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        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® - Austin &amp; San Antonio Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/author/the-jbgoodwin-team/</link>
        <description>Stay up to date on the latest Austin, San Antonio, and Central Texas real estate trends with JBGoodwin's real estate blog.</description>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-announces-strategic-partnership-with-canva-to-elevate-agent-marketing-and-succes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-announces-strategic-partnership-with-canva-to-elevate-agent-marketing-and-succes.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® Announces Strategic Partnership With Canva to Elevate Agent Marketing and Success</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
AUSTIN, TEXAS — JBGoodwin REALTORS® is excited to announce a new enterprise partnership with Canva, the world’s leading visual communication platforms. This collaboration strengthens the company’s commitment to equipping its agents with industry-leading tools, empowering them to market their listings, build their brands, and serve clients with exceptional professionalism.


 As the real estate landscape continues to evolve, visual storytelling and digital marketing have become essential to an agent’s success, and JBGoodwin REALTORS® has taken a new step forward by partnering with Canva at the enterprise level, a move designed to give every agent access to a powerful suite of creative and marketing capabilities.


A Partnership Built to Empower Agents


The new enterprise collaboration unlocks expanded benefits for JBGoodwin REALTORS®’ more than 850 agents across Central and South Texas. It places advanced design, branding, and communication tools directly at their fingertips, offering an elevated experience tailored to the fast-paced needs of today’s real estate professional.





From social media to listing presentations, open house promotions, and digital storytelling, the platform provides a unified environment that supports agents at every stage of the sales process.


By integrating enterprise-level creative tools into the company’s marketing ecosystem, JBGoodwin REALTORS® continues to set a high standard for what a modern brokerage can offer its agents.


A Collaboration Rooted in Austin Innovation


The partnership carries local significance as well. Canva’s U.S. headquarters is located in Austin, creating a natural synergy between two organizations that share deep Texas roots and a passion for empowering people through technology and creativity.


Through this collaboration, JBGoodwin agents will have access to ongoing training opportunities, dedicated support, and emerging platform enhancements tailored to the real estate industry, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to agent success.


For agents seeking a brokerage that prioritizes their success and provides best-in-class resources, this new partnership is a powerful reflection of JBGoodwin’s commitment to staying at the forefront of industry innovation.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:42:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-takes-first-place-in-austin-for-the-fifth-year-in-a-row.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-takes-first-place-in-austin-for-the-fifth-year-in-a-row.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® Takes First Place in Austin For The Fifth Year In  A Row</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
&quot;Courtesy of The Austin American-Statesman&quot; - (Webb, JBGoodwin Realtors Thrives On Teamwork, Mentorship, and Community)

 



JBGoodwin Realtors Thrives On Teamwork, Mentorship, and Community





Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman


Tammy Gardner, vice president of JBGoodwin Realtors’ West Lake and Lake Travis divisions, has just finished a meeting and is about to take a business call. She is dressed, in her own words, as “a skeleton queen.”


While the circumstance might be unique to the Halloween season, the sense of camaraderie and fun is business-as-usual at the Austin-based brokerage. “At the leadership level, we’re never going to ask our agents to do anything that we wouldn’t do, whether that’s fun or work-related,” Gardner said.


Founded in 1972 in Austin by J.B. Goodwin, who remains CEO today, JBGoodwin Realtors has served the Austin metro area for more than 50 years, building a tradition of teamwork, mentorship and support that defines its culture. During its 50th anniversary in 2022, the brokerage was designated a Texas Treasure Business by the Texas Historical Commission. Earlier this year, J.B. Goodwin was appointed by the governor to a six-year term on the Texas Real Estate Commission.


That commitment to collaboration and community is also why the firm is being recognized in Austin as a Top Workplaces winner in the large-employer category. The homegrown brokerage bested the likes of Charles Schwab, Cisco Systems, Progressive Insurance and more to claim the top spot.


A history of support and service





Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman


“The support starts at the top,” Gardner said. “J.B. Goodwin — he’s not just a name on the building; he’s in the office every day.”


The brokerage currently employs about 900 agents across eight offices, including four in Austin and others in San Antonio and surrounding areas. JBGoodwin is an invited member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, has earned Top Workplaces recognition for 15 consecutive years, and counts many of its agents among the Platinum Top 500.


Top Workplaces rankings for Austin are based on anonymous employee surveys conducted by Energage, a Pennsylvania-based firm that partners with the Austin American-Statesman. In March, the company was named a Top Workplaces USA winner, having previously finished first in its category in 2023.


Its JBGiving charitable efforts were honored with the Statesman Top Workplaces Social Responsibility award in 2024 and, a few months later, JBGoodwin was one of only four companies nationally to receive the same recognition for the Top Workplaces USA awards. Through the program, JBGoodwin agents and staff regularly volunteer and raise funds for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Community First Village, Austin Pets Alive, Hope Austin, and the Central Texas Food Bank — efforts that underscore the commitment to serving Central and South Texas communities.


