Jessica Smith Bio

When I was in my late teens I started reading books about how to get ahead financially. One of the books that had the biggest impact on me was Robert Kiyosaki's book "Rich Dad Poor Dad". I was really drawn to real estate and got so excited and started looking every day at properties listed on MLS to learn how cash flow worked. My interest in real estate led me to reach out to a local realtor named Bill DeMooy (I'll never forget you Bill) who was passionate about investing and showed me the important factors when buying a great rental property.

With knowledge from my books, Bill's advice, a small ICBC payout ($14,000), some help from my parents ($1200) and grandma ($2000) I was able to purchase my first basic one-bedroom rental apartment in 2003 in Richmond for $86,000. I was 23 going to UBC and I was afraid, but I did my research and I knew so many people would want to rent this nice little apartment, so I went for it. Things got more exciting after that.  Three years later that one bedroom was worth $195,000!

At that point I learned what's called re-financing (keeping the property but take out some of the value). I used this technique and took out enough money to put down 5% on a pre-sale loft building in Gastown. I was excited but also scared because Gastown was an area that was improving but had a long way to go. I decided to feel the fear and do it anyway. I'm so glad I did because by the time the building was ready, my home had gone up $140,000! I couldn’t believe how lucky I was and what real estate was doing for me.

Since the age of 23 I have continued to re-finance and buy new property whenever I can qualify. The market changes but over the long run I know nothing performs better than real estate. The magic is that once you get one home you can use it to keep buying more over the years!

I have received various awards over the years and the one I am most proud of is the Certificate of Membership in the Medallion Club which I have achieved annually since 2011. This award represents the top 10% of realtors in the Vancouver Real Estate Board. It feels so good to know that working hard at helping others buy and sell homes is making a difference in others lives. This award always reminds me of that.

I'm so happy I pursued a career as a Realtor! I love working with people sharing my years of experience to help them buy and sell their own homes. Investing through real estate to create a better financial future has always been my goal and I believe it can work for anyone who wants the same.

I am always here for my clients, and I want everyone to enjoy the benefits of property ownership.