“I was exposed to the world of real estate at an early age,” says Jen Ross Cross, co-founder and partner at Upper End Properties. “My family moved so many times, we spent most of our weekends at open houses!” After graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy, she earned a business/marketing degree at University of Missouri-Columbia. “Before becoming a real estate agent, I sold medical supplies to professional athletic trainers,” she recalls. “I find there’s less swearing in real estate.” Ross Cross started Upper End six years ago. She, husband Andy Cross and son William, age 1, live in Frontenac with Scruffy, their 18-year-old terrier.
[beginnings]
As a kid, I wanted to be an artist or a veterinarian. I still do craft projects and I love animals, but I guess I’m better suited to helping people find their dream home.
[first sale]
I listed the home of a pro athlete who had personalized much of it, and not in a mainstream way. A family with two teenage sons bought it, and I bet their buddies thought it was pretty awesome. I was over the moon! It sold quickly and the buyers and sellers were so happy.
[biggest sale]
$4 million
[at last]
I knew I’d hit my stride as an agent when other agents started asking for my opinion and advice.
[favorite part of the job]
Negotiating the contract. When we get the deal accepted, it’s the best high. No matter what the price range or part of town, it always feels the same: thrilling!
[least favorite]
Delivering disappointing news never gets easier.
[biggest misconception about real estate agents]
People tend to think we make a lot of money for minimal effort, which couldn’t be further from the truth. TV shows like Million Dollar Listing don’t help with that perception.
[good times, bad times]
I’ve worked some deals where absolutely everything went wrong. The only way to handle it is to be patient and persevere. I always strive to turn stressful situations into productive ones by remaining calm, listening to others with no agenda of my own, and putting myself into the client’s position.
[what it takes]
To be a successful agent, you need lots of heart and belief in yourself. You have to be able to pick yourself up after a tough break and get back on your feet with a smile on your face.
[time to unwind]
I belong to the most incredible book club. We share a love of reading, but also have a strong kinship and genuinely cherish each other.
[day is done]
I read stories to my son and rock him to sleep, then have a big glass of chardonnay!