Your Real Estate
Consultant For Life

Jeni's mother, Sherry, was a force of nature wrapped in a gentle, nurturing package. A missionary who lived in Africa and France, a dorm parent, a guitarist who made everyone feel seen — Sherry embodied three core values: kindness, listening, and leadership.

Her relaxed parenting gave Jeni and her sister freedom to explore. Her missionary work gave them a global perspective. And her small acts of thoughtfulness — like warming the beds with electric blankets before the kids returned from youth group — became the model for how Jeni serves every client today.

"When I'm working with my clients, buying or selling a home, I find myself channeling that same spirit of thoughtfulness. It's not just about the transaction — it's about making people feel cared for every step of the way."

Deep listening was Sherry's secret weapon. As a dorm parent to hormonal teenage girls far from home, she knew when to offer advice and when to simply be a silent, supportive presence. That skill — hearing the emotions behind the words — is what Jeni strives to bring to every client interaction.

Sherry's leadership wasn't corporate or authoritative. Her family motto was "Onward and upward!" — a rallying cry Jeni still hears in her head when a deal falls through or a house doesn't appraise. The lesson: don't dwell on the negative. Pivot, strategize, find a new path forward.

Even Sherry's imperfections were instructive. Her big personality sometimes overshadowed others, which taught Jeni the balance of natural leadership with conscious space-making for others' voices, ideas, and dreams.

"When you work with me, you're getting someone who understands that real estate isn't just about properties — it's about people. It's about dreams and fears, hopes and challenges. It's about listening deeply, leading with kindness, and always, always moving onward and upward."

Bill VanOrnum was Jeni's cheerleader, protector, and biggest fan. As an only child himself, he poured all his love and attention into Jeni and her sister — making them feel like the center of his universe. His gift was making people feel like the most important person in the world.

What made Bill remarkable was his willingness to show his emotions. In a generation where men were expected to be stoic, Bill wasn't afraid to cry. His emotional openness taught Jeni that authenticity builds trust — especially in the emotionally charged world of real estate.

"When a deal falls through or a client faces disappointment, I'm not afraid to show that I'm affected, too. This shared vulnerability often leads to deeper connections and more successful outcomes in the long run."

Bill's background as a farrier — a specialist in equine hoof care — required a unique blend of strength, precision, and gentleness. Jeni sees her own work reflected in those same qualities: strong enough to advocate fiercely for clients, gentle enough not to cause distress.

His humor was another gift. His ability to find the absurdity in difficult situations became Jeni's toolkit for easing tense real estate moments. And his unconditional support of Jeni's mother's career showed her the power of teamwork — a value she carries into her collaborative team approach today.

Bill passed away when Jeni was 30, from hepatitis contracted during the family's missionary years in Africa. In a sense, he gave his life in service to others — a legacy that inspires every selfless act Jeni brings to her clients.

"Before important meetings or presentations, I do the Wonder Woman power pose — standing tall with my hands on my hips. It's a physical reminder of the strength and confidence my dad instilled in me."

Jeni didn't start as a natural REALTOR®. She resisted following her mother into real estate, earned her license despite dyslexia, and worked for her mom for a year before striking out on her own. What she discovered was that the career's true power lay not in market knowledge — but in the art of deep listening.

Early on, she noticed something was off. She'd show clients houses based on their stated criteria, but somehow she wasn't building the connections she craved. Then came the epiphany: she needed to bring her parents' listening skills into her professional life.

The Magic Wand Question: "If you could wave a magic wand and this process is perfect, what does that look like to you?" This question reveals past experiences, uncovers hopes and fears clients haven't articulated to themselves, and gives them permission to dream big.

The "What Else?" Technique: Borrowed from her childhood, where both parents would ask "What else do you want, Jeni? Anything you want." After clients share their basic requirements, Jeni always asks: "What else? What else is important to you?" One client who wanted a three-bedroom house revealed — through gentle "what else" questions — that she really needed a home where her mother could live with her, with a specific outdoor area. That completely changed the search and led to the perfect home.

The Naming and Grading Game: After visiting each house, Jeni gives it a memorable name based on its standout feature — "The Great Kitchen House," "The Wonderful Backyard House." Then she scores each one comparatively. The process becomes collaborative, fun, and keeps clients engaged rather than overwhelmed.

