Jenifer Prouty Hoffman

Principal Broker / Owner

Growing up, I was fascinated by real estate. At six years old I watched my parents build their house from the ground up. Seeing their dream come true taught me the meaning of “pride of ownership.” As a teen, I helped my dad finish the basement (paint, install trim and doors, etc) and started exploring open houses with my mom on weekends for fun.

Education

I earned my B.A. in American Studies at Siena College and M.A. in Counseling and Community Psychology at Sage Graduate School. From there, I worked in a women’s residential treatment facility, case managing and counseling women with substance abuse & mental health disorders. Empowering them to turn their lives around was profoundly meaningful work, but I felt in my gut it wasn’t where I was supposed to be long term.

I’d always figured real estate would be my mid-life crisis career change… so I took the leap of faith decades earlier than planned. Launching a new career in real estate during the economic crisis in 2011 was risky but I instantly knew that I had found my calling.

After a few years in the business I found my stride and obtained my Broker’s license. I committed to this profession as a forever path and focused on learning all I can to help my clients and community. 

Designations & certifications provide advanced training on specific topics. To date I’ve become an e-PRO, GREEN designee (it’s not just a label - I’m an avid recycler and built an energy efficient home with solar), Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), Commitment To Excellence (C2EX), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR) and At Home With Diversity (AHWD). 

I’ve also completed NAR’s Fairhaven simulation, Bias Override and Implicit Bias training, demonstrating my belief in the importance of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion). 

Opening Hoffman Real Estate 

On April 1, 2020 I founded Hoffman Real Estate because I have a passion for homes & helping people make their dreams come true.  The agents who work here appreciate my generous mentorship, insatiable thirst for knowledge, tenacious spirit, and compassionate heart.  I am ambitious, determined and hold myself and my agents to high standards.

We have the best clients – and serve them proudly with integrity, enthusiasm and perseverance.  The goal isn’t just to cross the finish line; we care about the client experience and do everything in our power to make it enjoyable, educational, and seamless along the way.  Sometimes you’ll see us sweat and that’s the point… the work we do isn’t easy! 

Leadership

One of the best decisions I made was to get involved with my industry’s association.  I stepped up to fill a void on my local board, the South Central Vermont Board of Realtors (SCVBR) in 2019 and ascended to the presidency in 2020.  Of course, my plans for an exciting year were derailed by COVID. Instead, I worked hard to keep everyone safe, informed, and following state guidelines (we were never “essential workers” so our activity was highly regulated). 

In 2021, I was named REALTOR of the Year by both my local and state associations, an honor that still chokes me up. 

Then I was the second Vermonter ever selected for the prestigious NAR Leadership Academy.  It was a year-long commitment with a deep-dive behind-the-scenes look at our national association and the incredible work they do.  Our small groups developed capstone projects and presented them “Shark Tank” style.  My group project on “Realtor Wellness: A Holistic Approach” merged my past and present, and hopefully paved the way for a better future… talk about a full circle moment!  I met inspiring Realtors and staff from across the country who have become friends for life.  

Since graduation I’ve been serving on the NARLA Advisory Group choosing the next incoming classes.  I have also become the Regional Liaison for the Realtors Relief Foundation (RRF) fundraising for disaster relief.

This year I am the President-Elect of the Vermont Association of Realtors (VAR), which means I’ll serve as State President in 2026.  I am very active with our Government Affairs Committee and am a President’s Circle RPAC Major Investor, financially contributing to our advocacy efforts – putting my money where my mouth is. 

Personal

A native Vermonter and third generation Benningtonian, my roots run deep! You can often find me shopping downtown or dining at local small businesses — they are the lifeblood of America and we have an obligation to support them if we want them to survive.  I love connecting with old and new friends at Southwestern Vermont Chamber of Commerce events, from their monthly mixers to annual festivals like GarlicTown on Labor Day Weekend.

My husband and I have purchased 3 parcels of land to develop. The one in our neighborhood is almost done… It'll be a new home for my mom and have a 2-bedroom apartment upstairs, known as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU).  Two others in Bennington will be marketed and sold “preconstruction” so we can custom design and build a new home for you. 

When I’m not working in my real estate business (which is most of the time because I love what I do!) or designing or building with Jon, you can find me playing ball with Rex, cooking, reading, watching movies and reality TV (still dreaming of being on “Survivor!”), annual treks to Oguniquit, Maine and cruising to  find the world’s best tropical beaches and amazing architecture.