Joe Forrest

Written by Dave Danielson | Photos by Nested Tours

In the dynamic world of real estate, where market shifts are constant and the stakes are often high, Joe Forrest of RE/MAX First stands out not just for his impressive track record, but for the genuine compassion he brings to every transaction. 

Since earning his real estate license in 2003, Forrest has quietly built a career marked by consistency, trust, and heartfelt service—especially to Oklahoma City’s senior population.

Getting His Start

Before stepping into real estate, Forrest had already carved out success in the corporate world, building and merging companies in the healthcare sector. “When I sold my healthcare company, I took a little time off,” he recalls. “I thought I’d like to try real estate. I’ve always enjoyed the contract process. Every home and property is different, and so is every person you deal with. I like that variety and working through the challenges.”

That attraction to variety and complexity quickly turned into a passion. But for Forrest, the true reward lies not just in closing deals—it’s in connecting with people. “I work with a lot of the senior population,” he explains. “You get to hear a lot of history and good stories. My dad was a pastor, and I grew up helping older folks in the church. That’s stayed with me. I enjoy helping people understand the true market value of their home and guiding them through a process that can sometimes feel overwhelming.”

Mindset Matters

This people-first mindset has served Forrest—and his clients—well. For the past six years, he has consistently increased the number of families he helps each year. “I believe that if you help enough people get what they want, you’ll get what you want,” he says. That philosophy is more than just a business strategy—it’s a reflection of who Forrest is at his core.

It’s also a principle that fuels his commitment to giving back. Through RE/MAX’s partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network, Forrest donates in his clients’ names with every transaction. “One hundred percent of that money goes directly to the children’s hospital here in OKC,” he says. For the last two years, that commitment earned him the distinction of being Oklahoma’s Miracle Agent of the Year—a title he wears with quiet pride.

Gratitude

Despite his success, Forrest is quick to credit those around him. “We have an incredible team at the brokerage and outstanding support at home,” he says. That support system is key, not just in the day-to-day of real estate, but in maintaining the balance that allows him to recharge and stay passionate about his work. Outside of the office, Forrest enjoys traveling, playing golf, and staying actively involved in his church community.

Perhaps what makes Forrest’s approach so effective is the ministerial legacy that runs through his family. “My dad and two older brothers are all ministers,” he says. “Helping people through a process—being as knowledgeable and helpful as I can be—that means a lot to me.”

Purpose and Passion

That sense of purpose is palpable in how his clients describe him: honest, dependable, and straightforward. He’s known for his follow-through and calm guidance, qualities that bring comfort in what can be a stressful time for buyers and sellers alike.

For those thinking of entering the real estate industry, Forrest offers practical advice: “Build relationships and make sure you save some money before you start. You need to work hard and plant a lot of seeds. Get to know people. Relationships are everything.”

That belief in relationships has been a consistent theme throughout his career—and life. Whether navigating the complexities of a real estate contract, listening to a client’s life story, or contributing to a local hospital, Forrest leads with empathy and integrity.

In a business where agents are often defined by numbers and rankings, Joe Forrest is building something more enduring: trust, connection, and a legacy of service. His story is a reminder that real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about people. And in that realm, Forrest is clearly at home.