Have you ever felt a stirring that calls you towards a completely new path in life? Jennifer Jo of TTR Sotheby's International Realty joins us to recount her inspirational switch from the legal field to the dynamic realm of real estate, a leap that brought challenges and triumphs alike. Her reflections on navigating major life changes resonate deeply as she unpacks the intricacies of today's real estate industry, from the impact of commission disclosure shifts to strategies for staying agile in an evolving market. With Jennifer's insights, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and into a career that truly ignites their passion.
As we peel back the layers of the market's ebb and flow, particularly in Northern Virginia, Jennifer provides a practical breakdown of what it takes to understand and leverage the nuances between buyer's and seller's markets. Balancing this wealth of knowledge, she sprinkles in personal anecdotes, sharing her involvement in community events and the vibrant life she leads outside of work with family and pets. And for those standing at life's many crossroads, Jennifer extends a heartfelt message of hope, assuring us that it's never too late to forge a path that brings personal and professional fulfillment. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and the gentle nudge you may need to chase after what you truly desire.
Have you ever felt a stirring that calls you towards a completely new path in life? Jennifer Jo of TTR Sotheby's International Realty joins us to recount her inspirational switch from the legal field to the dynamic realm of real estate, a leap that brought challenges and triumphs alike. Her reflections on navigating major life changes resonate deeply as she unpacks the intricacies of today's real estate industry, from the impact of commission disclosure shifts to strategies for staying agile in an evolving market. With Jennifer's insights, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and into a career that truly ignites their passion.
As we peel back the layers of the market's ebb and flow, particularly in Northern Virginia, Jennifer provides a practical breakdown of what it takes to understand and leverage the nuances between buyer's and seller's markets. Balancing this wealth of knowledge, she sprinkles in personal anecdotes, sharing her involvement in community events and the vibrant life she leads outside of work with family and pets. And for those standing at life's many crossroads, Jennifer extends a heartfelt message of hope, assuring us that it's never too late to forge a path that brings personal and professional fulfillment. Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and the gentle nudge you may need to chase after what you truly desire.
Speaker 1:
Sure, my name's Jennifer Tool, joe. The name of my business is I just work with TTR Sotheby's International Realty. I'm a solo practitioner, so to speak, and I am a real estate agent. I service Northern Virginia and Washington DC, so I help people, you know, have that dream of home ownership.
Speaker 2:
Beautiful. Can you tell me your story and get into like how you got your foot into the industry with real estate, all the good stuff? Give me the story. How far back should.
Speaker 1:
I go Well. So I was an attorney for 15 years. That was my first main career and it was a wonderful career but I didn't feel passionate about it, to be quite honest. And I did love my colleagues, but it kind of got to the point where it was time to switch things up and I had a brief stint as a fitness studio owner, which really taught me how to be an entrepreneur. Didn't love that either. I was kind of on this search and that's when I started in real estate and having that brief experience as an entrepreneur and that long history as an attorney really set me off to hit the ground running. And it's been a fantastic career ever since because I have finally found my passion and I love what I do.
Speaker 1:
I thought you know real estate will be fun you know, and kind of I love architecture and design and I thought that's why I was going to love it, but that has nothing to do with the fact of of. I love architecture and design and I thought that's why I was going to love it, but that has nothing to do with the fact of why I love it. I love it because of the connections that I make with people, that I get to be with people at that point where they're, you know, making the biggest purchase of their life or they're having to move on to that next phase in their life. So it's people in transition who really need someone to be there as their advocate and, using all of my background, I'm able to step in and really support people at such an important time. So that's why I love it so much.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, I can see that and I truly appreciate that you had to find yourself and figure out what you wanted to do. That's such a hard thing and not an easy one. I mean, some people know what they want to do. That's such a hard thing and not an easy. I mean, some people know what they want to do, but for you it sounds like you had to like look at, look at some different industries and see what really was your calling so right, right.
Speaker 1:
I think a lot of us we have a lot of different interests and like, oh, I wish I would have tried that or done that. And, um, if you don't get it right the first time, I would strongly recommend to just keep trying. And if you don't get it right the second time, that's okay. You know, you just have to keep searching for that thing and then, once you step into what you were made to do, it just makes life amazing.
Speaker 2:
So for me and for the people I work with, I hope yeah, yeah and then can you tell me current struggles that are going on in the industry for real estate? And how you're working to overcome those things.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, I don't know if you've heard, but there have been some changes kind of some which could be big disruptions, but maybe not.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, talk to me about that for our listeners who aren't maybe aware. I'm not at the moment Sure sure.
Speaker 1:
So you know this is all going to play out. So I can't really speak to how it's going to play out later. But there have been some lawsuits a kind of national, just kind of looking at how real estate is conducted in general and how commissions are paid and that sort of thing. And there's a long history with how commissions evolved to be the way they are. There have been some challenges to that and then there was a lawsuit settlement which hasn't been approved yet but at the end of the day it could shift, it will probably shift how things are publicized and so most don't think anything's really going to change with how real estate operates, but the information that is out there regarding commissions will change.
