Real Estate Agent Magazine recently sat down with Jess Provencher, a Team Lead for Pro Homes w/ Real Broker to discuss her journey into real estate, the lessons she’s learned from her background in social work and education, and how she’s making an impact in her community and the industry.
REAM: What initially drew you to real estate, and how did you know it was the right path for you?
JP: I had always been interested in real estate. My grandfather was a local builder, my father-in-law as well, so I have always seen the value of home ownership. I started my working life in Social Work and Education and quickly realised the political environment and low wages in those areas weren’t working out for me. With the support of my husband I took a leap of faith and realized immediately that this was what I was meant to be doing!
REAM: How has your background in psychology and business influenced your approach to working with clients?
JP: Everything I did prior to real estate has made me a better agent. I understand not just the financial but also the social and emotional aspects of buying and selling property. I also excel at conflict resolution, and problem-solving, skills that are utilized in nearly every real estate transaction. This paired with my ability to explain the complex processes involved in selling or purchasing a home, ensure my clients can make intelligent, rational and informed decisions.
REAM: What was the biggest lesson you learned from your time working in education and social work?
JP: Everyone is different and it’s critical to not jump to conclusions about what is best for your clients. My job is to bring insight and options to the consumer. Their job is to choose the best path forward for themselves. Social work is basically the same.
REAM: What experiences led you to lead your own real estate team? Did you have concerns about starting your own team?
JP: Starting a team is always scary, and frankly I’ve done more wrong then I initially did right, but ultimately it’s about having a clear vision of what you want to build. I know that I want to help as many people as I can realize the dream of home ownership, particularly historically marginalized groups. My capacity to serve solo has a cap, so building a team that can serve more clients was the logical next step.
REAM: What has been the most rewarding moment in your real estate career so far?
JP: Wow, it would be hard to name just one. Every transaction is an opportunity to help someone move forward in their journey, so I feel such emence gratitude at each and every one. It’s a true privelage to help people achieve their goals.
REAM: Who are your real estate mentors? How do you seek to emulate them?
JP: Johanna Fatheree out of Texas has been my greatest mentor by far. I wouldn’t be where I am without her support and encouragement. I try hard to channel her calm whenever things get crazy. Phil Gerdes out of Maryland is a great mentor as well. Not only is he dynamic and passionate but he is wholly focused on contribution and giving back and this is somehting I really strive for as well.
REAM: How are you involved in your community? Is there one group you support especially? Why did you select that cause/group?
JP: I have the privilege to work in the area I grew up in so my whole family is really embedded into the community. At the moment I am serving on the board of our local YWCA and it’s an organization I’m really passionate about.
REAM: The real estate market is always evolving—how do you stay ahead of trends and changes?
JP: I believe when you stop growing you die and it’s the same with real estate. When agents stop learning, evolving, striving to improve then it’s time to get out of the game. Staying current with the political, financial, and social changes impacting real estate is critical to the health of my business, that means I dedicate time each day to ensure I’m well informed.
REAM: Tell us a bit about yourself outside the office.
JP: I’m not much different in my personal life as I am in my work life. I love to laugh, learn and listen to other people. I have a wonderful circle of great friends but most of my time outside of the office is spent with the love of my life, and husband of 20yrs and my two kids. Everything I do is for them.
REAM: What advice would you give to someone considering a career in real estate?
JP: The barriers to entry are really low, but don’t let that fool you. Becoming successful in real estate recquires a ton of personal development, lots of trial and error, and a commitment to never giving up. If you’re willing to put in the work this can be the best job in the world!