Gardner said the team was especially proud of these honors, which reflect the company’s focus on community support. “When you see the sea of yellow T-shirts working on community projects, it's very impactful,” she said.


Leadership, mentorship





Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman


At JBGoodwin, success among leadership and agents alike is fueled by mentorship. Hank Marsh, vice president of the Williamson County division, points to the firm’s simple, two-word motto: Help people. “When we look at ‘what does a Realtor do?’ I like to distill it down to a simple form,” Marsh said. “To build relationships and trust with the clients. JBGoodwin’s job is to support the agents in building those relationships.”


Marsh said early mentorship shaped that outlook, recalling how J.B. Goodwin introduced himself and offered practical guidance when Marsh was still new at the brokerage — an example of hands-on leadership that informs his approach today. &quot;I've had some phenomenal mentors in my time here,&quot; he said.


That's the kind of culture Marsh said JBGoodwin strives to curate, one that's collaborative and supportive &quot;from all angles.&quot; That sentiment was echoed by Gardner, who emphasized the importance of teamwork and that training and mentoring are top priorities at the brokerage, across the board.


“We’re not in it alone, we’re in it together,” she said. “No one of us is as smart as all of us put together.” Marsh added that it’s especially crucial for agents to stay abreast of changes in the industry and marketplace. That's particularly true in Austin, where the housing market has cooled sharply since its 2022 peak and continues to swing more buyer-friendly.


Navigating industry change


As Austin's real estate market has shifted from a red hot seller’s market to one of the strongest buyer’s markets in the country, the company has emphasized education, clear communication and adaptable strategies so agents can guide clients with confidence.


“This year, in the market, it’s just about educating clients,” Gardner said. These days, Marsh said, it's not enough to list a property and wait for hungry buyers to bite. Today, landing a sale can require professional photography, detailed floor plans, careful release timing, social media campaigns and more.


“We’re really focused on investing in our agents,” Marsh said — with resources, coaching and marketing support that help them execute at a high level, adapt and keep clients informed and confident. Marsh said he is frequently asked about the state of the market. “The answer is there is no bad market, there’s only unadjusted strategies,” Marsh said.


It's one of the reasons, he said, the firm has been able to deftly navigate major changes, from the state of the market to adjusting to industrywide changes in the wake of last year's National Association of Realtors’ $418 million settlement. Regional associations, including the Austin Board of Realtors and Unlock MLS, have adopted measures to increase transparency and reduce agent risk, including requiring written buyer representation agreements before showings. Marsh explained that the firm's focus on staying abreast of changes has helped it weather major market swings.


&quot;One of the reasons we weren't as negatively impacted as others is because we were already on the forefront of those changes,&quot; he said. That extends to the use of artificial intelligence tools.


The brokerage built a ChatGPT-style tool, ChatJBG, that draws on the brokerage's educational resources to help answer agents’ questions and shape strategies using the firm’s approved materials. The company also leverages AI to generate business efficiencies by connecting internal systems, and uses AI features in platforms such as HubSpot and Canva to support agent recruiting and power the marketing and sales tools agents use daily.


Community and culture





Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman


Employees told Energage that JBGoodwin’s people-first approach shows up in everyday collaboration, accessible leaders and resources that help them grow. Employees repeatedly described the brokerage as a place where they feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow.


“I truly love my job because of the supportive and professional environment. It fosters growth, collaboration, and positivity, making it a place where I feel valued and empowered.” Many pointed to teamwork and a shared sense of purpose, while others said their motivation comes from the people they serve.


“I love my job because it allows me to work with a supportive and collaborative team, where every day brings new opportunities to grow and make a positive impact.” Several emphasized the company’s clear, mission-driven culture.


“I love JBGoodwin Realtors because of the supportive culture, the strong sense of teamwork, and the genuine commitment to helping people. It’s a place where you feel valued, inspired to grow, and proud to be part of a company that truly puts people first — both clients and colleagues.”


And for many, that culture shows up in simple, everyday moments. “I love the work family we have and also the support I get when I need it.”


For Marsh, the through line is consistent: steady mentorship, clear training and a client-first mindset. He said the firm continually coaches and trains so agents can keep clients informed and confident. “We’re constantly coaching and training,” he said.


As for Gardner, with nearly two decades at the brokerage, the best parts of the job haven't changed — support, service and a camaraderie that shows up in the office and in the community. “I’ve been here for almost two decades and I don’t know what anyone could say to me to get me to leave,” she said. “These are just my people. I love my people.”

 

 


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 07:40:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-wins-fifth-consecutive-san-antonio-top-workplaces-award.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-wins-fifth-consecutive-san-antonio-top-workplaces-award.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® Wins Fifth Consecutive San Antonio Top Workplaces Award</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
&quot;Courtesy of The San Antonio Express-News&quot; - (O'Neil, Top Large Workplace: JBGoodwin Fosters A People First Environment)

 



Top Large Workplace: JBGoodwin Fosters A People First Environment







Oct 12, 2025 - Despite a continued market slowdown throughout the year, the leaders at JBGoodwin Realtors remain optimistic, focused on instilling confidence in its agents through a people-first environment.