Speaker 1:
So it's a long, complicated situation. I'm not really going to change how I operate because what I do, you know, to support my clients is not 100% based on commission. But of course we all need to have a livelihood. So I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and providing the service that I provide and as this evolves I will kind of pivot. That's something I can easily do. I've had to do that my whole life, so I've kind of taught to do that as an attorney and you know issue spot and solve problems, so I don't think it'll be any different.
Speaker 2:
Amazing. And can you give some advice for people who have trouble like pivoting and changing, going along with stuff Like what advice would you give to somebody who struggles in that area For pivoting, yeah, just when certain situations come up and being able to be like you know what this is changing, I'm open to it. Let's do it.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, I mean. Obviously it starts with having an open mind. I think it comes down to making sure that you have resources so you can educate yourself before you make a decision, but not getting caught up in that analysis. Paralysis, so have you heard?
Speaker 2:
that expression I have not, but I love it.
Speaker 1:
And this happens a lot and it actually happens to a lot of lawyers because I work with a lot of lawyers to a lot of lawyers because I work with a lot of lawyers. But just to give an example, like in the real estate context, of just overthinking so much or thinking about every single little possibility and then you're kind of paralyzed so you can't make a decision. I think that's even worse than being uninformed. But it's really finding the balance between the two. When things are changing, you do want to make sure that you're educated about what's going on so you make an informed choice. But don't get stuck in that loop. Now that we have Google and we have all these ways to get information, sometimes people get stuck. So it obviously depends on the context as far as how to pivot that sort of thing. But worst case scenario always like try to surround yourself with experts, like whatever you're trying to do and you know, like a group of trusted advisors, so that when it's an area that you're not expert in, you have somebody to rely on.
Speaker 2:
That's a great tip.
Speaker 1:
Thank you.
Speaker 2:
And then right now, for yourself what are you doing to market yourself and the services that you do as far as online or newspapers? What are you doing to market yourself and the services that you do as far as online or newspapers? What are you doing to get the word out there about what you do?
Speaker 1:
You know, primarily I work through referrals, so most of the time the business that I get is from past satisfied clients. I also have a huge network of other real estate agents across the country that we've all made an effort to get to know each other better so we can refer our clients to the top agents in those areas. I'm actually trying something a little different coming up here in a couple months I haven't done a lot of print marketing for myself.
Speaker 1:
I've done it for my clients, of course, and in fact some of my listings, without me having to actually pay for marketing. They've made you know the news or they've been published in magazines and that sort of thing. But I am, for the first time, going to be partnering with a magazine to be one of their regular real estate contributors. So I will be on the back cover every month for a new magazine that's coming to Great Falls.
Speaker 2:
That is very cool and I can see that definitely helping you Like people are going to see.
Speaker 1:
I mean I hope so, it's fine.
Speaker 2:
But no, I mean like yeah, I think that's awesome and I love that you're doing like the physical advertising. I mean, I'm sure it can be digital as well, because there are digital things, but I mean, I'm still someone who still likes to look at magazines, and I'm sure other people will too, so I can appreciate that.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, I think you know it's a little bit different from a lot of real estate agents will send out a postcard, you know, and obviously if I sell a property in the area I might do that as well, but I've never consistently sent postcards out every single month to a certain area. That is a strategy that agents use. But you know, I was approached by this magazine for this back cover. Like I said, they're going to be new to Great Falls in the next few months and they asked me if I wanted to do this and I'm, you know, trying something new. We'll see how it goes. I love that. You'll have to let us know how it goes. Yeah, so it'll be an opportunity to showcase some of the properties I'm representing but also provide market data, other things to help inform the community. Yeah, sounds good.
Speaker 2:
And now speaking about market data, what are you doing to keep up with the latest trends in technology?
Speaker 1:
in order to help you do your job a little, bit better, a little bit easier as far as staying on top of that.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, a little bit better, a little bit easier as far as staying on top of that.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, just in general, like doing market research anything like that, like any AI that you're using that you've implemented. I don't rely on AI so much, but there are a number of resources that I turn to to inform myself on what's going on in the market and, really honestly, every time a client is either going to sell their house or buy their house, I do what I call micro market research, where I'm looking specifically at that one neighborhood and looking for trends in that neighborhood to give good advice on either what should we list your house for for the seller or how much should you offer and come up with the full strategy for the buyer on what's gonna make the most sense and get you the house. I do that on a case by case basis for my clients who are looking in specific neighborhoods, and that is the majority of the market research I do. I also stay on top in general on what's going on with interest rates and for mortgages and what's going on.
Speaker 1:
You know, as far as like is it a buyer's market, seller's market? Like what are our numbers, you know, compared to last year, like, for example, in the Northern Virginia area. It really does depend neighborhood to neighborhood, county to county, but typically, you know, sales were down like almost 25% in some areas and even more in others, like that was a lot, but even though interest rates were up so high, prices were going up and depending on the neighborhood, it could be anywhere from 3% to 15%. So, um, you know, keeping track of all of that to give people some perspective, um is always helpful and I network with other agents. We compare, you know notes and you know so there's a lot that goes into staying on top of the market.
