Jaime Burkhart

A CAREER BUILT ON INTEGRITY, GRATITUDE AND ENTHUSIASM

By Robbyn Moore

Photos by Jermaine Buie with Perfect Light, LLC

Jaime Burkhart is affectionately known as “The Queen of Fun” because of her outgoing personality, charisma and humor. Her enthusiastic approach to life and business, coupled with her ability to find gratitude in every circumstance, has made Jaime a standout in all areas of her life.

Prior to launching her career in real estate 16 years ago, Jaime was a dental assistant, a certified massage therapist, and a full-time ICU and labor and delivery registered nurse. “The good news with me is that if you get sick, give birth or suffer from stress through the homebuying process, I’m a one-stop shop,” Jaime said jokingly. “Actually, I have a few clients who I’ve helped deliver their babies and found them a home!”

No matter her occupation, Jaime has always had a passion for helping people by pouring 100% of herself into her efforts. In early 2005 — while she was pregnant with her son — Jaime acquired her real estate license to assist her then-husband with his real estate business. At the same time, her younger brother, Jeff Packer, was also getting his real estate license, and together, they supported each other as they embarked on their new journey.

After her son was born, Jaime decided to put her nursing profession aside and focus on real estate fulltime. She went on to do a massive amount of short sales for eight years, working 60-75 hours a week. “During that time, I was dealing with 80-100 active short sales,” she recalled. “I think I have PTSD from those years.”

As time went on, Jaime honed her real estate skills and prioritized her life so she could independently focus on her clients’ needs as well as her family. “I created a path of being in control of my own ‘ceiling,’ schedule and future,” Jaime said. “I dreamed it, and it happened. No one dictated my plans or when I should work or told me what my time was worth — that was on me. Real estate became very liberating.”

At the heart of Jaime’s life is her passion for continuous inward reflection and growth. As a pastor’s daughter, Jaime learned from her father the importance of having a strong faith and an appreciation for family and community. “I was always very active and social in our church, which helped with my communication experience and love for people,” Jaime shared. “We were also brought up in an environment that focused on our core values — that is the foundation of my life today.”

As a real estate agent with The Packer Group at Coldwell Banker Preferred, REALTORS®, Jaime is surrounded by a team of individuals who care and support one another. The group includes eight agents and a full-time marketing director and photographer. “Working with integrity is our highest priority,” Jaime said of her team. “We want to strive to be the best at what we do, and we truly care deeply. Our clients aren’t just sales transactions; they are people with families and lives. We treat each client how we would want to be treated, and our referral percentage is a direct reflection of that mentality.”

Jaime’s favorite quote is “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things.” She lives by these words in her professional life, and more importantly, her personal life. After years of working long hours while raising two boys, Jaime has found a good work-life balance thanks to her husband, Rob. The couple married three years ago, and they enjoy everyday moments. “Rob has taught me so much about slowing down to enjoy life’s moments,” Jaime said. “Just simply breathing in the lake air and having a glass of wine is how life should be enjoyed.”

Together, Jaime and Rob have four children — twins, Lily and Brendan, 22, Landen, 15, and Beckham, 12. As a family, they spend quality time at their lake house on “Burkhart Beach,” and enjoy boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing, kayaking, fishing, bonfires and soaking in the hot tub.

Jaime shares her enthusiasm for lake living not only with her family but also with her clients. It’s not uncommon to see her cruising around the water, showing clients properties and helping them envision a resort-style life. “My all-time favorite home to sell is a lake home,” Jaime said. “It’s so much more than ‘just a home’; it’s a lifestyle that makes capturing family-time memories a daily event. Instead of a vacation a few times a year, why not enjoy it every day? Whether it’s a bonfire at the end of a busy workday, a happy-hour sunset cruise around the lake, or a whole day with family enjoying the lake, I believe it’s one of the best ways to enjoy life to the fullest! To bring that dream to a reality is literally one of the best feelings in the world for a family.”

This year — in particular with limited inventory — has been challenging to many real estate agents. As a result, Jaime and her team found new ways to stand out and make their clients’ dreams come true. “It’s no secret that real estate is an ever-changing business,” Jaime explained. “Over the years, the issues have changed, but being an innovative and smart agent is still a consistent factor for success. I will also say it’s important to not be a secret agent — tell everyone you know about your business and how you can help. Above all, be honest, be genuine and authentic.”

Jaime said her real estate career has allowed her to take care of her family while also fulfilling her professional goals and her strong desire to help others. “With real estate, I am honored to be involved with one of the most important decisions in people’s lives,” she said. “It’s humbling, and I am in awe that this is what I get the privilege to do in life.”

Jaime Burkhart - Agent Spotlight