Congratulations to November Agent to Watch, Jennifer Sims! Jennifer's personal approach to her business is one rooted in integrity, and she knows that the best path forward is one that leads with honesty, communication, and hardwork. Keep reading to learn more about Jennifer!
1. What was the first thing you wrote on your to-do list for today?:
The first thing on my to-do list every day is to exercise. I’ve always been an early riser, so I like to get my endorphins flowing before the sun comes up!
2. What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?:
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is “do the right thing.” These four simple words, often expressed by Warren Buffett have become a quiet compass in my life. They remind me to act with integrity and to choose honesty over convenience. Whether I’m making a tough decision at work or navigating a personal challenge, this phrase helps me pause and consider what truly matters at the end of the day. It’s not always the easiest path, but it’s the one that leaves me at peace with myself.
3. What is your favorite part about working in real estate in this part of the world?:
My favorite part of working in this part of the world is the beautiful scenery and the incredible weather, everything you could ask for, except snowstorms! I love the variety of real estate here- the stunning architecture of downtown homes, the charm of small neighborhood communities, and the vast expanses of vineyard properties. The opportunities are endless in both commercial and residential real estate.
What makes Napa truly special to me is that it’s a generational city. Families who have lived here their entire lives often have children who go off to school and then return to raise their own families. It has that small town feel where everyone knows someone wherever they go. It’s a community that genuinely cares about one another, a city that’s growing economically while maintaining its pristine reputation.
I especially love working here because my own family has called Napa home for over 25 years. We’re now becoming a generational family ourselves, with my oldest son, his wife, and my two grandchildren living here as well. It’s truly a wonderful place to call home.
4. Tell us about a recent challenge you came upon and how you conquered it.:
A recent challenge I faced was a complex transaction where my co-worker and I served as both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Three homes were connected through a chain of contingencies and every deal depended on my sellers’ home entering into contract first. It was a balancing act that tested my patience, organization, and communication skills. I leaned heavily on the W Real Estate management team for guidance on contracts, forms, releases, and extensions. Their expertise and quick responses gave me the confidence to move forward with clarification. What stood out most was how open communication between all agents kept everything on track. Within just one month, all three homes successfully closed escrow, a rewarding reminder of how teamwork and trust can turn a stressful situation into a shared success.
5. What role has mentorship played in your career?:
Mentorship has played one of the most important roles in shaping my real estate career. When I first earned my license 27 years ago, I was balancing the demands of raising three young children while beginning a new profession. One of my first brokers became an incredible mentor, teaching me that it’s not only possible, but essential, to have both a thriving real estate career and a fulfilling personal life. She helped me understand that I could define my own goals- how many sales I wanted to achieve each year and how much time I dedicated to growing my database.
She also emphasized the importance of learning the contracts and recognizing potential issues before they arose. As someone who is naturally detail oriented, these lessons resonated deeply and became the foundation of how I work today. Her encouragement and wisdom taught me the true meaning of work/life balance, a principle I continue to carry with me. I often find myself reflecting on her influence, grateful for her guidance, because without her I wouldn’t be the agent or the person I am today.
6. What's your favorite home design feature that you wish more homes had?:
If I could change one aspect of home design, I would create a dedicated room for the laundry area. Laundry is part of our daily routine, yet it’s often tucked away in a dark hallway leading to the garage, or sometimes placed right in the garage itself. I believe this space deserves more thought and comfort. An ideal laundry room should be bright and inviting, with natural light from a window, a door for privacy, and plenty of built-in storage. Cabinets for organization, a counter for folding clothes, and a place to hang laundered items would make the space both functional and enjoyable. The traditional setup feels outdated and impractical for modern living, where convenience and comfort should extend to every corner of the home, including the laundry room.
7. If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?:
If I could have dinner with anyone, I would choose the person who gave me my love of reading. When I was 12 years old, I was given my first “adult book” Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk. Born in 1915, he lived an incredible life and passed away at the remarkable age of 103.
Reading Marjorie Morningstar was a memorable event for me. It was the longest book I had ever read, over 500 pages, and his writing style completely drew me in. I felt like I actually knew the characters, and when I finished the book, I was both sad and eager to find another story that made me feel the same way.
Since then, reading has become one of my favorite pastimes. I especially enjoy historical fiction because it allows me to learn about a certain period in history while enjoying a great story at the same time.
If I could sit down with Herman Wouk, I would ask him what it was like to grow up during his lifetime, what and who inspired him to become a writer, and how he managed to live such a long and full life.
8. Someone is coming to visit Sonoma/Mendocino/SF County. Where should they go first?:
Even though I live in Napa, and there are beautiful places to explore here, my first choice for a getaway would be Sonoma County. I’ve always loved the ocean, and the Northern California coast, especially Bodega Bay, is one of my favorite places to visit.
When we’re lucky enough to stay for a few days, I always recommend the Bodega Bay Lodge, which is just steps from the beach. My favorite thing to do is head to the shore, relax, take in the sound of the waves, and enjoy a picnic lunch. In the evenings, there are little coastal restaurants where you can have fresh fish and a glass of Sonoma Coast wine.
It’s truly a perfect place to clear your mind and fuel your soul.
9. What's something you're looking forward to in the upcoming year? (Wedding, vacation, new opportunity, etc.):
Thirty years ago, my brother, then 33, passed away from cancer, leaving behind his wife and their 2-year-old daughter. I promised him that I would always be part of her life and that we would keep his memory alive forever.
My niece has done just that. She has kept her father’s spirit alive in all of us. Now, married and beginning her own family, she has just welcomed a baby boy, who she of course named after my brother, her dad.
He’s now one month old, and I’m so looking forward to meeting him as soon as I can get to Chicago!
