Jalen James, a 25-year-old dynamo, is making an impact in the real estate industry as the team owner of The James Realty - Front Page Properties. His journey from a full-time entrepreneur to a successful agent and investor is an inspiring tale of determination and hard work, and showcases his passion for helping others achieve their dreams.

Jalen’s foray into real estate began in 2019 when he took the plunge as a full-time agent at the young age of 21. Before starting real estate, Jalen was already a seasoned entrepreneur, running a clothing company and flipping automobiles. The transition seemed like a natural progression for him, driven by the desire to educate the public and help fellow agents and clients achieve remarkable results.

For Jalen, the road to becoming a licensed agent was not without obstacles. He took the state exam 10 times before passing, but his persistence demonstrated his devotion to his newfound career. His relentless pursuit of success extended to Florida, where he took the exam multiple times so he could become licensed in Miami as well. 

Jalen is originally from the west side of Detroit, and his life has been shaped by influential figures such as Verzell Page and Kim Page, who are his current brokers. Their success and transparency inspired Jalen to reach for greater heights. To Jalen, great Michigan investors such as John Graham — as well as Austin Rutherford, who invests in Columbus, Ohio — show what investing the right way looks like.

With a high school diploma and two years of college education in business, Jalen emphasized the impact of life path choices. “Seeing different life paths made me understand that making your own luck with a little faith will really take you to a height that only you can measure!” he said. 

Jalen currently lives in two different cities — Michigan and South Florida — and actively manages full renovation projects, listings, agents, and clients. His impressive track record includes flipping over 10 properties by the age of 25 and achieving a career volume of $40 million in on- and off-market transactions.

Jalen’s success is underscored by his numerous awards, which include the Most Sold Homes in his brokerage in 2020-2022, Most Volume in Sales in 2022, and Investor of the Year Award. His commitment to excellence also earned him the title of Most Improved Agent in 2020 and recognition from Regions Title Agency for Most Transactions in 2021. 

Jalen stands out not just for his professional accomplishments but also for his dedication to community engagement. His philanthropic efforts extend to his own nonprofit organization, the “More Life Foundation,” which focuses on exposing Metro Detroit students to diverse career avenues and entrepreneurial journeys. 

Jalen leads a team of 10 agents, and his unique management style thrives on efficiency and productivity. Despite the team’s hectic schedules, tasks are seamlessly executed, showcasing the team’s ability to excel even in the absence of Jalen.

Jalen’s passion for customer service, transparency, and speed in real estate transactions sets him apart. His commitment to closing deals effectively has earned him local and international recognition, making him a prominent figure in the industry.

Jalen recognizes the importance of patience in a field where transactions may take time to materialize. He advises up-and-coming agents to “shoot your shot at any and everything until you find your niche.”

Jalen envisions real estate as his primary income for life, with plans to own a brokerage, invest in development projects, and continue closing transactions while collecting passive income. “The lifestyle feels like I am a superhero,” he said. “Life is good, because I love what I do. It honestly feels like I have chosen a career that I will do for the next 20 to 30 years.”

Jalen’s definition of success is deeply personal, rooted in positively impacting the lives of those around him. “I want to be remembered as a good ball of energy that touched this world and changed things for generations after me!” he shared.

For aspiring agents, Jalen leaves them with a powerful message: “No matter where you are currently in life, with the right education and action, you are one day away from the life of your dreams.” 

Jalen’s story is a reminder that, with hard work and focus, success not only is achievable but also can come faster than one might expect. As he boards a flight to his second home in Miami for a listing appointment worth $10.8 million, he encourages everyone reading his feature: “If you read my article, you can do it!”