Jason Beal

JBeal Real Estate Group

How many years in the business: 25 Years

Q: Give us a little bio of yourself, how and when and why you got into real estate?

I was born and raised in the Mankato area, I went to MSU and received a degree in Corporate Finance. A friend of mine introduced me to real estate and I have never looked back! I started JBeal Real Estate Group in the spring of 2002 and my father was my first agent. I knew then that I loved working with a variety of people everyday.

Q: What have been the biggest changes in the business that you’ve seen over the years: When I first started with real estate there was a lot of face to face interaction with the clients. We used to have house pictures developed at the photo stores and purchase agreements were only 1 page! Now there is a lot of information readily available on the internet and the process has become very electronic.

Q: What do you think are the secrets to your success?

I think that my secret is being a good listener and hearing what the client’s needs are. I am very educated in the real estate process as well as construction. I can really help people understand a home and what benefits or challenges may exist. I want them to be happy with the transaction.

Q: How have higher prices, rising interest and low stock changed the landscape and how you approach your job?

I have been selling for long enough that I have seen a variety of highs and lows in the real estate market. The real estate market is always changing. I pride myself in being educated on what is happening in the present and relay that to my client and their needs for buying or selling. Honest communication is essential!

Q: What are some of the key questions buyers and sellers should be asking real estate agents?

There are a lot of people that have entered the real estate industry over the last few years. I think that buyers and sellers need to make sure the agent understands what they need and are able to assist them correctly through the process. Have they sold a property like this before? What is their experience? How do they market properties? How do they communicate (text, email,

Q: What things are buyers and sellers unprepared for or mistakes they make coming into the process?

One of the mistakes buyers make is formulating an opinion about a property without seeing it in person. Buyers tend to get hung up on new and pretty and sometimes that is not the best investment strategy. A house is a home but over time it is also an investment. I also think that sellers should take more time getting a property ready to show.

Q: What would people be surprised to know about you?

Most people may not know that I am serving my 5th term as the President of the Realtors Association of Southern Minnesota. I have been on the board for almost 21 years. This is due to my love of all things real estate related. I am a very family oriented person that works with my father Jim and my wife Shannon who are 2 wonderful agents. I like to get dirty with projects and swinging the hammer. In the early years, I wanted to know the trades and everything I could about how a house was built so I worked as a mason, framer, drywaller, did some mudding and taping, and shingling just to see how it was all done.