Who we are
What is Democracy Real Estate?
Democracy Real Estate is a nonprofit-owned real estate agency to help you buy, sell, or invest in real estate, with all commissions going to non-profits. Our mission is to improve America by helping people build wealth through real estate, and by supporting nonprofits that make our region, state, and country a better place.
Our agents and brokers have decades of experience. They give their time so that the profits can instead go to nonprofits.
Our Story
Democracy Real Estate is owned by Respect Voters, which was founded by Show Me Integrity. Our leadership has run multiple successful ballot initiatives to improve government that earned support from reformers across the political spectrum. Now, as Respect Voters, our goal is to keep improving democracy and to help other organizations, as well.
This costs money.
Even with a robust volunteer operation, successful campaigns require resources. Small ones can get by with tens of thousands of dollars, but statewide initiatives cost millions. Democracy Real Estate helps generate revenue to grow 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 whims of others.
Where does the money come from?
Our real estate agents and brokers get only enough from each transaction to cover licensing and insurance costs. The rest goes to nonprofits. So instead of a real estate agent or broker making lots of money, you are sending a comparable (or lower) amount to support important work in your community.
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.