About Jill Hensel
A Bay Village native with over 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, and design, Jill Hensel brings a wealth of expertise to her real estate career. Jill’s unique background—spanning apparel merchandising, home staging, and sales—has shaped her approach to real estate, blending a sharp eye for design with a deep understanding of the local market. Since receiving her real estate license in 2016, Jill has used her skills to help clients achieve their dreams, delivering white glove service and results that consistently exceed expectations.
In 2021, Jill founded J. Hensel Homes under the Howard Hanna umbrella, and in just a few short years, the team has become the top real estate group in Bay Village. With a growing team of agents and a full-time admin, Jill and her team have earned a reputation for their attention to detail, expert staging, and unmatched client care. J. Hensel Homes listings average 3% over asking price, guiding clients through competitive markets with confidence and care. Whether buying or selling, Jill’s team ensures each transaction is handled with the utmost professionalism, making them the trusted partner for clients throughout their real estate journey.
2025 By the Numbers:
Over 35 years combined experience in sales, marketing, staging, and merchandising
5 agents and growing (team doubled since 2021)
$48M+ in sales, 105 homes sold in 2025
Ranked #1 in Bay Village for volume and units sold
Top agent in the Bay Village Howard Hanna Office
Recognized as a Cleveland Real Producer Top 100
Listings average 3% over asking price
Jill and her team don’t just sell homes—they create seamless experiences for their clients, turning every transaction into a lasting partnership built on trust and exceptional service.
-
How do you define home? Being with my boys and husband always feels like home to me.
What’s the best part of your job? The people! I love collaborating with my team and building relationships with our clients.
What do you love most about living in Cleveland? After graduating college, I lived in Chicago and Newport Beach before moving back to Bay Village. While I loved living in a big city and enjoyed the year-round sunshine in California, it only made me appreciate living near family and having four distinct seasons even more! I've loved being back in Cleveland!
What’s your favorite place in Cleveland? It’s exciting to see the dining scene takeoff here. Zhug and Ginko are two of my favorite spots.
What’s your favorite place on the west side? In Bay, I love grabbing coffee at Mojo’s Café and walking with my boys at Huntington Beach. And The Print Shop is a hidden gem with a beautiful curation of home décor.
“I love my job and this community. It’s an honor to support clients through such a pivotal time in their lives and be a partner they can depend on throughout their real estate journey.” —Jill Hensel
About Cate Pfaff
Cate Pfaff is a distinguished real estate agent serving the West Side of Cleveland, with a proven track record of success. Licensed since 2015, Cate spent the first three years of her career specializing in commercial real estate before transitioning to residential real estate full-time. Since making that switch, she has quickly become one of the top agents in her market, handling over 150 transactions and achieving more than $50 million in sales. In 2021, Cate joined J. Hensel Homes under the Howard Hanna umbrella, and in just a few short years, the team has become the top real estate group in Bay Village.
Known for her exceptional service, extensive market knowledge, and expert negotiation skills, Cate has earned a reputation as a trusted real estate professional. Her client-centered approach ensures that each buying or selling process is seamless, with a focus on clear communication, attention to detail, and delivering results that exceed expectations.
Cate’s background in art and design gives her a unique edge in real estate, allowing her to expertly position homes for maximum appeal and value. She helps sellers secure top returns and assists buyers in visualizing a property's full potential to match their lifestyle. With a commitment to personalized service and lasting relationships, Cate is a trusted partner throughout every step of the real estate journey.
-
How do you define home? Home is wherever my boys are!
What’s the best part of your job? Working with my clients. It’s a joy to help them succeed and reach the milestone of finding their perfect home or selling it for the best offer possible.
What do you love most about living in Cleveland? The people—everyone is down to earth and has so much pride in the city.
What’s your favorite place in Cleveland? Clifton Beach is where I’ve made some of my best memories. I also love Severance Hall and the art museum is world-class.
What’s your favorite place on the west side? I love the cocktails at Thyme Table in Bay. Lovely and Babycakes in Rocky River are my go-to spots for thoughtful gifts and adorable kids clothes.
“Whether hiring a contractor, rearranging furniture or being available at a moment’s notice, I always strive to exceed clients’ expectations. It’s an honor to work hard on their behalf and create lasting, meaningful relationships.” —Cate Pfaff
About Lisa Ropelewski
With over six years of experience in the real estate industry, Lisa has earned a reputation for providing exceptional service, expertise, and a personalized approach to every client she serves. She is passionate about helping individuals and families find their dream homes while guiding them through every step of the buying or selling process with patience and care.
