WITH BOUNDLESS ENERGY, PATIENCE AND AN INNOVATIVE and creative bent, Jennifer Vaughan is spearheading the recently opened Lake Oconee office for Dwell Real Estate in Greensboro, Georgia, following her celebrated and remarkable achievements as one of the state’s most accomplished, cutting-edge and decorated real estate professionals.
The Jennifer Vaughan Group specializes in luxury lakefront properties, second homes and investment real estate. For Vaughan, who partners with her husband, Larry Vaughan, it’s a labor of love.
“I love the flexibility and the opportunity to share the Lake Oconee lifestyle with clients who are discovering this special place. Helping others find their perfect home here is both rewarding and personal to me,” she says. “When you think about your home, you think about memories. I love that I get to play a pivotal role in helping someone figure out what that looks like for them. It’s also great meeting so many wonderful people.”
Vaughan met her husband in Michigan, and now he oversees business operations, real estate investments and management of the group’s portfolio. “Larry and I actually met while working in the technology industry, so we’ve collaborated professionally before,” she says. “After retiring in 2020, Larry earned his real estate license in 2023 and now manages our business operations and analytics. He also helps keep our household running smoothly with our three active boys. We make a great team, both in business and at home.”
Working in the technology business served as a great training ground for the real estate business, Vaughan notes. “I spent over 20 years in technology sales, where I received advanced training in sales strategy, negotiation and professional development. That background gave me a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and effective communication. Today, I use those skills to provide my clients with valuable market insights, expertly written contracts and exceptional negotiation outcomes,” she says.
Vaughan is easy to talk to, upbeat and charismatic. She became licensed in 2020. “Since earning my real estate license, I’ve been deeply rooted in the Lake Oconee community and have always gone above and beyond for my clients,” she says. “Opening the Dwell Real Estate office felt like a natural next step in growing our business. It allows us to recruit and mentor agents who share our commitment to delivering the highest level of client service and professionalism. Since starting in real estate, I’ve been privileged to help clients buy and sell more than $180 million in properties.”
Over the past three years, Vaughan has also been honored as an Atlanta Real Estate All Star and named to Atlanta’s Who’s Who in Real Estate, further underscoring her influence and credibility in the marketplace. Earlier in her career, she was recognized as Rookie of the Year (2020) and awarded Top Industry Newcomer (2021) by Modern Luxury Magazine. These accolades combined with her proven track record of results demonstrate her long-standing commitment to excellence and client success.
“I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition and awards, but what means the most is being known for doing business with integrity,” Vaughan says. “I was honored to receive the Rookie of the Year award after achieving $10 million in sales between May and December. It’s humbling to see how far we’ve come since 2020 and to be counted among the top agents in our market. The average cost of a home in the area is $1 million, but I sold one for $300,000 and another for $8.5 million this year—so clearly prices vary a
great deal.”
Vaughan makes it a point to hit the ground running every morning and is in the office by 7 a.m., but she organizes her responsibilities so she can be available to her three sons, Matthew, 17; Jordan, 15; and Brandon, 12. “My second job is being a glorified Uber driver to my sons,” she jokes, referring to her years of chauffeuring her kids to their activities. “I know my kids look for me in the stands. They seek me out and give me a little nod. I don’t want them to ever say, ‘My mom wasn’t there.’ Prioritizing my children is important. You just have to do it.”
Vaughan has a lot on her daily to-do list but manages to get through it every day—a trait she learned from her parents. “I learned how to prioritize from both my parents. They were always doing something. My dad is a CPA and was always busy, and my mom was always taking classes and learning something. Luckily for me, I wake up and attack the day. I feel like the time management is the hardest thing, but I have gotten better at it over time,”
she says.
Ever the student, like her mother, Vaughan has learned a lot working in the real estate industry. “It has taught me to value loyalty,” she says. “In a competitive industry, where nothing is guaranteed, loyalty and trust are everything. I’m grateful that about 85% of my business now comes from repeat and referral clients—a reflection of the relationships and trust I’ve built over time.”
Strong believers in the importance of community, the Vaughans get involved. “Community involvement is very important to us. I serve as vice chairman of the Board of Governors at Lake Oconee Academy, and Larry serves on the board for the Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club,” Vaughan says. “We proudly support local organizations that help make this area such a wonderful place
to live.”
An optimist by nature, Vaughan weathers the competitive real estate industry with poise and calm. “Real estate is an emotional process, and challenges are inevitable,” she says. “I try not to dwell on the negative—instead, I learn from each situation and move forward with grace. Helping clients navigate emotional moments with calm and confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of
my job.” *
Ellen Uribe is an award-winning journalist and a communications expert. She is a sought-after speaker, participating as a moderator and panelist at numerous industry events, conferences and broadcast outlets. She has contributed to Vanity Fair, Palm Beach Life, The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Women’s Wear Daily and Time Magazine.
