How Jacquelyn Duke’s Unique Journey Fuels Her Success in Real Estate

Growing up on a family farm, Jacquelyn Duke learned the fundamentals of hard work, entrepreneurship, and financial responsibility. Yet, real estate was never on her radar. Today, she’s not only a thriving Realtor but also an investor who leverages her unconventional background to guide her clients through life’s biggest financial decisions.

A Winding Path to Real Estate Success
Jacquelyn’s career journey is anything but traditional. From working as a legislative correspondent in Washington, D.C., to becoming a paralegal, educator, and even a labor doula, each role added a unique layer to her skill set. These experiences taught her the importance of trust, integrity, and advocacy—qualities that are now the cornerstones of her real estate practice.

“Whether on Capitol Hill, in a delivery room, or at the closing table, my focus has always been on guiding people through major life decisions,” Jacquelyn explains. Her career may have taken many turns, but her mission has always been the same: to educate, guide, and advocate.

Turning Life Lessons into Real Estate Wins
Jacquelyn’s diverse background gives her an edge in the real estate world. Her time as a legislative correspondent taught her the value of clear communication and relationship-building. Working as a paralegal sharpened her skills in legal language, contracts, and negotiation. Her experience as an educator empowers her to break down complex real estate concepts into actionable steps for her clients.

Even her journey as a labor doula prepared her for real estate. “Supporting families through profound moments deepened my appreciation for advocacy,” she shares. In real estate, this means fiercely protecting her clients’ best interests while guiding them through emotional, high-stakes decisions.

Real Estate Investing Made Accessible
One of Jacquelyn’s passions is helping people realize they don’t need a fortune to start investing in real estate. She emphasizes that strategic decision-making and a clear understanding of risk can go a long way. Her favorite question to ask when evaluating a property? “What’s the worst-case scenario?” This mindset shift allows her clients to make confident decisions without fear holding them back.

Practical Tips for Real Estate Success
Jacquelyn offers actionable advice on analyzing deals and managing rental properties:

• The 10% Rule Over the 1% Rule: While many investors follow the 1% rule (monthly rent should be at least 1% of the property price), Jacquelyn prefers the 10% rule, which takes into account maintenance, vacancies, and other hidden costs.
• Tenant Screening and Self-Management: She emphasizes the importance of rigorous tenant screening and offers practical tips for self-managing rental properties effectively.

Real Estate as a Tool for Teaching Values
Growing up on a farm taught Jacquelyn the importance of hard work and financial responsibility. Now, she’s passing those values on to her own children through real estate. By involving them in property management tasks, she’s teaching them about financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community responsibility.

A Career That Comes Full Circle
Jacquelyn never imagined real estate would become her calling, but it turned out to be the perfect blend of all her passions—education, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. “Unlike doula work, my relationships with clients often continue long after the closing. Many even become lifelong friends,” she says with a smile.

With her unique background and genuine dedication to her clients, Jacquelyn Duke isn’t just selling properties; she’s helping people build their futures. And she couldn’t be more excited about what’s next.

Want more insights from Jacquelyn? Listen to her full interview where she dives deep into her journey, investment strategies, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Listen to From the Family Farm to the Closing Table: How Jacquelyn Duke’s Unique Journey Fuels Her Success in Real Estate
​Connect with Jacquelyn
Realtor with Realty One Group Impact
Facebook | JacquelynDukeRealtor   
LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelynduke/  
Phone | (515) 240-7483
Email | [email protected]
Address | 617 SW 3rd St., Ankeny, IA 50023