We’re proud of the team of agents we’ve assembled here at Nest Realty. We think they’re pretty awesome, and we think you will 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. In this installment, we chat with Jessica Keenan, a Broker at Nest Realty Wilmington.
Nest Realty: Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from? What brought you to Wilmington?
Jessica Keenan: I was born in Illinois and raised in Wisconsin. I headed to Flagstaff, AZ, for college, then moved to Santa Cruz, CA, before eventually settling in Carolina Beach, North Carolina. I chose the coast of North Carolina for my love of the beach, and wanting to be closer to my midwest family, without giving up the beach lifestyle. Any further north would have been too cold!
NR: How did you get into real estate?
JK: I hung up my chainsaw and put on high heels. As a forester for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, I was sick of being alone in the woods so much, and as much as I love trees and nature, I also love people and helping them as well. So I thought a great fit would be real estate. I love homes and design and getting to know people and finding what a perfect fit for them would be.
NR: How has your previous career as a forester prepared you for real estate?
JK: I have an understanding of the land and the environment. I recognize that people need nature in their lives, and I appreciate the way that nature and a home can come together to make people happiest.
NR: What led you to Nest Realty, as opposed to another brokerage?
JK: My story is a little different, so let’s just say that sometimes when you least expect it, amazing things happen!
NR: What is your favorite part of being an agent?
JK: Finding someone a really special place that you know after spending so much time with them, is truly going to make them happy. You just know when you have done a good job and found that place. Its hard sometimes, but it is so worth it. A home is where you are safe, creative, happy, stable…where you can run to, sleep well, be lazy…you get it!
NR: Do you have a specific area of expertise to offer clients?
JK: I focus on Pleasure Island, Carolina, and Kure Beaches, but I sell from Hampstead to Leland so I am pretty far reaching.
NR: What makes you different from other agents? What sets you apart?
JK: I have been in the business here for 14 years, so I think experience and making it through the last recession gives me a little more strength and understanding of our local market. I also think that I am fun and easy going which makes my clients comfortable when making such a big decision.
NR: What are five adjectives that describe you?
JK: Easy going, knowledgeable, caring, honest, dependable, assertive, spirited….haha do you want me to keep going? 😉
NR: Ha, okay. Who would be your dream client?
JK: It’s YOU! I love that everyone is different and brings something new to the table. The best part of my job is navigating something new and finding something perfect for each individual.
NR: If you had one piece of advice for a first-time home buyer, what would it be?
JK: Make sure you understand everything that goes into owning a home—there is a lot. You will now have to do everything yourself and maintain an investment that will hopefully help you financially in the future. I would give a list of items to consider….and then let them know this could be the best financial decision for their future!
NR: What is your favorite season in Wilmington?
JK: I especially love spring—it’s so beautiful and I love when everything comes to life again.
Jessica Keenan is a Broker at Nest Realty Wilmington. She is thrilled to be able to do what she does best—building relationships with people during one of the most exciting times in their lives. To learn more about Jessica, visit her agent page.