaptability and global reach. Managing large-scale renovations remotely, ensuring cultural preferences are respected, and delivering beyond expectations have become hallmarks of her service.

Whether it’s securing million-dollar savings in an auction or transforming a property from afar, Tianying thrives on turning high-pressure situations into smooth, successful outcomes.

Shaping Market Insight and Driving Strategic Growth

Tianying credits Houlihan Lawrence with refining her market instincts and expanding her knowledge of real estate opportunities. “Houlihan Lawrence has significantly enhanced my market insight capabilities, teaching me how to identify market trends and assess property potential,” she says. These skills became the bedrock of her success in real estate renovation and development.

The firm also played a key role in fostering the growth of E Owners Inc., which Tianying leads today. “Houlihan Lawrence nurtured the growth of E Owners,” she notes, highlighting how the company supported her journey from agent to entrepreneur.

Through E Owners, Tianying expanded her expertise in construction products and development. “E Owners Inc. has provided unique perspectives on asset allocation, strategic planning, and legal considerations for my company’s growth and project selection,” she explains. This foundation allowed her team to grow from a small group into a dynamic organization.

Since 2022, E Owners has expanded even more, with Tianying actively pursuing new partnerships to fuel long-term advancement. “We are seeking more collaboration opportunities to pave the way for sustained progress in real estate development,” she shares.

Blending Market Insight, Leadership, and Teamwork for Lasting Success

For Tianying, balancing her roles as a real estate agent, developer, and industry leader isn’t about juggling competing priorities — it’s about creating synergy. She views her real estate sales role as the cornerstone of her broader business ventures. “I believe that my role as a real estate agent serves as a solid foundation for my endeavors in development and renovation businesses; there is no conflict between the two,” she explains.

Her deep, up-to-date understanding of the market informs every project, ensuring that each development is grounded in real demand and client needs. This market-driven approach allows her team to deliver higher-quality products and services. “I lead my team to leverage this precise market insight to create better products and services for my clients,” Tianying says.

Property management adds another layer to her business, offering a continuous stream of clients and contributing to the company’s long-term sustainability. A key factor in maintaining this balance has been team building.. “Especially I need thank for team, my investors, my clients joined our one shop stop real estate service.

Creating Value Through Strategic Deals and Timely Decisions

Tianying’s career is filled with standout moments, but the achievements that resonate most are the ones where she’s helped clients secure exceptional value, as when she successfully bid on a property in the sought-after Scarsdale school district. Acting swiftly, she navigated the complexities of the deal to secure the best possible outcome. “I made a swift decision in the shortest time, helping the client secure the best profit,” Tianying recalls.

Her knack for creating value became even more apparent during the pandemic. In a market filled with uncertainty, she helped a client purchase a sprawling 5-acre property originally listed at $3.99 million. Through virtual tours and sharp negotiation skills, she managed to close the deal at just $1.6 million. “It was a unique challenge, but securing that price for my client was incredibly rewarding,” she says.

Another success story involved a client who bought a property for just over $3 million. After living there for two years, the client sold it for $4.218 million—an impressive profit that underscored Tianying’s market insight and long-term strategy. These deals hold special significance for her, not just for the financial wins but for the lasting impact they have on her clients’ lives. “These experiences have deeply instilled in me a sense of accomplishment in creating value for my clients,” she shares.

Expanding Comprehensive Services for Long-Term Growth

Over the next five years, Tianying plans to strengthen her company’s one-stop service model, guiding investors through property transactions, renovations, and expansions. “We want to refine our construction processes and techniques,” she says, “so we can take on more projects and attract additional funding.”

A major focus will be mastering the complexities of U.S. property development — navigating planning, selecting the right contractors, and securing permits. Tianying emphasizes the importance of clear communication and strategic planning to avoid delays. “Proper planning and clear communication with contractors are crucial,” she notes, underscoring her commitment to efficiency and quality.

Her ultimate goal? To deliver seamless, end-to-end services that not only meet but exceed investor expectations, creating profitable, well-executed ventures.

Conclusion

Tianying Xu’s collaborative approach, backed by a strong team E owners and the investors creates a powerful synergy that drives results. Together, they offer clients a full spectrum of real estate services, from buying and selling to developing and renovating properties. Tianying also joined another partner to form a company for property asset management area called Highking asset management.

With her deep market knowledge, global perspective, and commitment to excellence, Tianying ensures every client finds not just a property, but a valuable investment and a trusted partner in the process.