Jenny Burch, Guiding Clients Through Creating Their Dream Space
Written by Zackary Roth
Whether she’s creating a memorable experience with a client, participating in one of our charity events, or closing a sale, Jenny Burch has been an integral part of making our company shine. Being one of the first agents to join the NOLA Home Realty Group family, Jenny has been using her background as a communications studies professor to make herself an exceptional REALTOR®. For this interview, we talked with her about becoming a REALTOR®, her experiences in the real estate world, tips for people who are looking to list their property, and much more.
Being a Realtor®
When did you start your career as a REALTOR®, and what made you decide to become one?
My decision to become a REALTOR® grew out of a lifetime love of design and an appreciation of a space’s potential. Guiding clients through the process of legally creating that safe space for themselves is rewarding. We all know moving is stressful, but there’s also a lot of excitement in these times of transition. I’ve gone through it myself many times. Being a Realtor allows me to witness and support others in the process of finding their own place during the changes we all go through in life.
What do you like most about NOLA Home Realty Group?
I love that we are all committed to serving the community through our work. We meet weekly to discuss how client-focused service leads to genuine success. We read books together, have retreats, and discuss ways to implement ideas that grow our business through focusing on the client and our community. With every sale or lease transaction, we contribute a portion to a local non-profit. Last year we partnered with Zeus’ Rescues.
What is the most important thing you have learned as a REALTOR®?
I learned that there are many layers to real estate transactions that people don’t see. Timing and organization are vital. We create documents and facilitate a legal process that is multi-faceted, so deadlines and calendars govern.
Jenny's Foundation
What is something that makes you unique as an agent?
One thing that makes me somewhat unique in this business is my background as a Communication Studies professor. I have taught college courses for 24 years, lecturing on interpersonal communication, negotiation, intercultural communication, and the performance of space and place. My background helps me to negotiate with integrity and consideration, to read the non-verbals of clients and customers, to stage a home for sale, and to edit documents.
Secondly, I think going through the real estate process myself so many times allows me to empathize with my clients. I bought my first home 21 years ago, having to renovate the whole house by hand. I have purchased six times throughout the years, personal homes ranging in condition from tear down to new construction.
What is your motto when it comes to working with a client?
I remind all of my clients that Realtors have a fiduciary responsibility to their client. I take that seriously. That means that if you are my client, you can trust that I am thinking of what is best for you at all times in a transaction.
Experiences & Tips
What is your most memorable experience with a client?
One memorable experience I’ve had as a Realtor was with clients that had to give up their family home of nearly 30 years because of a job loss. While it was a hard time for them, I remember showing them a property where I watched their faces light up. She was showing me where she would put her Christmas tree. After negotiation when I told her we got the place she loved, we were both jumping up and down teary-eyed. That moment will stick with me. I continue to hear how happy they are in their new place and it’s heartwarming.
Do you have any tips for people who are looking to list their property?
I would start with clearing out any items in and around the house that you don’t need. We tend to accumulate things so fast and it’s hard for customers to see the potential of a home when there’s a lot of clutter. A home that it staged properly will sell faster. I can help with staging suggestions too.
