James "Jamie" Howard

I’ve lived in Durham since 1992 and took a circuitous route to finally realizing my lifelong dream of becoming a REALTOR in 2017 at the age of 42. To say that real estate has always been an interest of mine would be an understatement. In fact, when I was little, I used to build dollhouses and put "for sale" signs in front of them. While I still love building those houses, I’ve found it even more fulfilling when I get to put “sold” over the signs in front of real homes. Putting those signs up is so rewarding because I know it’s helping my clients start a new chapter in their lives.

I pride myself in providing exemplary, highly personalized service to sellers and buyers, and they appreciate the extra effort I take to make them feel they are important and not just another transaction. I’m proud to say that most of my clients have become personal friends.

Other than real estate, I am a novelist, essayist, and short-story writer. I support Duke University Chapel, the Animal Protection Society in Durham, the Georgia English Bulldog Rescue, WCPE Radio, and the North Carolina Writer’s Network. I love English Bulldogs and am in the process of adopting one from Bullies 2 The Rescue, a bulldog rescue outside Charlotte. I also worked for three years as a part-time Funeral Assistant at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory in Durham. As part of that experience, I came to realize that sometimes people just want you to listen to them. I approach every client in that way and make sure that they know they are being heard and listened to so that I can better understand their needs and wants.

If you're looking for a REALTOR who will listen to you, approach you with kindness and humor, and make the experience as fun as possible, then I can’t wait to meet you!