Building Wealth and Community: A Conversation with Jessica Duncan

 

Building Wealth and Community: A Conversation with Jessica Duncan

Welcome to another episode of Between Two Doors! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jessica Duncan, a passionate real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens in Pensacola, Florida. Jessica’s journey into real estate is an inspiring one—what started as a personal passion for investing evolved into a thriving career where she now helps others navigate homeownership and investment strategies.

The Journey into Real Estate

Jessica’s passion for real estate started at just 18 years old, inspired by her grandmother’s investments. By 19, she had already purchased her first home and turned it into a rental property. While she spent over a decade in the corporate world as a business and marketing strategist, her love for real estate never faded. Eventually, she made the bold decision to leave her career behind and follow her passion full-time.

When she shared this with her husband, expecting hesitation, she was met with immediate support: “You should have done it 10 years ago. It’s what you love. How can I help?” That moment set her on a path to becoming one of the most trusted real estate professionals in Pensacola.

Jessica’s Personal Real Estate Investment Story

One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation was Jessica’s personal real estate journey. She bought her first property for $77,500 and later sold it for $167,500. However, when her corporate career moved her away from Pensacola, she had to sell all of her properties. A few years later, that same home she once owned went into foreclosure and was listed for just $49,000—a tough lesson in timing and market fluctuations. Fast forward to today, homes in that neighborhood are now selling for over $300,000.

Her story is a testament to the power of real estate as a wealth-building tool. “You go to work to make a living, but you buy real estate to build wealth.”

Helping Homebuyers and Investors

With her personal investment experience, Jessica is passionate about helping others make smart real estate decisions. Whether someone is a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, she takes the time to understand their goals and create a customized strategy.

When working with investors, Jessica takes a tailored approach:

• Understanding the goal – Long-term rentals, flips, short-term rentals—each strategy is different.

• Restructuring portfolios – Helping investors maximize their cash flow while keeping the same investment amount.

• Educating her clients – Ensuring buyers make informed decisions that align with their financial and personal goals.

For home sellers, Jessica emphasizes the importance of pricing a home correctly from the start. Many sellers think they can start high and drop later, but overpricing leads to longer market time and lower sale prices. She also encourages sellers to walk through their homes as if they were buyers, spotting minor improvements that could increase appeal without major costs.

The Importance of Community and Giving Back

Jessica is deeply involved in her community, and giving back is a core part of her life and business. She is active in multiple non-profits, works with local schools, and is a member of the Crew of SWAT, a Mardi Gras crew that focuses on charity and community support.

Some of the impactful programs she’s involved in include:

• Adopting local schools – Providing school supplies and essentials to students in need.

• Thanksgiving outreach – Delivering full Thanksgiving meals to grandparents raising children in poverty.

• Closing for Charity – Every home she sells includes a donation to a local non-profit, chosen by the client.

• Food-raising Friends – Ensuring children in need have meals when school isn’t in session.

Final Thoughts

Jessica’s approach to real estate is about more than just buying and selling homes—it’s about helping people build a future. Whether it’s first-time homebuyers, investors, or families looking to sell, she is dedicated to educating and guiding her clients to make the best decisions for their financial well-being.

If you’re considering buying or selling in Pensacola and want an agent who truly cares about her clients and community, Jessica Duncan is the one to call.

📍 Connect with Jessica Duncan: Jessica Duncan Website
📍 Nate Carver - Mortgage Loan Officer
📩 Email: ncarver@premierlending.com
📞 Call/Text: 972-832-5761
🌐 Website: NateCarver.com
🎙 Podcast: BetweenTwoDoors.com
🔗 Follow Me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/natecarver

Thank you for tuning in to Between Two Doors! If you found this valuable, please like, share, and introduce me to someone who could benefit from this knowledge. Let’s take control of our finances and build wealth together!