By: Noise-PR
The bright lights of Hollywood have lured countless dreamers from small towns across America, but few have made the transition from entertainment to real estate with the passion and success that Jen Day has experienced. Today, this Michigan native-turned-Santa Monica Realtor stands as an example of the power of reinvention, while helping to transform her industry through innovative auction methods.
From Michigan Roots to Hollywood Dreams
Growing up in Michigan, Day learned the foundational values that would later influence her real estate career. “I learned from my parents at a very young age that if you work hard, take pride in your work, and enjoy your work, you will likely achieve success and others will want to work with you,” she reflects. These words, instilled in childhood, would prove meaningful as Day embarked on her journey from the Midwest to the West Coast.
After college, like so many before her, Day made the bold move to Los Angeles with dreams of making it in entertainment as an actress and singer. What followed was not just survival in one of the world’s most competitive industries, but 15 thrilling and successful years that would shape her approach to client relationships and business excellence.
The Pivot That Changed Everything
In 2020, Day made a decision that would significantly alter the trajectory of her life. Having spent over a decade in entertainment, she decided to invest in real estate and purchase rental properties. What began as a personal investment strategy quickly evolved into something much more profound.
“I became very passionate about the real estate industry, so I decided to get my license and help other investors as well,” Day explains. Her first multifamily property purchase became more than just an investment—it became a valuable learning experience. “I have learned so much from being both a buyer and an owner that I am now able to help my clients better prepare for each step along the transaction process, because I have experienced it firsthand.”
Building Excellence Through Experience
This unique perspective—having walked in her clients’ shoes—sets Day apart in the competitive Los Angeles real estate market. Now working with Harcourts Westside in luxury residential sales, leasing, and property management, she brings an authenticity that resonates deeply with her clientele.
“I believe that my biggest strength is my work ethic,” Day states, but her clients describe something else that they find truly sets her apart. According to client testimonials, what makes Day stand out is that she is “always bringing positive energy and compassion to their experience, so they feel they have a friend who genuinely cares about what is best for them at all times.”
Shaping the Future of Real Estate Through Innovation
Day’s impact extends beyond individual client relationships. She’s part of a groundbreaking approach to real estate sales with her team at Harcourts Westside, a family-owned business that has been serving Santa Monica and LA’s westside cities for over 25 years as Westside Property Group. In 2024, the company partnered with Harcourts, introducing non-distressed and luxury property auctions to the Westside market.
“This method of selling properties has been around since the 1800s, and is quite popular in Europe, Australia, and other countries,” Day explains. The results speak for themselves—while traditional listings typically achieve a 35% close rate at best, their auction method has shown a notable 90% close rate.
The Personal Touch That Drives Success
For Day, real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about relationships and outcomes. She understands that “inevitably, there will be challenges along the way that the buyer or the seller has to understand and be guided through.” Her approach focuses on thorough due diligence to minimize unnecessary issues while providing consistent support when challenges arise.
“When my clients feel my positive outlook, they, in turn, tend to be more optimistic and feel reassured that I am there to support and effectively navigate any challenge that may come up, so we can reach the finish line and close the deal,” she shares.
A Legacy in the Making
Today, Day wakes up every morning with genuine excitement about helping her clients on their real estate journey. Whether it’s leasing, property management, or her team’s current $40M+ in sales listings, she reflects not just on professional success but on the fulfillment of a deeper purpose.
From the entertainment stages of Hollywood to the luxury properties of Santa Monica’s westside, Jen Day’s story reminds us that successful career pivots often combine accumulated experiences with deep passions. In her case, the performance and business skills learned in entertainment now serve her clients, while her investor’s perspective offers the authenticity they often need in one of the world’s most complex real estate markets.
