Leasing Agent (IL: 473015697)
47 years experience
Jefferson County, Illinois presents a unique real estate landscape shaped by its rich coal mining heritage and strategic location in the southern part of the state. The county's housing market reflects the economic transition from its industrial past to a more diversified present, with property values influenced by proximity to major transportation corridors and the ongoing revitalization efforts in key communities.
With 43 actively licensed real estate agents serving the area, Jefferson County maintains a compact but engaged professional network where relationships and local expertise carry significant weight. What's particularly noteworthy is that all 43 agents maintain email connectivity, indicating a tech-savvy approach despite the county's rural character and suggesting strong digital marketing capabilities throughout the region.
Mount Vernon stands as the county seat and primary real estate hub, driving much of the residential and commercial activity with its established downtown core and proximity to Interstate 57. The city's historic neighborhoods offer affordable housing options that attract both first-time buyers and investors, while newer developments on the outskirts cater to families seeking modern amenities. Smaller communities like Bluford, Bonnie, and Dix contribute to the county's diverse market mix with rural properties and agricultural land sales.
The county benefits from its position within the broader Metro Lakeland region, creating connectivity to employment centers while maintaining lower cost structures than metropolitan areas. This geographic advantage has led to increasing interest from remote workers and retirees seeking affordable living options without complete isolation from urban conveniences, particularly given the county's access to Rend Lake recreational opportunities.
Jefferson County's real estate market operates on relationship-driven transactions where local knowledge trumps volume-based approaches. The relatively small agent pool means each professional often handles diverse property types, from historic downtown buildings in Mount Vernon to expansive agricultural parcels and lake properties near Rend Lake. This versatility creates opportunities for agents who understand both residential sales and commercial development potential.
Pricing dynamics reflect the county's economic evolution, with properties near transportation infrastructure and recreational amenities commanding premiums while former mining areas present unique redevelopment opportunities. The market shows surprising resilience due to affordable entry points and the area's appeal to buyers seeking value-driven investments, though inventory levels can fluctuate significantly based on seasonal factors and broader economic conditions affecting rural Illinois communities.
Service providers targeting the real estate industry will find Jefferson County's concentrated agent network particularly valuable for direct marketing campaigns and partnership development. With universal email adoption among the county's 43 licensed professionals, businesses can efficiently reach decision-makers who influence property transactions, from mortgage services and home inspection companies to contractors and property management firms seeking local referral partnerships.
The tight-knit nature of Jefferson County's real estate community means successful business relationships often expand through word-of-mouth recommendations, making initial agent connections especially valuable. Companies offering everything from insurance products to renovation services can leverage agent contact data to establish footholds in this relationship-driven market, where trusted professionals regularly collaborate on complex transactions involving agricultural, residential, and commercial properties.
As of 2/17/2026, Debra Smith has 5 properties for sale in Mount Vernon and surrounding areas.
$525,000
Listed 2025-12-17
$106,875
Listed 2026-01-20
$285,000
Listed 2025-07-21
$525,000
Listed 2025-11-19
$137,500
Listed 2025-11-11
As of 2/9/2026, Debra Smith has the following rental properties available in Mount Vernon and surrounding areas.
$1,800
Listed 2026-01-22