Susan Jacobs, Supporting Heroes and Businesswomen

She’s an award winning realtor and a Sterling Women Manassas sponsor. Meet Susan Jacobs, Associate Broker at Re/Max Gateway in Gainesville.

Jacobs has been in real estate for 26 years. She says she entered the industry because she and her husband owned a deli in Manassas, and when they decided to sell it, she thought she would be “unemployable” in spite of her extensive operational experience. “Real estate is a people-person job like the deli,” she says, “and I like dealing with people.”

Jacobs also likes that she can be independent in her business. “To be in real estate, you have to be a self-motivator. I like that I can make my own decisions. I don’t need or want someone to tell me what to do all day every day.” But, she says, “Even though you are independent, you often refer to clients as bosses because you have to take care of their needs, and that guides your day.”

One of the aspects of Jacob’s business that makes her so unique is her “Homes for Heroes” program, which she has offered for the past two years. Through the program, military personnel, teachers, medical professionals, fire fighters and police officers receive a 25% credit from Jacob’s commission at closing to help cover closing costs. Jacobs says there is no red tape and that she does what she does for these “heroes” because “it’s generous of them to give the time to do what they do.”

Real estate, Jacobs says, has been a largely female dominated industry, though lately, more men and people of different ages have been joining. For those who want to get into real estate, Jacobs suggests, “Have about six month’s worth of income put aside and be willing to put in a lot of long hours.” As a multiple award winning member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, Jacobs also advises, “Join the Chamber of Commerce and participate…that’s how I built my business. It’s not over night. It’s a long, building-relationship ordeal, but people do business with those they know and trust.”

Jacobs got involved with Sterling Women Manassas when she met Director and Host Shateea Holmes at a Chamber event and learned Holmes was bringing Sterling Women to Manassas. “I was thrilled because women need to be with other women in that kind of setting and hear some of the stories of how people became successful. I don’t think we can get enough of that.

“There are women who have great stories and they should be heard. Being a sponsor, it’s a way to build relationships with a whole different group of people. We all share the common denominator. We’re all women, and we’re all there for the same reason.”

Learn more about becoming a sponsor by visiting the Sterling Women Manassas website or emailing info@swmanassas.org.