Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller
Jessica Watts believes people are the heart of real estate. That’s why you won’t just see beautiful houses on her social media; you’ll see stories about people in the community and tips on building equity. Watts, who says she loves people, prioritizes her clients’ emotional and mental well-being, helping them navigate the wide range of emotions that comes with closing one chapter of their lives and/or starting a new one.
Watts is also passionate about our communities and gives back as often as possible. She finds ways to get involved in passion projects and places that bring immense value to her, her family and the town. Part of that means shopping local. “We should be lifting each other up wherever possible,” she says. “A strong small business community directly impacts real estate values. It directly impacts our local schools and nonprofits. When we shop small, they give big.”
Fun Facts
Watts loves trees. “They can add big value to your home,” she says. “They are one of the few things that appreciate in value. Plus, they can increase your energy savings and provide food, shelter and protection for our local birds and animals.”
Runner-up: Houlihan Lawrence, Katonah
This article was published in the January/February 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2025 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
