Jennifer Bickel grew up with real estate in her blood. On Sunday afternoons, her family would pile into their car and begin their open house tour across the city. This was their tradition every week, and one she took very seriously sitting in the backseat with her brother, daydreaming at each new address which would be their room. Perhaps it’s not so shocking then, that this nine-year-old grew up to be an accomplished real estate agent and the newest member of the Sarah Bernard Realty Team.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jennifer this past week, and are excited to share her passion that goes far beyond simply finding a new home. Read on for our Team Member Spotlight on Jennifer Bickel.
“Have you always been in real estate?”
My background is actually in occupational therapy, but you would be surprised how well it translates to real estate! I have spent both of my careers helping people navigate the good and bad transitions in their life, and often use my background to listen to clients and understand their needs and offer realistic options for what fits their current situation. Not only do I love connecting with people, but I also love introducing those I think would be great resources for each other!
“How long have you been in the business?”
I am celebrating my 6th year as a realtor! I have been so lucky to have mentored and worked for those with strong construction backgrounds to really learn more about the house than just the layout. I am constantly seeking new opportunities with vendors and inspectors to learn more.
“What do you think are the best skills that you bring to the Sarah Bernard Realty Team?”
It’s my job to help the client reel back the emotions and avoid personalizing various aspects of the homes sales process. I find that if my clients are able to use me as a sounding board to work through their thoughts; sometimes it’s way easier to talk through it!
A lot of home buying and selling can be very stressful for a client and I enjoy making it fun where I am able. Even if there are a few bumps along the way, I want them to recollect this big life change fondly!
“What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a real estate agent?”
Surround yourself with talented agents, inspectors, and vendors who can teach you. There is something to learn on each transaction and as long as you are a seeker; you will always be improving.
“Do you have a favorite quote?”
I love being silly and am known for saying “Shut the front door!” to any good, bad, exciting or shocking news. But my favorite mantra is, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” which I think applies to every aspect of life, even home sales!
“If you could change one thing about the real estate industry, what would it be?”
I wish inspections had more uniformity to them! Changing codes make a lot of things tricky for clients to understand. What is a concern for one inspector often isn’t a big one for another, so more uniform inspections would help avoid the subjectivity that can cause a lot of frustrations between buyer and sellers.
“What are your top 3 favorite Podcasts/Books/Movies?”
I LOVE most true-crime podcasts, Wildflower by Drew Barrymore, and am currently obsessed with Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollins.
“What do you like to do when you aren’t working?”
Hanging with my family and friends. My kids are at a really fun age so I LOVE watching them at school or on a soccer field living out their childhood dreams!
“Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?”
Is over-analyzing a skill? Hahahaha. I’m also left-handed!
“What are 3 words that describe you?”
Loyal, fun and generous.
“What else are you passionate about?”
I have become very passionate about literacy recently. I could go on and on and on to you about the role of both vision and dyslexia in reading, but perhaps most alarming is the limiting of resources and tools based on school district, teachers etc. I am continuing to learn where I can make a difference!
I also have a daughter that has a peanut/treenut allergy and so I am very invested in teaching people about food allergies and hopeful there will be something one day that allows a tolerance.
“If we went to happy hour, what would you order?”
A plain old beer…..Golden Light or Bud Light….don’t try and make it fancy….I am a simple gal!
And that’s our interview with the newest member of the Sarah Bernard Realty Team, Jennifer Bickel. Are you interested in selling your home and not sure where to begin? Jenn can help!
Contact her here.