The Grand County Board of Realtors has named Janene Johnson the 2015 Grand County Realtor of the Year.

Johnson, who also won the award in 2007, said Grand County’s community of realtors makes for tough competition.

“I think as a group we’re a very giving group of people, which is why I was so surprised with this award because there are so many people who do so much in our area,” Johnson said. “It’s an honor.”

A realtor since 1994, Johnson joined Real Estate of Winter Park in 2012.

Since then, she’s specialized in residential properties and vacant land for residential use.

Johnson, who grew up in a big city, said she enjoys the mountain lifestyle and the Grand County community.

“I don’t want to bash other ski resorts, but it’s a different attitude up here,” Johnson said. “It’s just so much more laid back. You don’t have to pretend anything. People are so supportive. I think that’s probably my favorite part.”

Living in the Fraser Valley gives Johnson valuable insight to share with clients.

“People want to play when they’re coming up here to look at real estate,” Johnson said. “They want to do the same thing I want to do – they just want to decompress from the city, get out on their snow shoes or get out on their bike, so I kind of highlight the fun things the most.”

As the Chair for Government Affairs for the Colorado Association of Realtors, Johnson said she’s interested in state legislation that affects the real estate market.

“It’s just so important to be in tune with what legislation is being passed and what the candidates running for various offices think of property rights and of the real estate industry in general,” Johnson said.

For more information about Johnson or Real Estate of Winter Park, visit rewinterpark.com.