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Profile

Words by GeorGe Murphyphotography by Mary Carol FitzGerald

Connecting people with their dream homes from the North Shore to the Gulf Shore.

The Stark Difference

It’s that time of year again on the North Shore. Once the trees empty of leaves, the constant barrage of family holiday concerns, followed by what seems to be endless cold and icy winter months that give way to blissful

momentary daydreams of white sand beaches and the sun glistening on the Gulf Shore.

Realtor Jennifer Stark knows all about that spark of inspiration. She turned it into a wonderful lifestyle. A Lake Forest resident for many winters, now living in Naples, Florida, she has paved a path from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Gulf Shore of Naples and serves as the perfect first-hand guide for clients who want to turn that dream into a reality. She understands the North Shore expectation for quality and level of service and that Naples fills the bill perfectly.

Many of you will remember Jennifer from our pages a few years back in a feature on her background in designing and building custom homes and remodels with Traditional Homes by Jennifer. Dressed casually in a white button-down and jeans, with her leopard print shoes kicked off, and sitting on the floor with blueprints spread out in front of her, it was an image that perfectly captured what Jennifer is about: Focused on the job at hand, at all times, with a vibrant personality and a relaxed approach. It’s precisely that attitude that draws her clients to her during what can be a very stressful time. Her bright and breezy approach keeps spirits up because they know that they can count on her. She has extensive knowledge of the Naples area and can help navigate through the details of your home buying process. “Being a real estate agent is a bit like being a combination of a counselor, detective, and coordination expert,” she says. A counselor—by listening to you, she gathers information to identify and help you to fulfill your needs and develop your personal plan of action. A detective—it takes intuition and excellent research skills to find your dream home or condo. Coordination expert—your advocate to ensure everyone is doing what is required to get to closing.

“I have so much to offer people coming from the North Shore area when they come down to Naples, whether it’s purchasing,

selling, or helping with the move,” Jennifer says. “I’m the hands-on, go-to gal for so many things.”

Having graduated from the International Academy of Merchandising and Design with highest honors, she brings with her an eye for what people most value in beautiful and functional spaces for themselves and their families.

Jennifer has been immersed in the home industry since she was a child, visiting her father’s construction sites, seeing homes develop from the foundation up. That perspective and the amount of time she’s spent finding each client’s unique perspective on their own lifestyle lead her to another specialty concept she calls “Sophisticated Evolutionary Living”™ in which she received special certification from the National Association of Home Builders. After a thorough assessment of a client, their family, and what they want in their dream home, she provides a comprehensive plan of recommendations for additions or modifications that will enable the client to improve their quality of life over the years they’ll grow within their new home. Her skillset and background as a builder help reimagine each space as they move through it, so that they don’t pass up any potential dream homes simply because of perceived limitations that are easily correctable.

“I show people how their life evolves,” Jennifer says. “From baby proofing their house to having their grandparents move in with them, there are so many ways our lives can change and just as many functional, aesthetically valuable ways to accommodate those changes.”

With experience finding perfect Naples properties and investments since 1997, she knows every aspect of the market. Plus, her background in building and her cultivated talent helping clients find, purchase, and adapt homes to their particular evolving needs, Jennifer brings the real estate game to a whole new level. On two different shores.

With a little leopard print thrown in.

Jennifer Stark, Coldwell Banker Realtor, 847-638-1004 Jenniferswfloridaluxuryproerty.com.

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