Real estate has been part of Jennifer Ruud-Johnson’s life for as long as she can remember. Born and raised on Lake Washington, she watched her mother build a 30-year brokerage career specializing in waterfront properties and new construction, while designing and building homes on Mercer Island with her own father, an engineer. “As a child, I often tagged along to weekend open houses, helping vacuum, polish and prepare homes for visitors,” she recounts. “My mom was my first mentor and inspiration.” Long before earning her license, Ruud-Johnson was learning the value of preparation and presentation, lessons that still shape how she sells homes today.
Real estate runs through her father’s side of the family, too. Her paternal grandmother, Grace Ruud, opened Magnolia’s first real estate office “Grace Ruud Realty.” “With this legacy behind me, I’ve proudly carried forward the tradition, serving clients with the same dedication and heart that shaped my upbringing,” she shares.
Now 32-plus years into her brokerage career across Seattle and the Eastside, including King and Snohomish counties, Ruud-Johnson favors historic and character homes built in the 1940s and earlier, as well as the marketing and promotion of properties with a view. She’s known for standout marketing, and her staging business, opened in 2008, showcases client homes through top-tier photography. Much of her business comes from repeat clients and referrals, and she counts her strong Google reviews among her proudest accomplishments.
Buyers and sellers appreciate her ability to negotiate while keeping transactions smooth. “I’m solutions-driven, persistent and backed by a trusted network of vendors,” she says. “I also take pride in always being available.”
Away from clients, Ruud-Johnson enjoys traveling, boating and playing Scrabble, along with time with her grown children, grandchildren and 90-year-old mother. She supports Seattle Humane and Jubilee REACH, which provides holiday gifts for those in need.
