REAL Exclusive Magazine

Jessica Montalvo

Living The Dream

By Ed Bertha

Photography by Giovanni Lunardi

Layout by Christian Lunardi

Jessica Montalvo grew up in Sarasota, and for a real estate professional there’s no place like home. She launched her real estate career after working for a local landscape architect. Her draw to real estate was the ability to assist individuals and families in making one of the most important decisions of their lives. Jessica entered real estate as an assistant to a Realtor and then worked as a closer for a real estate law firm before getting her license and actively practicing real estate.

Her philosophy of business is straightforward. “In this business, you have two things to offer,” she explains. “One is knowledge. You must be an expert in the various segments of the market that you operate within. The other is service. Taking care of my clients is a top priority, and I make it a point to always be available when they need me.”

With a high percentage of her clientele stemming from repeat and referral customers, Jessica reflects on what keeps her clients loyal. “I know the market, meet my customers’ expectations, and execute a comprehensive marketing plan for every property I represent,” she says. “For my buyers, I offer an extensive knowledge of the market that allows me to provide in-depth information on what community or area will best serve each client’s needs.”

With over fifteen years in the business Jessica has found the region’s top resources, all of whom work together to ensure that every transaction closes smoothly and in a timely fashion. From mortgage lenders and property inspectors to attorneys and CPAs, Jessica maintains a trusted network of service providers whom she fondly describes as “problem solvers, not problem causers.” She adds, “No isn’t in my vocabulary, and I have surrounded myself with a team of professionals who are highly educated, credentialed and sophisticated. We approach business in a similar manner, and we are always optimistic in the service that we provide to our clients.”

Out and About in St Armand’s Circle

After working with what she describes as “prominent” real estate companies, Jessica joined DWELL Real Estate. “It’s a better fit for me,” she says of the firm that offers the unique combination of a boutique environment with a global presence. “As the market changes, Realtors must analyze their own needs. I feel that, with Premier Sotheby’s, I am best able to offer my clients personal care, while still backed by the support of a strong global brand.”

While her knowledge of the market is impressive, it is Jessica’s understanding of the cyclical nature of the business that has helped her to weather the proverbial professional storms. She offers, “It is important for associates to adapt to the industry.” Working in a variety of situations has provided her with the experience to understand the best measures for working with sellers and buyers, regardless of whom the market seems to favor.

The MET, A Girls Best Friend

“Flexibility, imagination, and creativity are the keys to finding your dream property,” says Jessica with a smile that hints at the absolute confidence she has in her approach as a Realtor. Jessica believes her contribution to buyers, and ultimately her greatest benefit to sellers, is her ability to communicate the qualities of a home, its location, and value that correspond to the buyer’s goals for living in Sarasota.

Jessica’s greatest personal satisfaction stems from her son Anthony, a freshman at the University of Tampa, where he is majoring in sports management. “Mothers have the toughest career in the world – raising healthy and happy children the best they can. My son is my heart,” she beams. Her greatest professional satisfaction comes from matching buyers to the right property as they attempt to envision themselves in a new home and to counsel sellers as they transition to let go of their pasts.

Jessica with Son Anthony

Though Jessica works long hours nearly every day of the week, she’d never be caught complaining. “Real estate is my livelihood. It’s been a way to use every skill I’ve ever acquired and a chance to meet people who have become close friends of mine. I work a lot not because I have to but because I enjoy the process of matching people with properties and exceeding their expectations along the way.”

Jessica Montalvo
(941) 915.5377
srqjessica@gmail.com

DWELL Real Estate
1626 Ringling Blvd #101
Sarasota, Florida 34236

Copyright © 2015 REAL Exclusive Magazine
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Photography used under license from Giovanni Lunardi Photography
Photography Copyright © 2015 Giovanni Lunardi Photography