Matthew Yunker is a broker associate at Hunter & Maddox Real Estate who has over a decade of diverse real estate experience. He specializes in transaction management and has worked with private clients, developers, and institutional investors on the purchase and sale of a variety of assets including California agricultural and land properties. In his spare time, you can find him surfing, practicing yoga, riding his beach cruiser, and exploring slow food offerings at a local Farmers’ Market or neighborhood eateries.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your connection to Edible San Diego.

[I like to eat...no,] I enjoy food and the connection to a healthy, inclusive community focused on quality, seasonal ingredients, local agriculture, and craft offerings that small businesses are uniquely capable of delivering.

What do you love most about your job?

The home buying process is emotional (and very competitive currently), but it is deeply satisfying to help someone find a place that meets their needs in terms of physical space and a solid investment. Finding a community where they are excited to live is just as important. San Diego is a big county with a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with their own personality. I’m a bit of a local explorer (I’m curious, I guess), so I truly enjoy helping people explore and understand different communities—and find the one that’s the best fit for them.

What are the current kitchen trends buyers are looking for?

Since Covid-19, there is certainly a focus on cleanliness and hygiene, so things like hands-free and touchless faucets, easy-cleaning surfaces, etc. are big right now. Eco-friendly features are also highly desirable and I expect that will continue, which can make eco-friendly and sustainable kitchen upgrades a good investment to boost resale value. 

Are you currently enjoying any seasonal ingredients? 

Yep. Love the citrus during winter and early spring; Cara Cara oranges from Smit Farms have been my favorite of the season, strawberries from J.R. Organics are always exceptional, cauliflower and kale from Gilbert & Lee Quintos, and Medjool dates from Sky Valley Dates.

While they aren’t seasonal, Da Le Ranch meats are incredible, and Ruth’s No. 5 Salsa is exceptional (have you tried her new roasted verde? So good!).

Where do you like to shop and dine out?

It’s hard to beat the deli at OB People’s Organic Food Market for salads (both price and daily variety). Seaside Market is one of my happy places, and I try to shop at as many local farmers’ markets as possible–Pacific Beach, Little Italy, and La Jolla Ocean Aire. I’m excited to try more of the North County SD markets since I moved up to Olde Carlsbad recently.

Cor di Gelato is exceptional for desserts and a standout in a crowded, very good local gelato scene. I just discovered Sabor Piri Piri recently at the PB market and I’m a bit obsessed with all their food–collard greens and black eyed peas, spicy stewed chicken, as well as their to-go peanut sauce, which has a permanent home in my fridge next to Ruth’s No. 5 Salsa and fermented garlic from Best Salty Lemonade.

For a sit-down experience, it’s hard to beat The Fishery in North PB or Pachamama in Normal Heights. I hope to be enjoying more live music dining whenever possible!

What is your go-to snack when you are out and about for work showing houses? 

Hopkins AG raw almonds and a piece of fruit, usually citrus or banana for ease or convenience. Sometimes a slice of Prager Brothers Artisan Bread. Also, Rickaroons are a wonderful snack or treat. They are awesome crumbled over yogurt or ice cream at home.

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You can learn more about the services Matthew Yunker (CA Lic 01970635) offers by visiting his website, sending him an email (matt@huntermaddox.com, mattyunker@yahoo.com), or following him on Instagram.

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