Ginger Baxter

HARVESTING REAL ESTATE IN WESTERN MICHIGAN

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Michelle Wise with Wise Photography

As a proud Michigander and lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, Ginger Baxter is loyal to western Michigan. Her passion and historical perspective of the area is a hallmark of her business and the gateway to exclusive client offerings, which has ultimately made her a multimillion-dollar producer in the real estate industry. Ginger also uses her firsthand knowledge of western Michigan to bring awareness and appreciation for the local real estate market, mindful of where it has been and where it is going.

“My roots run very deep on the west side of the state,” Ginger said. “I attended Grand Rapids Christian High School and obtained a bachelor’s degree in health fitness, rehabilitation and preventive medicine from Central Michigan University. Since 1999 — when I began my real estate career — I have been delighted in helping people move to the next chapter of their lives to this vibrant, thriving area.”

Growing up, Ginger lived on a farm taking care of animals and growing hay for her family’s horses. Her childhood environment and experiences shaped her life, which encouraged her to set her goals high and chase her dreams. “Our household was filled with hardworking parents who were passionate about everything they did,” Ginger proudly recalled. “My mom and dad’s influence had such a positive impact on me that I continue to keep that ambition alive in everything I do today. Additionally, I used to compete in gymnastics, play softball, run track, cheer, show horses on a national level and played rugby at Central for four years. These activities made me want to be better every day and continuously search for higher achievements. I never settle for being good enough because the competition always gets better.”

From lakefront property to farmland and new construction, Ginger has the inside scoop on what’s trending and where to look for the best property investment. She works hard for her clients and is dedicated to delivering top customer service that’s bundled with integrity and reliability.

As a real estate agent, developer and founder of the Ginger Baxter Group within Keller Williams North, Ginger and her team have maintained its status in the top 3 producers within her office and top 20 among the Greater Regional Alliance of REALTORS® (GRAR).

Ginger leads her full-service team as the listing agent and works alongside two buyer’s agents — Sydny Gray and Jacqueline Smart-Parrish — who both specialize in existing buyers and the new construction process. The team is supported by Michelle Vanderplow, a full-time director of operations and a team marketing manager who oversees the group’s marketing efforts. “Everyone on the team is full-time, very hardworking and passionate about helping people find their next home,” Ginger shared.

Prior to her career in real estate, Ginger was a personal trainer and nutritionist. After she became a mother, she wanted a flexible schedule that would work around her kid’s activities and found real estate to be a perfect match.

Today, Ginger lives on a farm in Rockford with her husband, Heath. They have three children — Bryce, a senior at Western Michigan University with a degree in business finance; Peyton, a freshman at Oklahoma State University; and McCoy, a sophomore at Rockford High School. “My family has been the support and motivation behind my career success,” she said. “I have been able to flourish in my professional life because of them.” Along with her husband and kids, Ginger’s father has always been her biggest cheerleader, pushing her to do more and think outside the box when it comes to problem-solving.

After 22 years in the business, Ginger said she still learns something new every day. “No two deals are ever the same,” she explained. “Every transaction brings different situations or personalities, and that can sometimes present a challenge. But being able to overcome these obstacles is what’s so rewarding. Helping people out of bad situations is also very fulfilling.”

In addition to her real estate work, Ginger has been helping her mother’s best friend hand out promise books, which was a mission her mother started many years ago. “The books get distributed to churches, jails, hospitals, homeless shelters and even ambulance drivers,” Ginger said. “These books are free through Ginny Jo Ministry and have been very well-received throughout the community. I feel very blessed and thank God for all of my blessings in and out of my real estate business.”

Ginger also enjoys golfing, riding ATVs, camping, hiking and exploring iconic vacation spots with the love of her life — her husband. Furthermore, Ginger and her family support Peyton, who is on the equestrian team at Oklahoma State University and shows horses on a national level. They also love watching McCoy play basketball and lacrosse, and spending quality time with Bryce when he’s home from college, which usually involves listening to his expertise about the stock market.

MY MOM AND DAD’S INFLUENCE HAD SUCH A POSITIVEIMPACT ON ME THAT I CONTINUE TO KEEP THAT AMBITIONALIVE IN EVERYTHING I DO TODAY.

Given her status and mastery in the industry, Ginger advises up-and-coming real estate professionals to always ask questions. “It’s good to stay curious because the learning never stops,” she said. “It’s also important to be humble and quick to help out during any transaction.”

IT’S GOOD TO STAY CURIOUS BECAUSE THE LEARNING NEVER STOPS. IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO BE HUMBLE AND QUICK TO HELP OUT DURING ANY TRANSACTION.

Ginger Baxter - TOP PRODUCER