"Every time I sit down with a client, every time I ask 'What else?', every time I dig deeper to understand their true needs and desires — I'm channeling the best of what my parents taught me."

The 19-page Colorado contract is notorious. Most agents find it intimidating. Jeni doesn't just understand every paragraph — she teaches it. As the lead instructor for Kaplan Real Estate School, she can go to page 10, paragraph 3, and explain exactly what it means and why it matters.

This mastery wasn't handed to her. She has dyslexia. Studying for her real estate exam was one of the hardest things she'd ever done. But persevering through that challenge taught her a lesson that now underlies everything: sometimes the most valuable things require pushing through the comfort zone.

Over 27+ years and 1,000+ transactions, Jeni evolved from solo agent to instructor to trusted advisor. Each deal taught her something new — a nuance of the market, a different way to communicate, a new approach to problem-solving.

Why does contract mastery matter to clients? Because real estate transactions are legally binding and high-stakes. A misunderstood clause can force someone to buy a house they don't want or lose significant earnest money. Jeni's advice: always ask your agent about specific contract provisions. If they have to look it up, that's a red flag.

Her team approach amplifies this expertise. Transaction coordinator Alyssa — with Jeni for eight years, herself a licensed agent — manages every date, deadline, and detail so nothing falls through the cracks. Clients always have someone available to answer questions and address concerns.

"Being an instructor has deepened my expertise in ways I never expected. When you have to teach something, you understand it at a fundamental level. You have to explain complex concepts in simple terms. This has made me a better agent — and a better advocate for my clients."

It started with a pose. Hands on hips, chest out, head held high — the Wonder Woman stance that Jeni adopted before every important meeting or presentation. She even has the theme song on her phone for big moments. What sounds playful is actually rooted in deep conviction: that confidence is something you can choose, and that her role is to bring that empowerment to every client.

At a convention where she had to speak in front of a large audience, nerves were overwhelming her. She stepped aside, struck the pose, said to herself, "No, I got this" — and delivered her speech with full confidence. The approach works.

The Lasso of Truth: Jeni's version of Wonder Woman's iconic weapon is her ability to cut through surface requests to uncover what people truly want. When a client says three bedrooms, she asks: "What's important about having three bedrooms? Tell me more about that." The answers reveal the real story — and lead to the right home.

Jeni believes she was put on this earth to empower women who feel "less than" or who think they can't do something. She's involved with Project I See You, which provides grants to help women purchase properties and start businesses. "I remember one woman who, after buying her first house through this program, declared: 'I can do anything. I'm a badass!' That's exactly what I'm talking about."

Her Wonder Woman Process — the Naming and Grading Game, the deep listening, the team support — is like Wonder Woman's invisible jet: it's there, guiding clients through the complex world of real estate so seamlessly they just know that the decision feels less overwhelming.

"You are stronger than you believe. You have greater powers than you know. Let's harness that power together and find your perfect home."

"If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." This is the heart of Jeni's team philosophy. In an industry marked by competition and lone-wolf agents, she has built something rare: a genuine collaborative community.

Her core group of about 20 agents meets regularly for encouragement, market insights, and practical support. If Jeni is out of town and a client needs to see a house, someone on the team steps in. They have their own Facebook group for sharing information and opportunities. Many of these agents have been with her for years — creating stability and depth that benefits every client.

The Broker Caravan Revival: Once a common practice, broker caravans — where agents tour new listings together, leave feedback, and discuss pricing — had largely faded from the industry. Jeni brought them back. When she lists a home, her team visits together, provides detailed feedback, and she writes a personal note to the seller letting them know an entire team is working to find the right buyer.

For buyers, having Jeni means having a network of 20+ agents keeping watch for their perfect home. They know they won't miss an opportunity. Multiple sets of eyes and ears are working on their behalf.

The power of multiple perspectives is invaluable. No single agent knows everything. When colleagues provide honest feedback — positive and negative — on a listing, it ensures accurate pricing and effective marketing. Regular team discussions help identify market shifts before they become problems.

And Alyssa, the eight-year transaction coordinator who is also a licensed agent, remains the team's secret weapon — handling every detail, deadline, and utility transfer so the client experience is always smooth.

"In real estate, as in life, we truly are stronger together. That's not just a saying — it's the foundation of how I do business, and it's the key to providing the best possible service to every single one of our clients. Onward and upward, together."