Meet the RE/MAX Broker/Owner Named to the 2022 ‘30 UNDER 30’ List by REALTOR® Magazine

Jennifer Romero, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Lifestyles in Hackensack, New Jersey, has been named to REALTOR® Magazine’s prestigious “30 under 30” list in 2022. According to REALTOR® Magazine, the mission of the 30 Under 30 accolade is “to recognize young members of the National Association of REALTORS® who are doing extraordinary things in their businesses, associations, and communities in every part of the country.” Only five years into her real estate career and already an accomplished Broker/Owner, Romero certainly fits the bill. In fact, Romero is the first person to rank on this prestigious list in New Jersey within the past six years.

With a goal of educating others about the potential wealth-building benefits of owning real estate, Romero is laser-focused on helping people in her community plant what, for many, is their first seed in building generational wealth. She helps clients with both homeownership for themselves and investment properties they are hoping will make returns on their future.

An entrepreneurial spirit – a quality seen throughout the RE/MAX network – was something Romero recognized in herself at a young age. Inspired by her father’s career in construction and her past business experience in customer relations, Romero knew real estate would be a difficult, emotional and, yet, rewarding career.

She decided to take the first step in getting her real estate license when she found herself at a crossroads. At just 21 years old, Romero was forced to drop out of college due to the financial burdens of higher education. She refused to let this situation define her potential, so she began working to obtain her real estate license.

Working seven days a week – including early mornings and late nights – to accommodate earning certifications and navigating client needs, Romero’s book of business took off. She soon was recognized in the New Jersey Association of REALTORS® (NJAR) Circle of Excellence and has achieved this recognition every year for the past five years.

“All dreams are possible if you have the conviction to believe in yourself and the perseverance to work for your goals every single day,” says Romero.

After beginning her real estate career with Keller Williams, Romero moved to the RE/MAX network citing brand recognition and the expansive referral network as major draws.

“My career skyrocketed after joining RE/MAX,” Romero shares. “The technology, environment, culture, and networking events with RE/MAX were huge for my career.”

Once Romero really began building her customer base, she realized about 80% of her clients have English as their second language. This was familiar to Romero’s past as she relayed to REALTOR Magazine, “My immigrant parents struggled to understand the rules and regulations of American real estate, which eventually resulted in the foreclosure of our home. This experience – along with other moments in my childhood where I translated legal documents for them or attended my little sister’s parent-teacher conferences to help translate – has helped make me the real estate professional I am today.”

In addition to servicing her clients’ real estate needs in either English or Spanish, Romero is dedicated to connecting her clients with trusted professionals involved in real estate-adjacent services such as mortgage and title companies.

“My goal is to educate,” she says. “I don’t want anyone to ever feel like they were improperly represented, so I try and connect my clients with other trusted professionals with whom I’ve worked and who are bilingual, so my clients’ needs and best interests are protected.”

In 2021, Romero closed 42 individual transaction sides and achieved $20.8 million in sales volume. RE/MAX Lifestyles Co-Broker/Owner Martin Bianchi says Romero’s personal traits are just as impressive as her professional ones.

“Besides being a great professional, Jennifer is an amazing person. She’s always learning and always does the right thing,” Bianchi says.

So, what advice does this seasoned, 26-year-old have for other new agents just getting into the ‘biz?

“You cannot give up! Real estate is painted as a very glamorous career, but it’s for those who are willing to work hard,” she says. “You really need to want to help people. It’s not just about selling the house, it’s about educating someone and going the extra mile so they are taken care of. Repeat business comes to those who aren’t after the paycheck, but are in the business of helping people.”

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