Today we’d like to introduce you to John Neel.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
“I was born and raised near the Midlands of South Carolina and have watched the state change a lot over my life. After graduating from Saluda High School in 1990, I attended Anderson University, where I studied Communications, focusing on broadcasting and journalism. During my time there, I discovered a strong interest and talent in politics, which even led me to consider law school. But as I neared graduation, I felt that my true path, guided by my Creator, was in ministry, so I pursued seminary instead.
Along the way, I’ve learned that life rarely goes exactly as planned—what we expect is often met with the unexpected. Today, I’m a public high school teacher and a realtor. My wife Lisa and I run our own real estate team, JL Factor Group, LLC, under Keller Williams Western Upstate. The name combines our initials with ‘Factor,’ an old Scottish term for real estate managers, reflecting our desire to serve clients with integrity and professionalism.
What excites me most is adventure and meaningful experiences. I treasure time with family—especially my granddaughter Neveah, grandson Gabriel, and our three dogs, Gator, Maggie, and Chevy. Last Thanksgiving in the mountains of West Virginia, with family and three different snows in a week, was one of the best experiences of my life. I value those moments far more than material things, and they motivate me in everything I do.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“My journey hasn’t always been smooth. There were times when I had to make big decisions, like choosing between politics, law school, and ultimately ministry, and each choice came with uncertainty. Even today, balancing work as a public high school teacher while building our real estate team with my wife has its challenges. But those struggles taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of trusting the path laid out for me. Looking back, I see that the unexpected turns shaped who I am today and helped me approach both teaching and real estate with integrity and purpose.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Business Name: JL Factor Group, LLC
About the Business:
JL Factor Group is a real estate team my wife Lisa and I started under Keller Williams Western Upstate. The name combines our initials—J for John, L for Lisa—with “Factor,” an old Scottish term for real estate managers, reflecting our commitment to guiding clients with professionalism and integrity.
We specialize in helping clients buy and sell homes in a way that’s honest, transparent, and client-focused. Many realtors prioritize speed or volume, but we focus on creating a positive experience and building lasting relationships. In fact, many of our clients become close friends and actually feel like family. Our goal is to redeem the reputation too often associated with the real estate industry—providing value far beyond our fees.
What sets us apart is our dedication to integrity, personalized service, and attention to detail. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built, the strong brand identity with our logo, and the meaningful relationships we form with clients. Above all, we want people to know that with JL Factor Group, they’re working with a team that values trust, experience, and doing what’s right—every step of the way.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best:
“What I love most about our city is the sense of community and connection. People here are friendly and welcoming, and there’s a real balance of history, growth, and natural beauty. I also enjoy the access to outdoor spaces, family-friendly activities, and the vibrant local culture—it’s a place where both work and family life can thrive.”
What I like least:
“The thing I like least is how quickly certain areas are growing, which can bring traffic and development challenges. While growth is exciting, it sometimes feels like it comes at the expense of small-town charm and ease of getting around.”
Pricing:
- We focus on transparent, upfront pricing—clients always know what to expect with no hidden costs.
- we are not a discount group, nor do our clients receive a cheapened service or reduced experience. We get the job done. Our fees are competitive and fair, designed to provide exceptional value for the service we deliver.
- Our services include buying, selling, and property management guidance, all included in our standard commission structure.
- While many realtors may prioritize volume, we emphasize personalized service and client satisfaction, so clients feel confident that the value far exceeds the cost.
- We offer consultations at no initial cost to discuss needs, strategy, and potential pricing before committing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://johnneel.kw.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/johnneelrealestateagent and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=61568371162648
