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Jason O'Brien · REALTOR®
Born in Kalamazoo. Raised in Plainwell. College here. Raising my family here.
60+ homes sold·#1 in West Michigan·#31 nationally (Homes for Heroes)
How buying with me works
Step by step. No surprises.
01
Buyer consultation
We sit down. I learn what you want, your timeline, your must-haves and dealbreakers.
02
Get pre-approved
I'll connect you with a great local lender so we know your real budget before you fall in love with a home you can't quite afford.
03
Custom search setup
I set up saved searches so you see new listings the moment they hit the market — not after they're already pending.
04
Tour homes together
Showings on your schedule. I tell you the truth about each home — what's a deal, what's overpriced, what's a money pit.
05
Write a strong offer
Strategic pricing, smart contingencies, escalation clauses when needed. Designed to win without overpaying.
06
Handle the close
Inspections, appraisals, lender coordination, title work. You show up at closing — I handle the rest.
Why buyers pick me
Local expertise
I know these neighborhoods block by block
Schools, commute times, which streets flood, where the new development is going — the stuff Zillow can't tell you.
Fast responses
You text, I answer
No gatekeeping, no "my assistant will get back to you." Usually same day, often within an hour.
Honest opinions
I'll tell you the truth about every home
Including the ones I'd walk away from. I'd rather lose a commission than sell you the wrong house.
Smart offers
Strategic, data-backed offer writing
I write offers that win without leaving money on the table. Comps, contingencies, escalation clauses — done right.
Homes for Heroes® affiliate — qualifying buyers save about $750 per $100,000 on their purchase.
Learn more →What buyers say
Jason was so helpful and patient, and made our first time buying a home a truly wonderful experience.
“As a first time home buyer, Jason has been absolutely amazing. He was a tremendous help every step of the way.”
“My wife and I had a very pleasant and easy experience buying a home with Jason. Highly recommend.”
“Jason provided excellent advice, strong communication, and was available throughout the entire transaction.”
What buyers usually ask first
The questions every buyer eventually asks — answered up front.
We figure that out before we tour homes. I'll connect you with a great local lender who'll pre-approve you based on your real numbers — income, debts, credit, down payment. That gives us a confident budget instead of a guess, and it makes your offer way more competitive when you find the right place.
Short answer: not directly, in most situations. Under the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer-agent compensation is now negotiated separately from the listing — meaning your agent's fee is something we discuss and agree on up front, and it's typically still paid by the seller (though that's negotiable too). I'll walk you through exactly how it works in our market before you ever sign anything. No surprises.
A few things, depending on the home: price strategy backed by actual comps, smart contingency choices (waiving inspection isn't always smart — I'll tell you when it is), escalation clauses when appropriate, a strong pre-approval letter, and a personal note from you to the seller when it'll land well. Most of winning is being prepared before the right home shows up.
That's a normal part of the process — almost every inspection finds something. We negotiate from there: repair credits, price reductions, seller concessions, or walking away if the issues are serious. The inspection is your protection, not the end of the deal.
Rates move; that's a fact. The right move is buying a home you can afford at today's rate — not waiting for a rate that may never come. If rates drop after you close, you can refinance. If they rise, you've locked in. Trying to time the market usually costs more than it saves.
Still have questions? Text me
Tell me what you're looking for
Price range, must-haves, dealbreakers — the more I know, the better I can help.