Jonathan Baer

There’s a saying I live by: “Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” It applies to just about everything in life — and definitely to buying a home. The best thing you can do is get prepared before you start shopping. Sit down with a REALTOR® and a lender early in the process so you understand not just what you can buy, but how to actually get the deal closed once you find that dream home. Buying a home isn’t just about finding the right kitchen or backyard — it’s about having your financing, documentation, and strategy lined up so you can move confidently when the right opportunity appears. Details matter, and when you partner with the right team, those details are handled. In short: plan first, partner smart, and your dream home won’t just be a dream — it’ll have your name on the mailbox.

Just like with buyers, I live by the saying: “Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.” In today’s market, buyers have options—and they’re often picky. That means your home can’t just be for sale; it has to be priced right and presented right. Staging, repairs, and maintenance aren’t extras anymore—they’re essentials if you want your home to stand out and attract serious offers. The best move you can make is to partner early with the right agent. A good agent will help you identify where to invest your time and money before listing, so you don’t waste either once you hit the market. That preparation can literally save you thousands—or make you thousands. Bottom line: plan ahead, present your home like it deserves, and team up with a professional who knows how to make your property shine in a crowded market.

I enjoy working with clients who value experience, knowledge, and trust — because those are the ingredients that make a real estate journey successful and enjoyable. Over the years, I’ve worked with first-time buyers, seasoned investors, families upsizing or downsizing, and everyone in between. But the common thread is always relationships. Real estate isn’t about transactions; it’s about people — their goals, their stories, and helping them take the next big step with confidence. For me, it’s not just about selling a home. It’s about building trust that lasts long after the closing table.

One that really stands out was helping a family who had just lost a loved one. It was an emotional time, and they were facing not only grief but also the complex probate process that comes with selling an inherited home. I guided them step-by-step — from preparing the property for sale to navigating market conditions affected by rising interest rates. We ultimately sold the home for top dollar, which gave the family both financial relief and peace of mind. What made this transaction truly special was what came next: the family asked me to help their surviving children purchase homes of their own, allowing them to start a new chapter and build their own sense of stability. It was one of those experiences that reminded me why I love this business — because at its heart, real estate isn’t just about property; it’s about people, trust, and helping families move forward.

I got my start in real estate back in 1993 in Ohio, selling new construction homes straight out of college. I loved helping people figure out the right floor plan and lot, then customizing it to make it truly their home. My knack for problem-solving and attention to detail eventually led me into management, where I spent the next 15 years running a homebuilding operation that built and sold over 100 homes a year. It was fast-paced, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. After the housing crash in 2008, I decided it was time to shift gears — to take everything I’d learned about construction, design, and negotiation and use it to help individual buyers and sellers. That’s when I realized what I truly love about this business: I get to help people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives using the skills and experience I’ve built over decades. It’s not just a career for me — it’s a calling. I get to do what I love, make a difference, and make a living all at the same time. And that’s pretty awesome.

Yes — I believe ongoing education is key to providing exceptional service, which is why I’ve earned several professional designations over the years. I’m an ABR (Accredited Buyer’s Representative), SRS (Seller Representative Specialist), GREEN, and e-PRO® certified, as well as a licensed REALTOR®. Each of these programs has strengthened my ability to help clients navigate today’s market — from understanding sustainability and energy-efficient homes, to mastering marketing strategies, negotiation, and digital communication. In short, I’ve invested in training so that my clients can feel confident they’re working with someone who stays current, informed, and fully equipped to guide them every step of the way.