By: Matt Emma

Janene Parham grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and never really left. That might sound simple, but it matters. When someone knows a place from the inside out, knows its neighborhoods and its people, knows which streets feel like home and which corners hold history, that knowledge becomes something valuable. It shapes how they work, how they listen, and how they serve. For Janene, that deep connection to her city became the foundation of a career spanning more than two decades. She is not just selling properties in Central Ohio. She is helping families plant roots in a community she knows and loves. Her approach is grounded in faith, shaped by experience, and driven by a genuine desire to see people succeed. In a market where trust can be hard to find, Janene has built her reputation on consistency, honesty, and care.

From Technology to Real Estate

She started her studies at DeVry Institute of Technology, focusing on Computer Information Systems. But life has a way of redirecting people, and a break from school led her somewhere unexpected. Real estate found her, and she stayed.

“For me, real estate is my ministry,” Janene explained. “I believe that when you put God and family first, He will direct your path.”

That belief has carried her through more than 20 years in the industry. She specializes in Central Ohio and the surrounding areas, consistently ranking in the Top 20% of REALTORS® in the market. She served on the Keller Williams Leadership Board during her time at that brokerage before transitioning to Red 1 Realty, where she currently ranks in the Top 5%. She has received the President’s Merit, Commitment, Excellence, and Prestige Awards from the Columbus Board of REALTORS® and was featured in Top Agent Magazine.

Meeting Clients Where They Are

Janene’s ideal client is someone who wants to buy or sell a home but feels scared by the process. Maybe they are unsure where to start, confused about financing, nervous about making a mistake, or simply lacking someone they can trust to guide them.

“Many of my clients struggle with access,” she said. “Access to information, access to resources, and access to opportunities. Whether it’s understanding loan programs, navigating systemic barriers, or figuring out what’s truly affordable, they need someone who will break things down clearly and work for them.”

She uses a straightforward approach to communication. “I always tell people to help me understand like I am 5 years old,” she explained. It is a philosophy she applies in reverse with her clients, guiding, educating, and advocating without complication or pressure.

Peace of Mind as the Goal

The outcome Janene works toward is simple: peace of mind. Her clients walk away not just with a home, but with confidence, clarity, and a sense of accomplishment. They feel more knowledgeable about the real estate process, not pressured. Supported, not rushed. They leave knowing they made the right decision for their family, their future, and their financial well-being.

This approach has defined her career. It is not about closing deals quickly. It is about walking with people through one of the most important decisions of their lives.

A New Chapter at Red 1 Realty

Red 1 Realty is now one of the largest and fastest-growing brokerages in Central Ohio, powered by a technology-driven model that supports both agents and clients. For Janene, joining a brokerage with that kind of momentum represents a significant step forward in her business.

The transition has allowed her to expand her brand and elevate the client experience. With advanced tools and stronger systems behind her, she continues advocating for accessible homeownership across Central Ohio. Her arrival at Red 1 aligns with the company’s mission to attract high-performing, service-driven professionals.

In addition to her real estate work, Janene is actively involved in her nonprofit organization, Renew Homes Ohio. Through this initiative, she helps individuals and families with low to moderate income who may not be able to afford necessary home repairs or are facing code violations. Her work focuses on preserving homeownership by ensuring that essential, minor repairs are completed, reinforcing her belief that preservation is a key part of long-term housing stability.

What Makes Her Different

Twenty years of experience matter. But Janene pairs it with something less common: genuine care.

“I don’t just sell homes,” she said. “My work is rooted in faith, service, and a deep commitment to helping families build stability and legacy. That foundation shapes every decision I make and every client I serve.”

She adds value by making real estate accessible, especially for communities that have historically been overlooked. Her mission is to break down barriers, simplify the process, and equip buyers with knowledge, confidence, and options.

Being born and raised in Columbus gives her an edge that cannot be replicated. She knows the neighborhoods, the people, the history, and the opportunities. Her clients do not just get a realtor. They get a trusted local friend.

As Janene puts it: “Their realtor 4 life.”

That phrase captures everything about how she works. It is not a transaction. It is a relationship built to last.