For Jennifer Thomas of United Country Real Colorado Properties, January was the busiest month she had had in a long time. Traveling all over Delta County to show properties, closing deals, and collaborating with up to 30 other agents could take a lot out of a person, but to Jennifer it’s all part of a profession she enjoys.
“I love Delta County and I want to see it thrive,” she shares.
Her introduction to the real estate world began fifteen years ago, when she and her husband Dan, began flipping houses. As the years passed, she became increasingly invested in the community. Her Step-daughter and son-in-law both own businesses here, including a fourth-generation sheep ranch. The prime outdoor sporting opportunities are also important to her, as she gets out in the sun with her ten grandchildren all year long. “It’s great to live in a place where a handshake still means something, and where we just wear nice jeans for dress-up night.”
Jennifer won the Top Agent Award in 2023 with United Country. She gives a lot of credit to the team–which won the Top Brokerage Award, and is the Number 12 office in the nation–for being so great to work with. “I wanted a place where I could expand into commercial properties, diversify, and learn more about the industry,” she says. “I like to know what’s going on behind the scenes. Commercial real estate is so important, because this area is always in need of more jobs.” For this reason, she is also on the MLS board and the Delta Chamber Board, and actively looks for ways to stay involved in local communities.
“I decided to join the Grand Mesa Business Guild because I felt a little bit like I was living in a hole after COVID. We were all starving for interaction again, right? We appreciate friendships even more now. The enthusiasm at the Guild is the best. Plus, I show properties in Cedaredge all the time, so I wanted to meet some entrepreneurs here and share ideas. I like to meet new people, and I make sure that all my closing gifts are from local businesses.”
Jennifer encourages friendship between sellers and buyers, as well. “You’re going to be spending a lot of time with each other, so it’s a good idea to get to know each other, make sure the lines of communication are good and open.” Other tips she has for those who are buying or selling in Delta County: Do lots of research and ask lots of questions. Be sure to interview your agent and make sure they’re going to be a good fit and that they will supply excellent marketing. Find a good local lender who understands agriculture and water rights.
Those clients who choose Jennifer to help them buy or sell a home can be confident that they are working with someone who knows these topics well, and who will take the relationship seriously, despite the rural nature of many properties posing unique challenges.
She’s been in the business long enough to have some interesting stories. “A lot of these off grid properties have no cell service and lots of wildlife. I carry a firearm and pepper spray to remote showings, like most agents,” she says. And she once arrived early at a showing only to realize she had been so determined to be early that she was still wearing her slippers. Of course her clients knew her well and just laughed with her.
“We’re seeing a lot of cash buyers from out of state, especially Texas,” she says, “but I don’t think locals need to be worried about the area changing too much. These are people who have done a lot of research, and they know what they want. They’re a great asset to the community! They don’t complain about the smells that sometimes come with farming; they just want something different from where they came from. In my experience, they’re here to live a rural, country life with less rules, no HOA’s, and lower taxes. They want a good place to raise their kids and enjoy all the outdoor activities this area offers.”
While the great outdoors are particularly great in Delta County, Jennifer recognizes the poverty problem and the economic challenges of the county. “It’s just so challenging for developers here. I’d like to see more hotels, more affordable housing, townhomes, and condos. There is so much room for improvement in business here.”
She believes the county is up to the challenges, however, and that this is a great time to list your home. “Demand is high and there are a lot of cash offers,” she says. “Inventory is low. I had twelve offers on a house in Delta recently! Don’t be afraid to buy your dream home just because of the interest rates, either, because you’ll be able to refinance later.”
Come welcome Jennifer at her new office space with their new Delta office Open House at 203 Ute St, Delta, CO on Friday, June 28 2024 from 11am - 2pm.
With prices going down and interest rates reflecting that, you may be considering listing your home or commercial property. If you’d like to meet Jennifer, she can be reached at
jenthomas1515@gmail.com, at (970) 209-2378 or at www.realcoloradoproperties.com
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