How long have you been in this industry?
Seven years as a realtor and three years as a mortgage loan originator (MLO).

Did you have another career before this one?
Yes, I did. I was a health care plan executive as a senior engagement manager where I contracted and administered value-based contracts between the health plan and health systems/large health care providers.

When did you decide to go into business for yourself?
I initially took the real estate class in 2004 in Virginia, but I did not obtain my license at that time. I eventually became the community development coordinator for a project in Williamsburg, Virginia for the construction of 52 homes in a new development. I was the liaison for the Williamsburg Redevelopment & Housing Authority, the developer, the home buyer and the lenders affiliated with the project. That was my real start in real estate.

What about this industry appealed to you?
I am a people person. I was attracted to building relationships with buyers and sellers from various walks of life. I also love home décor and staging, and this was one of the attractions. Finally, my expertise in contract negotiations also appealed to me. As a MLO, I thought it to be quite beneficial to my clients to be able to service them with the knowledge of real estate and the lending aspect.

What has been the biggest obstacle to being a woman in business?
In real estate and as a mortgage loan originator, my biggest challenge has been ensuring my clients know that I have the knowledge and the skills that go beyond simply showing them a property. Even though the number of women licensed in real estate outnumbers those of men, women are sometimes not taken as seriously when it comes to negotiating contracts. As such, it is sometimes perceived that we will be more emotional during negotiations than knowledgeable.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration as a businesswoman overall has been my mother, who was a union executive, negotiator and a wife. She taught me how to manage as a professional in business while balancing my family life and my self-care.

What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?
Building lasting relationships with my clients who are able to move on to the next chapter of their life either via the property that they sold or the home that they were able to purchase. Most of my clients become my friends or acquaintances and some even become like family.

How do you define "success?"
Success for me is measured by the way in which I am able to influence the lives of many others. I believe in being a leader who builds legacy, and I want my legacy in business and otherwise to reflect that I genuinely care about others. As my business grows, its success is not only measured by my annual revenue, but by the returning clients and those who make referrals because they received excellent service from me as a businesswoman and as a person.

What is something you can't live without?
I wish there was only one thing that I could name that I can't live without, but there are three things. They are my spiritual relationship, my family and my peace!

How do you unwind after a stressful day?
I unwind from a stressful day by relaxing with a gourmet meal and glass of wine at home—which is my sanctuary—or at a nice restaurant, while doing nothing else.

Compass Pennsylvania, LLC and Rocket Mortgage
Philadelphia, Pa.
(267) 322-1298
Compass.com/Agents/Jackie.Ball

Email: Jackieball@compass.com
Instagram: @jackiebfablife
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLBaller17/

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 23, Issue 8 (June 2023).
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