Pleasanton, CA — January 10, 2025 — NextHome is proud to announce NextHome Legacy Real Estate as the newest addition to the franchise, with two offices in Sheridan and Alma, Michigan. The brokerages join the growing NextHome franchise which currently has over 600 active office locations across the country.
With two convenient office locations, NextHome Legacy Real Estate serves clients throughout Montcalm, Gratiot, Isabella, Clare, Lake and Gladwin counties.
NextHome Legacy Real Estate offers unparalleled expertise in waterfront, land, and second home properties spanning the middle third of the state of Michigan.
“You can’t go any direction in our area without hitting water,” said NextHome Legacy Real Estate broker/owner Jim Vanas. “It’s a way of life, and I love helping others find their place here.”
Jim’s connection to Michigan’s scenic lakes runs deep. After vacationing in Baldwin most of his life, Jim became a permanent Lake County resident in high school. After buying his first home at age 20, Jim knew he wanted to pursue a career in real estate.
“That first estate experience was difficult because I found myself handling much of the process on my own,” Jim recalled. “However, it also inspired me to become an agent who provides a more supportive and positive experience for others.”
Throughout the next 24 years, Jim became a sought-after resource for waterfront and recreational transactions.
After becoming a top-producer at both independent and franchised offices, Jim opened his own brokerage in 2015 – Legacy Real Estate. The office offers two locations, and elevated the lifestyles of countless Michigan homebuyers.
“For me, it’s about helping people achieve a lifestyle that I believe everyone deserves—a life they can truly enjoy,” Jim said. “I tell people I sell waterfront homes for the everyday person, not just the ultra-wealthy. These aren’t properties reserved for millionaires – they’re homes that real people can afford, making the dream of waterfront living accessible to anyone.”
Despite earning numerous awards and recognitions, Jim’s proudest accomplishments are the people he has helped.
“My clients know that I’m caring, that I take care of people, that I treat people like family, and that they are happy with the quality of my work,” Jim said. “The things that my clients share with their friends about my work mean so much more than any awards.”
As Jim looked to the future of his real estate business, and the industry as a whole, he knew franchising was the right move.
“There are so many changes to the industry right now and it’s important to have the right support to help me navigate the bigger industry landscape,” Jim said. “By franchising with NextHome, I can be confident that the big picture stuff is taken care of so I can focus on what I do best.”
Jim watched NextHome grow and evolve for almost six years before deciding to convert his offices into NextHome franchises.
“What sets NextHome apart is the company’s focus on elevating people to be the best versions of themselves rather than stuffing them into a company framework,” Jim said. “NextHome enhances what I already have.”
As Jim continues to elevate his level of service, he is looking forward to growing with talented and client-centered agents.
“At NextHome Legacy Real Estate, we are family oriented and treat you like a person,” Jim said. “We truly care about what we are doing and the people we serve. Our culture exemplifies NextHome’s Humans Over Houses mindset.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim is deeply rooted in the community, having served on boards for local festivals, women’s shelters, and community initiatives. When he’s not helping clients, you can find him kayaking, jet-skiing, or boating on many of Michigan’s stunning waterways.
As someone who is family-focused, Jim loves to travel on cross-country road trips, vacations where the top priority is relaxation or simply enjoying a day at the lake, as long as he’s with family and friends.
A lifelong Cubs fan and proud Corvette enthusiast, Jim combines his love for classic cars, pizza, and fine Scotch with a passion for helping others. Whether cheering at the ballpark or crafting exceptional real estate experiences, he brings heart, humor, and dedication to everything he does.
Please join us in congratulating Jim on the opening of NextHome Legacy Real Estate in Central Michigan!
Interested in being a part of the NextHome Real Estate Franchise? Contact VP of Sales Charis Moreno at Charis@NextHome.com.
Each office is an independently owned and operated business.