Speaker 2:
Awesome. I always love to hear the different answers that real estate gives me.
Speaker 1:
It's just so cool to see that, so thank you for sharing that.
Speaker 2:
And then, where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Speaker 1:
Wow. So you know, I have a 15 year old, so I'm going to probably be an empty nester when that happens. So that'll be a change. I think I'm just going to be continuing to do what I love. I'm currently looking to expand a little to add someone to my team. Like I mentioned at the beginning, I'm solo. Now I do have an operations manager who happens to be my sister. Fun fact, she doesn't live here, she lives in San Diego but she does everything that somebody could do for real estate without having to be on the ground. So all the paperwork, all the back office stuff because there's a lot of it, thank goodness, and that frees me up to be out there meeting people getting things done. So I have her, but I am actually looking for a newer agent, or a brand new green agent, because one of the things I've always loved to do I've always been a teacher. So back when I was a lawyer, I was an adjunct professor. I used to teach English and Korea once way before like in another life.
Speaker 2:
Like I have a lot of different things I've done with my life and I always like to do that.
Speaker 1:
When I was a lawyer, I was in charge of all of our law clerks. So I like to mentor and so I am looking I've expanded enough that I am looking to bring on that newer agent who really wants to work hard and learn, so that I can kind of share what I've learned. I've been in this for seven years, by the way, so what I've learned in the past seven years and, you know, grow this business a little bit more. So I see you know in the next five years that I probably will have that person and they'll be doing great. And you know, keep doing what I'm doing. That's awesome.
Speaker 2:
I love that you love to pass the knowledge on the little torch. Yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, absolutely yeah, and I'm sure they appreciate that too with your experience and like having experience in, like changing. I love that that's so important. Oh, thanks, yeah. And then, who are you outside of being a real estate agent? What do you like to do? What are you doing with your kiddo?
Speaker 1:
Well, let's see, it does take a lot of my time, but you know what's so interesting. So back when I was a lawyer, I used to always feel that my work and my life were in competition with each other. I was always feeling guilty when I was working because I wasn't home enough. And if I was home I was like, oh God, I've got to be working on that thing. You know, so with real estate I actually can blend the two. When I'm out socializing, when even when I'm out activities with my son, those are all good things for my business.
Speaker 1:
So I get involved in charitable things. I am very actively involved in my women's group. In Great Falls we have a women's club. What's it called? It's called the Women's Club of Great Falls. Okay, I'm the hospitality chair. Falls. Okay, I'm the hospitality chair.
Speaker 1:
So, um and uh, this friday, for example, we're hosting an event where we've invited a local organizing company. We're calling it like our spring cleaning event. And, um, people are going to come to riverbend country club get some tips on organizing and we've asked everybody to start cleaning out their closet by bringing at least one clothing item to donate. So it's kind of a fun little night and we'll have dinner and get those tips and, you know, spend some time together. So that's kind of an example. I'm very active with that group. We do a lot of things. We play bunko, we have book clubs, hiking, yoga, like we do all kinds of things together and I really love being part of that group. I've got a wonderful group of real estate agent friends as well, and also just friends from life that I get to spend time with. So that's the kind of thing that I enjoy, and I have three adorable dogs that I love spending time with as well.
Speaker 2:
What are?
Speaker 1:
their names. So they're all rescues and I didn't name any of them. I'm just putting that out there. Okay, I have two pugs, jack and Jill, not my choice and then we have a Cavalier King Charles, who's Olivia.
Speaker 2:
Okay, I love that. Yeah, they're really cute.
Speaker 1:
I know the.
Speaker 2:
King Charles ones are like orange and white right.
Speaker 1:
Summer. She is a tricolor, so she's black, white with like that orangey kind of brown color. Yeah, just hints of it here and there.
Speaker 2:
But she's mostly black and white. What an elegant little pup, oh my gosh. And the two pugs Steve, jack and Jill. That is hilarious. Yeah, they go up the hill.
Speaker 1:
Barely Huffing and puffing. Yeah, oh, my goodness. Yeah, and they're a little more senior and Olivia's younger, so that was an interesting little introduction we had there when we brought her into our family. But now they're just a little pack together and they're super cute. So I love that for you and them. Yeah, and I love animals All animals, me too. But them especially. But them especially.
Speaker 2:
yeah, Love that. And now my final question for you. You ready? I'm like what could be next? Do you have anything special that you would like to share, something in your heart that you would like to share with our viewers. Our listeners Could be about anything in relation to real estate, life, rescue animals.
Speaker 1:
Well, you know, I guess you've kind of inspired me today to reflect on just my past and what got me here to doing something that I love, and so I guess if any of your listeners or viewers are in that place, you know where they're kind of, in that in-between place where they're kind of struggling. Obviously, if they ever want to talk, I'm happy to chat about my story a little bit more, but I would also just send some words of encouragement to them that you might think you know you've made some choices in life, career wise or whatever it is, but you can always start over. You can always start new. It doesn't matter what's going on, it starts with you and on the other side. Once you get there, it's pretty amazing. Thank you so much, yeah.