Editor’s Note: We spoke with Emily Rivera Jackson with Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty in North Port. She’s been buying and selling homes in Florida and Ohio the past 23 years. Call or text Emily at 941-525-4319; visit her website at EmilyHoldstheKeys.com or EmilyRiveraJackson.com.
Emily, what’s your brief history as a professional realtor?
I’ve been selling real estate since 1998. I’ve been a top producing agent in Ohio and Florida for many years. I live in North Port, but I also sell homes in Venice, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Englewood, and Punta Gorda. I love selling waterfront homes, but every real estate transaction is important to someone. I am also a VA specialist helping many Veterans get into a home for almost no money down. My experience selling over 1,000 homes is my best asset along with enthusiasm and determination.
What’s the outlook for real estate going into 2022?
Hopefully, a lot more listings. The market has been slower mostly due to Covid in the past year, but I feel optimistic as we move into the new year. Homes have never been higher and it’s a great time to sell a home in Florida. Rates are still great, and it’s still wiser and cheaper to buy a home than rent one.
Can you give a few tips to help buyers in a hot market?
It’s important to get pre-approved for a loan by a good local lender. Find an experienced realtor who will pay attention to your explicit needs. I look for possible defects that could impact on financing like the age of the roof or outdated electrical panels. A complete home inspection helps to identify problems and possible future projects. Make strong offers since most homes are selling close or above the asking price. There are many new homes hitting the market daily so stay positive and enthusiastic.
Where are you from originally and what brought you to North Port?
My husband and I were born and raised in Ohio before moving to Port Charlotte and then North Port. We continue to be impressed with the quality of our local schools and teachers. We love the various parks in North Port, Venice and other communities throughout the region.
What would you like to share about your family?
My husband, Edwin Jackson (married 20 years) flip homes together and do many upgrades to make them more appealing and functional. He owns Jackson Home Remodeling & JHR Landscaping. He coaches basketball for the NPYP and Aces. We have two amazing daughters, Kayla Sky (13) and Izabella Rain (10). The girls enjoy basketball, soccer, guitar and theatre arts. They’ll be performing in The Little Mermaid and Foot Loose this year. Zoey is our Dog daughter.
