Life has a way of presenting unexpected opportunities to make a difference. The real impact comes from recognizing them and having the courage to take action.

 

In 2009, while on vacation with my husband, Dennis, we made a life-changing decision. Dennis had just finished reading The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer, a memoir about the foster care system. He handed it to me and said, “You need to read this.” I sat by the pool, finished the book in a day, and by the end, I was in tears. That was the moment. I looked at him and said, “We’re done talking about this. We’re doing it.”

 

The day we returned from vacation, we went straight to an information session, filled out the paperwork, and jumped in. Over the next decade, we fostered about 25 kids. Some stayed for days, others for months, and a few we still keep in touch with. Then came the twins—Nick and Taylor—who at just 13 months old were meant to stay for a single weekend. That weekend turned into a week and a week into a month. It did not take long to figure out that the twins were not going to be leaving anytime soon. Even then, we never planned to adopt. We were committed to fostering, to helping kids transition, to being a safe place.

 

After eight months with us, the twins were placed with fictive kin. When they left, the house felt empty. It was a strange feeling, but part of fostering. Ultimately, the goal is to reunite children with their families whenever possible or ensure they find a loving, permanent home. By the next morning, we called social services and said, “We are ready for more kids.”

 

But just two days later, we got a call from social services. Taylor and Nick were going back into foster care, and they asked us, “Do you want them back?”

 

“Yes!” There was no hesitation.

 

At that moment, we knew this wasn’t just another placement. We wanted to give them the stability, care, and sense of home they deserved. So, at 4 years old, they officially became part of our family.

 

Looking back, I see how much my experiences fostering and eventually becoming a parent have shaped my view of the world. It has especially impacted my work in real estate. Every home, every transaction, every family I work with—it’s all about creating stability and opportunity. Whether it’s a first-time homebuyer searching for a place to put down roots, a growing family needing more space, or someone looking for a fresh start, I understand what home really means. It’s not just about square footage or location—it’s about security, belonging, and a foundation for whatever comes next.

 

Real estate has given me the flexibility to be there for my family and truly enjoy time together. Our son, Nick, is passionate about sports—football, lacrosse, and basketball—while our daughter, Taylor, loves horseback riding. As a family, we cherish traveling, especially cruises, and we try to spend as much time as possible at our beach house in Delaware. I also have a deep love for theater, something I’ve enjoyed since childhood, and we make it a priority to see shows regularly.

 

I’ve centered my life around helping people, whether through my involvement in the Foster Parent Association, serving on the City of Rockville’s Transportation and Mobility Commission, or staying active in my neighborhood’s Civic Association. I also give back to my industry, serving on the Forms Committee and chairing the Professional Standards Committee for the Greater Capital Area Association of REALTORS® to uphold ethical practices in real estate. My goal has always been to make a meaningful impact—for my kids, my clients, and my community!

 

As a child, I was fascinated by homes, spending time sketching floor plans and winning a Lego competition with my design, "Country Manor." After college, I became licensed in real estate but wasn’t ready to fully commit. I explored other business ventures, gaining experience in management and entrepreneurship, but real estate remained in the back of my mind. In 2000, I returned to the industry full-time, and everything clicked. The mix of problem-solving, negotiation, and helping people during major life transitions felt perfect.

 

With over 20 years of experience, I thrive on the challenge of navigating unique transactions and adapting to market changes. I present my clients with all the information they need to make confident decisions, always prioritizing their best interests. My commitment doesn’t end with the transaction—I aim to be a REALTOR® for life, offering ongoing support to my clients.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeffrey Ganz

REALTOR®

Mobile (240) 353-3390

Office (301) 208-2288

agentganz@gmail.com

www.agentganz.com