"Having grown up in the East Bay, I'm looking forward to findingways for owners and investors to add value to existing propertiesand discover hidden potential in the East Bay," says Choi.

In addition, Choi will work on selling net-leased properties inthe western United States. She will be responsible for assistingclients in determining suitable real estate investments.

Choi left a position as an investment broker at BT commercial tojoin Colliers. She has also worked as a real estate appraiser,consultant and analyst. "There's a market opportunity in the EastBay right now for investment brokerage, especially in the $10million and under category," says Ed Del Beccaro, managing partnerat Colliers in Walnut Creek. "Around 75 percent of the commercialbuildings in the Interstate 680 Corridor are valued at under $10million. We want to capitalize on that opportunity and Maria's asignificant part of our strategy."