Jennie Dotts

About

A specialist in historic properties, Jennie Dotts spent 12 years in historic preservation nonprofit before becoming a Realtor. She was Public Relations and Development Director at Historic Richmond Foundation and Executive Director of the Alliance to Conserve Old Richmond Neighborhoods, where she developed and managed a preservation program focused on vacant or abandoned buildings in old Richmond neighborhoods. As a result, approximately 100 buildings were purchased and rehabilitated and surrounding neighborhoods improved. Recognizing that appreciation for historic resources is essential to their preservation, she developed the concept for and produced a book about the overlooked contributions of African Americans to the construction of one of America’s most historic cities: “Built by Blacks: African American Architecture in Richmond, Virginia.” While working in the nonprofit field to save old buildings, Jennie saw firsthand the difficulty most homeowners encounter with older properties: locating skilled craftsmen who can restore, repair, and maintain them. So, in 2007 she and several restoration experts started a web-based business, Old House Authority (www.oldhouseauthority.com) , to spread understanding about the financial incentives for purchasing and renovating older houses, how to make these buildings energy efficient, and where to find professionals skilled in traditional construction methods, materials and design. Her goal as a Realtor is to ensure that owners of old and historic properties find the people, products and services necessary to secure their investment and their enjoyment in it. Jennie was Style Weekly’s “Richmonder of the Year” for 2004, primarily for her preservation activities. She has extensive experience in marketing,