Meet Jessie Schmidt from Ethos Real Estate West

Mark: Tell us what you do at Ethos Real Estate West? 

Jessie: I help people buy and sell their homes. I am also the owner, so I get the pleasure of working with our team, helping in the community, and planning how to continually serve our customers better. 

Mark: How long have you been in your industry?

Jessie: I have been in real estate for 18 years. 18 years as an appraiser. 16 as a salesperson, now broker. And 16 as an investor as well.

Mark: What do you love most about what you do?

Jessie: I started in real estate as a real estate appraiser before I got my license to help buy and sell. Under my appraiser license the work is very analytical, so I truly appreciate the value of helping people with my work at Ethos. There is a different satisfaction knowing that your work directly helps someone else.

Mark: Your office is in Mason Michigan, what are some of your favorite local spots?

Jessie: I love the turkey sandwich on a pretzel bun at The Vault.  We spend a bit of family time at City Limits – that is actually where my wedding reception was years ago when it was a rental hall, before it became a restaurant. I also love ice cream at the Daily Scoop and Dairy Hill.

Mark: Do you have a favorite client story?

Jessie: They are all my favorites! One that I love that captures the heart of what we try to do at Ethos West is one where I didn’t help people buy a house.  We had looked at several and even were under contract on one (until the home inspection found too many issues). Their home search was very practical, which sometimes home purchases are.  But one day they came up to me and apologized, but they decided not to buy. They decided to buy a RV and drive to different places helping people. Their eyes just lit up with this plan! Their eyes had never done that at any of the houses we had looked at. I loved that! I did help them sell their house and after that, they bought their RV.  I’ve loved watching their adventures on the path that was truly meant for them!

Mark: What advice would you give to a first time home buyer? 

Jessie: First would be to find an agent that you can trust, not because someone else tells you to. But because they take the time to answer your questions and make sure you understand what you are doing. A home is the biggest purchase most people make in their lives and you should work with someone who makes you feel confident in what you are doing. After that, plan for the unexpected. I bought my first house at 19. I had this vague idea that the house would have things that it would need, but it was in good shape. When I found out that the water softener had been leaking and rotted out part of the floor in the closet I was not prepared. Whatever you think something is going to cost, just multiply that number by 1 ½ or 2.  If it ends up costing less, then you have extra – but definitely better to be prepared.

If you are thinking about buying or selling your home, reach out to Jessie: jschmidt@ethos-realestatewest.com