Five years after the pandemic spurred a boom in affordable inventory and a frenzied pace of sales, its agents now are dealing with homes lingering on the market longer as interest rates creep up and inventory continues to rise. For JBGoodwin, its education efforts are crucial to helping both its agents and clients handle the roller-coaster market.  &quot;Consumer education is a big focus for us because, as the market flows, helping sellers and buyers set realistic expectations for reaching their real estate goals has been really key,&quot; said Erin Cestero, president of JBGoodwin's San Antonio office. &quot;Going from one extreme to a slower pace has created a lot of misunderstanding on how things would be handled and really just meant that we had to reeducate our agents on some of our core business practices.&quot;


JBGoodwin was honored as the Top Workplace among large employers in the San Antonio area this year. This is the first time the brokerage has been listed in this category, but the seventh time in nine years it has earned recognition as the top workplace in its group.  The real estate brokerage bested dozens of other large employers, including 2024 winner Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union. Rounding out the top five are LJA Engineering, Chesmar Homes and Broadway Bank.  J.B. Goodwin started his eponymous firm in 1972 in Austin and has since expanded into San Antonio and the Hill Country, with 397 agents and staff members in San Antonio and 858 overall in Central and South Texas. 


The company debuted on the Top Workplaces list in 2012, when it was No. 6 in the small workplace list. In 2016, it shifted to the midsize employer list. This year, the survey placed companies in categories based on their overall employee count, rather than just how many employees it has in the region, to better evaluate each firm on its actual size. That change put JBGoodwin in the large category - for employers with more than 500 workers - for the first time. Pennsylvania-based Energage conducts the survey that determines the Top Workplaces rankings on behalf of the San Antonio Express-News. 


Solution-driven leadership


Not only has JBGoodwin's team had to adapt to the ebbs and flows of the real estate market, but they've also had to adjust to the changing landscape of the industry, especially in the wake of the National Association of Realtors' $418 million settlement. As a result, regional associations, including the San Antonio Board of Realtors, have created solutions to offer more transparency and reduce agents' risk within the industry. SABOR separated from its Multiple Listing Service this year, establishing it as an independent entity.


&quot;We're just learning to use our tools differently, so we can maximize those opportunities for ourselves and stand out even more,&quot; Cestero said. &quot;Our agents are lifelong learners, and we invest in reeducation because today's expertise is tomorrow's advantage.&quot; The separation allowed the new LERA MLS to broaden its listings and combine services with other nearby associations outside of San Antonio.


&quot;Now we can serve clients better without having to use five different tools to find a property,&quot; Cestero said. &quot;We have a broader range of exposure for their listings because we have agents in a broader market utilizing the same tool.&quot; JBGoodwin also is finding ways to use AI technology to create more efficiency within the workplace. They've created a companywide version of ChatGPT called ChatJBG, which uses JBGoodwin's educational tools to answer agents' questions and help with marketing strategies using the company's approved literature and recommendations. They also can use it to analyze properties to make sure they're not missing any opportunities for improvement.


&quot;What used to take me four hours, reviewing all of our new listings on a Monday that came out in the past week, I can do with the help of AI in 30 minutes now,&quot; Cestero said.


Putting people first


JBGoodwin is shaped by its &quot;Help People&quot; philosophy. Whether it's clients or agents, the brokerage has created a family-like environment to make people feel heard and comfortable through some of their most important life decisions.  For example, JBGoodwin participates in the Department of Defense's SkillBridge program, which lets active-duty service members spend their last six months of service getting hands-on training and career development. At JBGoodwin, they learn to become a licensed real estate agent or pursue other roles in the office.


Jim Payne was a member of the U.S. Air Force for 34 years before he decided to transition into the industry as an agent and join JBGoodwin four years ago. Although he did not join JBGoodwin through the SkillBridge program, he admires the brokerage's efforts to help service members. 


&quot;I personally didn't get into real estate for the same reasons that I think a lot of folks may do, thinking they're going to turn a quick buck,&quot; Payne said. &quot;It's about extending my service, like I did in the military, to be able to speak to a prospect, make them a client and let them know that I'm there to serve them. I'm not there to serve my own needs, and that's one of the things that JBGoodwin does. They really espouse the fact that we are there to serve the clients. We're not here for ourselves, and customers can see that.&quot;


&quot;Every month, we have events that are geared toward causes that are important to our staff,&quot; Cestero said.


Open-door policy


Cestero, along with the San Antonio's vice president, Alberto Hernandez, has an open-door policy, inviting every member of the team to come in to discuss any concerns or questions they may have. Even J.B. Goodwin himself stops by the office to get to know each of the agents, Michael McCall said. After interviewing at five McCall joined the brokerage as an agent seven years ago, knowing nothing about real estate. He was looking for mentors who could help get his business started and guide him in a new industry.brokerages, Payne ultimately landed on JBGoodwin because of the &quot;dignity, respect, camaraderie and encouragement that permeates throughout the building,&quot; he said.


