Looking to experience a different country, I came to America expecting to have a nice trip traveling across the states. What I found was so much more than I ever could have expected.

Growing up on a hobby farm in Portugal, I was always helping out, doing labor-intensive work since I was a kid. It made me appreciate the simple things, and it made me a grounded person. I had always dreamed of traveling and seeing the world, so I decided to take a vacation and backpack through the United States. I had no plans to settle down or to make a life here, but that’s exactly what ended up happening.

As I traveled, I took on small jobs before I found work managing a restaurant, and it was there that I

first became interested in real estate. Clients would come in and talk about their experiences buying and selling homes, and I was fascinated by the process. I bought a house myself and was impressed by my REALTOR’S® work. I knew then that I wanted to become a real estate agent myself.

While getting into real estate, I met a woman at the office, Isabel, who would eventually become my wife. We fell in love, and I knew I wanted to stay with her here, even if it meant leaving behind everything and everyone I had ever known in Portugal. It was a difficult decision, as I had absolutely nobody here - not a single family member or friend, but I believed I could build a life here.

It was a difficult transition at first, establishing myself in real estate. I started out part time, working weekends at the restaurant, and eventually became a real estate agent full time. Everything took off so quickly. I was licensed in 1996, and by 1999 I became a broker and opened up my own office.

Of course, on any journey, there are going to be a few setbacks. Back in 2009, I faced a huge challenge in keeping my real estate office afloat because of the declining market. It was almost to the point where I thought I would have to close it down, but I didn’t give up. It took a lot of personal sacrifices, working long hours and doing everything I could to reduce my living costs. I was determined to keep my employees and prevent my business from closing.

Despite the hardships, it was never a question for me whether I wanted to continue in real estate. Every time I helped someone find their dream home, it was a huge reward for me. Real estate has always been a path to creating wealth and security for families, and it’s something that I believe everyone deserves. After getting through that hard time, I rebounded and came back bigger and  better than ever. I built my business from zero to 65 agents – that is something I will always be proud of.

It is amazing that through all of this, my wife and I continue working side by side. We have been together for 26 years now. We have two sons and a grandson who bring us immense joy and pride.

For the past 3 years, I have been a corporate sponsor of Pathways to Independence, an organization that helps people with disabilities live independently by offering intense and specialized training, that prepares them to get a job in the real world with wonderful companies that help us with employee placement. In my line of work, it is important to me to give back in ways that help everyone have a home and live comfortably.

In my free time, I still love to travel and explore new places. I have been to 29 of the 50 states so far, and I enjoy going to different countries. With my background, I understand just how valuable it is to experience different cultures and appreciate the diversity of the world.

In real estate, I am passionate about upholding standards to deliver the highest quality service for our clients. It is important to me that I serve as a mentor to agents and contribute to industry education. I believe properly trained agents are better equipped to deliver a great experience. Better REALTORS® leads to a better industry!

When it comes to working with clients, I also believe education and information are huge assets. Everyone deserves to own property, but not everyone knows how to get there. That is why I take the time to explain everything and go over the various options available to you. When it comes to selling, I personally take photographs and do 3D floor plans to create the perfect presentation of each property. After working in the industry for 26+ years, attention to detail makes the greatest difference in the success of a transaction! Whether working with buyers, sellers or investors, I am committed to serving as your professional real estate resource throughout the entire transaction and even after as your REALTOR® for life.

Sincerely,

Carlos Alex Jesus
Broker-Owner, GRI, CRS, ePRO | LIC# 9798051 
Direct 201-852-3753
Office 201-997-4200