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With over 25 years in real estate, Jennifer Darby Metzger has built a career of leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to elevating the industry. A second-generation real estate broker and the owner and managing partner of The Agency Rutherford, Darby Metzger has not only helped shape the New Jersey market — she’s actively redefining it.
From earning a spot on Realtor Magazine’s “30 Under 30” to being named RealSource Association of Realtors 2013 Realtor of the Year, Darby Metzger has been recognized at every stage of her career for her contributions to the industry. She holds multiple NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Awards at the Gold, Silver and Bronze levels and is a lifetime member of the NJ Realtors Distinguished Sales Club.
Her expertise spans residential and commercial real estate, and she holds certifications in Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR). The National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes her work with historic properties.
Beyond transactions, Darby Metzger is a mentor, speaker and industry advocate. She has spoken at ERA Real Estate’s National Convention, served on the ERA National Advisory Council and founded The ERA Starfish Project, a community-driven initiative dedicated to giving back.
Most recently, Darby Metzger made a bold move by bringing The Agency to New Jersey, leading the charge as the Managing Partner of The Agency Rutherford — the first independently owned and operated office of this globally recognized brand in the state. Her mission? To elevate real estate by fostering a brokerage built on expertise, collaboration and a true commitment to client success.
Name: Jennifer Darby Metzger
Title: Owner/managing Partner
Brokerage: The Agency Rutherford
Location: Rutherford, New Jersey
Team size: 25 agents and growing
Transaction sides: 185 sides in 2024
Sales volume: 2024 sales volume: $96,079,126
What are 5 things you’d like readers to know about you and your brokerage?
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We’re making history in New Jersey — The Agency Rutherford is the first location of this globally recognized brand in the state of New Jersey, and we’re setting the bar high.
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Luxury is a service, not a price point — we bring an elevated experience to every client, regardless of price range. Our market is not a luxury market. Yes, we have luxury listings, but our clients buy and sell in all price ranges and should have the same experience regardless of the price.
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We believe in building relationships together and having fun while doing it – we spend a lot of time with one another, so we may as well enjoy it! Our team culture is all about collaboration, positivity, and mutual success.
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Deep local expertise — I’ve spent my entire career in New Jersey real estate, and our team has unparalleled knowledge of the market.
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The power of positivity drives everything we do – Real estate is a business of energy, mindset and relationships. We focus on solutions, celebrate wins and always move forward with a can-do attitude.
Why/how did you get your start in real estate?
I actually went to college to become a high school science teacher, but soon after graduation, I joined the family business as an agent, and I was hooked. Real estate is one of those careers where, when you put in the time to get educated and really good at what you do, there’s no turning back.
You blink, and 25 years have passed in what feels like an instant. I love the dynamic and creative nature of this business, the relationships I’ve built and the ability to guide people through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.
How did you choose your brokerage (first or current)?
I spent my whole career with ERA Real Estate, building a strong foundation and reputation in the industry. But when I discovered The Agency, I saw an opportunity to bring something truly different to New Jersey.
The brokerage promotes boutique smart brokerages and is very selective about who they bring on board — which aligns perfectly with how we operate at our office. We don’t want tons of license hangers; we want a selective group of smart professionals who are dedicated to their craft, committed to exceptional service and ready to elevate the real estate experience. It was a fit from Day 1, and I knew it was the right move — not just for me but for my agents and clients.
What do you wish more people knew about working in real estate?
Many people assume real estate is an easy career or a quick way to make money. The reality is this business requires an incredible amount of discipline, adaptability and perseverance. Success doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built through hard work, continuous learning and delivering exceptional service to clients every day.
The best agents are the ones who really care about their clients, focus their full-time attention on the real estate business, and truly understand the whole picture of what owning a home or investment property means.
Tell us about a high point in your brokerage career. How did you get there?
One of the biggest milestones in my career was purchasing a commercial building during COVID and transforming it into the new “home” for our office. It was a leap of faith during uncertain times, but I believed in the vision.
Beyond just creating a beautiful office space, I took a bold step back to evaluate the industry, our market and what was next. I knew that I had to make a decision — not just for myself, but for my agents and our community — on what brand would best support our next chapter.
That decision led me to The Agency. Taking that leap was a BOLD move for sure, but it has been one of the most exciting moments of my career.
What’s your top tip for freshly licensed brokers?
Long-term success in real estate comes down to knowledge, consistency and relationships. My advice to any agent — whether new or seasoned — is to find a mentor, never stop learning and treat every transaction as if it were your own home.
This industry moves fast, and while getting your license is the first step, true success comes from surrounding yourself with top professionals, staying ahead of market trends and always providing value to your clients.
And most importantly — keep a really, really good database. Even if it’s just a simple Excel spreadsheet, remember: Your people are your business. The agents who nurture their network, stay in touch with past clients, and consistently follow up are the ones who build sustainable, long-term careers in real estate.
