Greater Boston Agent Jake Tankel Helps Homebuyers Turn Possibility into Reality
by David Hay
August 2025
In many ways, the work of a residential real estate agent comes down to visualization—an ability to envision spaces as lived-in homes, to imagine their future potential, and then to share that effectively with clients. Challenging enough for any property, it’s especially tricky when it comes to new development projects that have yet to break ground.
But this is where Boston and suburban agent Jake Tankel excels.
“I can help my clients see a new home and imagine how a space would be when they’re living there,” he says.
At 33, with nearly a decade of experience in the industry, perhaps Tankel is taking a similar approach to his own rising career—envisioning long-term value and investing in great potential. The Joni Shore Group, Douglas Elliman’s #1 Small Team in Massachusetts, clearly saw future success when they invited him to join the Wellesley-based team this past March.
It’s a career move he’s very excited about.
“I’ve always loved the Elliman brand,” he tells me, along with the people and its marketing reach.
Tankel’s excitement is palpable and accentuated by his genuine enthusiasm. He believes these qualities are strengths that will set him apart. Indeed, his openness and clear-eyed love of the profession are key reasons that Joni Shore, among others at the brokerage, predict success ahead.
“I’m thrilled to have Jake join our team,” Shore said. “He is a wonderful asset because of his work ethic, knowledge of real estate both in the city and suburbs, his optimistic attitude, and his ultimate goal of client satisfaction.”
A key to his vision-driven sales process is sizing up how a buyer might approach a property. Recounting some recent closings, Tankel makes clear that he’s not shy about suggesting a seller make renovations prior to listing. In the case of a Chestnut Hill-area home, he merely “suggested a few important improvements.” For another in Wayland, he and his clients worked for nearly a year to fully reimagine the property, leading to an offer less than 24 hours after it was listed and a sale price well above the initial ask.
Tankel understands that many clients may struggle to visualize what he sees in a property, given the investment involved.
“They’re putting out a lot of money—it’s often the biggest purchase they’ve made in their life. So, that’s natural,” he says, noting that his job is to make sure they can take that leap with confidence.
Outside of his work in real estate, Tankel devotes much of his time to volunteering and philanthropic work, including serving on the young professionals’ board at Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters (JBBBS) of Great Boston. He also has participated in JBBBS’s Friend 2 Friend program, which matches adults with disabilities with volunteers who provide companionship, support, and a sense of belonging.
Currently, Tankel is a committee member with Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston (CJP), where he works with young professionals 40 and under on how to start their own journeys of giving back to the community.
“Being a real estate agent has allowed me to do what I love,” he says. “I get to meet all types of people and help them at an important stage of their life. It’s very satisfying.”
David Hay is a well-known architectural writer and playwright. His stories have been featured in The New York Times, Dwell and New York.
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