Broker/Realtor RE/MAX In Action
By Abigail Thorpe
Photo by Kiersten Patterson Photography
Jake Oliver is a fourth generation Sandpoint local—his family came here with the logging industry and Humbird Lumber Company. While he was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, during a temporary work relocation, Oliver is a Sandpoint native, through and through.
After working in several different professions, he ultimately found his calling in real estate—helping people realize their dreams while sharing the incredible place he calls home.
Q. How did you first get started with real estate?
A. I remember looking at acreage at a young age and thinking that I wanted to own some of that. Later on I purchased a lot with the intention of building on it and then, as life goes … I ended up selling it For Sale By Owner. Not long after that I took my real estate licensing classes.
I licensed under my first broker Bernie McGovern at McGovern Realty, jumped in with both feet (mostly out of time available and necessity) and have never looked back, except to remember where I came from.
After being in real estate for a couple of years, McGovern Realty decided to merge with the then RE/MAX office in town. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to become a franchise owner that I really understood about all the amazing technology, tools, global footprint and family that RE/MAX is.
Q. What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
A. I love helping people with their dream, a goal, a functional need or investment. Realtors are very low on the consumer confidence scale, and I consider it a privilege to be an agent of change; working to represent my clients with integrity and honesty and truly keeping their best interest at the forefront of the process, and doing my best to guide them through the process and a successful negotiation for their sale or purchase.
Q. What makes Sandpoint such an incredible place to live and work?
A. It's an amazing place with amazing people, including the families that came here so many decades ago and the new ones who have decided to make this their home. It's amazing to drive to work heading south between the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges or east along the lake shore and west along the Pend Oreille River.
I didn't realize as a local kid how special it was to live in a place that was situated on the shores of this beautiful lake and that it was special to go waterski each night after work. I've been hiking here, hunting here, fishing here, boating here since I was old enough to walk … I will never be able hike every trail or fish every alpine lake or enjoy every available place around our lake.
Such an amazing and beautiful place, Sandpoint area is often referred to as God's Country, and I think it's easy to see why.
Q. What do you enjoy doing most in your free time, when not helping people find their dream home or property?
A. I've always loved dirt biking since I was kid. My uncle gave me my first motorcycle when I was 8, and that was it for me. My oldest grandson learned to ride this year. My son and I have spent numerous weekends at Upper Pack River enjoying numerous trails including the single track to Dodge Peak.
I also love boating. What an amazing place to be on the boat enjoying all the great activities or boating to any of the numerous restaurant locations. How many places can you boat to Starbucks and then watch the Fourth of July fireworks from your boat?
My favorite thing to do is spend time with my kids and grandkids. I have a daughter (and son-in-law), a son and four grandchildren. They are amazing. They all love the outdoors and spending time with me (Papa).
Q. What sets the Sandpoint community apart?
A. Sandpoint, in my mind, has been the quintessential "small town." Just poke your head into a benefit auction for a community member in need or the auction barn at the fairgrounds at the 4-H stock sale supporting the kids. People still wave at each other going down the road or go out of their way to say hello.
I think the general feeling here is friendly, welcoming and helping one another. It's still a place where a five-minute traffic delay is a big deal and rush hour is laughable. This is small-town America, where guns are respected, pride for our town is apparent, and if you need help someone will be there for you.
Q. How do you work to give back to the community?
A. We love supporting the kids, and recently we have become involved with the Chafe 150 and joined forces in supporting literacy in our community. We are also involved with the Children’s Miracle network as a franchise. RE/MAX is very involved in donating and sponsorship of the CMN hospitals.
Kinderhaven is a local asset that is also near to our hearts, and we are grateful for what they mean to so many children that need and receive their support.
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