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fter his son was born, James Jensen left his life‑insurance marketing job, feeling the timing was right for a change. “The job paid well, but it wasn’t me,” he recalls. “Life was already shifting, so why not do it all at once?”
Soon a local real‑estate firm, Lawn Realty, needed a successor as its owner retired. Jensen stepped in, a move that defined the next decade of his career. In 2015 he affiliated the brokerage with RE/MAX, launching the RE/MAX Now team in Valley City, North Dakota.
The decision has paid off. In 2024, RealTrends Verified ranked him fifth among all North Dakota agents, closing 57 residential transaction sides, not counting his commercial work. “Last year was a perfect storm,” he says. He closed 85 transaction sides overall, placing 26th in the U.S. and 89th worldwide among RE/MAX agents for commercial volume.
Why real estate? Jensen’s background in financial advising meant he sold intangible products. “Real estate is tangible; people can see and touch it,” he explains. “It’s not about selling a product; it’s about understanding people’s needs and matching them with a home.”
This people‑first mindset drives his brokerage. “If you serve the client well, everything else falls into place,” he says. “Clients hire me to market their property, so I focus on getting their home in front of as many eyes as possible.”
Valley City, with roughly 6,500 residents, lies 45 minutes west of Fargo. Its scenic river valley, historic downtown, and outdoor recreation make it a charming community. “It’s a beautiful town,” Jensen notes. “We have a nice downtown, the National Scenic River Trail, and Lake Ashtabula nearby. It’s close to Fargo but still feels like a small town.”
The market has attracted more out‑of‑state buyers in recent years, driven by Fargo’s growth. “We’re seeing more people move west,” he says. Affordability remains Valley City’s biggest draw. “Top‑end homes are around $500,000; you won’t find million‑dollar properties here. Most homes sell between $150,000 and $300,000.”
Despite his accolades, Jensen stays focused on service. “I’ve always wanted to help as many people as possible,” he says. “The awards are a byproduct of volume and commission, but that’s not my motivation.”
He credits his team for the success. “We have several agents who rank among the state’s best,” he says. “My partner, Beth Keller, is consistently near the top, and so is Tim Perkins.” Keller ranked just behind Jensen in 2024, closing 55 transaction sides and generating over $15 million in volume.
Looking ahead, Jensen believes the current housing market will separate the committed from the casual. “Now is the time for agents to refine their skills,” he says. “Those who work hard will shine; those who don’t will fall behind. A simple yard sign isn’t enough anymore; you need a full‑spectrum approach.”
His guiding principle remains unchanged: “Take care of people, work hard, and everything else follows.” That philosophy, born from a leap of faith 12 years ago, continues to steer his career.
