About Jessica Rutamu

Hello friends! My name is Jessica Rutamu and I am joining the Micire Team from Portland, Maine. 

My passion for this industry is fueled by two things: my curiously in people and my interest in architecture and design. I have been a small business owner for over ten years and my success relied on having a deep understanding of my client’s needs and wants. Through that experience I learned that the MAGIC is in the consultation. It is the true application of “If you give me six hours to chop down a tree, I will spend the first four sharpening my axe.” It is a huge priority to me to take the time to fully understand my clients. My strength is not only narrowing down what your lifestyle requires, it is being knowledgeable about what you cannot predict that you might want or need so we can address those items before you make one of the biggest investments of your adult life.

Speaking of investments, I am an experienced real estate investor having bought properties, functioned as a GC during rehab projects, designed spaces and managed tenants. I definitely view my client’s home buying journey as a business opportunity for them and am particularly interested in helping clients find homes with value added potential. I believe that real estate is an enormous wealth building tool and even when that is not my client’s first priority I am always looking for properties with opportunity that check all their boxes! (This applies to my seller clients as well. I bring my marketing and investing experience to every transaction and know that attention to detail is vital.

Having moved to Pittsburgh from Maine I know firsthand how difficult it is to understand geography, school systems (you can have a Pittsburgh zip code and still not be in district for the free charter schools), millage rates, commutes (mileage does not equal time), what you should consider when buying on the high side versus the low side of the street, sourcing tradespeople- the list goes on! It is my priority to be the best source of information I can be for my clients in addition to finding them their dream homes. 

On a more personal note, I am a wife and mother of two young boys and a dachshund. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology and before getting married traveled the world (I even taught Math in Tanzania). My family relocated to Pittsburgh to continue our investing journey and give our children access to the art, culture, education, you-name-it opportunities Pittsburgh has to offer. In my free time I enjoy going to the museums (Did you know Yayoi Kusama had a residency at The Mattress Factory and they boast two permanent installations?!), exploring the historical sites, partaking in the sporting events and brushing up on my Steel City knowledge. I am not a Pittsburgh local but I am a huge Pittsburgh aficionado and I take my expertise in this city very seriously! 

I would be thrilled to join you on your home buying or selling journey and cannot wait to meet you!