The “Old School” Experience with Jen Conrad, Realtor with Long & Foster®

HELPING PEOPLE FIND SOLUTIONS

An emotionally trying few years caused Jen Conrad to reevaluate her life and her priorities. She decided to make some changes and pursue her desire to help others, which led her right to real estate…not a far journey considering she already had plenty of experience.

Jen began her career in the financial/marketing side of the auto industry, later moved into advertising, and ended up as a branch supervisor at a credit union. It was at that point in her career that she faced some personal trials, including the loss of her mother and major complications from back surgery, that prompted some introspection. “I went through a lot of personal emotional changes. I decided that I needed to do something for me. I had always loved helping people find solutions.” After consulting her husband, some friends, and industry professionals, Jen decided to take her career in a new direction and get her Realtor’s license.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not easy to find a Realtor who is willing to take the time to listen and provide top-notch service from beginning to end. Jen knows this and strives to be just that for her clients…the kind of agent who hears her clients’ needs and finds solutions.

THE “OLD SCHOOL EXPERIENCE”

When choosing a company with which to launch her real estate career, Jen joined the McAllister Team of Long & Foster in Bel Air. With over 40 years’ experience, Ben and Joan McAllister take an “old school” approach, which appealed to Jen. “It’s not a fast-paced attitude. They take care of clients and give excellent service beyond the sale. They have so much knowledge and are fair.”

Jen appreciates Long & Foster’s excellent training program. “It’s not a ‘sink or swim’ experience in my office. Angie Highkin, the assistant manager, and Mike Scarborough, the lead manager, are very involved in the daily activities of all their agents. It’s a family approach…Everybody helps everybody.”

Currently, Jen works in Harford County and northern Baltimore County but will also be licensed in Pennsylvania.

EXPERIENCE + EYE FOR DESIGN + DESIRE TO HELP OTHERS = SUCCESSFUL REALTOR

Her professional experience in sales, advertising, and loans is only part of Jen’s equation for success. Added to that are her natural eye for design and strong desire to help others. “When people ask me to help them find a home or list a home, I love hearing what their lives are all about and really becoming an integrated part of that. I love helping them find what they need. I enjoy being a part of that walk of life with them. With what I’ve been through personally, I’m able to be in tune with what people are going through…what they may need.”

Like her mentors, the McAllisters, Jen strives to give her clients the “old school” experience. “Life experience has taught me to slow down and listen. Life is short and you never know what’s going to happen. I try to stop and hear what people are saying to me. If I rush through the sale, it’s a disservice to them. I don’t find it inconvenient to listen to their story.”

WORDS OF ADVICE

Likewise, Jen stresses the importance of clients listening to their agent. “As long as you have a good working relationship with them, then trust them and believe in them. Understand that your agent is only trying to help you.” A good example is the listing price. Clients may have an incorrect assumption of a home’s worth, not knowing the determining factors for pricing a home. Industry professionals have experience and wisdom in this area.

She further advises clients to “Take your time in the process and always go with your gut. Take one step at a time, one day at a time, and what is meant to be will happen. Also, any type of education you can get is great.” Jen recommends taking advantage of free classes or workshops offered locally, perhaps through a credit union, college, or mortgage lender. “Educate yourself before jumping into this process, and things go much smoother.”

MORE ABOUT JEN

Jen has been married to her husband and real estate partner, Mark, for 22 years. They have a 13-year-old daughter, Katelyn, and are very involved in her extra-curricular life. They are members of Trinity Lutheran Church and enjoy family time and traveling. Jen also enjoys decorating, reading, and yoga.

CONTACT JEN

For a Realtor who will provide you with genuine, old-fashioned care…one who is committed to listening and helping, contact Jen Conrad at 443-981-9148 or Jennifer.Conrad@LNF.com.

WRITTEN BY DAWN WOODEN