When Jenn Cook-Ciotti and her dynamic team at Bahia International Realty talk about integrity, they don’t just pay lip service to the concept.
Instead, they take it up a notch by having potential agents take a personality and ethics test. This exam isn’t just about ticking off the right boxes; it’s about ensuring that new recruits not only uphold high moral standards but also bring personalities that seamlessly blend with the company’s culture.
“We believe in honesty and transparency,” states Jenn emphatically, “and we have very high ethics standards. Unfortunately, in this business there are some companies that just don’t always care about that.”
In the heart of Tampa Bay, where the real estate market is as hot as the Florida sun, Jenn’s entry into real estate began as a family affair. Living in Denver, her ex-husband, “now my business partner,” she explains, “was a software engineer. He said to me at the time, ‘Why don’t we move to Tampa and do real estate?’
So, we packed up and moved. We didn’t know a single soul, and we were in real estate school the same week we arrived.” Although Jenn and her husband divorced, 21 years later she and her ex-husband and former father-in-law are still co-owners of their realty firm. “It’s a unique story all around,” she laughs.
As for her brokerage, it boasts approximately 27 agents spread across Tampa, Orlando and Miami. Jenn proudly heads up the sales division, ensuring that her personal touch and expertise are always at the forefront. When it comes to marketing listings, Jenn is hands-on and enthusiastic about open houses, unlike many top producers.
“I really enjoy doing them because I enjoy meeting people,” she enthuses. “I like talking to people and hearing their stories. I also have fun showing off the houses.” As for her own personal production, she sells an impressive $16 to $17 million annually, earning her a spot among the top 500 agents in the Tampa Bay market. Her hard work and dedication clearly pay off. But what truly drives Jenn in this demanding industry? It’s her love for houses, her background in teaching and her unwavering commitment to helping her clients. “I take on their stress, and I actually enjoy doing it,” she says with conviction. “I take it as fuel. So, if I see that my clients are dealing with stressful situations, I take that as fuel and I fix it. I call myself a “fire fighter”.
Beyond her thriving career, Jenn actively participates in community events and various charities, particularly those focused on human rights and anti trafficking efforts. She recognizes the importance of giving back to the community that has supported her growth. And when she’s not tirelessly working or giving back, what does Jenn do for herself? She dances! West Coast swing, East Coast swing, and salsa – she embraces the rhythm of life both on and off the dance floor, finding it both refreshing and healthy.
As for the future, Jenn and her team are in expansion mode. “We have a property management company and we’re expanding into different markets right now,” she notes. On the real estate side, her firm is also expanding. “I’m planning to hire REALTORS® to work directly with me,” she notes, “to create a Top Agent team. We’re going to take the market by storm!”
Copyright: Top Agent Magazine