
By Staff
Tariq Jenkins is a rising force in Atlanta’s real estate scene, blending passion, persistence, and purpose to help clients achieve their homeownership dreams. Representing Her-Co Realty, a Black woman-owned firm rooted in community empowerment and education, Tariq is more than just a realtor—he’s a trusted advisor and advocate. With a background in basketball and a drive sharpened during the pandemic, he brings the same tenacity from the court to every client relationship. Whether working with first-time buyers, investors, or seasoned professionals, Tariq’s mission is clear: provide real value, build wealth, and open doors—literally and figuratively—for all.
Can you tell us a little bit about the company you represent and what sets it apart in the real estate market?
Absolutely. The company I represent is a Black-owned business called Her-Co Realty, led by a dynamic Black woman I connected with two years ago. I was drawn to her vision and what she stands for—making real estate knowledge accessible to those looking to buy, sell, or invest. Our values aligned, so I joined the team. What sets Her-Co apart is our commitment to sharing what we’ve learned. A lot of real estate professionals hold on to information, but we pride ourselves on educating our community. We’re in the neighborhoods, at events—anywhere we can be—to provide valuable insights and support people on their real estate journey.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in real estate? Was there a defining moment that made you realize this was the path for you?
My inspiration came during the pandemic when everything came to a halt. I had just graduated from college and was playing basketball when COVID shut things down. That pause made me think about what else I enjoyed—and I had always been interested in houses. I didn’t want to be an architect, so I started researching how to become a realtor. I was hooked from that point on. The defining moment was in my first year when I didn’t sell a single home. Despite that, I kept grinding every day with no immediate results. That’s when I knew this was my path—because I loved it, results or not.
How has your personal journey influenced the way you approach real estate and client relationships?
My journey shaped my approach in a unique way. Coming from a sports background, I view real estate like the game of basketball—you get out what you put in. Communication, adaptability, and working with different personalities are key in both. My clients see the effort I put in, the extra mile I go, and they value that. That’s why I’m often invited to their housewarming parties or cookouts. It’s more than a transaction; it’s a relationship.

What types of properties or clients do you typically work with, and what drives your passion in helping them?
I work with all types of clients—NFL and NBA players, lawyers, teachers, police officers, corporate professionals—you name it. I don’t limit myself to one group because my goal is to help anyone serious about buying, selling, renting, or investing. What drives me is seeing people start the process unsure if they can do it, then watching their joy when they succeed. That transformation is powerful.
For someone looking to purchase their first home, what are some key things they should know before getting started?
First-time buyers should connect with a real estate professional early. Make sure your credit is in a good place, ideally around 580 or higher. Have some savings for your down payment and closing costs. Your debt-to-income ratio should be manageable, and it helps to have a steady job history of at least two years in the same field. Also, explore first-time homebuyer programs and grants—your realtor should guide you through all of that.
Can you walk us through the steps a first-time buyer should expect from the moment they decide they want to buy to the day they get the keys?
Once a buyer decides to purchase, the first step is connecting with a realtor like me. I’ll help get you pre-approved by recommending loan officers (or you can use your own). You’ll complete an application and submit documents, and once approved, we’ll know your price range. From there, we’ll narrow down areas of interest, tour homes, and if you find one you love, I’ll write and submit the offer. If it’s accepted, we enter due diligence—inspect the home and submit earnest money. Then we move toward closing. A few days before, we’ll do a final walkthrough. On closing day, you sign the paperwork and get the keys!
Are there any special programs, grants, or financing options that people might not be aware of that could really make a difference?
Yes—there are some great ones out there! Programs like GA Dream, Chenoa, HomeReady, Rocket Purchase Plus, Invest Atlanta, and Atlanta Housing can be game-changers. I especially like Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Housing, which offer over $20K in grant money just for buying in the city. These programs help people save significantly.
How do you help clients navigate challenges like credit, budgeting, or qualifying for loans?
I start by identifying the specific challenge. If it’s credit, I connect them with a loan officer who creates a credit roadmap. For budgeting, I work with them to develop a monthly savings plan that aligns with their goals. If it’s about qualifying for a loan, I’ll collaborate with the loan officer to review their credit score, income, and profession to determine the best loan options.

In today’s market, what trends are you seeing that buyers or sellers should be paying attention to?
Buyers should keep an eye on home supply, interest rates, and how long homes are sitting on the market. Sellers need to watch buyer demand, their local market values, and days on market. These trends help determine pricing strategies and negotiation power.
What advice would you give to someone who’s hesitant to enter the real estate market due to financial concerns or uncertainty?
I’d tell them that timing is everything—it has to make sense for your financial situation. If things aren’t stable, it’s okay to rent for a year while creating a game plan. Work on your credit, build savings, and revisit buying about three months before your lease ends. Preparation is key.
Can you speak to the importance of real estate as a tool for building generational wealth, especially in underrepresented communities?
Real estate is critical for generational wealth because it’s about ownership. When you own property, you open the door to passive income, equity, and long-term appreciation. You can tap into that equity or hold the property and sell later for a major profit. It’s time to stop making others rich and start investing in ourselves.
How do you stay motivated and keep growing in such a competitive industry?
I stay motivated by remembering the work I’ve already put in—I didn’t come this far for nothing. I keep growing by staying consistent, being open to learning, and pivoting when necessary to find smarter ways to operate and scale.

What’s been one of the most rewarding moments for you in your real estate career so far?
One that stands out was convincing a client to view a home they initially ignored. I sent a text like, “What y’all doing right now? Meet me at this address in an hour. If you don’t like it, y’all can give me hell.” They came, saw it, and fell in love—it had everything they wanted. To this day, they thank me for pushing them to check it out. I guess I stood on business!
Where do you see yourself and your business in the next five to ten years?
I see myself as a recognized figure in real estate—known for helping people from all walks of life, at any price point. I want to be a trusted name who provides real education and saves people money. I hope to be known as the realtor who truly cares and stays connected to every client—most of whom become lifelong friends.
What final words of encouragement or practical tips would you offer to someone thinking about making a move—whether buying, selling, or starting a career in real estate?
Talk to a real estate professional you trust—someone who’s honest and has your best interest at heart. Don’t let discouragement stop you. Real estate is attainable. Look at others around you who’ve done it and remind yourself: if they can do it, so can I. You just need the right plan and the right people in your corner.


At Her-Co we know your day to day life can be crazy and the thought of buying or selling a home can be stressful. As a team of professional REALTORS we are dedicated to making sure your home buying or selling experiences will be memorable. Our goal is to deliver superior service above anything. We pride ourselves in going that extra mile.
Our philosophy
In the words of Dr. Maya Angelou :
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Our Goal is to make you feel like family