By Jamis Minnis, February 4, 2021
It’s been really interesting to think about how to market myself.
Currently, I’m lucky to have so many clients that the need is not immediately there.
Though, I imagine when covid subsides and the higher interest rates return I’ll be up in folks’ dms begging for a chance.
I’m trying to learn this Insta & FB Boost business, but I’m not a true internetter y’all.
I’m an introvert in an extrovert dominated field.
I have challenged myself to start posting soon so send me a tweet or something?
But how do I show the public proof/receipts of a job well done without images?
Oh yeah, that brings me to my point.
I’ll be the first to say that representation matters. Yes!
But have you ever thought about what it means for folks to represent themselves as a person with access to capital?
Not following? Here me out…..
My clients tend to run the gamut. Many have marginalized identities, some poc, some lgbtqia2+, some disabled, some are none of the above. Yes, most of them drive subarus, but that’s beside the point. We, as individuals, are taught to traditionally display our accomplishments publically for others to celebrate. You did it. Job well done.
But, many of my clients aren’t here for the photos and hooplah. And I get it.
Many of them have access to some generational wealth or privilege by being able to afford Homeownership. An opportunity that many of their surrounding community members do not have. Don’t get me wrong, there’s many proud moments of homeownership for my clients. Absolutely! But often coupled with complexity. One that feels overwhelmingly lucky, with a tug of guilt. Oftentimes, my clients want to remain anonymous.
Homeownership is very different from big milestones like graduating school and or getting a good job, or having a kiddo. There’s no immediate association with wealth to do these things.
Homeownership however, more often means you have access to minimally 10k to make it happen. And we all know that realistically 10k is chump change in Portland. Most often it’s plenty more than that. Some have absolutely worked hard and saved and overcome obstacles. Others have simply waited on standby for big money to arrive in their account from mom and pops. Both options are very real and very valid.
There is an old song that goes “it aint no fun if my homies can’t have none.”
And while I think that’s extreme, I know some of the sentiment is there.
I reassure my clients that guilt or shame is not a feeling to sit in.
But action is.
There are many ways to offset wealth.
Donating, renting an ADU at a lower cost to someone in need, supporting businesses (not just food and art ya’ll, that goes for professional businesses as well) of folks with marginalized identities. You name it, there’s an opportunity.
So, how do I market my success without photographing it?
I’ll be able to get creative, no worries on that front.
I just find it a very interesting position to be in given so many of my clients have a complex relationship to homeownership.
And then there’s the ones that want a Full Photo Shoot.
And I’m here for that too. Haha.
I’ll conclude by setting an intention here:
May housing accessibility be so plentiful in the future that smiling marginalized faces won’t be an anomaly to see and celebrate. Therefore errybody can get in the photo and not think twice about whether they are deserving of a home.
Jamis Minnis
Broker | OR
She/They
I'm just out here trying to be the RBG of Real Estate.
I'm A Frugal Foodie. A Concert/Music Festival Enthusiast. A Community Organizer. Double Majored in Psychology and Business. I have Travelled all 50 States and 4 Continents. And now I'm AN AWARD WINNING REAL ESTATE AGENT YA'LL!
I've had consistent Top Notch Sales & Stellar Client Reviews while helping buyers and sellers navigate the rigorous real estate market. I consider myself to be achievement/detail oriented, proactive, and financially savvy. I enjoy taking complicated ideas/info and making them accessible to others. Get ready to learn everything you didn't think you needed to know about real estate. I'm nerdy about numbers and homes, but also fun. Like, a fun nerd, if you will.
I bought and restored my home, a 1917 craftsman with perseverance, creativity, resourceful thinking, NERDing out on Real Estate stats, being strategic in negotiating, and having integrity, I plan to do the same for you. I've been able to help countless clients with their home buying process. I run a fully transparent, encouraging, fun, but tight ship that's ready to educate you and advocate on your behalf!
Housing has always been important to me. It's more than where the heart is, it's where we feel secure, build connection, Gather, Giggle, Grow. Over the years, I have managed a 350 bed International Hostel in downtown San Francisco, worked for Habitat for Humanity with Americorps NCCC, volunteered on the Katrina mass home rebuild in New Orleans, and provided landlord tenant advocacy in the non-profit sector. All roads leading to finally being a Real Estate Agent.
Being an agent at Living Room Realty affords me the opportunity of being a home matchmaker. Meeting awesome clients that will soon have a home that meets their needs, their livelihood, and their dreams. Planning on selling your home? Great, I can help you with that too. I am especially excited to work with first time home buyers, folks with marginalized identities (Queer/LGBTQIA, BIPOC), and any folx that would like to have a fun supportive agent throughout their home buying process. I want to make sure you not only buy a home that's cute, but make sure that cute home has GOOD BONES TOO!
When I'm not scouting new properties, I'm generally with my favorite person, my partner Camille. Together we are goofy cute and treat each other with sweetness. You should see us y'all.
*Camille is also a therapist, so if the process gets overwhelming or stressful, don't worry, we've got you.
Others reasons to contact me:
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- You Need A Spotify Playlist for the Occasion.
- Gender Ideology Convos.
- Sappy Rom-Com Recs.
- Creating A Better World.
- Dad Jokes!
- You Want To Talk About My Awesome Reviews! https://www.zillow.com/profile/jamisminnis/
- You Want To Support A Queer Black Business!
- T: 503-756-0005
- jamis@livingroomre.com
