For more than four decades, Tere Foster has been a defining figure in West Bellevue real estate. Alongside her daughter and business partner, Moya Skillman, both have built not only a thriving real estate brand but also a reputation rooted in community connection, local knowledge, and family values.
Tere and her family moved to West Bellevue in the 1980s, when the city was just beginning to experience growth and cultural change. Before fully entering real estate, she was already a familiar face in the community through her successful fitness studios. During the height of the aerobics boom, she owned and operated Main Place Workout, with locations near Main Street in Bellevue and in Kirkland. She also taught classes at the Bellevue Club, becoming part of the community’s social fabric.
But real estate was always close to Tere’s roots. She grew up around the industry, learning the business from her father, a real estate investor. Tere obtained her license at just 18 years old, and over the decades, she built a reputation for expertise, integrity, and a deep understanding of the West Bellevue market.
Meanwhile, Moya was building a path of her own.
After attending West Bellevue public schools, Moya studied political science at Seattle University and moved to Washington, DC, where she spent seven years working on Capitol Hill and later as a lobbyist for the high-tech industry. Despite loving the energy and pace of political life, she remained closely connected to home.
“My mom and I would talk every day,” Moya recalls. “Most conversations ended with my mom asking, ‘When are you moving back home and coming to work with me?’”
Eventually, the pull of family and the desire to raise her own family closer to home brought Moya back to Bellevue. In 2003, she joined her mother in real estate, launching a partnership that has now thrived for more than two decades.
This mother–daughter team proved powerful. Tere’s deep institutional knowledge of the local market pairs naturally with Moya’s background working with executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Many of Team Foster’s clients come from those worlds, making the partnership a natural fit.
Working side by side requires trust, patience, and a clear understanding of each other’s strengths. According to the Fosters, that balance is exactly what makes their partnership work.
“We collaborate and trust each other completely,” they say. “Tere brings more than 40 years of experience and an incredible reputation in the industry, while Moya brought experience working with high-level decision makers in Washington.”
Moya often focuses on emerging trends, new technologies, and innovative marketing strategies that keep their business ahead of industry shifts. Tere provides perspective shaped by decades of experience across multiple housing cycles, offering steady guidance and strategic insight.
Like any family partnership, occasional disagreements happen. But the Fosters have a philosophy that keeps both their professional and personal relationship strong.
“Mom always says, ‘Turn the page,’” Moya says. “If we disagree, we move on quickly. We’re too busy serving our clients to get caught up in family drama.”
Beyond real estate, the Fosters are deeply committed to supporting the Bellevue community that has shaped their lives.
Tere served on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue for more than 20 years and helped support the development of both the Hidden Valley Club and the newer downtown club on 100th Avenue. She has also supported public safety initiatives, including helping champion the Bellevue Police Foundation’s annual breakfast and primary fundraising event.
Moya has also dedicated significant time to community service. She served as past chair of the KidsQuest Children’s Museum Board and supports organizations including the Bellevue Schools Foundation and numerous youth sports programs, such as Bellevue High School basketball and Bellevue Girls Lacrosse.
Together, Team Foster supports more than 30 charitable organizations each year.
Looking ahead, as the West Bellevue real estate market continues to evolve, the Fosters believe 2026 could mark a shift toward a more balanced housing environment.
“Interest rates are beginning to settle into ranges that are more attractive to buyers, while many sellers who delayed listing their homes during recent market uncertainty are now returning to the market,” Moya explains. “This combination could increase inventory and give buyers more time to evaluate homes carefully before making offers.”
For sellers, strategy will also be critical. “Presentation and pricing must go hand in hand,” the Fosters say. “And today, you also need an AI strategy for your property.”
Despite changes in technology and market conditions, the Fosters believe their guiding principle remains the same: thoughtful service, local expertise, and a deep commitment to the community they call home. After more than 40 years in the industry, that foundation continues to shape every transaction they handle.
We collaborate and trust each other completely