He also valued the brokerage's charitable efforts under its JBGiving program, where agents and staff engage in philanthropic initiatives and community service, including helping out with the Alzheimer's Association, Habitat for Humanity and San Antonio Food Bank. &quot;From the top to the bottom, everyone helps each other out,&quot; McCall said. &quot;There's never been a time when I felt like I couldn't go to the management for a question or to collaborate with another agent.&quot;


This philosophy extends to their clients. McCall created a YouTube channel to help prospective customers learn more about San Antonio's real estate industry. It's been his No. 1 source of business, and even if he doesn't get a deal out of it, he's willing and able to help anyone who wants to learn more about the area. &quot;The ‘Help People' attitude extends across the board,&quot; he said. &quot;It's the way we do business in every aspect.&quot;


 
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    <pubDate>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 08:17:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-picks-up-top-workplaces-real-estate-prize.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-picks-up-top-workplaces-real-estate-prize.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® Picks Up Top Workplaces Real Estate Prize</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
July 21, 2025 – JBGoodwin REALTORS® is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2025 Real Estate Top Workplaces Award, finishing 1 in the nation in the 500–999 company size category.


This prestigious recognition is part of the Top Workplaces industry awards program, conducted annually by research and consulting firm Energage. What makes this award especially meaningful is that it is based entirely on feedback from team member surveys, evaluating key aspects of workplace culture, leadership, and employee engagement. Each year, Energage surveys thousands of employees across a range of industries, including healthcare, technology, education, and real estate to identify standout organizations where people feel genuinely valued and inspired by their work.


Out of all real estate firms participating nationwide, JBGoodwin REALTORS® ranked at the very top.





This latest recognition builds on another extraordinary achievement from earlier this year, when JBGoodwin REALTORS® was named the 1 Top Workplace in the USA across all industries. It is a dual honor that underscores the company’s deep commitment to its people, its mission, and the communities it serves.


“To be named the 1 Real Estate Top Workplace for 2025, and to have also earned the 1 spot in the overall Top Workplaces USA award earlier this year is an incredible honor,” said J.B. Goodwin, founder and CEO of JBGoodwin REALTORS®. “These recognitions affirm what I’ve always believed, that when you build a company rooted in service, integrity, and heart, extraordinary things happen. I’m deeply grateful to our agents and staff who make this such a special place to work. Their passion, purpose, and commitment to helping others are what earned us these honors, and I couldn’t be prouder.”


Together, these accolades are a testament to the enduring strength of a JBGoodwin culture shaped by trust, driven by service, and sustained by a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference. Whether it’s guiding a client through one of life’s biggest decisions or supporting one another as colleagues, the JBGoodwin team remains united by a shared purpose: to help people achieve their goals and improve the communities they call home.

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    <pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:02:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-appointed-to-the-texas-real-estate-commission.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-appointed-to-the-texas-real-estate-commission.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>J.B. Goodwin Appointed to the Texas Real Estate Commission</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 





April 6, 2025 – Austin, TX - Governor Greg Abbott has appointed J.B. Goodwin, Founder and CEO of JBGoodwin REALTORS®, to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) for a six-year term. The appointment recognizes Goodwin’s more than 50 years of leadership in the Texas real estate industry and his longstanding commitment to housing opportunity, public service, and ethical business practices. Appointments to the Texas Real Estate Commission are subject to State Senate confirmation.


Goodwin founded JBGoodwin REALTORS® in 1972, growing the company into one of the largest independent brokerages in Central/South Texas. Today, the firm operates eight offices across the Austin and San Antonio markets, supporting a team of approximately 850 agents.


“I’m honored to accept this appointment and grateful to Governor Abbott for the opportunity to serve,” said Goodwin. “Texas has been my home, my business, and my passion for over five decades. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to help ensure the continued trust, growth, and professionalism of our state’s real estate industry.”


In addition to his leadership at JBGoodwin REALTORS®, Goodwin has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (as Chairman), the Brackenridge Hospital Foundation, the Austin Symphony Board of Directors, and the Austin Chamber of Commerce, where he co-chaired the Economic Development Council. 


Through their JBGiving efforts, Goodwin and his brokerage are also strong supporters of organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Community First Village, the Wounded Warrior Project, Susan G. Komen, CASA, and the San Antonio Food Bank. In recognition of their charitable and civic work, JBGoodwin REALTORS® was recently awarded the 2025 national Social Responsibility award by USA Today Top Workplaces.


In 2019, Goodwin was named REALTOR® Emeritus by the National Association of REALTORS®, and in 2022, was inducted into the RISMedia Real Estate Newsmakers Hall of Fame. JBGoodwin REALTORS® was named the 1 Top Workplace in the nation by Top Workplaces USA in both 2023 and 2025, and the organization is designated a Texas Treasure Business by the Texas Historical Commission.


