Above, Jennifer Warhob
Jennifer Warhob uprooted and traveled from her native Texas for her husband’s job. But as her family grew, she was content to settle in the Houston suburbs, and the former teacher and then stay-at-home mom began weighing her options.
“I’ve always been interested in real estate as an entrepreneurial challenge,” said Wohob, an award-winning team leader of nine people at Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate in Katy, Texas. spoke. “I got my license in 2010 and joined the company right away.”
She passed her personal challenge and earned her rating as a 5-star REALTOR®. texas magazine We have received the Emerald Elite Award from Better Homes & Gardens five years in a row and are ranked in the top 1% of agents for the brand.
“But I realized early on that with a team, we could accomplish so much more,” she said. “When I was elected to the Houston Association of REALTORS® leadership team in 2018, I knew I would be in the role of president in five years. I would use those years to build my team. I decided to do that.”
Barbara Pronin: How did you start the team building process?
Jennifer Warhob: I knew how much I didn’t know and didn’t want my business to suffer while I was learning, so I hired a coach to help me figure it out. We started with trading agents and built back office systems, and then I started talking to agents inside and outside of the brokerage firm.
blood pressure: What are the criteria for agents to accompany you?
JW: I’m looking for dedicated people, whether new or experienced, who are self-motivated, humble and willing to learn. We also consider their personalities and how they fit into the special team culture we have established.
blood pressure: How would you describe the culture?
JW: It’s so warm and friendly, it’s like a big family. Every month, we all have dinner at my house, including my family. We are currently an all-female team, but we have had men join us so far and we hope to have some again. But no drama. We support and enable. We’re all on the same side.
blood pressure: How are you organized as a business?
JW: We have a Transaction Manager, Marketing Director, and Client Concierge who give every client our undivided attention, and we currently have six licensed agents. We have a quick team meeting every morning via Zoom. Mainly to maintain accountability and keep each other on track. We hold face-to-face sales meetings every week. They also have monthly team training sessions and monthly family dinners, as well as one-on-one meetings with me. We truly believe that our family-like culture contributes to our success as a team.
blood pressure: Can you tell us a little about the markets you serve and your team’s production?
JW: The Houston market is huge. We primarily serve the West Houston area near Katy and the Energy Center, as well as many of the nearby suburban towns with employers such as Chevron and BP. Last year our sales were $25 million and this year we expect to hit $35 million. Average sales price is $500,000 to $600,000.
blood pressure: What do you think sets your company apart? What makes you the go-to team?
JW: We do our best for every client. We have well over 100 5-star reviews and over 8,000 email subscribers. Almost all of our business comes from referrals, and that’s because we treat our customers like family. We invite them to family photo shoots once a year and to summer family events. And every year, every family invites them to stop by the office on the eve of a very busy back-to-school season. Pick up a pot of homemade lasagna made by a local caterer. These things help people remember you and foster lifelong relationships.
blood pressure: Jennifer, what happens in the morning? How do you juggle your roles as a mother, agent, and team leader?
JW: I love my job. I love that every day and every deal is different and that I decide my own destiny. I love helping people realize their dreams. That’s what wakes me up every morning. Juggling your role requires structure and discipline. I also work hard, but I’m happy to be home by 4 o’clock when the kids get home from school. This will help you achieve a better work-life balance.
blood pressure: What advice do you have for people looking to build a successful team?
JW: I highly recommend starting with a coach. There are many mistakes to avoid. And a good team culture is extremely important. Hire good people and treat them well.
Jennifer Wauhob’s team list
8 Hickory Oak Drive
The Woodlands, Texas
4 bedrooms, 2.1 bathrooms, 2,250 square feet
Located in the heart of Woodland’s Panther Creek, this state-of-the-art charming home offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush landscaping and mature trees. The spacious living area offers beautiful views of the backyard. Thoughtfully updated throughout, this home features elegant wood floors on the main level, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, fresh paint, and modern fixtures. The spacious primary suite on the ground floor opens out to the backyard oasis through glass doors. Upstairs are three generously sized second bedrooms and a full bathroom.
List price: $425,000
For more information, please visit: https://www.thejenniferwauhobteam.com/.
