We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jennifer ‘Jen’ Ramirez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jennifer ‘Jen’ below.

Jennifer ‘Jen’, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your firm earns is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

It was my first month in real estate and I hosted my first open house. I was nervous, excited and anxious all at once! I could not sleep the night before, in anticipation of my first experience as a new Real Estate Agent. Would people show up? What questions would they ask? Would they like the treats I spent hours preparing? What would I do with all the leftover food if no one came? Yikes!

Then the doors opened … thank goodness I asked a mortgage officer to come with me, he helped put my mind at ease. When I wasn’t sure of the answer to give … I jumped right in with “I don’t now but I’ll find out and get right back to you!”

People came and went. Some came in with measuring tapes envisioning their furniture in the space, others walked in and said not one single word.

I had about 10 visitors that day — pretty good for my first open house. I went home that night and started entering customers info into my CRM. I struggled over crafting my first “thank you for coming” email. But I after what seemed like an eternity … I finally hit send. Then sent a follow-up email 2 days later. No response. Another follow-up email wouldn”t hurt. Again, no response.

2 weeks later what seemed like a miracle happened … I received a response, ‘Jen, we would love for you to help our family find our next new home”. Excitedly, I called my husband…. I had gotten my first client!

After a couple weeks of home tours, we were under contract on a new home. We closed two months after our first meeting that day at my first open house.

In my first month of practicing real estate full time, I held my first open house, landed my first client — and my first great client relationship. I was thrilled at what my real estate journey was going to become.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jen Ramirez and I am a grandmother, military mom & military spouse. My husband and I have been married for 23 years and we have raised 3 boys… now young men. Two of our boys are married and military; the youngest is an engineering student at Univ of South Carolina.

Originally from San Antonio, Texas we have moved several times throughout the US in several cities/states and even lived in Europe for a while. We understand first hand the stresses involved in moving the family, putting the kids in new schools, developing new friendships …. all the things. And for those curious, all of our moves were civilian moves — which can be different from a military move.

I became interested in real estate because I knew I had knowledge and experience to share. I had family and friends who would call asking about our experience in this city or that neighborhood; then I realized .. having moved several times myself, with my real life experience and perspective I could provide value to others.

I understand the stress involved and I realize the importance of communication. My goal is not to find a home for clients, but to become a trusted resource. Most of my clients today call me for non-real estate related items.

For example, one client of mine was studying for an exam to get a promotion at her job. She wanted some study tips, so I helped.

It is great to be able to have developed these relationships and help families settle into a new neighborhood, put their personal touches on their first home, finally upgrade to that dream home they’ve had their eye on, and be their cheerleader as they progress through life. I hope to be able to do this all the way into retirement.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Sitting down and realizing my strengths and where I could bring the most value. Narrowing down my focus and understanding my ideal clientele / market for the goals I was hoping to achieve.

When we start we want to cast a wide net to get as much business as we can to get started. However in doing that we try to be all things to all people; though where we really add value is focusing on what we know or where we can serve best.

Once I realized the type of clientele I could serve best, then it allowed me to strategize around that.

With each investment or move in my business I make, I ask myself, ‘will this help serve my clientele to the best of my ability? Will doing XX get me to my ideal client?

I recommend the book ‘Will It Make the Boat Go Faster?’ to anyone looking to start a new venture, business, strategy, etc.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Social Media is one of my top 3 advertising platforms. When I started in social media, I started with all platforms doing and saying “all the things’. It was exhausting. I am not one to do the trendy dance moves or anything like that so I decided what type of content I was willing and comfortable making — as well as I chose to focus on one social media platform.

I utilize my social media platform to bring value to the audience. My goal is to show my expertise and get people to know me as the real estate expert — particularly, the listing & home selling expert in my target area.

For me social media is not about being flashy, showing off, dancing, being funny, etc. I made a business decision to market my value proposition on a social media platform — and I treat the content I share as such.

Provide value. That’s the best advice I can give on growing your social media presence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.reloprohomes.com
• Instagram: @askjenramirez
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092607154323
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjFvaOuEdhGASjJ_MuvAhSQ