Keeping it Real Estate: At Home with Jennifer Henley

Before moving to Atlanta 22 years ago, Jennifer was enjoying the sand and surf in Pensacola, the beach town she calls home. Formerly, Jennifer was an environmental scientist working at a laboratory testing soil and water samples for gasoline for Law Engineering, Inc., which is a much different job than she has now.  After moving to Atlanta to be closer to her husband’s mom, she decided the lab life wasn’t for her.

In the years leading up to her individual agent status, Jennifer worked as a paralegal for Campbell & Brannon LLC, a real estate closing firm based out of Atlanta. This experience was a great training ground for learning the ins and outs of reviewing contracts, quarterbacking lenders and dealing with both buyers and sellers. Her decision to transition into real estate was inevitable and she soon began putting herself through night school while working full-time. When the opportunity arose to work with Glennis Beacham, she jumped at the chance. Fast forward twelve years, a new Beacham office location and $500 Million in sales later, Jennifer decided to go out on her own. The unparalleled experience of working with Glennis and her esteemed clients allowed her to become an expert before even starting her individual career, something not many agents can say.

Currently residing in Fernleaf with her husband and twin children who attend Atlanta Public Schools, she has always been heavily involved in school functions and sporting events around Atlanta, giving her the knowledge families need in order to make the best home buying decisions. Jennifer is an established real estate expert who is continuously working to build her business through honesty and experience in an ever-evolving industry that never sleeps.

Why do you choose to Broker with Beacham?

“I was fortunate enough to work with Glennis before she started Beacham and her vision was to deliver 5-star service, unparalleled photography, cutting edge marketing and support agents in growing their business. Once Glennis established Beacham and delivered, our competition began to emulate us!”

What makes you stand out from other agents?

“Real estate is a full time job for me and I pride myself on being available to my clients.  I have always had a strong work ethic and it’s a bonus that I love my job! I also don’t take the “one size fits all” approach.  Each situation is different…so my approach is different for each client and situation. I have to listen to my clients first to determine their goal.  Then I can come up with a plan to achieve it.  I want my relationships to endure with my clients so I’m invested from the beginning. ”

How did you get into real estate?

“I was an Environmental Science major in college and worked in a laboratory for Law Engineering based in Atlanta.  I worked in Volatiles and tested soil and water samples for gasoline constituents and my highest profile project was Atlantic Steel which is now Atlantic Station.  Working in a laboratory was too isolated so I decided to make a change.  I began working for a residential law firm which was a great pre-cursor to selling real estate.   I had to review contracts and coordinate between buyers, sellers, lenders, agents and closing attorney in a time sensitive environment.  I then got my real estate license at night and began working with Glennis Beacham.”

 

What piece of advice would you give to a new agent?

“Seek continuing education, hold houses open for other agents and possibly work as an assistant for a bit to learn the business in real time.”

What traits do you contribute to your success?

“My work ethic, dedication and integrity!  I embrace the 24/7 pace of real estate.  Success also means that I run an honest business.  I tell my clients the truth so it’s not about units or total sales for me. Being honest means I can help clients reach their goals but also manage their expectations.”

What neighborhood do you call home?

“I recently moved to Fernleaf  on the Westside of Buckhead but lived around the corner in Ridgewood Heights for 18 years.”

Who is your hero?

“My mother…she lost her mother to cancer when she was young…had me at 20 years old and my sister at 23.  She had tragic years as a teen and never really had a chance to be on her own as a young woman before starting a family.  She also has endured a lot of physical injury but still has a zest for life and energy unlike anyone else I know.”

What is one thing people probably don’t know about you?

“I attempted to write a childrens book series a few years after I had my twins.  There aren’t many books on twins available…I had the concept but never took it any further.”

Favorite home design trend at the moment?

“I love a Coastal influence. I grew up in a beach town on the Gulf of Mexico so I am always partial to blues, greens and whites.”

Atlanta lunch spots you love?

“Yeah Burger, Houstons, Steamhouse are my go-to’s”

If you weren’t in real estate, what would your dream job be?

“Working around water…maybe as a scuba guide. I’ve been in the tank at the Georgia Aquarium and it was amazing!”

Average weekend for you like?

“Soccer, cheerleading, walking our dog, family games…my kids are 13 years old so I’m really trying to take it all in before they leave the nest in a few years!”

Do you have a personal mantra?

“I love the quote “A day without laughter is a day wasted” by Charlie Chaplin…and I try to live it.”

 

 

If you’re interested in working with Jennifer, visit her agent page here.