About the Texas Real Estate Commission


The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating real estate professionals in Texas. Its mission is to protect the public through oversight of real estate brokerage, inspection, and appraisal practices. TREC ensures industry integrity through education, licensing, and enforcement, setting high standards for those who serve Texas property owners and consumers. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate.

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    <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 09:13:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-once-again-named-the-1-top-workplace-in-the-nation.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtorsr-once-again-named-the-1-top-workplace-in-the-nation.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS® Once Again Named The 1 Top Workplace In The Nation</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 




March 24, 2025 – Austin &amp; San Antonio, TX – At the USA TODAY Top Workplaces 2025 Awards Celebration in Las Vegas, JBGoodwin REALTORS®, one of Central-South Texas’s largest independent real estate brokerages was named a 2025 Top Workplaces USA winner, finishing FIRST in the nation in its category. This marks the second time the organization has finished in first place in the Top Workplaces USA awards, having previously taken the top spot in 2023. 


In addition to this honor, the company was awarded the first-ever Top Workplaces USA Social Responsibility Award, recognizing JBGoodwin’s deep commitment to giving back to their communities through their JBGiving charitable efforts, and other ways the organization's agents and staff support those in need.





Each year, Top Workplaces USA, conducted by Energage, ranks companies based entirely on employee feedback, evaluating workplace culture, leadership, and team engagement. JBGoodwin REALTORS® has a long history of excellence, including four consecutive 1 rankings for regional Top Workplaces awards in both the Austin and San Antonio regions.


The Social Responsibility Award, a brand-new national category, recognizes companies that prioritize philanthropy, community engagement, and corporate giving. JBGoodwin REALTORS® received this award in part for its ongoing contributions to a variety of organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the Central Texas and San Antonio Food Banks, CASA, and many other nonprofits that benefit communities across Texas.





“To be named the 1 Top Workplace in the nation again is an incredible honor, but what makes this even more special is being recognized for our commitment to giving back,” said J.B. Goodwin, founder and CEO of JBGoodwin REALTORS®. &quot;Our team is built on integrity, service, and helping others, whether it’s finding a home for a client or making a difference in our communities. My enormous gratitude goes out to our agents and staff who bring heart and purpose to everything they do. This is their award.”

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    <pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2025 13:11:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-essential-role-of-a-real-estate-agent-in-your-homebuying-journey.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/the-essential-role-of-a-real-estate-agent-in-your-homebuying-journey.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>The Essential Role of a Real Estate Agent in Your Homebuying Journey</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 





When maneuvering through the intricacies of a real estate transaction, a trusted guide can make all the difference. A knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent is not only a facilitator but a vital partner in your homebuying process. 


Here's a look at some of the many ways an agent can transform your homebuying journey into a smooth and successful endeavor:


Market Knowledge


Real estate agents possess an intimate understanding of local market trends, including pricing dynamics, housing inventory levels, and neighborhood specifics. By leveraging this expertise, an agent can help you identify properties that align with you and your family’s preferences and budget.


Access to Listings


Agents have access to a vast array of listings, including properties that may not be publicly available. They can sift through this extensive database to pinpoint homes that match your criteria, saving you a considerable amount of time and effort.


Strategic Guidance


Each stage of the homebuying process presents a variety of unique challenges and opportunities. Your agent can offer strategic guidance, from crafting compelling offers to navigating potential hurdles, and generally assist in making your transaction a painless process.


Market Analysis


Before making an offer on a home, it's crucial to assess the fair market value of a property. A real estate agent can assist you in making informed decisions by preparing a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA) on a property you are considering buying. 


Negotiation Skills


Good real estate agents are trained to be adept negotiators who can advocate for your interests. Whether securing a lower purchase price, negotiating repairs, or navigating contingencies, a real estate agent can be of great assistance through the use of their experience, finesse, and skill. 





Navigating Legalities


From contracts to understanding disclosure requirements, the typical homebuying process includes a variety of legal issues. A knowledgeable agent can help guide you through these complexities, safeguarding your interests, and helping you meet compliance requirements and legal obligations.


Insightful Advice


With their experience and industry knowledge, real estate agents can offer invaluable advice on various aspects of homeownership, including property appreciation potential, neighborhood amenities, and resale value considerations.


Emotional Support


Buying a home is often an emotional process that can be equal parts excitement and apprehension. A supportive real estate agent can provide reassurance, guidance, and perspective, easing an array of anxieties and helping you stay focused on your goals.


Professional Network


A seasoned real estate agent has access to an extensive network of professionals, including lenders, inspectors, appraisers, and attorneys. They can recommend dependable experts to streamline the various stages of the buying process and provide valuable insights.


