Courtney James, Realtor: THE SCOOP ON COURTNEY

Central Park is where my office is located, so I don’t think there’s any question about why I’m so drawn to the mission of the Central Park Board. I am proud to be part of a board that is working diligently to get things done...and really actually does get things done!

It's nice to volunteer your time on a board when you feel like the mission of the organization is really part of your job. That's how I feel about being a part of the Preservation Durham board!

With so much happening in downtown Durham, it's hard to keep up sometimes. I've found it easier since I became a member on the executive team of the Downtown Durham, Inc board, an important organization overseeing much of these exciting changes.

I’ve run 10 marathons in my lifetime, and have used them as a way to explore different areas of the country. Since becoming a mom, I think a half is as much as I can hope for these days.

My husband was born and raised in south Louisiana, so I have gained a strong appreciation for the variety of local traditions from the menu to the parties.

I was born in Mexico and spoke only Spanish when I was young. We moved to the States when I was six years old, and everyone was adamant about not speaking Spanish to us so that we would learn English. And so we forgot our Spanish.

We’re all about girls at my house, but thankfully not all about pink (that might be overwhelming). With three daughters, my husband's sole male companion at home is our dog Thibodeaux.

My husband and I both graduated from Vanderbilt. If I had to live anywhere besides Durham, I would consider Nashville.

We raise backyard chickens - easy to care for and fabulous eggs!

My mom lives in the mountains of Boone so I spend time there when I can. Boone “High Country” is an amazing part of the state.

Oh, Murphy’s Irish Stout. I worked in beer promotions for Murphy’s Irish Stout when I lived in Ireland for a summer during college. I don’t think you could find a more fun job for a college student!

My children attend one of Durham's two public montessori schools, and we love it!

I have lived in Forest Hills since 1999 and am part of the Forest Hills Neighborhood Association. I’ve moved three times, but never out of the neighborhood. I’ve served on the board since 2003, and finally found a kind soul to take over the neighborhood newsletter!

My husband works for Duke and my girls all root for Duke. Our blood runs royal blue! I still allow myself to accept clients that pull for UNC.

I love to travel. Who doesn’t, really?

I love interior decorating. I love looking at design books and blogs and experiment on my own house when I have the time.

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies, and I don't limit myself to one book at a time. Currently, I have 11 books on my nightside table, four of which I am actively reading.

Historic Preservation has always been interesting to me, and I love older homes - the newest home I have ever owned was built in 1932.

I have a twin sister who I’ve always been very close to...we're best friends and she lives less than a mile from my house!

I love collecting art, especially from local artists. I grew up with a mom who owned an art gallery, so I’m sure that’s where I developed an appreciation for the arts.