Lessons from Local Leaders:

John Ginty

Meet John Kenty: A Passionate Real Estate Expert Who Puts Relationships First

At JCF Real Estate, we believe in helping our clients with every real estate need—from buying and selling to renting and investing. The driving force behind our success is John Kenty, the leader of JCF Real Estate, a team that’s part of Samson Properties, a larger brokerage. Let’s dive into John’s journey in real estate, how he got started, and what drives him to do what he does.

From Teacher to Real Estate Professional: John’s Journey

John’s story began in New York, where he grew up before relocating to Virginia in 2005. His move was originally to take a teaching position, which led to a successful career in education. With a master’s degree in education, John spent seven years teaching health and fitness in public schools. While he loved helping others, the grind eventually led him to feel burned out.

That’s when his father offered a suggestion that changed his life—why not try real estate? His father had been involved in the industry years earlier and thought John would be a great fit. After some consideration, John signed up for a real estate licensing class. Despite the dry material (real estate law can be pretty dull), John found himself hooked. By 2012, he officially entered the world of real estate, a career he’s now been thriving in for over 13 years.

The Road to Building a Real Estate Team

John started his real estate career as an individual agent, but it wasn’t easy at first. With only a few transactions per year, he quickly realized that being a solo agent was tough. His next move was to join a team, which helped him grow significantly. After six years, he was closing around 30 transactions annually—a far cry from when he was struggling alone.

But John’s growth didn’t stop there. After receiving encouragement from others, he knew it was time to build his own team. The transition wasn’t easy, but John thrived in the role, becoming a mentor to newer agents and helping them grow. His small team currently includes both licensed and non-licensed agents, and John’s focus is on providing hands-on mentorship and building strong relationships.

As John says, “If you join me, we’re in this together.” He doesn’t just see his team members as employees—he views them as partners. Whether it’s door knocking, doing open houses, or brainstorming new ways to grow, John is in the trenches alongside his team.

Marketing and Social Media: Reaching Clients Where They Are

When it comes to marketing, John has found success on social media, particularly on TikTok. With over 7,000 followers, his presence on the platform has led to a steady stream of inquiries from potential buyers and sellers. John’s content strategy is simple yet effective: home tours, thought-provoking questions, and engaging, often lighthearted videos. His approach blends real estate expertise with a personal touch, which has resonated with his audience.

John understands the importance of social media and how it’s become a powerful tool for real estate marketing. He creates all of his content, edits the videos, and interacts with his followers directly. This level of engagement has allowed him to connect with clients on a deeper level, providing them with both valuable information and a sense of fun.

Navigating the Changing Real Estate Landscape

The real estate market is always in flux, and John has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening in Virginia and West Virginia. He focuses on his local market, working closely with other agents, lenders, and title companies to stay informed about current trends. He knows that national news doesn’t always reflect what’s happening at the local level, and he ensures that his clients receive information that’s relevant to their specific needs.

One of the challenges John sees on the horizon is the possibility of falling interest rates. When rates drop, demand increases, which leads to higher home prices and increased competition. John’s advice? Act fast and be prepared for a competitive market. For buyers waiting on rates to decrease, it may be a better strategy to buy now, as waiting could end up costing more in the long run.

Relationships and Opportunities: The Foundation of John’s Business

For John, real estate is more than just transactions—it’s about relationships. Whether it’s helping clients find their dream home, guiding new agents in their careers, or even supporting a client starting a new cleaning business, John is passionate about creating opportunities for others. His philosophy is simple: the more people you know, the more opportunities arise for everyone involved.

John doesn’t just want to sell homes; he wants to help people grow—both personally and professionally. He believes that by creating strong relationships, he can help his clients and his team achieve success. He’s inspired by people like Tony Robbins, who have a positive impact on those around them. While John doesn’t aim to be a motivational speaker, he does strive to make a meaningful difference in his clients’ lives every day.

Looking to the Future

John’s vision for 2025 is clear: to be purposeful, to live his goals, and to keep growing both personally and professionally. One of his exciting upcoming projects is a book he’s co-authoring, a guide for homeowners who want to sell their property without a realtor. This book, set to be released soon, will offer valuable insights for those looking to go the for-sale-by-owner route.

With his vast experience, dedication to helping others, and commitment to relationships, John Kenty is a standout in the real estate industry. Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or investing, you can trust that John and his team will provide the guidance and support you need to succeed.

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