Closing Assistance


The final stages of the home buying process involve numerous tasks, from scheduling inspections to coordinating with lenders. Your agent can assist with coordinating these details, ensuring a straightforward closing process, and minimizing last-minute surprises.



Your real estate agent serves as your reliable ally, navigating the complexities of the homebuying process with expertise, diligence, and dedication. By utilizing their knowledge and resources, you can set out on your homebuying journey with confidence, knowing that you have a skilled professional by your side each step of the way.





To learn about career opportunities as an agent with JBGoodwin REALTORS®, please contact us today at 512.641.5005, or careers@jbgoodwin.com.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:43:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtors-wins-13th-consecutive-austin-top-workplaces-award.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtors-wins-13th-consecutive-austin-top-workplaces-award.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS Wins 13th Consecutive Austin Top Workplaces Award</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 &quot;Courtesy of The Austin American-Statesman Newspaper&quot; - (Moreno-Paz, Bianca. “JBGoodwin Repeats as Top Workplace.” Austin American-Statesman, 12 Nov. 2023, p. 2.)



JBGoodwin repeats as top workplace





Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman


November 12, 2023


JB Goodwin founded his eponymous real estate agency on the day of his graduation from the University of Texas at Austin in June 1972. Over 50 years later, the company has grown to encompass nearly 900 employees in Austin and San Antonio, with eight office locations, and has managed over $40 billion in real estate sales. For a second consecutive year, JBGoodwin Realtors claimed the Top Workplaces mid-sized business award, recognized by their employees for the company’s supportive and nurturing culture. According to Alyson McGee, JBGoodwin’s “company culture is ingrained into everything we do — both for our agents and our clients. The ‘Help People’ mission is not just an empty motto, it’s how we operate both internally and externally every day.” The company puts an emphasis on their mission by offering volunteering opportunities to their employees, in the past helping out at Dell Children’s Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, The Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society, St. Jude Research Hospital, Central Texas Food Bank, We Are Blood, Coats for Kids and more. “We help each other be successful real estate agents, help our clients with their real estate needs and help our community through charitable volunteering and giving efforts. Focusing on helping people means




“Focusing on helping people means we are constantly focused on how we need to adapt to the needs of our agents, our clients and the Austin community.”Alyson McGee, Sales and Leasing Manager at JBGoodwin Realtors




We are constantly focused on how we need to adapt to the needs of our agents, our clients and the Austin community,” McGee said. A sense of community within the company also helps onboard new agents, who start their careers at JBGoodwin with a 12-week, Square One and Momentum training programs, which guides new agents through initial and ongoing coaching, covering a range of real estate knowledge and skills. The company also provides continual support throughout an agent’s career, with state of the art technology and marketing tools that help agents stay at the top of their game, further supplemented by the ongoing support and mentorship by administrative staff and the management team. “Our leadership team, which consists of JB himself and all the office managers, get together on a regular basis to discuss what everyone is seeing and hearing in their own offices. They make sure to continue what’s working and make proper changes when needed to adjust to outside changes,” Jason Palos, an agent out of JBGoodwin’s Northwest Austin office, said. “JBGoodwin is constantly providing training and classes regarding all aspects of residential real estate. This includes top notch lending professionals, from new home builder representatives to home insurance and title company partners. They join our weekly meetings and provide weekly training, sharing current relevant market updates that get emailed to our agents on a consistent basis. We continue to be a top place to work, attracting excellent agents and staff and it all feels like a fun, helpful, supportive, successful family”





Moreno-Paz, Bianca. “JBGoodwin Repeats as Top Workplace.” Austin American-Statesman - Top Workplaces 2023, 12 Nov. 2023, p. 2. 


Photo by - JAY JANNER/AMERICAN-STATESMAN






To learn about career opportunities as an agent with JBGoodwin REALTORS®, please contact us today at 512.641.5005, or careers@jbgoodwin.com.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 13 Nov 2023 15:11:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtors-wins-12th-consecutive-san-antonio-top-workplaces-award.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jbgoodwin-realtors-wins-12th-consecutive-san-antonio-top-workplaces-award.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>JBGoodwin REALTORS Wins 12th Consecutive San Antonio Top Workplaces Award</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
&quot;Courtesy of The San Antonio Express-News&quot; - (Iszler, Top Midsize Workplace: JBGoodwin Realtors lands top spot 5th time in 7 years ‘by doing a good job’ 2023) 



Top Midsize Workplace: JBGoodwin Realtors lands top spot 5th time in 7 years ‘by doing a good job’





J.B. Goodwin began his real estate career as a junior in college.


He’d been interested in the industry from a young age — “I could never really tell you why, but I was” — and was working part time as a bank teller while attending the University of Texas at Austin.


“I told a guy at the bank that someday I was going to get into real estate. He said, ‘What’s wrong with today?’” Goodwin recalled his colleague saying. “I said, ‘How do you do that?’”


His colleague was a broker and he showed Goodwin the ropes. He closed his first sale — on a 1,400-square-foot home in North Austin not far from the bank — in his early 20s and started JBGoodwin Realtors on June 1, 1972, the day he graduated from the university.


