My Approach

In 2007 I started practicing real estate on a lark as I waited to hear back from a graduate program. Almost immediately I could tell that it was a perfect fit and love it more all the time. I had been hesitant to become a realtor because I thought of Realtors as sales driven and that didn’t fit my natural interests. To my relief I have discovered there is another way to practice real estate. Over the years I’ve found that representation requires the following qualities that I seek to embody in my client interactions:

• Be an Advocate – It is important that a realtor always push for the best interest of the clients
• Provide Expertise – It is important that a realtor demonstrate active knowledge of houses, neighborhoods, the process, and the market
• Don’t Force It – It is important that a buyer not feel pressured into buying a home or a seller into selling
• Listen and Understand – It is important that a realtor take time to thoroughly understand the needs/wants of their clients.
• Be Responsive – It is important that a realtor be responsive to email/text/phone contact in a timely manner.
• Keep Clients Informed – It is important that a realtor keep their clients informed of the steps and stages throughout the buying or selling process
• Simplify Client Responsibilities – It is important that a realtor manage tasks such that the buyer or sellers are not overwhelmed by the process

My Team

Brandon Jozwiak, Broker

Originally from Texas, I moved to Durham in 2007 from Colorado, and have loved it here since. I left a job which required a tremendous amount of traveling and interactions with a large amount of customers so that I could spend more time (besides sleeping) in Durham while focusing my energy on a fewer number of clients. I’ve been incredibly happy with the decision and have throughly enjoyed serving a smaller amount of people – all while wandering about Durham on a daily basis. I live in said city with my wife and our dog; you may find us all at the dog park, running on the Tobacco Trail (the American version), or eating on a canine-friendly restaurant patio near you. I like to fly-fish the coast and mountains, ride mountain and road bikes, play guitar, hike, and pursue any type of water sport.
I love all things mountains and water, sharing meals with people I care about, and a bunch of other things I’ll tell you about if you ask, “hey, what bunch of other things do you love?”

Randi Fox, Administrator

I live in Woodcroft with my husband, Daniel, and our two girls. Though I’ve lived in the Triangle for 8 years, since moving to Durham in 2009, I rarely forsake my new home city to eat or shop anywhere else! I love everything Durham has to offer: Outstanding world-class food, a downtown that is uncharacteristically close to the (affordable) suburbs, miles of walking trails, friendly folks at every turn, and a metropolitan feel with just enough “y’all’s” thrown in to remind you you’re in the hospitable South.

Working as Jessica’s assistant has allowed me to get to know my city in an even deeper way and I love my job! My husband is an Internal Medicine Resident at Duke and that has given me a unique perspective for all the students, residents, and fellows who move in and out of Durham for training. In fact, we will be moving to Denver in July 2012 for a Pulmonary/Critical Care Fellowship, and so this time I’ll be on the seller’s end of things. We have much to do and lots of Durham to enjoy over the next several months!
In my spare time I enjoy working on home renovations, reading books on parenting, food, and homeschooling, and walking the Woodcroft trails with our crazy Labradoodle, Rosie.

My Story

After graduating Davidson my husband and I moved to Washington, DC where I worked in the non-profit sector and in the White House. My time there solidified my desire to help and advocate for people and I am thankful to have found that outlet through real estate. I now live in Downtown Durham with my husband, two dogs, and a cat. I love yoga, running, reading, chocolate and knitting. We love Durham and all it has to offer from DPAC to the Eno, not to mention the amazing restaurants.

When I started Real Estate I decided to become the “Red Bag Realtor” as a way to distinguish myself in a large company. When we started Urban Durham Realty in 2009 my role in my new company soon overshadowed my identity as the Red Bag Realtor. But to eliminate any confusion: the Red Bag Realtor now works at Urban Durham Realty.

My Firm

Urban Durham is an incredible firm which I was proud to help start with two other women. We have been thrilled by the ways that the Durham community has embraced us. Our mission statement is below.

Durham is a great place to live. We believe this so passionately that we started Urban Durham Realty, a full-service real estate company with a focus on the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods throughout Durham.

So, what is “urban” anyway? To us, the term “urban” is less about location and more about lifestyle. To us, an urban lifestyle is about:

• Connecting with the people in your neighborhood
• Engaging in the needs of your community
• Living close to amenities such as schools, parks, and stores
• Supporting a healthy environment by promoting “walkability”

But our business is about more than selling real estate. At Urban Durham Realty,

• We are committed to staying informed about issues that impact Durham
• We are committed to giving back to the community by donating a portion of each transaction to a local charity
• We are committed to supporting Durham businesses and keeping our resources local
• We are committed to increasing our awareness of “green” opportunities and decreasing our impact on the planet