Broker Spotlight: Dunia Taylor

Compassion and Professionalism

By Brandon Jerrell

No matter what it may be that you are going through, Dunia Taylor will be there to help and guide you. Dunia is the broker and owner of REMI Realty and understands that buying and selling homes can be a positive experience, but for many people, it can begin as a source of pain and heartache.

“Everyone thinks real estate is always sunshine and rainbows, but it truly is a lot of tears and heartaches,” she explains. “Sometimes people are selling due to a divorce, or a spouse has passed away, and those customers really need the support and guidance from a compassionate professional.”

Growing with Inspiration

Dunia was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but her family moved to Jacksonville when she was just two years old. Therefore, she knows the city like the back of her hand. “The only time I moved away was for a short time when I went to the University of Florida,” she elaborates. She graduated from UF with a major in business management and a minor in mass communications.

“My father passed away from cancer when I was two years old, and I watched my mother support four kids on her own. I am the baby of the family with two older sisters and one older brother. My mom is a rockstar and still never slows down,” Dunia says.

“She has shown me that no matter the situation you are in, you can always rise above and push through and make the best of it. It’s definitely made me a hard worker and a compassionate person. I am always trying to reach higher and hit the next level because there is always room to grow and learn more,” she says.

That hard work and determination cannot be missed when working with Dunia and REMI Realty as a whole. It is clear that Dunia’s mindset of grit and compassion is the backbone on which REMI Realty was founded and continues to function by today.

“I’ve always had a caring and helping heart towards others, and this industry is really just that. I love the excitement my customers have, and I also love helping them through tough times as well,” Dunia says.

Taking Initiative

Dunia graduated from UF slightly earlier than anticipated, thus giving her time to get a part-time job before starting her “real” job. “The part-time job was writing press releases and doing marketing flyers for a local real estate company,” she notes. In 2007, while working part-time with the real estate company, she decided to look for a home with one of their brokerage’s agents. However,

Dunia found a problem with this. The agent was only showing Dunia properties that the agent herself wanted Dunia to see, not the homes that Dunia actually wanted to see.

“At that moment, I decided that I needed to get my license and become my own buyer’s agent for my first home. So, I went to the week-long class, got my license, and bought my first home at 23 years old,” she recalls.

Dunia also notes how this purchase was at the perfect time, as the property has now become a great investment home for her and her husband.

After her part-time job ended, she began her “real” job with a local ad agency in downtown Jacksonville, where she stayed for seven years. After that, she worked in corporate marketing for a local hospital and a local community college–all while selling real estate parttime since becoming licensed in 2007.

“In 2016, I decided to get my broker license and focus full-time on real estate. It was then that I decided to open REMI Realty,” Dunia says.

Out of the Office

Although she has lived much of her life with the “hard work” mindset, she has recently come to learn the value of a work-life balance. “I’ve always pushed myself to work harder, work on weekends, work throughout the evenings, etc. That is truly the most unhealthy thing I could have done for myself,” she reflects.

“I have an amazing team that helps support my customers during times that I need them most,” she explains. “I’ve learned that the business will survive no matter if I work 40 or 80 hours a week.”

“Having a work-life balance is the most important thing in any industry. When I am not working, I am 100% focused on my family and close friends. Making memories is the most important thing for me. I love making those memories on vacation and spending time with my two dogs and husband,” she says.

Dunia’s husband, Michael, is retired from the local sheriff’s office and is now a residential contractor under REMI Construction, an extension of the ever-expanding REMI name. Together, they love to go mudding, fishing, vacationing, have weekly lunches at her mom’s, and just generally do things together.

Some of the REMI Realty team.

Faith-Founded

Dunia is happy to share that REMI Realty is a faith-based organization. They recognize that they are far from perfect but strive to continue to grow through learning and experience.

The REMI name is working to become a one-stop shop for any and all real estate needs.

Looking to the future, Dunia hopes to expand REMI Realty into other areas. “I opened a second office location in 2021, and I am looking forward to growing in Amelia Island and potentially opening in other areas as well. God’s plan,” she smiles.

Dunia and her husband, Michael.

With her plan of continued growth, there is no doubt that Dunia Taylor is much more than your average broker. REMI Realty showcases an outstanding combination of hard work, determination, and compassion.

For more information about REMI Realty: remirealty.com