Justin Porter began his real estate career in November 2020, after being a minister for 17 years. “I worked with some great Realtors® over the years,” Justin recalls. “It was time for something different, and I couldn’t think of a better way to continue to make an impact and build relationships than through real estate. In a way, I’m continuing to do what I’ve always done, which is to serve and connect with people.”

When he decided to take the leap into real estate, Justin knew just who to contact. “I reached out to Jayne Helms, a veteran Realtor® in Salisbury,” Justin says. “She was my Realtor® 10 years ago when I was a pastor, and helped us get into an old historic downtown church in Salisbury. We built a relationship over the years, and she agreed to bring me into her office and mentor me. I joined her team, and I’ve been with Jayne at RE/MAX Leading Edge ever since!”

Justin serves the greater Charlotte metro region, and he is already seeing his referral business flourish. “From the very beginning, I’ve had a focus on building relationships and not building a transactional business,” Justin explains. “That’s how Jayne has coached me from day one.” About a third of Justin’s business so far has come from referral clients, and he continues to build lasting relationships with satisfied clients.

Justin stays in touch with past clients in a number of ways. He always reaches out the week after a transaction to check in and see how everything is going. He also pops by at holidays to deliver pies, along with handwritten cards thanking them for their business and their relationships. “I let my clients know that I’m not too busy for their referrals,” Justin says, “and many of those cards have been thanking clients who have already referred their family and friends to me. I love to keep that long-term relationship going, and I’ve become friends with many clients. My goal from the very first moment working with a client is to begin a relationship that goes far beyond the closing.”

When it comes to marketing, Justin draws on his experience in video and production work to create striking videos for some listings and promote them on social media. “That’s been the #1 way I’ve been promoting listings, and it’s been very successful,” Justin says.

Justin believes strongly in giving back and being a positive force in his community. He and his family help give back in the form of food and toy drives at the holidays. “As a real estate agent, I believe we’re influencers in our community,” he says. “We hold the keys, no pun intended, to people’s hopes and dreams, and who knows the community better than a Realtor®?”

Looking toward the future, Justin says, “My goal for 2022 is to reach and serve double the amount of clients that I’ve served this year. I’m trying to stay laser-focused on helping people, caring for people, and giving people my best. I love taking this journey with people, and I love celebrating with my clients when we make it through together to the closing, especially if it was a challenge. There’s nothing better than that.”

To find out more about Justin Porter, you can call him at (704) 953-6396, or email him at realtorjfp@gmail.com. You can find him online at JustinPorter.tv.