Jennifer Martin started out in banking, and now she’s a Principal Broker for Mid-Valley Commercial Real Estate.
How long have you been in real estate?
I’ve worked in the real estate profession since 1993, but I’ve been a Realtor since 2003. I started out working in banking, processing residential mortgage loans and worked my way up to a commercial real estate loan officer and relationship manager. Then I joined the brokerage world in 2003. I’m a commercial real estate broker who focuses primarily on retail and office properties, helping Landlords, Tenants and Investors meet their goals. I have never sold a single family residence!
What made you enter the profession?
When I made the leap into self-employment as a broker, it was primarily for two reasons. First, I had four young children at home ranging in age from eight months to nine years. My husband worked out of town, so I was the primary taxi, team mom, snack deliverer and tutor. I wanted the additional flexibility to manage my own schedule. Secondly, I wanted more control over my career. While the bank I worked for was an amazing employer and community steward, I felt like I could have more impact on my community in a brokerage capacity.
Have you volunteered on any committees or leadership roles with OAR?
I’ve been a Realtor since I obtained my license. In 2005, I started serving on the board of directors for my local association (then known as the Salem Association of Realtors). I served as President in 2009 and I have served on the board periodically since then in my capacity as a commercial Realtor. During those years on the board, I served as a director at OAR. I’ve also served on special projects related to the association’s ownership of Oregon Realtors Plaza and as the Plaza’s Realtor representation when there have been vacancies at the Plaza, which is something I’m very proud of.
Have you earned any additional designations or certifications?
I am a CCIM and received that designation in 2008.
Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in real estate?
I have a lot of advice I would give to someone looking to enter this industry. The first thing I would tell someone is that this industry is amazing for someone looking to tailor their individual goals for full-time or part-time work and other beneficial life choices.
However, it is NOT to be taken lightly or flippantly. What we do is VERY important and requires dedication to the education and knowledge it takes to be a competent advisor. Unfortunately, I think there are some who believe they just have to put a sign in the yard of a friend who wants to sell their house and they will close a deal and get a paycheck. There is so much more to what we do and how we educate our clients and brethren.
The other piece of advice I frequently give to folks is that this industry is not for the faint at heart nor for those who cannot cope with the financial swings of our industry. One MUST invest in themselves and their individual brand to set a solid foundation, but it takes significant dedication and time to have a consistent deal flow to stabilize one’s income goals.
The final piece of advice I give someone is to always remember that when you receive a check—it is NOT all yours. As self-employed Realtors (as most of us are) we are required to pay higher income taxes due to being responsible for both halves of social security. We are responsible for the costs of our own health insurance. We don’t get paid vacation, nor do we receive a match on our retirement account. I don’t think a lot of folks take that into consideration when weighing the pros/cons of self-employment. While I wholeheartedly believe in this industry, I also want to make sure folks are fully-informed and prepare properly.
What do you do outside of real estate? What are your hobbies?
Outside of real estate, you will find me hiking the hills of central Oregon, taking in ANY sporting event at the University of Oregon, or serving organizations in the community.
I’m currently the Board Chair for Isaac’s Room, a Salem-based non-profit focusing on helping divested youth rise to the challenges of life. The organization owns two coffee shops, IKE Box and Isaac’s Downtown. I also spend time helping the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee serve our members and community.
What’s on your bucket list?
We were planning a graduation trip for my youngest son, Jake, to go to Italy, and with the onset of COVID-19, we had to cancel that trip, so it is high on the bucket list. I would like to go to Boston and see the New England Patriots and the Red Sox both play in the same trip.
