Jesús Martinez is a lawyer and owner of Brokers & Partners, a real estate company. He has also been a Nonahood resident since 2005. Read our interview with him below!

NHN: What is your job?

JM: I am the Owner of Brokers and Partners. It’s a real estate company based here in Lake Nona. In addition, I am a licensed mortgage loan originator partnering with a mortgage lender.

NHN: What does your day-to-day schedule look like?

JM: Normally in the morning, I review my “to-do list” and schedule. Then, I work with the digital media and all company listings and review new contracts. In addition, I am constantly helping my agents to be in compliance with the law. As part of my duties, I organize seminars for sellers, buyers and international investors. Then, I take my son to basketball practices or games.

NHN: What would you say are the most challenging aspects of your job?

JM: The most difficult thing right now is finding the right properties for our clients. We are living in a very competitive market with a low inventory of properties. Unfortunately, in Orlando, the prices of the houses are going up, and the salaries are staying the same. So, buying a house is challenging these days.

NHN: What would you say is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

JM: To help someone to acquire a property is a really rewarding experience. It’s a dream come true for families to have their own property. That makes me very happy!

NHN: What got you interested in doing your current job in this area?

JM: I started relocating people from Puerto Rico to Florida in 1999. Then, I became interested in doing real estate here and opened my practice. International clients have a lot of challenges finding property here, understanding the law, how to do the business properly, and that’s one of the things I specialize in. Being a Lake Nona resident since 2005 has given me an advantage since I have seen the development of this area from the beginning. It is very easy for me to recommend Lake Nona and to explain the riches of this wonderful community. 

NHN: Do you have any interesting hobbies, collections or interests?

JM: I have been involved in public affairs with the local government and organizations. Recently, I was invited to the White House to address public policy issues pertaining to the Hispanic community in Florida. Also, I am an ordained minister with the Church of God and devote time to mentor new ministers and help with crisis intervention. 

NHN: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

JM: In the next five years, I am planning to continue helping families with property acquisitions.

NHN: What brought you to Lake Nona and when did you move here?

JM: My wife. We moved here 16 years ago. All of this area was mostly farmland when I came here. We used to have our house in Oviedo, and my wife decided she wanted to live in this area and now we’re here. At that time, I was a pastor of a church, and the location was convenient for us because Oviedo was too far for us.

NHN: Where are you from originally?

JM: I’m from Puerto Rico. San Juan, Puerto Rico.

NHN: What would you say is your favorite thing about Lake Nona?

JM: My favorite part of Lake Nona is the community. It’s a real nice community. People help each other, especially in my neighborhood; everybody is really nice, and I think we have developed a really nice community here in Lake Nona. Here, I raised my two sons, Jesus (18) and Marcos (16). I coached basketball at the YMCA, and it is rewarding to see all those little kids become good and productive citizens.

NHN: What would you say to anyone who is considering a move to Lake Nona?

JM: It’s one of the best places to live right now. This is the Medical City! It’s kind of expensive to live in Lake Nona, but at the same time, the quality of life, the schools, the people, and the location you can’t compare. It’s easy to get anywhere from here. If you want to go to Miami or you want to go to Jacksonville, you have the turnpike near, and it’s very easy to move. And we love the restaurants!