What is Democracy Real Estate?

Democracy Real Estate is a nonprofit-owned real estate brokerage to help you buy, sell, or invest in real estate, with all commissions supporting the mission of defending and improving American democracy — benefiting you and your family for generations. Our mission is twofold:
1. Make American politics less extreme and dysfunctional, and more accountable to ALL voters.
2. Help more Americans build wealth through real estate.

Our story

Democracy Real Estate is owned by the Respect Voters Coalition, which evolved out of the Show Me Integrity team. The Show Me Integrity team has run multiple good-government ballot initiatives in the City of St. Louis, MO, both receiving a supermajority of support at the ballot box. Now, as the Respect Voters Coalition, we are taking that expertise national. Our goal is both to run more inititatives to improve democracy and to help other organizations in the space win their own inititvates.


This costs money.


Even with a robust volunteer operation, successful campaigns require resources that can't be replaced with hard work, in some cases due to legal restrictions. Small ones can get by with tens of thousands of dollars, but statewide initatives often cost millions. Most campaigns are funded either by a few big-dollar donors and foundations or by many dedicated individuals chipping in their expendendable income.


Democracy Real Estate acts as a primary vehicle for raising funds for the Respect Voters Coalition. This greater level of funding enables us to expand our work and assist our partners in accomplishing their goals. Further, Democracy Real Estate creates a new opportunity for other nonprofits to raise funds that doesn't require writing lengthy grant applications or bowing to the whim of conditions set by wealthy special interests.

Benjamin Singer, CEO

 

My wife and I rehabbed and rent out a 100-year-old apartment building as our retirement plan. We want to put our experience to work for you. Whether you want to buy or sell a personal home or an investment property, our team can help. A St. Louis native, I’ve built an extensive knowledge of the region and state.


I co-founded Show Me Integrity, Missouri's nationally award-winning government reform organization, and the national Respect Voters Coalition, to decrease corruption and increase accountability in government. That's why Democracy Real Estate gives ALL profits to nonprofit organizations. We are cross-partisan: people across the political spectrum working together. To the same extent as we advocate for better government, we will advocate for you.


I graduated from Northwestern University as a National Merit Scholar. I feel extremely blessed to be married to the woman of my dreams and reside in University City, MO, surrounded by lots of family.

 

Reach out — let’s help you find success and happiness through your real estate experience, and through a better democracy.

Michael Jennings, Broker

 

I have been a licensed Realtor® for 12 years and a broker for 7 years, starting my own firm, Snap Real Estate. In addition to representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions, I also manage investment properties for clients. Prior to becoming a licensed real estate professional, I served 8 years as Director of Real Estate for a privately held family corporation, overseeing acquisitions, sales, financing, and marketing for a diversified portfolio of multi-family, apartment, condominium, commercial, industrial, and hotel properties.

 

I am a member of St. Louis Realtors® (both the residential and commercial divisions), the MO Assoc. of Realtors®, and the National Assoc. of Realtors®. I specialize in commercial and investment property in the St. Louis metropolitan area, but also cover the entire state of Missouri.

 

Prior to my career in real estate, I was a theatrical producer with a Washington, DC based production company, sending touring musical theater production around the country and the world. I also oversaw the renovation of The Roberts Orpheum Theater (formerly The American Theater) in St. Louis and ran the operation from 2003 – 2011.

 

I am originally from Webster Groves and graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, with a degree in Political Science and English. In addition to St. Louis and St. Paul, I have lived in East Haddem, CT, New York City, NY, Las Vegas, NV, and Washington, DC. I am happy to have returned to Webster Groves where I live with my wife Susan.

Shante Duncan, Manager

 

Shante Duncan is a dedicated and passionate individual hailing from Saint Louis, MO. With a background in nonprofit work, politics, and real estate, Shante has made a name for herself as a multifaceted professional. As the founder of a successful nonprofit organization, she has shown her commitment to making a positive impact in her community.

In addition to her work in the nonprofit sector, Shante is also an accomplished political strategist, using her expertise to advocate for important causes and bring about meaningful change. Her strategic mindset and keen understanding of the political landscape have made her a valuable asset in various campaigns and initiatives.

Furthermore, Shante's experience as a real estate agent has allowed her to help individuals and families find their dream homes, showcasing her ability to connect with people on a personal level and guide them through important life decisions.

Overall, Shante Duncan is a driven and compassionate individual who is dedicated to serving others and creating a better world for all. Her unique blend of skills and experiences sets her apart as a true leader in her community.

 

Hayden Sasswood, Connection Specialist

 

Hayden Sasswood is currently working on their real estate agent certification and helping to connect Democracy Real Estate clients to the best agents around the country.

 

Hayden's carreer in improving democracy started with a run for the US House of Representatives in Texas. Through that experience, they became deeply involved with voting method reform. Hayden has moved around the country to volunteer and work with multiple nonprofits focusing on improving government systems, ultimately landing full-time work with the Respect Voters Coalition and Democracy Real Estate.