Lessons from Local Leaders:

Matt Cheney

Building a Calm, Client-Focused Legacy in Luxury Real Estate: A Conversation with Matt Cheney of Cheney & Co.

In a fast-paced, high-stakes real estate market like the DC Metro area, it’s rare to meet someone who brings a calm, polished, and deeply client-focused approach to luxury real estate. That’s exactly what we experienced in our inspiring conversation with Matt Cheney, founder of Cheney & Co. at Compass.

With over two decades of experience, Matt’s journey into real estate didn’t follow the traditional path. After working in corporate sales, he pivoted into real estate in 2003, first cutting his teeth with some of DC’s largest condominium developments. Selling over 1,000 condos early in his career, Matt developed an expansive knowledge of the market — not by farming a single neighborhood, but by moving strategically across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. This broader perspective ultimately led him to specialize in luxury properties across Northwest DC, Bethesda, McLean, and beyond.

A Foundation Built on Hustle and Humility

Unlike many new agents today who are encouraged to seek mentorships, Matt’s early years were powered by self-reliance and hustle. Without a formal mentor, he taught himself how to succeed — a process he now acknowledges came with tough lessons, including the critical importance of taming ego and leading every client interaction with strategic service, not self-interest.

Today, Matt’s success is rooted in active listening, patience, and consistency. His polished branding and relentless marketing efforts help him stand out, but he stresses that branding is only as strong as the relationships and value you provide behind it.

Luxury Real Estate: A Client-First Philosophy

At Cheney & Co., every client relationship is treated as a blank canvas — no two experiences are ever the same. Matt believes success comes from genuinely serving each client’s unique needs without applying a boilerplate approach. Whether a buyer is ready today or three years from now, Matt’s patience ensures clients feel supported, not pressured.

He also emphasizes the emotional component of residential real estate — recognizing that a home is more than a transaction; it’s often a deeply personal, life-changing move. His appreciation for architecture, craftsmanship, and design enhances his ability to guide clients with both market knowledge and an artistic eye.

Balancing Business and Family with Calm Leadership

Beyond the real estate world, Matt is a family man, balancing his demanding career with raising two young daughters, a chocolate lab named Duke (who played a fateful role in Matt meeting his wife, Natalia), and a strong partnership at home. He credits teamwork and communication as the key to managing it all.

His calm demeanor — praised by his clients as one of his most valuable traits — helps ease the stress many buyers and sellers naturally experience. In a sometimes chaotic industry, Matt’s ability to stay centered allows his clients to trust that they’re in good hands.

Words to Live By

Matt left us with a thoughtful reminder: in real estate, politeness, professionalism, positivity, and presence matter far more than pushing personal opinions or distractions. In every transaction, the focus must remain clear: serving the client with excellence, empathy, and expertise.

If you’re seeking a real estate advisor who blends deep market insight, genuine relationship-building, and a calming presence, Matt Cheney and his team at Cheney & Co. are setting a gold standard in the DC luxury market.

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