We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jen Steinmetz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jen, appreciate you joining us today. How do you think about spending on things like coffee when times are tough?

As a single mom with two kids, lean times can often feel like the norm, but we make the most of it. My girls and I love to have fun, and we’ve found plenty of ways to enjoy our city without breaking the bank. Whether it’s exploring local parks or finding free events, it’s all about making memories without overspending.

When it comes to groceries, I keep things simple and cost-effective. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple at lunch—they’re affordable, quick, and actually one of my favorite foods.

Self-care is also an important part of my routine to keep my stress levels low during times of living with less, but I want to show my girls that it doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant to be meaningful. For me, self-care is as simple as setting aside time each day to put my phone on Do Not Disturb, listening to my favorite music, lighting a candle, or even just going for a peaceful drive. It’s those little moments of calm that help me recharge.

Jen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi, Jen Steinmetz, a single mom to two incredible daughters, and I’m building my real estate career from the ground up. In 2024, after my divorce, I had to figure out how to support myself and my family quickly. Real estate was the perfect fit—it offered flexibility, potential, and the opportunity to make a real impact in people’s lives. So, I jumped in with both feet and haven’t looked back. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m proud of what I’ve built. I’ve learned that success isn’t just about closing deals; it’s about making connections, understanding my clients’ needs, and helping them find the right space to call home.

What sets me apart is the way I approach every client: with empathy, honesty, and a deep commitment to their needs. I know what it’s like to start over, so I’m here to guide my clients through each step, whether they’re buying or selling, with a personal touch and clear communication.

I think I’m most proud of balancing my career with being a present mom. Every win, whether it’s a successful sale or helping someone find the perfect home, feels like a victory for me and my girls. I’m proud that I can show them the power of hard work, resilience, and kindness. I like to tell them, as well as lead by example, that “You can do hard things”.

If you’re looking for someone who will genuinely listen and put your needs first, that’s me. I’m not just here to close a deal—I’m here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way and maybe even make it fun! Let’s begin our journey together to find what’s right for you.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first stepped into the world of real estate, I quickly realized that perception is everything. Deals don’t just happen—people needed to believe in me, trust my expertise, and see me as a figure of success before they’d ever consider doing business with me. But how can you create that aura of success when you’re just starting out?

Social media was key. I built an online presence designed to position me as a top real estate professional, even before I had the portfolio to prove it. I meticulously curated my content—posting photos in front of luxury homes, sharing market insights, and offering advice on investments, all while staying active in the comment sections of my target audience.

At first, it was just a game of visibility. I made sure people saw my name daily. I posted motivational quotes, shared tips on the market and interest rates, and even documented my journey as if I had already made it. Soon enough, people started messaging me real estate conversations, asking for advice, and even referring clients my way!
Those leads turned into clients, and the perception of success transformed into actual success.

Social media wasn’t just a marketing tool—it was a shortcut to influence.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

For 15 years, my life was dedicated to homeschooling my children, building a home filled with love, learning, and stability. I sacrificed personal ambitions to nurture my family, believing that was my purpose. Then, in an instant, everything changed. My husband left. Not only did he walk away, but he started a new life—another family—while I was left with practically nothing, forced to rebuild from the ground up.

The fear and grief were suffocating. I had no career, no savings, and no clear path forward. But I had resilience. I had a fire inside me that refused to let this be the end of my story.

With no time to waste, I pivoted. Real estate became my lifeline. I dove in headfirst, studying late into the night, attending every networking event I could, and absorbing knowledge like my life depended on it—because it did. I learned to market myself, to build relationships, and most importantly, to believe in my own worth.

The woman who once dedicated her life to homeschooling is building a thriving real estate business from nothing. My past didn’t define me; my ability to adapt did. And through it all, I learned the most valuable lesson: when life forces you to start over, you don’t just rebuild—you rise.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @justplainjen