Here to Stay
Whether working or playing, living her best life in the South Bay is what Jen Caskey is all about.
Jen Caskey grew up in Manhattan Beach, raised her boys here, and for the past three decades has utilized those experiences to help people find their ideal homes in the South Bay. She knows a thing or two about life in the Beach Cities. She attended high school at Mira Costa and stayed relatively close to the area while attending college at USC. After graduation, she worked with her mom, who at the time was an agent at Shorewood Realtors.
The real estate business was second nature to Jen, and her insight into the South Bay community makes her a valuable resource for her clients. “Having grown up in Manhattan Beach and raised my family here, I know everything there is to know about the South Bay—the qualities of each neighborhood, the local schools, the people—and I’ve seen it grow and evolve over the years,” she says.
Insider’s Advantage
Being a part of the South Bay’s continuing evolution and building a successful business right here at home have given Jen an insider’s advantage that translates into a better experience for her clients. “I love being a resource for people,” Jen says. “Clients will call and ask, ‘Where should I get on the list for preschool? Where should I take my parents to lunch?’ I love to see people get settled and know that they are going to be so happy here.”
There’s something personal about helping someone find a home, and Jen and her team take that to heart. “Our friends become our clients, and our clients become our friends,” she notes. So when an opportunity to join Compass presented itself, the decision was not made lightly. “We did our research and talked to so many people in the business. We were so impressed with Compass because of the technology. It’s really cutting-edge.”
Embracing Change
Jen Caskey Group came together as a new luxury real estate team in January with agents Starr Dill, Eric Fonoimoana, Stacia Janus, Jillian Kaplan, Patrice Radden, Ali Snider and Elizabeth Welch. “After running a real estate business in the South Bay for the past three decades, I am so excited to create a tailored, luxury boutique firm with a global reach, powered by Compass,” Jen says. “We’re headquartered in Downtown Manhattan Beach, and our team is made up of agents I’ve worked with for years. They know the area and are an integral part of our communities. The combined energy of our group is amazing, and we are thrilled to be part of a new endeavor right here in our own backyard.”
After living and working in the South Bay for so many years, a lot of her team’s energy is focused on giving back to the community they love. “The Richstone Family Center is a charity that’s near and dear to our hearts,” Jen notes. “It is an organization that helps prevent child abuse here in the South Bay. We have worked with them for years and are happy to support their efforts, along with other local charities.”
Professional beach volleyball player and Olympian Eric Fonoimoana founded Dig for Kids, an after-school program committed to providing youth in low-income communities with increased opportunities for academic and athletic development. Patrice Radden volunteers with Sandpipers, a local charity serving women and families in the South Bay.
“We all support different things,” Jen notes. “Whether it’s participating in beach cleanups, supporting local sports programs or donating time and resources to our schools, giving back is very important to us. It’s something I’ve done through my entire career.”
In an industry changing by the minute, Jen and her team are building on their continued success while catering to the evolving needs of clients. “Things have changed, especially now with COVID-19. The internet is the initial point of contact for most buyers, and first impressions are the most important when selling a home,” Jen says. “Our in-house designer gives our sellers prelisting recommendations—whether it’s changing the lighting, painting or staging.”
Another benefit for clients of Jen Caskey Group is the Compass Concierge program, which fronts sellers the money needed for improvements. “We then hire the best videographers and photographers to present properties in the best light to get homes sold quickly and for more money.”
The relationships she has with other local agents are also incredibly important to Jen. “The inventory is so low, and it’s really competitive. It’s always important to have a good relationship and work to get your buyer’s offer pushed to the top of the pile. Being honest and ethical and hardworking—we bring that to the table for our clients. I am so fortunate to be able to work in my hometown and am grateful for the many relationships I’ve fostered over the years.”
A Full Life
When she’s not working in the South Bay, Jen’s living the lifestyle that makes people want to buy a home here. “I’m a total beach girl,” she says. “A perfect day for me is going to the beach, going for a bike ride and ending the day at Fishing With Dynamite.”
Her new puppy, a yellow lab named Winnie, just got the green light to go on walks. And of course Jen cherishes her time with her boys, now ages 25, 22 and 19. “They are amazing. We love to cook together, travel and just hang out! It has been rewarding to see them grow into such wonderful young men,” she says.
It’s easy to see why people trust Jen with helping them find a home in the South Bay. She’s living her life here to the fullest.
