We think we have some pretty awesome agents here at Nest, and we think you’ll like them too. During our “Meet the Agent” series, we sit down with our agents to learn more about them—what makes them tick and why they’re passionate about the real estate industry. For this installment we speak with Jeremy Hart, the Principal Broker of Nest Realty New River Valley.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Blacksburg.
Jeremy Hart: Born and raised in Virginia Beach, I landed in Blacksburg back in 2000 after working in minor league baseball for a while. I fell in love with the area—the mountains, the river, the people…it’s just perfect.
NR: How did you get into real estate?
JH: In the early 2000s, I was working at Virginia Tech, and wanted something different. Real estate was the hot topic at the time, and I had just purchased my first house, so it was front of mind. Upon encouragement from some friends who were also in real estate, I decided to give it a shot—and I’ve never looked back!
NR: What was your previous career? How has that prepared you for real estate?
JH: Like lots of folks, I’ve had a variety of jobs—minor league baseball marketing, management of a bowling alley, sales…I even worked as a recruiter for a while, finding scientists and engineers for positions throughout Northern VA. While there hasn’t been a specific career “path,” I can look back and see things that I took from each of those jobs that make me successful at what I’m doing today.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
JH: I knew Jonathan, Keith, and Jim through real estate, so when I heard they were starting something new in Charlottesville I watched from afar. When I realized how closely their new model matched what I wanted to do here in Blacksburg—relationships first, no dual agency, and innovation(!)—it was a natural choice to move firms when we eventually established an office here in the New River Valley.
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
JH: The people. I don’t love houses as much as I love people. What I love is helping people through what is a very personal decision…to be a part of that, at such an intimate level, is a true honor.
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
JH: I’d put my knowledge of Blacksburg in particular against just about any other agent in the area. It’s where I’ve lived the last 16 years, it’s what I’ve studied, what I know. #LiveWhereYouLove, right?
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
JH: I don’t know that there’s any one thing that sets me apart—there are plenty of great agents. I think I excel at some things, including listening, and getting to the heart of the problem, and I’m willing to get dirty and go all-in with clients. If it’s not the right fit for them, it’s not the right fit for me.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
JH: All-in, sarcastic, innovative, energetic, and dedicated.
NR:If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
JH: Never stop asking questions.
NR: What is your favorite season in the New River Valley?
JH: There’s no bad season in the New River Valley, but if I had to choose I’d say fall—the crisp mountain air, the fall colors, and the start of another Hokies athletics season!
Jeremy Hart is the Principal Broker at Nest Realty New River Valley. He’s one of those agents that does more, and we’re not just talking about buying or selling a home. To learn more about Jeremy, visit his agent page.