By: William Jones

Janae Ohrt is a Realtor based in the Cedar Valley area of Iowa. Born and raised there, she carries a deep familiarity with the region that only comes from a lifetime of calling it home. She started her real estate career in 2017 and decided to go full-time in September of 2024. Since then, she has built a business grounded in strong relationships, clear communication, and a genuine commitment to helping people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

With a keen eye for detail and a warm, approachable style, Janae has developed a reputation for making the real estate process not just successful, but genuinely enjoyable. She is a creative thinker who merges professional expertise with the personal touch of a neighbor who truly cares. She listens closely. She shows up fully. And she treats every client with the kind of attention that turns a stressful experience into something people actually feel good about.

Outside of work, Janae spends time with her grandbabies and three kids, cheers on football games, and unwinds with a bit of crochet. These parts of her life shape the way she works. She understands what matters to families. She knows what it feels like to want stability and a place that feels like home. That understanding shows up in every conversation she has with her clients.

People Before Transactions

Her approach is simple. She puts people before transactions. In an industry that has become fast, automated, and sometimes impersonal, Janae slows down where it matters. She listens. She advises. She guides her clients through decisions that impact not just their finances but their lives.

“Most people in real estate sell houses,” she explained. “I build relationships, solve problems, and protect people from costly mistakes.”

Janae focuses on education rather than pressure. Her clients do not just get an agent. They get clarity. She explains the process, the risks, and the opportunities so they feel confident rather than rushed. Communication is central to how she works. There is no disappearing after the contract is signed. Her clients always know where they stand.

Local Roots and Personal Touch

Growing up in the Cedar Valley gives her an edge. She knows the neighborhoods, the trends, and the small details that do not show up online. Her business is built on referrals, which means she treats every client like family. Many of them become exactly that.

“Buying or selling a home isn’t just paperwork,” she said. “It’s emotional, personal, and meaningful.”

Understanding What Clients Need

The clients she works with often share similar concerns. They do not know where to start. They worry about making a costly mistake. They do not have time to manage every detail. And they want someone they can trust, someone who will not treat them like just another transaction.

Janae addresses each of these by breaking the process into clear, manageable steps. She provides honest advice, strong market insight, and strategic negotiation to protect their best interests. She handles the heavy lifting, coordinating showings, managing deadlines, and keeping everything on track.

“My goal isn’t just to close a deal,” she said. “My goal is to make the experience feel smooth, thoughtful, and genuinely positive.”

Recognition as a Solo Agent

Her work speaks for itself. In 2025, Janae ranked number 27 in Iowa for Adjusted Gross Commission within her company. This year, she has climbed to number 7 in Iowa and number 93 in the nation for Century 21. What makes this especially meaningful is that she has achieved these milestones as a solo agent.

One of her long-term goals was to break into the Top 20. She has now surpassed that goal and earned national recognition along the way.

“As someone who started in 2017 and went full-time more recently, this kind of growth confirms that doing business the right way, with relationships, integrity, and hard work, still wins,” she said.

While many top-performing agents rely on large teams, Janae has built her business on her own. This allows her to personally guide every client through the process, ensuring consistent communication, attention to detail, and care from start to finish.

Still There After Closing

The relationship does not end at closing. Need a contractor? Curious about home value? Thinking about the next move? Janae is still there. She is also implementing new technology and tools to improve client communication, market insights, and follow-up care.

When she is not helping clients, Janae enjoys time with her grandbabies and four now adult children, cheering on a football game, or unwinding with a bit of crochet. In every way, she is someone who shows up fully and listens closely.

Her success reflects the trust her clients place in her and her dedication to helping them achieve their goals. It is not about rankings. It is about doing the work the right way, every time.