J. Harpe Realty: A Legacy of Excellence in Michigan Real Estate

J. Harpe Realty has been a trusted name in West Michigan real estate since 1978. Founded by Jim Harpe, our company has built a reputation for exceptional service and expertise, particularly in West Michigan waterfront properties.

Our Founding Legacy

Jim Harpe founded J. Harpe Realty with a vision of providing personalized, professional service in real estate. After a successful career in sales at Herman Miller, Jim decided to channel his skills into building his own business. He quickly recognized the unique opportunity in West Michigan lake properties and made it his specialty.

Jim’s commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail set the foundation for our company’s success. He believed in the importance of personal connections, always preferring a phone call to an email and walking clients through every document to ensure their comfort and understanding. Though Jim has since passed away, his legacy lives on through his son Steve, who worked alongside him for several years and continues to uphold the same principles of personalized service and dedication to clients that made J. Harpe Realty special from the start.

Jim Harpe and son Steve Harpe – Two generations of personalized real estate service.

Continuing the Tradition

Today, Steve Harpe carries on his father’s sense of business; seamlessly blending old-school service with modern technology to provide an unparalleled experience for our clients. With over 20 years in the industry, Steve has developed a deep understanding of the West Michigan real estate market and a steadfast commitment to personalized client care.

Steve’s approach to real estate is rooted in direct, hands-on involvement throughout every stage of the buying or selling process. He believes that the key to successful real estate transactions lies in clear communication, education, and accessibility. Unlike many modern real estate operations that rely heavily on teams and assistants, Steve personally handles all aspects of each transaction.

At J. Harpe Realty, Steve offers direct, personal service to clients. He’s always available to answer questions and provide guidance, even outside regular hours. Steve thoroughly explains every aspect of real estate deals, ensuring clients are well-informed decision-makers. This approach combines traditional personal service with modern efficiency, empowering clients to navigate Lakefront Michigan real estate confidently. It upholds his father’s legacy while meeting today’s market needs, distinguishing J. Harpe Realty in West Michigan’s waterfront property market.

Steve’s passion for real estate goes beyond transactions. He loves connecting with people and helping them find their perfect home. The relationships formed and the joy of successful deals drive his work. Steve enjoys the competitive aspects of real estate, always striving for the best outcomes for his clients.

Outside work, Steve leads an active life. He enjoys golf, pickleball, gardening, and watching sports. Family is central to his life – he’s married to Krystine, and they have two young boys, James and Christian. This balance of professional passion and personal life enables Steve to bring energy and empathy to every client interaction at J. Harpe Realty.

Ready to find your dream property?

Get Started with Us

Start your search today to explore a variety of lakefront homes, cottages, and land options. Our user-friendly website makes it easy to browse listings, view detailed property descriptions, and access high-quality images.