2016 Women in Real Estate: Jessica Richer

Name: Jessica Richer

Title: Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

Company Name: RealtyUSA

Email: [email protected] 

Years in real estate: 15

Telephone: 518-364-7406 Cell

How did you get your start in real estate?

I was hired by a real estate development company because of my expertise as a Lobbyist for Senior Housing for Statewide Associations.

What real estate associations or organizations are you a member of?

Past President of the Board of Directors for the Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Brokers, Inc. (CIREB). Member of the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) and participates as a member of the Commercial Issues Working Group and The Legislative Policy Forum. Member of the Greater Capital Association of Realtors (GCAR), the Capital Region Chapter of the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors (NYSCAR) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

What recent project or transaction are you most proud of?

Four years ago, I assisted a not-for profit to find temporary space for their staff. It was a small amount of space and for a one year term. Two months after that temporary assignment, they called and asked me to help them consolidate some of their divisions that were scattered in the Capital District. That resulted in a RFP for a new location that was 22,000 s/f of office space for a long term lease. As part of their strategic plan, 2 years later, they wanted to relocate the administrative staff to the new location and sell a building which housed the admin staff. This year we facilitated the move for the admin staff and listed the building. It is under contract and should close in June. I am most proud of this transaction because it began as a simple and small transaction which developed into multiple sophisticated transactions based on the client’s needs and my abilities to successfully meet those needs.

What recent honor, achievement or recognition has meant the most to you and why?

Being the past president of CIREB has been a great honor. CIREB is a unique association that represents Commercial Realtors in the Capital District. It has its own MLS (multiple listing system) for Commercial Properties.

What have been some of the benefits of being a mentor or having a mentor?

I enjoy being a mentor to members of my team and to other colleagues. For my team it is a great satisfaction to see the professional growth of others when you invest the time to mentor. I am always willing to act as a mentor when others reach out and ask for help.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career and why?

My parents and my family. My parents set the highest standards of integrity and instilled in me the core values that have made me who I am as a person and a professional. My family has been very supportive of my career and my greatest champions.

What time management strategies do you find to be the most effective for you?

I try to keep track of the top five priorities that need to be addressed every day and then block out time for other activities like phone calls, meetings, listing appointments, etc.

What is the best advice you have received and who was it from?

From my Dad who said “stick to the basics.”