Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Real Estate Solutions in Durham, NC
Founded in 1968, Real Estate Associates has established itself as a premier real estate firm serving Durham and the Research Triangle Park area. Our leadership, including President Seth Jernigan and Chairman Joe Jernigan, brings decades of experience and a deep commitment to integrity and local expertise. We specialize in commercial property management, commercial brokerage, and residential property management, tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of each client. With over 50 staff members and a focus on long-term relationships, we combine institutional knowledge with a passion for real estate. Our team's longevity and dedication to transparency ensure clients receive unparalleled service and market insight.As a locally rooted company, we understand the complexities of Durham's real estate landscape and leverage this expertise to deliver value-driven solutions. Our approach emphasizes collaboration, responsiveness, and forward-thinking strategies to protect and grow real estate investments. Recognized by clients like Duke University and Thunderworks for our professionalism and market knowledge, we remain committed to excellence in every transaction. Whether managing properties or facilitating commercial deals, our goal is to exceed client expectations through personalized service and proven results. For over half a century, Real Estate Associates has been the trusted partner for real estate success in the Triangle region.
Services
Commercial Property Management
Commercial Brokerage Services
Residential Property Management
HOA Management
Investment Sales
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of real estate experience in the Durham market
- Our team provides deep local market knowledge and institutional expertise
- We maintain long-term client relationships through transparent practices
- Our services are tailored to commercial, residential, and HOA management needs
- Recognized by Duke University and Thunderworks for professional excellence
What people say
Professional and knowledgeable team
Local market experts
Experienced staff
Transparent practices
Successful property management
Services
Commercial Brokerage
REA's commercial brokerage team represents clients in retail, office, industrial, and investment property transactions. We act as advisors, advocates, and long-term partners, leveraging 50 years of Triangle market expertise. Our principled approach combines local knowledge with national best practices to deliver optimal outcomes for buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
Property Management
We provide comprehensive property management for commercial and residential assets, including lease administration, maintenance, financial reporting, and emergency response. Our collaborative approach focuses on maximizing returns through tailored strategies and proactive market positioning developed over decades of local experience.
HOA Management
Our HOA management services combine operational expertise with responsive communication for residential communities. We handle financial administration, maintenance coordination, and regulatory compliance while maintaining open lines of communication with homeowners and board members to ensure smooth community operations.
Investment Sales
REA facilitates commercial investment property transactions with deep market analysis and strategic positioning. Our team leverages extensive local knowledge to identify opportunities, negotiate terms, and execute transactions that align with investors' long-term financial goals in the Triangle's dynamic real estate market.
Residential Leasing
We connect tenants with quality residential properties across the Triangle region. Our leasing consultants maintain updated listings of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments while providing property owners with thorough tenant screening and lease management services.
People
Seth Jernigan
President
Seth Jernigan leads REA as President, continuing the family legacy established by his father Joe. With extensive experience in Triangle real estate, he focuses on strategic growth while maintaining the company's commitment to local expertise and client relationships.
Joe Jernigan
Chairman of the Board
As founder and former president, Joe Jernigan established REA's foundation of integrity and market knowledge. Now serving as Chairman, he provides strategic guidance based on 50+ years of experience shaping Durham's real estate landscape.
Questions
What real estate services does Real Estate Associates offer?
We provide commercial property management, brokerage services, residential property management, HOA management, and investment sales solutions.
Which areas do you serve?
Our primary service area includes Durham, Research Triangle Park, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
What sets REA apart from other firms?
Our 50+ years of local experience, multi-generational leadership, and personalized approach create lasting client relationships and market expertise.
Do you manage both commercial and residential properties?
Yes, we offer comprehensive management services for single-family homes, multi-family units, and commercial properties.
Reviews (5)
Dianne Williams
Apr 13, 2022
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I want to say a huge thank you to Adrian who did not hesitate to help me today. I love living at Georgetown for the sense of community, beautiful grounds and REA's commitment of making the residents feel our apartments feel like a home. Thank you Adrian
Bill Aulicino
Dec 19, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value There may be some better associates employed by REA but I had the misfortune of dealing with the worst. He was unmotivated, dishonest, oily, and greedy. You'd be wise to do business elsewhere.
Brittany Weber
Jan 27, 2021
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DO NOT RENT FROM THIS PLACE. They are terrible communicators. Avoid working with Tiffany Ivy at all cost; she is the least helpful person you could ever imagine trying to work with. This company will steal your money and clearly do not care about their customers or doing what is right. I'm not sure how this company gets away with what they do, but stay away! I wish I would have read reviews prior to signing a lease with them, as plenty others have had the same terrible experience unfortunately.
Zan
Jan 05, 2021
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Worst rental company in history. Absolutely the worse, do not rent from them. I moved out over a month ago still no word on my deposit and my account is still showing I owe them rent which I don't. Not only did they remove and throw away items out of my home before my lease was up, they haven't given me my deposit yet? They move slow and they're horrible at communicating. They act like they can't answer questions to save their life, it's sad really.
Chris S.
Nov 07, 2019
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In December 2016 I suffered a stroke and was incapacitated. Over the next several weeks I had to regain the ability to walk straight and suffered severe memory loss. I notified REA of my situation, and told them I'd be moving out when my lease was up in March. Because of some Financial drama I was unable to pay the rent on time and then an eviction was filed, fair enough. So, I contacted REA and was told by them AS LONG AS I PAID BEFORE THE COURT DATE the process would be put on hold.
I paid amd wouldn't you know it. REA's attorney did not check that the rent was paid and continued with the eviction, which ous now on my record. Needless to say in my 51 years I've never had an eviction until this motley unprofessional group decides to do everything in their power to not re- pay out the deposit.
I paid amd wouldn't you know it. REA's attorney did not check that the rent was paid and continued with the eviction, which ous now on my record. Needless to say in my 51 years I've never had an eviction until this motley unprofessional group decides to do everything in their power to not re- pay out the deposit.
