In the winding, evergreen-lined streets of Snohomish, where the morning mist clings to the historic Victorians and the sound of the Pilchuck River hums in the distance, real estate is more than just a market—it’s a community of stories. And if you happen to be looking for a home in this corner of the Pacific Northwest, you’ll likely cross paths with Eli Asberry. But fair warning: a meeting with Eli isn’t just a business transaction. It’s a conversation that might start with square footage and end with a deep, soul-stirring reflection on purpose, family, and the divine timing of our lives.
A New Direction Guided by Faith
Eli’s journey to becoming one of Snohomish’s most trusted realtors wasn't a straight line; it was a leap of faith. For years, he navigated the high-stakes, precision-driven world of aerospace engineering and tech management. He was successful, comfortable, and respected. Yet, a quiet stir in his spirit kept nudging him toward a different way to serve. "I was talking with a friend about my dream of owning a business—having that complete freedom to be exactly who I am," Eli shares with a warm, easy smile. That conversation was the seed. He realized that the skills he honed in aerospace—managing complex personalities, solving intricate problems, and building logistical bridges—were the exact ingredients needed to be a great realtor. For now, he’s balancing his corporate career of engineering and tech hubs, with a weekend career selling front porches in Snohomish. But as any entrepreneur will tell you, the beginning is often a test of resolve. Eli’s first year as a realtor was slow. In those quiet months, he didn't lean on panic; he leaned on prayer. He knew that if this was the path God had set, the "exact time and place" (a nod to his favorite scripture, Acts 17:26) would eventually reveal itself.
The Prayer That Changed Everything
The breakthrough didn't happen in a boardroom; it happened at a community event Eli was emceeing for his best friend, Snohomish Mayor Aaron Hoffman. True to his nature, Eli opened the evening with a moving prayer that quieted the room and centered the crowd. In the audience that day was Tanya Mock. Known for her sharp eye for talent and her powerhouse real estate team, Tanya didn't just hear a prayer—she saw a leader. The two struck up a conversation, and before the event was over, Tanya had invited Eli to join her team. Today, Eli is the sole male presence on the Tanya Mock Real Estate team, a position he holds with equal parts humor and humility. "I love being welcomed into a group of such bold, brilliant, and successful women," he laughs. While the women on the team bring a fierce, creative energy and market dominance, Eli sees his role as the "anchor." He views his primary contribution as keeping the team grounded in faith, ensuring that amidst the hustle of multi-million dollar deals, the spirit of the work remains centered on service.
Real Estate as a Ministry
For Eli, a "sold" sign is a blessing, but the prayer shared in the kitchen before the listing goes live is the true success. He doesn’t see a divide between his work and his walk with Jesus. "Real estate gives me the freedom to bring faith into the workplace. I get to pray over homes and pray over the families moving into them." This mission has recently manifested in his "Upper Room" initiative. Once a month, Eli opens a space for business owners, homeowners, and believers to gather simply to pray. Whether you’re a CEO struggling with a decision or a first-time buyer overwhelmed by the market, Eli’s door is open. "If you need prayer for your business or yourself, let’s pray together," he says. It’s a simple, radical approach to business that puts people before profits.
A Family Built on the Rock
At the center of Eli’s world is his wife, Chanel. He describes her with a reverence that is palpable. "Raising our family and building a business with Chanel is the dream," he says. Chanel is a gifted interior designer with a genius for spatial planning. The two aspire to work shoulder-to-shoulder, blending Eli’s market expertise with her design eye. For now, Chanel is dedicated to homeschooling their children, ensuring they grow up with a foundation that no school could provide: a deep, personal knowledge of God. "Kids are everything," Eli says firmly. "You can’t put a career or bravado above family. For me, the definition of being a man isn't about money-making; it’s about who you surrender to. And for me, that’s Jesus." Eli believes the unique spirits of his children are a daily reflection of God’s creativity. He speaks of his eldest daughter, Naomi, with immense pride, noting a strength of character that mirrors his own mother’s Eastern European resilience. Norah brings a lighthearted joy to the home; she is the generous, kind, and "goofy" soul who keeps the family laughing. Then there is Nehemiah, whose personality perfectly balances a gentle, caring nature with a quiet, steady strength. By prioritizing their homeschooling and spiritual growth, Eli says he and Chanel are ensuring their children understand that true manhood and womanhood aren't about worldly success, but about following God’s path. It’s this legacy of strength and faith that he carries into every showing and every negotiation.
Seeking the Truth in Snohomish
When he isn’t scouting properties or hosting prayer meetings, you’ll likely find Eli at Pursuit Church, continuing his quest for truth and community. He wants the people of Snohomish to know that they aren't just buying a house; they’re finding the place where God intended them to live. In a world that often feels hurried and transactional, Eli is a reminder that business can be a blessing. He’s a man who recognizes that while he may hold the keys to the house, he serves the One who holds the keys to the kingdom. If you see him around town—perhaps grabbing a coffee or chatting with Mayor Hoffman—stop and say hello. You’ll walk away feeling a little lighter, a little more hopeful, and perhaps, if you're lucky, you'll have found a new friend to pray with.
"I love being welcomed into a group of such bold, brilliant, and successful women."
"Real estate gives me the freedom to bring faith into the workplace. I get to pray over homes and pray over the families moving into them."