Discover how this veteran Realtor in Houston, Texas, leverages her 20 years of experience to benefit both clients and the agents she mentors.
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Jemila Winsey, a nationally acclaimed coach, author, influencer, and brokerage leader, transitioned from homelessness to a top-producing, award-winning Realtor by embodying resilience, purpose, and passion. She has led initiatives through the Houston Black Real Estate Association and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) to recognize excellence among Black real estate professionals.
“Acknowledgement of the accomplishments of Black Realtors has inspired other Black Realtors to achieve remarkable success, venture into luxury markets, launch extensive production on social media and video platforms, live authentically, and step into the limelight,” she articulated in an Inman editorial last year.
Explore how this seasoned Realtor in Houston, Texas, utilizes her two decades of knowledge to assist clients and influence the agents she guides.
Name: Jemila Winsey
Title: Co-founder and broker
Experience: 24 years
Location: Houston, Texas
Brokerage name: ERA Legacy Living
Rankings:
- No. 1 Black-owned brokerage in Texas by production
- No. 2 Black-owned brokerage in the U.S. by production
- 2023 Inc 5000 — Placed 23rd in Texas, top 5 in Houston
- Real Trends top 1.5% of brokerages in the U.S.
Team size: 55 members
Transaction and Volume: Achieved $2 billion in combined sales volume with over 3,000 transaction sides
Awards:
- INC 5000 (2022)
- Real Trends – America’s Best (2021 and 2022)
- NAREB Top 100
- Houston Business Journal Top 25 Teams
- Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business
- Houston Association of Realtors Top 20 Realtors
- RISMedia Industry Trailblazer
- Multiple production-based accolades from franchise affiliations, including Hall of Fame recognition
Professional and board affiliations (past and present)
- Vice Chair, Fresno Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ)
- Texas Realtors Board of Directors
- Texas Realtors Strategic Planning Committee
- Houston Association of Realtors, Board of Directors
- Texas Realtors, Regional Vice President
- Board Member, Big Brothers Big Sisters
- National Association of Realtors (NAR) – Business Issues, At Large Member
- National Association of Realtors (NAR) – Federal Technology Issues, At Large Member
- Texas Realtors, Professional Development Committee Member
- Texas Realtors PAC (TREPAC), Board of Trustees
- TREPAC Budget Committee Member
- Houston Black Real Estate Association Board Member
- Chair, HAR Fort Bend Political Affairs Advisory Leadership
- Chair, HAR Fort Bend
- HAR MLS Committee Member
- HAR Technology Committee Member
- HAR HRIS Committee Member
- HAR TREPAC Committee Member
What 3 things should readers know about you and your brokerage?
- Industry leaders with heart: ERA Legacy Living takes pride in being the top Black-owned Brokerage in Texas by production and belonging to the top 1.5 percent of brokerages nationwide. However, what truly distinguishes us is our emphasis on fostering a collaborative environment where our agents feel supported, appreciated, and empowered for success. Achieving greatness is a team effort, and we elevate together.
- Excellence rooted in care: By blending state-of-the-art technology, unparalleled expertise, and a genuine commitment to excellence, we go beyond numbers to create life-changing opportunities for our clients while nurturing a familial atmosphere where agents feel valued and driven to deliver their best.
- Community and culture first: At ERA Legacy Living, we don’t just foster careers — we foster a family. Through mentorship, celebrating milestones, and advocating for diversity, we have cultivated a culture that prioritizes personal and professional growth. Our agents are more than colleagues — they are part of a legacy focused on expansion, support, and enduring significance.
What’s your top tip for freshly licensed brokers?
Prioritize establishing a solid foundation with your team and operations. Focus on nurturing a collaborative and supportive culture where your agents feel valued and empowered to thrive. Develop systems that streamline processes and ensure consistency, but do not overlook relationships — your agents are your greatest asset.
Always lead by example, remain open to learning, and recognize the power of mentorship and coaching within your brokerage. Avoid fixating on headcount and set aside your ego to pivot when necessary.
Building a brokerage is a marathon, not a sprint. The journey may seem unrewarding at times, and it will likely be one of the most challenging yet fulfilling endeavors in your career. True leadership in real estate involves balancing vision, strategy, and genuine compassion.
Tell us about a high point in your brokerage career
One of the most memorable high points in my career was being recognized with the Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business award, alongside ERA Legacy Living, securing a position on the Inc. 5000 list, and receiving the Greater Houston Black Chamber Pinnacle Award. These accolades symbolize more than mere recognition — they validated our standing as true business owners transcending just real estate, showcasing our resilience and influence across various industries.
Achieving this milestone was no easy feat — it demanded perseverance, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We concentrated on constructing a business rooted in sound systems, innovation, and a culture that prioritizes people.
These awards affirmed that our relentless dedication not only elevated our brokerage but also positioned us as leaders in business, entrepreneurship, and community impact. This moment reminded me that every setback was leading us toward this level of success.
What’s one thing you wish every agent knew?
Success in this field is not about chance — it is about consistency and focus. Too many agents seek shortcuts, but the not-so-secret ingredient is playing the long game. That’s where true greatness resides.
Day in and day out, you must show up, even when it is tough, even when the outcomes are not immediate. Stop getting distracted by others’ actions. Zero in on your vision, concentrate on the basics, and persist relentlessly.
Agents who excel in this industry are not those who sprint — they are the ones who pace themselves, build relationships, and master their craft. Play the long game as if your legacy hinges on it, because it does.
Do not simply aim to close deals; strive to make an impact, to construct something so sturdy that it cannot be shaken. Consistency acts as the bridge between where you are now and where you aspire to be — so cross it daily.
Tell us about an epic fail you’ve experienced since you became a broker
Fear can paralyze an organization. I learned this the hard way when I hesitated to part ways with individuals who were toxic to our brokerage. I permitted fear — fear of repercussions, fear of instability — to hinder me. However, here is the reality: when you allow fear to govern your decisions, you empower individuals to overshadow the vision and legacy you are constructing. That is perilous.
When I eventually took action and made the decision, it was transformative. Removing those individuals did not break us; it liberated us. It realigned us with our core values and demonstrated to our team that no one — regardless of their influence — should compromise the greater purpose.
The moment I chose vision over fear, it revitalized our culture, solidified our unity, and provided us with the clarity to build something greater. Leadership entails making tough decisions, knowing that the legacy you are establishing holds more value than any temporary discomfort.
Email Christy Murdock