Since then, his eponymous firm has managed more than 100,000 transactions and expanded to encompass four offices in the Austin area and four in the San Antonio area. JBGoodwin has more than 800 agents and staff members, including nearly 400 in the San Antonio area.


This year, JBGoodwin was again honored as the Top Workplace among midsize employers in the San Antonio area, the fifth time in seven years it has earned the designation. The category is for employers with 150 to 499 employees.


It was followed by Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp., which is appearing in the ranking for the second straight year. At No. 3 was Capital Strategies, Beyond Wealth, also in its second straight appearance.


JBGoodwin debuted on the list in 2012, when it was No. 6 in the small employers category. It shifted to the midsize employer list in 2016.























 - J.B. Goodwin, CEO of JB Goodwin Realtors, speaks to his realtors during a company meeting at their Sonterra Boulevard offices. Goodwin, left, speaks with Growth and Performance Director Grant Bowman, bottom right. - Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News







‘Do a good job’


Goodwin said his firm’s success stems from building relationships and plain old hard work.


Agents listen to what buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords want, ask them what their preferences are and help educate them about the market, Goodwin said. If someone wants daily calls with updates, their agent calls them every day. If someone wants to boost their budget for a home, their agent helps explain what that means for their payments and confirms that they are comfortable with that increase.


“We do everything in an attempt to make the process as seamless as possible,” Goodwin said. “We try to prepare each party in the transaction for what’s going to happen.”


As proof, Goodwin points to JBGoodwin’s Google reviews. The firm’s San Antonio office has a rating of 4.9 stars based on more than 1,200 reviews, with similarly high ratings at its other offices.


“My colleagues around the country ask me all the time, ‘How in the world do you get that many reviews?’ I always tell them, ‘By doing a good job,’” Goodwin said. “There’s no magic. You do a good job. And if you don’t do a good job, the reviews aren’t so good.”


The firm tries to provide its agents with the best programming and up-to-date information about what’s happening in the market, as well as digital options to help them manage social media and stay in touch with clients, Goodwin said. It hosts weekly sales meetings to discuss ideas and have “agent of the week” celebrations.


In reviews of their employer in a survey conducted by Energage for the San Antonio Express-News’ Top Workplaces ranking, JBGoodwin staffers described the firm’s culture as supportive and collaborative. They said they appreciate working with helpful colleagues, training opportunities and the flexibility that their jobs afford.


“I am well educated with changes in the industry and ways to be successful,” one employee said. “The meetings are always helpful for motivation, and the managers are always there to lend a hand. If I have a question or an issue with a transaction, there are always team members or management that can help me.”


“We are a family and care about each other, professionally and personally,” another person said.


Erin Cestero, president of JBGoodwin’s San Antonio office, echoed that sentiment in an interview.


“Our culture is really unique in coming together to find success,” she said. “In a lot of sales environments, there’s competition that doesn’t always breed camaraderie as much as you might want to see.”



 - J.B. Goodwin, CEO of JBGoodwin Realtors, began his career in real estate when he was in college. - Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News



Firm’s history


After starting his firm in Austin, Goodwin initially pushed into Houston and San Antonio. But he shuttered or sold those operations in the mid-1980s after he and his wife adopted their youngest son. Goodwin was spending much of his time traveling between the three cities and said he told his wife, “I’m going to work in Austin, be home every night and watch my kids grow up.”


Goodwin reopened an office in San Antonio in 2010 and has not returned to Houston.


His biggest mistake, he said, was not expanding to the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the ’80s. And it’s not a move he’d make now.


Five years ago an opportunity arose to buy a company there with about 1,800 agents, but Goodwin was not interested. He said he does not want to spend the majority of his week in North Texas and is content traveling between Austin and San Antonio several times a month.


“I said, ‘I’m too old for this,’” he said.


In the past 51 years, Goodwin has seen plenty of ups and downs in the housing market.


Most recently, sales and prices soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, turbocharged by low interest rates, remote work options and families’ eagerness to spread out in more space. As interest rates have increased, higher monthly payments have priced some buyers out of the market, and sales have slowed. Inventory has expanded, and homes are taking longer to sell.


But Goodwin said his counsel to agents is no different than in the past.


“That is making them realize that the real estate market is always changing,” he said. “You’re always going to have something different tomorrow than what it is today.”




Iszler, M. (2023, October 23). Top Midsize Workplace: JBGoodwin Realtors lands top spot 5th time in 7 years ‘by doing a good job’. San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved October 25, 2023, from https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/jbgoodwin-sanantonio-top-workplaces-18291926.php.






To learn about career opportunities as an agent with JBGoodwin REALTORS®, please contact us today at 512.641.5005, or careers@jbgoodwin.com.



