Navigating Real Estate as a Deaf Professional — Jacob Stanfield Interview

Jacob Stanfield is a Deaf REALTOR® with Liz Moore & Associates in Midlothian, Virginia. In this interview, Jacob shares his experience navigating the real estate industry as a Deaf professional, the challenges he has overcome, and practical tips for others looking to follow the same path.

Meet Jacob Stanfield

Jacob works out of the Liz Moore & Associates office at 14061 Midlothian Turnpike in Midlothian, VA. As a Deaf agent serving Virginia, he brings a perspective that most agents simply cannot offer. His ability to communicate directly with Deaf clients in ASL removes the barriers that typically stand between Deaf homebuyers and the real estate process.

If you are Deaf and looking for an agent in Virginia who understands your world, Jacob is someone to know. You can reach him at 804-920-0437 or jacobstanfield@lizmoore.com.

How Jacob Got Started

Like many Deaf professionals, Jacob's path to a real estate license was not straightforward. Traditional pre-licensing courses were not designed with Deaf learners in mind. Captions were inconsistent, ASL interpreters were rarely available, and study materials assumed a hearing-centered experience.

But that did not stop him. With determination, community support, and the right accommodations, Jacob completed his pre-licensing education, passed the state exam, and earned his Virginia license.

"I knew I belonged in this industry. I just needed the right tools and the right people around me to make it happen."

Building a Practice in Virginia

Getting licensed is just the beginning. Building a real estate practice as a Deaf agent comes with unique challenges and unique advantages. Deaf agents bring a deep understanding of their community, strong visual communication skills, and the kind of trust that comes from shared experience.

Jacob shares how he found his first clients, built referral networks within the Deaf community, and carved out a niche at Liz Moore & Associates that hearing agents simply cannot replicate.

Why Representation Matters

When a Deaf homebuyer walks into a meeting and sees an agent who signs, the dynamic changes. There is no interpreter in the middle. No lag. No miscommunication. Just a direct, natural conversation about one of the biggest decisions of their life.

That is exactly what Jacob provides for his clients in Virginia. It is not just about having Deaf agents in the industry. It is about Deaf clients having the option to work with someone who truly understands their world.

Key Takeaways

There is no hearing requirement to become a licensed real estate agent in any U.S. state.
ADA accommodations are available for every step of the licensing process, from coursework to the state exam.
Deaf agents like Jacob have a unique advantage serving the Deaf community through direct ASL communication and shared cultural understanding.
Building a referral network within the Deaf community is one of the most effective strategies for Deaf agents.
ASL-first training programs like TCS make the licensing process more accessible from day one.
If you are looking for a Deaf-friendly agent in Virginia, Jacob Stanfield at Liz Moore & Associates serves the Midlothian area and beyond.

Transcript Summary

In this conversation with Jacob Stanfield, we covered the full journey from deciding to pursue a real estate license to building a successful practice in Virginia. Topics included navigating pre-licensing education as a Deaf student, requesting ADA accommodations for the state exam, finding a supportive brokerage like Liz Moore & Associates, marketing to the Deaf community, and the importance of mentorship for new Deaf agents.

This interview is conducted in ASL. If you have questions about anything discussed, reach out to us directly.