Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Carey.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve lived in Austin for most of my life, so my connection to the city runs pretty deep. I’ve watched neighborhoods grow and evolve over the years, and that perspective really shapes how I approach real estate today.
My interest in real estate actually started pretty early. I bought my first home when I was 21, and since then I’ve owned a mix of older and newer homes in Central Austin and the Hill Country. Most of them needed some level of renovation, so I spent a lot of time learning about remodeling, design, and what really adds value to a home. Over the years I’ve renovated several of those properties and sold a few as well, which gave me firsthand experience on both the homeowner and investor side of real estate.
Before becoming a Realtor, I spent about 10 years working in property management. That experience taught me a lot about the operational side of housing—maintenance, leasing, tenant relationships, and what makes a property run well day-to-day. Eventually I realized that what I really loved most was helping people find the right home and guiding them through the buying and selling process, so I decided to get licensed.
About nine years later, that decision has turned into a career I truly love. Today I’m a Realtor with Open House ATX, where I work closely with buyers and sellers while also helping build a brokerage that focuses on thoughtful marketing, strong client service, and supporting agents as they grow their businesses.
What I love most about real estate is that every home has a story. Whether it’s someone buying their first home, moving into a neighborhood they’ve always dreamed about, or selling a place full of memories, it’s incredibly meaningful to be part of those moments.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not exactly. Like most careers in real estate, it definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road.
When I first got licensed, I was coming out of about 10 years working in property management, so I understood housing and operations really well—but building a client base from scratch was a completely different challenge. Real estate is very entrepreneurial, and in the beginning you’re learning not just the contracts and the market, but also how to run a business, generate clients, and stay consistent even when deals fall through.
Another challenge has been navigating the ups and downs of the market. Austin has gone through huge shifts over the past decade—from a very competitive seller’s market to more balanced conditions—so staying adaptable and continuing to provide good guidance to clients through those changes has been important.
At the same time, those challenges have also been what helped me grow the most. My experience owning and renovating homes myself gave me a practical perspective I could bring to clients, and over time my business became more relationship-driven, with a lot of repeat and referral clients.
I think one of the biggest lessons has been that success in real estate isn’t really about overnight wins—it’s about consistency, learning through every transaction, and building trust in the community over time.
We’ve been impressed with Open House Austin, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is centered around helping people navigate real estate in Austin in a way that feels thoughtful, informed, and personalized. I’m a Realtor and part of the leadership team at Open House Austin, a boutique brokerage based in Austin that focuses on strong marketing, collaboration between agents, and delivering a high level of service to our clients.
We primarily help buyers and sellers in Austin’s central neighborhoods, and a lot of our work comes through referrals and repeat clients. Because many of us on the team have owned, renovated, or invested in property ourselves, we bring a very practical perspective to the process. We’re not just looking at a home from a sales standpoint—we’re thinking about livability, design, long-term value, and how a property fits into the lifestyle someone wants.
One thing that sets our brand apart is how much we focus on presentation and storytelling when we market homes. Austin is a city where neighborhoods, architecture, and lifestyle really matter, so we put a lot of thought into how a property is positioned—from photography and design to the narrative around the home and the area. We want listings to feel intentional and reflective of the character of the property.
We also spend a lot of time supporting and mentoring agents within our brokerage. Real estate can be an independent industry, but we’ve built a culture that’s much more collaborative. Agents share ideas, resources, and strategies, which ultimately benefits our clients as well.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that our business has grown largely through relationships. Many of our clients come back to us multiple times over the years or refer their friends and family, which tells me we’re doing something right. At the end of the day, what I want people to know about our brand is that we care deeply about the experience—from the first conversation all the way through closing—and we aim to make the process feel clear, supportive, and even enjoyable.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always pretty independent and curious. I liked figuring things out on my own and was naturally drawn to creative projects. I’ve always had an interest in homes and design—even before I realized real estate could be a career—so I loved things like rearranging rooms, decorating, and paying attention to how spaces felt and functioned.
Personality-wise, I’ve always been someone who enjoys connecting with people but also likes working independently and being entrepreneurial. I tend to be pretty observant and detail-oriented, which ended up being really helpful in real estate—whether that’s noticing potential in a property, thinking through renovation ideas, or helping clients understand the nuances of a home or neighborhood.
I also grew up loving the outdoors and spending time around Austin’s parks, lakes, and neighborhoods, which gave me a real appreciation for the lifestyle here. That connection to the city definitely influenced my path later on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennsellsaustin.lofty.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenn_sells_austin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennsellsaustin/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-carey-openhouseaustin/
