Nghi Finley goes by “Nee” simply because it’s easier. And while the newest member of the Aspen Signature Properties team certainly has an easy-going personality, her path in life was anything but.
Nee was born in Vietnam after her family emigrated from China during World War II. She moved to the United States in 1979 when she was seven years old and grew up in Glenwood Springs where she was one of the only immigrants in her class. Because her parents were so dependent on her to navigate their way through life in a foreign country, Nee dreamed of becoming an immigration lawyer but answered her calling to real estate fifteen years ago, at her mother’s insistence. “Honestly, I got into real estate to shut my mom up,” she says. If there’s one thing you can count on with Nee both as your broker and otherwise, she likes to tell it like it is. What you see is what you get—and that’s a great quality when it comes to entrusting someone with your home.
Tell us a little bit about your background. Where are you from?
I was originally born in Vietnam. My family migrated from China during World War II. I came to the States when I was seven. We were the last of the boat people that came out Vietnam. I still think in Chinese. Cantonese is my primary language; English is my second language.
How long have you lived in Aspen? What brought you here?
I live with my husband and son in Carbondale but I’ve lived in the Roaring Fork Valley since 1979.
Tell us about your professional background.
I’ve been in real estate for 14 years. Some people do it for money; I did it to shut my Mom up! Ever since I was young she told me I should work in real estate. What I truly wanted was to become an attorney so I could help other immigrants. My entire life, my parents looked to me for guidance on how to maneuver life in the U.S. There were several situations when we were taken advantage of. I thought if I could have a degree in law I could help other immigrants to have a voice in this country. But after high school I didn’t know what I wanted to do. My mom kept nagging me, so I went and got my license and started working immediately. I got a job with down valley brokerage firm on 9/11. Of course my Mom was like, “No, you are working up valley.” So I started as a receptionist at BJ Adams.
What’s the key to succeeding in Aspen real estate?
I have worked from the ground up. It’s a very competitive industry. I came from traditional Asian family. My parents always said you don’t know the trade until you are the janitor. That was my version of being the janitor. That’s helped me succeed because I know the back end of the business. I went from working at the front desk to being an assistant to being a partner. Now I want to be in a position where I can help somebody else because I can tell you right now no one helped me. I clawed and scraped for where I am today. I had to learn to be tough.
What is your specialty?
I specialize in residential sales in Snowmass. I love it because it’s a warm and tight knit community. It’s not as transitional as Aspen There’s still time to get your foot in the door in Snowmass. Better to do it now before the Base Village gets sorted!
What are some of your interests?
I’m a runner. That’s when I have me time. I put my ear buds in and I go. Ultimately I’m just a mom. I have a 10 year old child and I’m trying to do it all.
Nee's Favorite Aspen Things
Restaurant: My favorite place on the mountain is Cloud 9 for the 2 o’clock seating.In town I am a huge fan of White House. Tracy and I love to sit outside in the summer and every time a Range Rover drives by we do a shot. I’m obsessed with the roasted potatoes at Meat & Cheese. Get the half board chicken or the steak. (To book a reservation at one of my faves, check out our Concierge page).
Hike: The Rim Trail in Snowmass, Mushroom Rock in Carbondale or Arbaney Kittle in Basalt.
Ski Run: I like anything off the Big Burn. Sneaky’s is probably my favorite.
Time of year: Fall.
Time of day: Morning because I have it all to myself.
Run: Rio Grande.
Event: Gay Ski Week; those guys have the most fun!
To send an inquiry to Nghi or to learn more about Aspen Signature Properties, please feel free to Contact Us