Meet Selena M. Jones of Almajannie Realty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Selena M. Jones.

Hi Selena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I live in Greensboro, but I am originally from New Haven, Connecticut. My parents were born and raised in the Farmer’s Union community and Lake Waccamaw in the southeastern part of the state. They would bring my brother and me there often to visit family. North Carolina has always felt like home to me. I vividly remember being fascinated with all the land and trees as a child. It was very different from living in the city. I believe where we lived in New England and where we visited in North Carolina significantly influenced my interest in architecture and real estate.

It was really neat to visit towns where my parents knew everyone or so I thought, and all those people owned their homes and land for as far as you could see. When it was time to go to college, I knew I would attend in the south and not look back. I’ve seen enough snow to last a lifetime. So, I attended North Carolina A&T State University (AGGIE PRIDE) and majored in Business Education and Administrative Systems. After graduating, I worked as an instructor at a local business college and later as a claims adjuster for a national insurance carrier. But real estate kept calling my name.

So, while working as a claims adjuster I took the salesperson class and obtained my sales license in 2003. Shortly after that, I began working as a Property Manager, managing affordable housing communities in Eastern NC. I learned a great deal about maintenance and marketing while working as a property manager. I also continued my education in 2006 and completed the requirements to become a North Carolina Real Estate Broker. In 2011, I obtained my Certified Property Manager designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management which increased my knowledge about residential, retail, and commercial real estate. Although I enjoyed the variety of experiences in property management, I still really wanted to sell real estate.

My husband encouraged me to pursue my passion. Together we developed a plan for me to step out on faith and pursue my dream. Fast forward to 2016, my sister-in-law who was already a realtor decided to open her own brokerage and she invited me to join as one of her first agents. She also had a hand in encouraging me to jump so I was over the moon that she had a place for me to land. After working as a realtor for the first few months I could finally say that I found a career I am passionate about. If I hit the lottery tomorrow, I would still show up to work on behalf of my clients. It sounds cliche but I really love what I do.

I am a member of Triad, Triangle, and Canopy MLS. I LOVE everything about selling real estate – the new things I learn, the clients I meet, and the families who trust me with what very often may be the biggest purchase or sale of their lives. I feel privileged and blessed to finally pursue my passion while serving others. Each day, I have the opportunity to help people sell or acquire property in the state I have loved for as long as I can remember.

Sharing this makes me think about a quote from one of my favorite books – The Alchemist. “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Paulo Coelho

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
That is a difficult question. I consider myself a serial optimist. I WILL find the silver lining in any situation, challenge, or problem. Some days it may take me longer than others, but I will find it. I think that positivity is my secret sauce. But please know working as a realtor is not for the weak. All the training you receive to obtain your license DOES NOT prepare you for all that you encounter when working on transactions.

No day is the same as the day before and there’s always a challenge ahead. Some days it could be no cellular signal while you try to open a door with an electronic lockbox, in the rain. Other days properties appraise for less than the contract price. It’s my job to stay calm and either figure it out or find a way through it.

As an entrepreneur, you have great flexibility regarding when you work – if you plan wisely and have a great support system. When I worked as a property manager, I learned how to plan everything with a checklist and that every problem is an opportunity. Maybe it’s an opportunity to solve the problem but it is always an opportunity to learn. I love learning so challenges intrigue me. Now don’t ask me about this sellers’ market, I don’t want to talk about it ha-ha. It is challenging when representing buyers but really awesome when representing sellers.

I know that this interview is about me answering questions about entrepreneurship. But I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the why behind my dedication to being the best Realtor I can be. Of course, my clients are at the heart of it but my BIG WHY is my family. They are the reason I can keep a positive attitude no matter what is thrown my way. Family is my fuel. I am pretty lucky to be surrounded by some all-stars in that regard.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Almajannie Realty?
Almajannie Realty is a Real Estate Brokerage based in the Triad but we serve the entire state of North Carolina. The Owner and Founder is Marcy Jones. We have offices in Jamestown and Greensboro.

The firm opened in 2016 with the Broker in Charge (Marcy) and 2 agents. Marcy named the firm after her maternal and paternal grandmothers Alma and Annie. I had the pleasure of knowing and loving Alma. I soak up all the stories my husband shares about Annie.

The firm has grown to 20 awesome agents and counting. We were voted as the Top Real Estate Firm in the Triad in the News and Record Reader’s Choice Awards. We serve buyers, sellers, and investors. We are skilled in residential and commercial property transactions.

Our firm also offers credit counseling for free as a service to our clients and community. We are passionate about financial literacy and aiding our clients in creating and maintaining generational wealth. Almajannie Realty is the Firm That Cares About Their Clients.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I enjoy listening to Bigger Pockets, Dave Ramsey, and Tom Ferry.

I enjoy non-fiction, self-help, and business-related reading. I also enjoy any content shared by Kendra Barnes, The Key Resource. I cannot wait for her book release, “Acres.” She’s a fellow Aggie and also passionate about real estate education.

I love music. There’s only a handful of genres I don’t listen to. Music is an integral part of my day to relax, unwind, or concentrate. My favorite Realtor App is Realtor Property Resource and Google is my bestie.

Contact Info:

• Email: selena@almajannie.com
• Website: www.almajannie.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/selenajonesrealtor
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/SelenaJonesRealtor/