Lucky enough to combine her true passions of architecture and design into a career, Janine Fields is the kind of real estate professional who volunteers to assist elderly clients with last-minute packing — and paints personal, watercolor thank-you notes for her clients.
“Even as a teenager, I was constantly painting and sketching lighting fixtures, and always studying architecture,” Janine explains. While she technically only paints now as a hobby — in oils, acrylics, and watercolor — you might find one of her paintings in a staged home that’s for sale.
Originally from Grefrath, Germany, Janine first visited the Charlotte area in 2005, as an intern with Charlotte Sister Cities, and lived with a host family in Troutman on Lake Norman. She was immediately smitten with both Charlotte and the Lake Norman community, and after her hosts announced they had the perfect man for her to meet — she was smitten once again!
Janine and her now-husband, Jimmy, endured a two-year, long-distance relationship before she made her official move to the area in 2012. Together, they share their lives with Milo, an adored rescue dog of the border collie/retriever mix, who is undeniably the light of their lives. They call Trilogy Lake Norman home, a vibrant 55+ community located in Denver. Janine playfully notes that she’s the youngest homeowner in this community. Their residence is truly a work of art in its own right!
After finally making Charlotte her permanent home, Janine worked as Chief Administrative Officer for a German company that manufactured retractable dog leashes. Although she’s a huge animal lover, she soon realized her dream job was waiting elsewhere, and after the pandemic, she seized the opportunity to finally study for her real estate license.
“In Germany, I had worked for a well-known architect and appraiser — as his executive assistant, and writing appraisals,” says Janine. “I was always career-driven and wanted to be working. Right after she turned 40, she knew it was time for a change. “It was the moment you think, ‘if not now, when?’” she said. Soon, she was transitioning a 22-year career in business management into her love for art, architecture, and design, and launching her new role as a realtor.
With Southern Homes of the Carolinas, she has freedom to create her own schedule. Fully dedicated to her clients, Janine calls herself a “hands-on” realtor, who makes reaching their goals her personal mission. Her clients value her professionalism and hard work, but also her friendly, energetic personality, her enthusiasm for real estate, and above all, her integrity. From first-time buyers and new construction, to waterfront homes, Janine is a master of creative solutions when the need arises.
“I want to see everyone smiling — that smile when you know you’ve found the right home!” she says, then shares a personal skill she has that’s a bonus for someone in real estate. “My brain is like a GPS — it’s just a skill I have. Once I’ve been somewhere, I never need directions again!”
Returning to a glimpse of her own home, which sets the stage for all the life and love she brings to her job. “It’s definitely a reflection of my personality and passion,” she says. “We have a few old things in the house, marble tiled floors, many modern art pieces, and a gazillion books!”
Janine loves to cook and the couple enjoys entertaining — and her charming personality is evident in so many elements of the home. You’ll quickly notice an extraordinarily cool lighting fixture by German designer, Ingo Maurer. “Every guest who spends the night here is encouraged to leave a heartfelt message on a blank sheet of paper before departing,” Janine explains.
While Janine’s passion lies in the realm of art, she recalls a moment from her twenties when she was asked about her long-term goals. Her response was a desire to learn how to play the piano, with the caveat that this dream could still be realized when she turned 40. She chuckles, saying, “So, when my 39th birthday arrived, I decided to treat myself to a baby grand piano, which, to me, is not just a musical instrument but also a work of art. Art and music, they’re all intertwined,” she muses.
Just as Janine’s own home offers a charming personal retreat, she extends the same commitment to her real estate clients. Her primary goal is to ensure they feel comfortable throughout the entire property-buying process, and she’s always eager to alleviate any burdens they may encounter. Janine is also a firm believer that if you live on the lake, you never really need a vacation.
“It’s your own little piece of paradise!” she reminds us.
You’ll love having Janine Fields guide you on your dream home journey! You can reach out to her at 704-231-9883 or via email at janine@cltlakeproperties.com. To learn more about Janine and Southern Homes of the Carolinas, visit southernhomesbroker.com.
