By: William Jones
Sometimes the most extraordinary journeys lead us right back to where we started. For Ann Dunsford Curley, that journey took her from the banks of the beautiful St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida, through three decades in Hollywood’s fast-paced motion picture industry, and ultimately back home to help families find their perfect sanctuary.
Roots by the River
Born and raised in Jacksonville alongside both her parents, Ann’s foundation was built on the serene waters of the St. Johns River. Her childhood was painted with images of lush gardens and the gentle care of farm animals — experiences that would later shape her understanding of what truly makes a house a home. This early connection to the land and the importance of nurturing spaces would prove valuable in her future career.
“I grew up as a child on the beautiful St Johns River with a love of gardening and caring for farm animals,” Ann reflects, her voice carrying the warmth of those formative memories.
The Hollywood Chapter
After college, Ann embarked on what would become a remarkable 30-year adventure in the motion picture industry. As a Production Supervisor and Producer, she traversed the United States and Europe, mastering the art of bringing creative visions to life while managing complex logistics and diverse personalities. This extensive experience in high-pressure environments, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring every detail is aligned has contributed to her real estate philosophy.
The entertainment industry taught her something invaluable: the power of truly listening. In a world where everyone talks but few truly hear, Ann developed an almost supernatural ability to understand what people wanted, even when they couldn’t articulate it themselves.
The Return Home
In 2003, the call of home proved strong. Ann made the significant decision to leave Los Angeles behind and return to Jacksonville, where she obtained her real estate license. This wasn’t just a career change — it was a homecoming that allowed her to combine her worldly experience with her deep-rooted love for her hometown.
Now, she dedicates herself to helping families buy homes while also assisting investors in what she describes as a thriving market in the United States. Her unique background gives her an edge that few in the industry possess.
The Art of Listening
What sets Ann apart in the competitive real estate landscape isn’t just her extensive experience — it’s her approach to client service. “I have developed the skill of listening to what people want,” she explains. “I rarely need to show people very many houses before they purchase. I become laser-focused on what they want and need and keep them as my vision until we find the right home.”
This philosophy extends beyond simple property matching. Ann has mastered what might be the most challenging aspect of real estate: harmonizing different visions within families. “Oftentimes, buyers are couples. Not all couples share the same ideas about homeownership. This then becomes a process of subtly aligning their visions for the ideal outcome.”
Her approach is deeply personal and proven to be effective. “I try never to sell a house until I see the ‘Say yes to the house!’ look in their eyes,” she shares, describing that magical moment when a property transforms from a listing into someone’s future home.
A New Chapter with Cutting-Edge Support
Recently, Ann made another strategic move, joining what she believes is “the most dynamic company in the world” — eXp Realty, LLC. Her enthusiasm for this transition is palpable: “It’s fast-paced, cutting-edge technology & extremely agent-centric. If an agent feels supported and has the ideal tools that can be offered, it helps them serve their customers better.”
This move reflects her understanding that in today’s market, success isn’t just about relationships, though those remain paramount, but also about having the technological infrastructure to serve clients at the highest level. “Marketing homes for sale is as difficult and as easy as the support you have under your wings,” she notes with the wisdom of someone who understands that excellence requires the right foundation.
Building Dreams, One Family at a Time
Ann’s mission extends far beyond transactions. Her top priority is ensuring that “both or all members of a household feel represented and satisfied when the home purchase is complete. Everyone needs to feel like they got what they wanted in a home.” This commitment to inclusive satisfaction reflects her profound understanding of family dynamics and the emotional significance of homeownership.
With her unique combination of Hollywood-honed people skills, deep local roots, and cutting-edge industry support, Ann Dunsford Curley represents the evolution of real estate service. She’s not just selling properties; she’s helping families write their next chapter in the place she’s always called home.
In an industry often criticized for its transactional nature, Ann brings something increasingly rare: genuine care, refined listening skills, and the patience to wait for that perfect moment when clients find not just a house, but their home.
