We are so proud of Inhabit’s own, Jason Connelly, for his recognition as Real Producers Magazine “Realtor on the Rise” — October 2024 edition.
See below for the transcript of the article.
Realtor on the Rise
Meet Jason Connelly, a dedicated REALTOR with Inhabit Real Estate here in Portland. Previously, Jason was a small business owner before transitioning into the real estate industry in April 2020. Jason finds immense fulfillment in building meaningful relationships with his clients and experiencing the joy of helping them find their dream homes. Here we learn more about his journey in real estate and his life outside work.
What did you do before real estate and when did you start your career as a REALTOR?
I owned a junk removal business from 2017-2020 but I was ready to start a family and wanted a career that would provide me with a lifestyle to be active in their lives. In April 2020 I made the plunge into real estate.
How did your mentors or brokerage help lead the way to establish your career?
When I first got licensed, Andee Ziegler was my mentor and she was essential to me getting started. Once I moved to Inhabit Real Estate, I gained two additional new mentors, Patrick Clark and Eric Hagstette, who helped me level up and mature my business.
Choosing my second brokerage was an important decision because I knew I wanted a more intimate and collaborative setting. I chose Inhabit because I got a little more hands-on attention with my systems and business practices. I am very grateful to be at a brokerage that offers so much support and cares about each agent as much as Inhabit does. Before coming to Inhabit, I never thought where I worked mattered, but now I see how culture and who you surround yourself with are everything.
What is your favorite and most rewarding part of being a REALTOR?
It’s the little thank you texts after getting someone or a family in a new home. I’ve received some texts after a transaction that brought me to tears knowing I played such an important role in helping someone. Also, I appreciate the relationships built with my clients. So many clients have become close friends after a transaction.
What is your biggest challenge as a REALTOR and how do you navigate through this?
Dealing with imposter syndrome. I’m very aware that I’m still very new to this and there are many realtors with much more experience than me. I have to remind myself daily that despite the short time I’ve been a broker I have a decent amount of experience.
What do you do for fun?
I’m the typical Portland native. When not selling real estate, I enjoy an active lifestyle: working out in the gym, hiking, spending time at the mountain, exploring waterfalls and swimming holes, and playing with my son at our neighborhood parks in Northeast Portland. My wife and I also enjoy cooking and trying all the food the city has to offer.
Are there any charities or organizations that you support?
I’m part of my neighborhood business association’s events planning committee, Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA). I also regularly volunteer with Los Niños Cuentan which is a non-profit geared toward outreach for Latino families who are victims of domestic violence.
Do you have anything you want to add?
I’m honored to have so many people in my life support me on this journey by trusting me to represent them (and their closest friends) with their biggest financial decisions.
To reach Jason Connelly call 971-930-0990 or email jason@inhabitRE.com
they drive up to your home and the landscaping is nicely manicured, the walkway is clean, there are welcoming potted plants at the front door, the door itself is inviting, the windows are clean, the exterior paint is in great condition, perhaps there are even a couple of nice chairs or a porch swing (if applicable), it will create a positive first impression. Remember you are just trying to set the stage that tells the potential buyer this is a quality home and a lot of care has gone into it.
important for building on that first impression. Take extra care to make this space as warm and inviting as possible. Also, notice the scent of your home when you enter the front door (this is especially important if you have a pet). A nice scent helps create an inviting atmosphere that works on a subconscious level with the prospective buyer. Nothing will dissuade a buyer faster than “house-a-tosis”. It’s important to correct the odor instead of covering it up if it’s due to mold or carpet damage caused by pets, etc. Stay away from heavy perfume scents or anything overbearing. Freshly cut flowers in the entry and throughout the house can provide some natural scent and add extra beauty and warmth to your home.
collection of widgets, but a prospective buyer might be distracted by all of the clutter. You want the buyer to look carefully at your home, not your possessions. A good rule-of-thumb is if it’s smaller than a grapefruit, pack it up. Remove any countertop appliances that are not built-in. Your furniture and accessories should help them get a sense of the space in the room and allow them to envision moving their own things in. Consider removing your personal photographs and memorabilia. You want buyers to envision creating their own memories in your home, not distracted by yours. Closets, basements, attics and garages should be clean, well-lit and organized. Ample storage is a common buyer request so make yours appear as spacious as possible. Do not make the mistake of moving the clutter from the living spaces to these areas. A temporary storage unit might be well worth the investment while your home is on the market. Plus you are moving, so consider the packing process underway!
Look at every surface: floors, walls, doors, windows, ceilings, built-in furniture, etc. Also make sure that all of your home’s systems are in good working condition (electrical, mechanical & plumbing).
you are trying to appeal to the masses so if your home is decorated in a way that only a select few can appreciate, change it. Don’t remodel – it’s amazing what a fresh coat of neutral paint and simplifying and rearranging your current possessions will do. A few new accessories like fluffy new bath towels, accent pillows and fresh flowers might just add the finishing touches. Also, if your house is on the dark side then purchasing some extra lamps or using LED bulbs will be money well spent.
all the clutter removal, repairs, and improvements. This is money well spent and will put the final polish on your “show ready” home. And don’t forget the windows!
As a small, Portland-based company, our goal was to celebrate everything local in our design. We partnered with 
We turned to Portland’s own 
