Understanding a client’s vision for the future and how a home fits into that vision is important to Jennifer Newsom, who knows that a house is not merely a structure. Newsom, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, has 15 years of experience in real estate. She works with growing families, downsizers and first-time homebuyers, plus those seeking luxury residences or a move from the city out to the suburbs.

Newsom grew up in Wheaton and has always lived in the Chicago area, so she knows her market well. Her properties include single-family homes, condos, townhomes and new construction, plus vacant land. “Buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction; it’s a transformation,” Newsom says. “The transformation goes beyond the punch list of clients’ needs and wants by truly helping to co-create a holistic vision for home, community and life.”

In her former job as an accountant, Newsom felt like she wasn’t in the right line of work. So, she shadowed a family friend who was a successful agent and learned about real estate. She did so well that the friend hired her, and Newsom worked with the agent for five years before going out on her own. She still puts her financial background to use in research.

A holder of both the Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Pricing Strategy Advisor designations, Newsom more than tripled her volume from 2018 to 2019. She is set to exceed those volumes again in 2020. Berkshire Hathaway conferred on her its Leading Edge Society award last year. Clients say that Newsom cares about them, and they note her professionalism, honesty and attention to detail. “They like that I make them feel comfortable and like a partner in the process,” she says. “They appreciate my ability to guide them well through the process and make sure their voices are heard. They feel listened to and respected as partners.”