Meet Jennifer Chan | Mother of 3, Realtor & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Chan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Absolutely, when it comes to the impact I’ve had as a parent, it’s been a thrilling journey filled with positivity and valuable life lessons. The most important thing I’ve done as a parent has been a whirlwind of mostly positive experiences. One of the key lessons I’ve instilled is the value of time management, initiative, and organization. In our household, there’s simply no room for procrastination. It’s a bit like juggling, balancing family life and business, but somehow, we’ve found a way to make it work, and the results have been amazing.
Seeing my children thrive, staying healthy, and, above all, being incredibly happy is the ultimate reward. Take my daughter, Olivia, for instance. At just 10 years old, she’s already embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. She had an idea, and she took the bull by the horns, creating her business model and branding from scratch. From there, she brought her vision to life, crafting a fantastic product and even building her own website with an e-commerce platform. All of this was done entirely on her own.
I’d like to believe that I’ve played a role in shaping her attitude of ‘getting it done.’ The lesson here is that when you combine initiative, determination, and a can-do spirit, the possibilities are endless. It’s incredible to see our children take charge of their dreams and pursuits, and as a parent, there’s nothing more rewarding than knowing you’ve had a hand in nurturing their drive and passion. Our family motto is all about embracing challenges, taking the leap, and making things happen, and I’m incredibly proud to see it resonate with Olivia and our children.

What should our readers know about your business?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have a diverse portfolio of clients who have placed their trust in me over the years. These clients range from new families and developers to seasoned investors. What’s truly heartwarming is that our professional relationships have evolved into genuine friendships, and they continue to entrust me with their business while referring their friends and family.

My journey in real estate began in 2008 when I found myself negotiating short sales and loan modifications for an attorney. At the time, my motivation was to contribute towards covering my university expenses. Little did I know that I would not only develop a liking for the field but also find genuine enjoyment in what I was doing. Meeting families on the brink of foreclosure, facing the loss of their most significant life investments, was a pivotal experience for me. I was driven by the desire to help them understand their options and steer clear of foreclosure.

This early experience instilled in me the values of organization and meeting stringent deadlines. Subsequently, I embarked on the journey of obtaining my real estate license in Florida, recognizing that a substantial portion of success in this industry hinges on follow-up and effective communication, which I hold as fundamental principles.

In 2015, I expanded my reach by earning my California real estate license and diligently building my network. Undoubtedly, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but every challenge has been entirely worth it. My clients appreciate that I am, first and foremost, a dedicated mother, and this authenticity has allowed me to earn their trust. Transparency, honesty, and unwavering integrity are the cornerstones upon which I conduct myself, setting an example not just for my clients but also for my own children.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week I’d show her the best time. We’d start by spending the first day unwinding at my home in Orange County and spoiling her with a delicious home cooked meal. On day 2 I’d take her to Newport Beach and head south stoping at the idyllic city of Corona Del Mar for coffee and beautiful walks along the dramatic cliffs. We’d then head to Joey’s Newport Beach for brunch. After shopping at Fashion Island we’d head over to the beach for a classic SoCal sunset, lounge around on the beach and then head to South of Nicks in Laguna Beach for a delicious Mexican dinner. Day 3 we’d pack up and head to LA for 3 nights. We’d absolutely do the tourist thing and jump on the Big Red City bus and tour the sites. Honestly, when I’m traveling abroad it’s one of my favorite ways to explore a city before I narrow in on a spot. We’d hike Runyon Canyon and then have a late lunch at Joans (or Urth – because you can’t come to LA without going to Urth!) After checking into our swanky WeHo Edition hotel room, we’d have a drink and head to Catch. Day 4 we’d head to Santa Monica pier, eat an early lunch at Sugarfish and head up to Malibu. I love going to Calimingos because it makes me feel like I’m in a dream! It’s completely sensory overload in the most beautiful way. After enjoying the day there we’d take the canyon roads over to Mulholland Highway and end our night at the famous Hollywood Bowl for a concert. Day 5 we’d head over to Griffith Park for some early morning hiking and do a studio tour at Universal Hollywood. After spending the day we’d head to downtown for dinner at Perch and dancing. On day 6 we’d head back down to Orange County and stop at the Anaheim Packing district for brunch and then head to Disneyland and California Adventure!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are several individuals who have left a profound mark on my journey, shaping me into who I am today. First and foremost, my own mother stands out as a remarkable influence. As a single mother and provider, she ensured that my sister and I lacked nothing during our upbringing. Her unwavering strength and determination served as a daily source of inspiration.

My husband, my biggest cheerleader and supporter, has been my rock through thick and thin. He wholeheartedly embraces my ideas and his unparalleled drive motivates me to continuously strive for excellence. My children are my driving force—my “reason why.” Virtually every action and thought of mine revolves around them. They inspire me every day to give my very best, as I aim to shape their lives and set a positive example.

My girlfriends have been an unwavering source of guidance and support throughout my life’s journey. They’ve been there for me through every season, standing by my side as I made the life-changing move from Florida to California, and wholeheartedly celebrating my journey into motherhood. What’s truly heartening is that our bonds run even deeper, extending beyond friendship to a professional level. I’ve had the privilege of not only being their friend but also serving as their trusted real estate agent. It’s a testament to the strength of our relationships that they are the first to recommend me as a referral. These incredible women have not only seen me through thick and thin but have also placed their faith in me professionally, and for that, I’m truly honored.

In the world of business, my partner Ana Rodriquez has been a tremendous source of inspiration. Her boundless positivity is infectious, and she exemplifies an extraordinary level of commitment as a mother, a trait I deeply admire and endeavor to emulate. In the realm of business, she’s an unstoppable go-getter and a wellspring of innovation.

I had the privilege of serving in a leadership capacity as the Director of Operations alongside my friend, Tosca Musk, at her company, Passionflix. This role and company were truly exceptional in every sense. It was a dynamic, fast-paced environment complemented by an outstanding team. It challenged me professionally to raise the bar for myself.

Last but certainly not least is my incredible team at Highland Premiere. Dennis Hsii, Vivian Yoon, and the entire team come from diverse backgrounds, yet they all share an exceptional spirit of leadership, entrepreneurship, and unrelenting drive. Every conversation with them imparts invaluable nuggets of wisdom, leaving me inspired and eager for what lies ahead.

Website: www.jenniferchanre.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenniferlchan

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jenlchan

Image Credits
All images are mine, Jennifer Chan.