Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Goodman.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jackie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a 4th generation Atlantan whose parents grew up in Inman Park (father) and Grant Park (mother). I grew up in the East Atlanta area, then bought my first house near Peachtree & 25th Street at age 25. When the DOT (Ga. Dept. of Transportation) took my house in 1980 to get rid of a STOP SIGN ON THE EXPRESSWAY (where the nasty curve is now, if you’re heading south on I-85 and then take I-75 north near the Brookwood AMTRAK station)! I moved to my current home off Wieuca Road in 1980, and LOVE my vibrant life in the City, working, having fun, and volunteering in this great city of ours.
In subsequent years, I have bought nine additional properties (for investment, for my retirement). Best of all, I used the great advice my parents gave me to get things PAID FOR!!! I grew up in a no-frills atmosphere in a family full of love. I attended public schools and Georgia State University. When I was first out of school, I worked at John Harland Company (check printers) back in the days when Mr. Harland used to come around every Friday afternoon and personally hand everyone their pay check, and thank them for their service. I also worked as an Executive Secretary to Larry Prince (then VP, later CEO) of Genuine Parts Company. I was the bookkeeper for NBCS Architects, which was located in a 2-story brick residence directly across Peachtree from the High Museum of Art. That home was demolished for the high-rise where MODA is now on the ground level, and offices and a library are upstairs.
When I bought my first house in 1975, women were just beginning to be able to buy houses. The “Fair Credit Reporting Act” had just been passed in 1974, making it easier for women to get loans and own property. In order to qualify for the loan to buy my first house, I needed more income, so in addition to my bookkeeping job, I worked three nights a week and on Saturdays at Neiman Marcus at Lenox Square, and also took a typing job on Sundays. About a year later, the economy went into recession, and the architectural firm I was with began struggling. I looked at the “Help Wanted” ads in the AJC and took a commission-only position selling eyewear wholesale to doctors’ offices and optical shops, traveling the southeast. I did that for nineteen years before going into real estate in 1994. During my optical years, I acquired my first three rental house.
Marc Nicholson was my real estate agent, and he later became my mentor as he encouraged me to go into real estate. I loved real estate right away, and thanks to my lifelong friendships, wide range of business contacts, and friends through my volunteer work, I always had plenty of business. When it comes to real estate, I AM A NATURAL! I love houses; I love people; and I love the opportunity to be of service. The combination of the three has spelled success for me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Real estate always has ups and downs. Not only does the economy change, but circumstances change. I learned to never assume a sale would happen until AFTER the sale closes. I do my very best, I expect my buyers and sellers to do their very best, and we almost always make it to closing. Having said that, no, real estate is NOT easy.
Buyers often do not have realistic expectations and have to change their minds about what they want or can afford; sellers change their minds about whether they really want to sell; buyers lose their jobs or get transfers or divorces or other circumstances that change their desire and ability to buy; sellers sometimes have to realize that they can’t really sell their house “as-is,” because although it was good enough for them, the competition is fierce, and buyers most often want houses that are move-in ready.
Real estate is definitely not as easy it looks. Real estate is a LOT of hard work, and it can be 24/7. Things can be VERY time-sensitive. If something comes on the market and I don’t get my buyers in there immediately, it may be too late. I take my business very seriously.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am a VERY full-service Realtor. I will do almost ANYTHING for my clients. I once sold a house to a buyer sight-unseen, and this was in the day before videos and smart phones. I had worked with this client before, and she trusted my judgement. She later told me it was her favorite house that she had ever owned! She never saw the house until AFTER CLOSING! I have done so many unusual things for buyers and sellers that I can’t even recall them all. I try to give 100% service every single day. I sell in all price ranges, and I treat all my clients my same, whether I am dealing with a $50,000 buyer (yes, I have had several) or a $10,000,000 seller (yes, I have been therapist, counselor, confidante in that case, also). I am very proud of the level of service I deliver and the fact that I will do the very best job possible to help ANY house buyer or seller.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I just take every day as it unfolds. Atlanta is such an exciting place to live! Some days I have to work really hard, but other days, I can have fun. I just love being out and about, enjoying Atlanta and all the wonderful things it has to offer. I will probably work until the day I die, because I LOVE IT!
Contact Info:
- Address: Jackie Goodman, Realtor/Associate Broker
Atlanta Communities Real Estate
1801 Peachtree Street, NE, Suite 200
Atlanta, Georgia 30309 - Website: www.JackieGoodman
- Phone: 404-966-9220
- Email: jackiegoodrealtor@gmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
