As Truckee-Tahoe locals and real estate experts, the KJM Real Estate team helps people find a home base for their mountain lifestyle dreams. Together, Kane Schaller, Jessica Ferguson, and Megan Evans demonstrate their commitment to creating extraordinary real estate experiences. They use their exceptional leadership and negotiation skills to help their close-knit community grow. In 2020, their team sold 84.5 housing units and about $82.9 million in residential volume production.
Through one of the most challenging real estate markets, KJM Real Estate showcased an incredible amount of determination and perseverance to serve the community. As passionate and committed team members, the three of them flawlessly ride the waves of an ever-changing industry together.
At Dickson Realty, we’re honored to have a team of more than 300 hardworking and talented professionals helping us achieve our mission of becoming the region’s best. That’s why we’re asking our top performers to share some of their experiences and insights, thoughts on the future, and tips for helping us grow stronger together.
KJM Real Estate Talks About Keeping Community Spirit Alive
What drives you to achieve excellence?
Kane says: Building long-lasting and meaningful relationships with clients drives me to success. I always start by ensuring that our clients are well-taken care of, and then the rest follows. It’s incredible how much you can accomplish within a short amount of time.
Jessica says: There’s a rush we feel from being busy that drives us to achieve excellence. It’s not always an easy place to be, but we’re helping people achieve their goals and find their dream homes. When you’re busy connecting people and providing them with excellent prices, you don’t view it as work. You’re so engaged, and it feels good to be working with so many like-minded people.
Megan says: We’re lucky to live in a close-knit community where we get to sell the mountain lifestyle to people who truly want to be here. It is incredibly rewarding and fun helping clients to become part of the area we love so much. Every day is busy, but we love what we do, and the lasting relationships make it all worth it.
What do you love about working with Dickson Realty?
Kane says: The past year hasn’t been the easiest for people. It’s refreshing to work with a company and real estate agents that are always willing to help. We figure out a different way to do things together, and it feels good to be part of an innovative team.
Jessica says: I’ve always appreciated Dickson’s innovative way of doing things. It’s exciting to be a part of a team willing to explore new avenues and approaches. Kane and Beau Keenan are both good at that. Strong leadership is essential to our success, and we’re lucky to share our ideas openly with each other.
Megan says: As a second-generation Truckee realtor, it’s always interesting to see how the industry has grown. Dickson always has our best interests in mind, especially during the pandemic. We’re fortunate to work with a company that supports us and ensures that we are always safe and protected.
What’s your prediction for the Truckee-Tahoe real estate market in 2021?
Kane says: The most prominent question mark is how remote working will continue affecting our market. We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in work-home relationships, and I think many companies will reconsider their business models. People need to balance their monetary work values with their personal well-being goals. It will be interesting to see how our market is impacted as people go back to work.
Jessica says: The big driver of the housing market is people leaving urban areas to live more rural lifestyles in the mountains and choosing to work remotely in search of a better quality of life. However, if they decide to go back to brick and mortar, there will be less demand in our market. I don’t know if housing prices will go down, but hopefully, it will provide some relief for buyers and be less frantic.
Megan says: It’s an extreme market right now with many people entering and others exiting our community. Our region will have to improve its technology and internet capabilities to accommodate the growing population and remote working needs. I believe it’s essential to grow with change, and as long as we continue to do that, the major shifts are easier to manage.
How do you give back to our community?
Kane says: Theater has always been my passion. I’m the President of the Truckee Community Theater, and I’m also a member of the Rotary Club of Truckee. As a team, we support the Dickson Community Fund by donating 1% of what we earn to different nonprofit organizations. This month we chose to contribute to the Truckee Library, Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe, Sierra Community House, and Sierra Senior Services.
Jessica says: It’s important to give back as often as possible. With our busy schedules, it’s not always easy to donate our time, but any amount can help local organizations grow. The Dickson Community Fund provides opportunities to make a difference and create more space for the things that matter most.
Megan says: A lot of my focus is with the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District as a member of the superintendent parent advisory committee for Alder Creek Middle School. The pandemic highly impacted our schools, and students had to transition to new forms of learning. As a Truckee High School graduate and now with two kids in school, I’m passionate about helping our youth succeed. I also enjoy providing clients with information and knowledge about our schools and the many options available.
What’s a local insider tip you’d like to share with our readers?
Kane says: Truckee is a small-knit community. The people genuinely care about each other and are constantly looking for ways to help those in need. There are many great outdoor activities, but I always fall more in love with the community spirit. If you’re looking to move to Truckee to become a part of the community, we will welcome you with open arms.
Jessica says: I enjoy our music scene. Alibi Ale Works is always hosting bluegrass and open mic nights, and then there are also more intimate events. I’ve met many musicians and artists over the past 19 years that I’ve lived in Truckee, which is super cool. We’re lucky to be part of a community that has so many talented people.
Megan says: So many creative people live here and it’s always exciting to find new local artisans. During the pandemic, my family made it a point to support local businesses wherever possible. As a community hub, we network and bond together to get through rough times. I always advise my clients to find what they love and dive right in. It’s an easy way to build community because it’s a town full of enthusiasts, and there’s something for everyone.