 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 Oct 2023 13:21:00 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-interviews-us-senator-cynthia-lummis.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.jbgoodwin.com/blog/jb-goodwin-interviews-us-senator-cynthia-lummis.html</link>
        <author>blogs@jbgoodwin.com (The JBGoodwin Team)</author>
        <title>J.B. Goodwin Interviews U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
&quot;Courtesy of RISMedia&quot; - (Williams, U.S. senator Cynthia Lummis urges real estate “activism” at RISMedia CEO &amp; Leadership Exchange 2023)



U.S. SENATOR CYNTHIA LUMMIS URGES REAL ESTATE ‘ACTIVISM’ AT RISMEDIA CEO &amp; LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE

 Above, J.B. Goodwin, left, CEO of JBGoodwin REALTORS® and Wyoming Junior Senator Cynthia Lummis at RISMedia’s CEO &amp; Leadership Exchange on Wednesday, Sept. 6. (Photo by AJ Canaria)

“You’re not just hearing from a politician, you’re hearing from someone who knows our business, understands it and plays in that game every day.”


That was how J.B. Goodwin, himself a titan of the real estate industry, brought Wyoming’s Junior Senator Cynthia Lummis on stage at RISMedia’s CEO &amp; Leadership Exchange last week. The presence of the ranking Republican on the Senate banking subcommittee on housing, transportation and community development, who comes from a family of ranchers and developers, was a golden opportunity for this storied audience of housing professionals to get an inside look at federal policymaking that will shape the industry—or a chance for a sitting U.S. Senator to better understand the industry she regulates.


“You’re not just hearing from a politician, you’re hearing from someone who knows our business, understands it and plays in that game every day.”


In the end it was both, as Lummis and Goodwin dove into interest rates, government regulation and affordability—in both present and future tenses—starting an open dialogue on these issues that more often take place behind closed doors.


“We have created a situation where interest rates are extremely high and people who have adjusted to interest rates in the three, four and under five percent range are not going to let go of those fabulous interest rates,” Lummis said. “The greatest opportunity is in new housing.”


Policy, particularly federal policy, remains somewhat disconnected from the everyday practice of real estate, which is largely dictated by decisions made at the local and state level. Despite the impressive array of CEOs and major real estate players in the audience, the focus of Lummis’ talk was not gauging or rallying support around one federal initiative or another.


Rather, the senator sought to elucidate a high-level perspective on major housing issues from the perspective of an elected official, reflecting on issues that brokers are currently grappling with in the context of governance—always an important topic, but especially timely given how monetary policy has impacted housing markets over the last couple years.


“There’s so much low-hanging fruit in overspending in the United States economy that we could do that. And so if we really put our shoulders to it and our minds to it, we could pass some (tax) incentives and offset them with targeted spending reductions,” she said.


Regulation—not at the federal level, but from state and local governments—have long been a target of real estate business leaders. Lummis did not dispute this, saying that local is the place to start getting involved in policy, even if the end goal is to affect federal regulations.


“The incubators of innovation are in the states. And so I strongly encourage you to use your states as your main approach to your activism,” she urged.


Regulation is particularly important in the realm of new home builds, which have surged in response to high buyer demand and a dearth of existing inventory. While there have been various estimates by different advocacy groups, Lummis claimed that the average regulatory cost of a new build is around $94,000. 


While Lummis has a personal and political stake in encouraging new builds—Wyoming has seen a 41 surge in new construction since the pandemic, and she said she has family members currently shopping build-ready lots—it is hard to argue that regulation isn’t contributing to affordability challenges. 


While the federal government can do relatively little about that, Lummis further argued that federal spending “transcends all the other things we’re talking about,” arguing that broad cuts combined with tax incentives would benefit housing. 


Leading real estate economists at the event said it was unclear just how much recent spending sprees and federal stimulus have contributed to the current environment in housing—though no one has disputed that markets are currently absorbing the aftereffects of unprecedented COVID fiscal pivots.


Broadly, Lummis said she shared the frustration of many real estate professionals in terms of how the federal government currently functions, speaking fondly of her time in the state legislature back in Wyoming where politicians found success in addressing “some really gnarly issues.”


As the federal government faces another showdown over spending, with Lummis and other fiscal conservatives threatening a shutdown, the senator reemphasized to the audience of several hundred business owners and leaders—who hailed from every corner of the United States—that they have the power to enact change from the ground up.


“Thank you for being activists…your expertise on the ground and your access to market conditions is something your local governments need to have,” she said. “The federal government likes to replicate success stories that occur in the states. And you’re so admirably positioned to provide your states with ideas that they can more nimbly implemented than Congress can.”


By Jesse Williams 





Williams, J. (2023, September 8). U.S. senator Cynthia Lummis urges real estate “activism” at RISMedia CEO &amp; Leadership Exchange. RISMedia. Retrieved September 12, 2023,from https://www.rismedia.com/2023/09/08/senator-cynthia-lummis-urges-real-estate-activism-rismedia-ceo-exchange/. 





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    <pubDate>Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:16:00 -0500</pubDate>
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