Jill Ort’s passion for rescue pups started organically.
“I bought my first home and wanted a dog of my own, but preferred a rescue,” Ort says. “I rescued a dog and that dog, in turn, rescued me.”
Ort, a realtor with RE/MAX Results, began advocating for rescue dogs – particularly pit bulls – after getting involved with rescue organizations like MisPits & Friends Rescue (mispitsandfriends.org), whose goal is to provide a safe haven for all dogs.
“I know how sweet they are and often they get a bad rap,” says Ort, who has fostered numerous dogs, but also vowed that any dog she fostered would stay with her until getting adopted into a forever home. “Often, they come from unsettling situations. I want them to decompress, adapt, learn how to be loved, and feel comfortable being around other dogs and humans.”
Ort purchased a house with an acre and a half of land, allowing her five rescue dogs (two pit bulls, a deerhound, a foxhound and shepherd-husky mix) to move about freely.
In addition to her involvement with animal rescue, Ort has a passion for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), which started after she lost a dear friend to leukemia in 2019 following a valiant 14-year battle.
“Leah was youthful, energetic, brave and kind,” Ort says. “You’d never know she was sick because she was always helping out friends and asking what was going on in their world.”
Ort joined forces with the LLS last year as a Visionary and helped raised $22,000. Combined with others on her team, they raised $450,000 in 10 weeks. This coming year she will continue her support by sitting on the leadership committee. Her goal is to host an annual tennis fundraiser every May at the Louisville Tennis Club, through which sponsors and individuals donate to the LLS.
“My promise is to keep pushing to help find a cure for leukemia,” she says.
Ort, who has always loved architecture and design, has been a realtor for just five years but feels it is her calling. She has sold $1,000,000 homes, $70,000 land lots, new construction, and everything in between. She particularly relishes helping first-time homebuyers as well as those who are relocating. “I’ve lived in five different states, so I get it!” she says.
“I love the connection with people, the intricacies of a home, and the overall process of home buying and selling,” says Ort, who admits that the real estate market can get emotional sometimes. “It is a large financial investment and I want to make sure my clients feel protected. I help guide my clients through each step.”
She does this by managing expectations up front, getting to know her clients, staying in communication with them and, most importantly, helping them reach their real estate goals.
“Most of my business comes from referrals, repeat business and friends,” Ort says. “If you’re not my friend at the start of the process, my hope is that you will be my friend by the end.”
Jill Ort, Realtor at RE/MAX Results is located at 9204 Taylorsville Rd., Suite 216 in Louisville, KY. For more information, call 502-708-7333 or visit them online at remax.com.
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