As a valued member of the J. Hensel Homes team for over two years, Lisa is known for her keen listening skills, attention to detail, and deep commitment to her clients' success. A proud advocate for Cleveland’s unique charm, she appreciates the serene beauty of Lake Erie, the expansive Metroparks, and the vibrant local coffee shops and eateries that make the city special. More than just finding houses, Lisa helps clients discover a true sense of home within Cleveland’s thriving neighborhoods.
Whether working with newcomers or long-time residents, Lisa is dedicated to providing expert guidance, unwavering support, and a seamless experience that leaves every client feeling informed, confident, and excited for their next chapter.
A proud alumna of Ohio University, Lisa now resides in Bay Village with her 3 amazing children and beloved dog.
-
How do you define home? Home is wherever my husband, kids and dog are! In the summer, that usually means a baseball field, as both my sons play and the whole family loves to cheer them on.
What’s the best part of your job? I love connecting with people and helping them feel comfortable in taking the big leap of buying or selling their home.
What do you love most about living in Cleveland? I’m a big fan of all the Cleveland sports teams. If we’re not at the game, we love to have watch parties with our neighbors!
What’s your favorite place in Cleveland? I love exploring new neighborhoods and coffee shops around the city.
What’s your favorite place on the west side? Bay Village has so much to offer! I love biking to the lake, dining at local spots, like Thyme Table, and walking my dog down the street knowing I’ll see friendly faces along the way. Best of all, everything is so accessible—my kids bike to school, friends’ homes and even the ice cream shop!
“I thrive on understanding my clients’ aspirations and guiding them through the journey of finding a house that will be their dream home.” —Lisa Ropelewski
About Nick Durkalski
With nearly 15 years of sales experience, Nick is a valuable addition to the J. Hensel Homes Team.
Nick’s enduring enthusiasm for real estate and personal experience in home buying and selling in Cleveland compelled him to pursue a license in real estate.
Prior to obtaining his license, Nick honed his skills in sales and business development. Nick’s diverse background and unique perspective enable him to effortlessly guide clients through the home buying and selling process. Clients can rest assured that Nick will work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for their homes.
Nick is an alumnus of Miami University of Ohio. After graduating, he launched his career in Cleveland, initially residing in Tremont. For the past 13 years, he has proudly made Bay Village his home, where he continues to live with his family.
-
How do you define home? It’s the place where I can create memories and nurture relationships with loved ones. From Tremont to Bay Village, Cleveland has been that place for me for nearly two decades!
What’s the best part of your job? The people—getting to know my clients and learning from my colleagues has been rewarding.
What do you love most about living in Cleveland? There’s nothing better than living by the lake and the summers here are unmatched.
What’s your favorite place in Cleveland? I love checking out new restaurants—jaja and Cordelia are my favorite spots right now.
What’s your favorite place on the west side? My favorite thing to do close to home is grabbing a pie from Chatty’s and taking it to eat at Huntington Beach while looking out at the lake—a perfect night!
“I’m excited to share my passion for real estate with clients and provide them with an exceptional experience and results that they can proudly celebrate.” —Nick Durkalski
About Jane Jarvi
As a third-generation Cleveland native, Jane Jarvi leverages her intimate knowledge of the community and 14 years of real estate experience to deliver for each and every one her clients.
Jane believes real estate is personal and takes great pride and responsibility in helping her clients both sell their home and find a dream home suited to their individual needs. Knowing the real estate process is so much more than a transaction, she uses her extensive industry knowledge to skillfully navigate the current market and act as a trusted advisor.
Jane has always had a natural passion for home architecture and interiors. Having previously worked in furniture retail, she has a keen eye for interior design and utilizes her standout sales experience for her clients’ benefit.
A member of the Jill Hensel Homes team since summer 2024, Jane is a proud resident of Bay Village where she and her husband raised two daughters. She enjoys taking advantage of all the West side has to offer from Lake Erie and the Metroparks to local businesses and restaurants.
About Lauren Kelly
Lauren Kelly began her real estate career in 2016, building a strong foundation through marketing and administrative roles that provided her with an in-depth understanding of the industry. Over the years, she gained extensive experience across nearly every facet of the real estate process, including strategic marketing, property promotion, transaction coordination, and contract work.
After years of working behind the scenes, Lauren became a licensed real estate agent, bringing with her a unique combination of marketing expertise, operational knowledge, and hands-on experience. Her background allows her to not only position properties effectively in today's market but also anticipate challenges, streamline the buying and selling process, and provide clients with informed, strategic guidance every step of the way.
Whether she's crafting a tailored marketing strategy for a listing or helping clients navigate the complexities of a real estate transaction, Lauren's experience provides a distinct advantage to her clients. She is committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism, integrity, and honesty, ensuring her clients feel confident and supported throughout every stage of their real estate journey.
