Life has a way of teaching us unexpected lessons. For me, those lessons revealed that tomorrow is never guaranteed, so we might as well live each day to the fullest.

 

My desire to become a REALTOR® grew out of three major life events. First, we moved constantly when I was a kid. We were renters, and every time a lease ended, we’d find another place to live. Life changed dramatically when my mother bought a home. Suddenly, we were rooted. I could make friends and nurture those relationships over time. I felt calmer and more secure. Being in one place showed me the stability that owning a home could provide, and it left a lasting impression on me.

 

My mom was a REALTOR®, and seeing what she did for a living inspired me. I believed wholeheartedly in the benefits of owning a home, so at 18, I began working for a title company and married my then-husband. I leaned into the hustle, learning the ins and outs of real estate behind the scenes. But my life took an unexpected and frightening turn at 20, when I had to go to the hospital for emergency surgery. I didn’t know it at the time, but I had a heart condition—a hole in my heart that caused erratic bleeding and a resting heart rate of 200 beats per minute, compared to the normal 80.

 

I spent two weeks in the hospital, pretty sure I would die. When you are that aware of your mortality, priorities become crystal clear. “If I survive,” I thought, “I want to stop the grind of work.”

 

Once I left the hospital, I quit my job and got my real estate license. My mom advised me against it—very few agents actually make it—but I was determined. I sold 65 homes in my first year, became Rookie of the year, and a nationally recognized agent. Not only was I successful, I was enjoying it. That’s when I knew real estate was the career for me. What I loved most was the personal connection with clients—the chance to hear their stories, know them deeply, and help them navigate a major moment.

 

Life, however, was not without tragedy. I had another urgent hospital visit and suffered a miscarriage. Within two months of this event, my husband passed away. The grief and shock were overwhelming; my family disappeared in an instant. These events reminded me, again, that nothing in life is guaranteed. You must be able to rely on yourself.

 

I threw myself into work, for life was complex, and I wanted to rebuild it. I met another man, and when I became pregnant again, my drive strengthened. I wanted my children to see that you can pick yourself up and create the life you want. I focused on my career, eventually providing for my family and allowing my ex-husband to be a stay-at-home dad while I sustained us. 

 

Now, many years later, my heart is healthy, and I continue to love my job as a realtor. My children—Isabella, Olivia, and Jackson—are thriving in their early 20s and late teens. I worked hard to break the stereotype, especially for my daughters, that women are only supposed to  have children. I was the breadwinner, yet never missed a game or recital. You can be successful and happy.

 

Today, I work out every morning at 6 a.m., and I’m the fittest and happiest I’ve ever been. I recently got engaged to Christopher, and we’re enjoying planning our wedding. Watching my kids grow into adults has been incredibly rewarding, and learning from their perspectives.

 

Empowering women has become a central focus for me. I lead a team of 27 agents, mostly women, and I want every one of them to thrive. A good leader cares about the individual, not just the outcome. As our team thrives in a supportive environment, that happiness carries over to every client experience. 

 

I care deeply about my clients and am committed to ensuring they’re in a better place by the end of a transaction. My goal is to help people transform their lives. That starts with truly understanding them—what’s important, why they’re moving, and what they hope to achieve. I empathize with the emotional weight of buying or selling a home, recognizing that these are some of the biggest decisions in a person’s life. When clients reach out—whether it’s 10 p.m. or a holiday—they can count on me to respond and provide guidance. If they’re texting me it is because they need me. 

 

I prioritize my clients’ best interests above all else; I’d rather walk away from a deal than see a client settle for a home that isn’t right for them. I never push or pressure anyone; I approach every situation with respect and understanding. At the same time, I bring unmatched efficiency to my work. I solve problems quickly, find creative solutions, and follow through on every detail, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. When clients work with me, they have a trusted, tireless advocate by their side.

 

 

 

 Jillian Batchelor