Jemila Winsey: Empowering Realtors and Transforming the Industry

A Visionary Leader

Jemila Winsey, a renowned coach, author, and influencer, has dedicated her 24 years of experience in real estate to empowering clients and agents alike. Her unwavering resilience and passion have propelled her from homelessness to becoming a top-producing and award-winning Realtor.

Winsey has been instrumental in spearheading initiatives within the Houston Black Real Estate Association and the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, recognizing the excellence of Black real estate professionals.

ERA Legacy Living: A Place Where Dreams Thrive

As co-founder and broker of ERA Legacy Living, Winsey has built a brokerage that stands as the No. 1 Black-owned brokerage in Texas by production. It ranks among the top 1.5 percent of brokerages nationwide.

ERA Legacy Living is more than a business; it's a collaborative family where agents feel celebrated, empowered, and supported. Together, they have achieved remarkable success, with $2 billion in combined sales volume and over 3,000 transactions.

Advice for New Brokers

Winsey shares valuable insights for freshly licensed brokers: "Focus on building a strong foundation with your team and operations. Prioritize a collaborative culture where agents feel their worth. Cultivate mentorship and coaching opportunities, and always lead by example. Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint."

Lessons Learned from High Points

"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," says Winsey.

She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and staying true to your values. "These awards validated our hard work and showcased our impact as business owners beyond just real estate."

Essential Knowledge for Agents

Winsey has a clear message for agents: "Success is not about luck; it's about consistency and focus. Too many chase shortcuts, but the true path lies in the long game. Day in and day out, show up and master your craft. Build relationships, create impact, and play the long game with your legacy in mind."

Navigating Challenges

"Fear can cripple organizations," says Winsey. "When I allowed fear to hold me back from removing toxic individuals from our brokerage, it became a transformative moment. Removing them freed us and realigned us with our core values."

She reminds us, "When you let fear dictate your decisions, you give power to those who aim to compromise your vision. Leadership is about making the hard calls and knowing that your legacy is worth the discomfort."