JESSICA VENABLES

Former CPA Turned Vancouver Island Realtor

Roots in a Small Coastal Town, Built for Real Estate

Jessica grew up in Powell River, BC, a small coastal town where the ferry is your only way in or out and the community is your whole world. That upbringing gave her a genuine understanding of what it means to put down roots somewhere, and what it truly costs, emotionally and financially, to make a move.


She originally came to Nanaimo for university with plans to head to Vancouver after graduation, but the Island had other ideas. She is grateful it did. Life here offers everything she was looking for: the close-knit feel of the small town she grew up in, with the energy of a city always within reach. A ferry, a seaplane, a short flight away whenever she wants it.

This is home.

Eight Years as a CPA (Chartered Accountant) Before Making the Leap

Before real estate, Jessica spent eight years as a CPA (with a chartered accountant legacy designation), and that background shapes everything about how she works with clients today.


She began her career at Grant Thornton LLP. That work put her at the center of some of the most financially and emotionally complex situations a family can face, managing the financial affairs of an estate, working with executors, navigating tax implications, and helping families bring order to an overwhelming process. She then moved to Purtzki and Associates, where she focused on tax planning and financial year ends, before finishing her accounting career as Controller at Aspengrove School in Lantzville.


Leaving was not easy. Six years of schooling and a career built from scratch, but she felt pulled toward something more personal, where the numbers she loved were in service of people's lives rather than spreadsheets. She made the leap in 2021 and has not looked back.


Eight years of that work gave Jessica something most realtors do not have: the ability to read a financial situation clearly, ask the right questions, and help clients make decisions that are both emotionally sound and financially smart.

 

Experience with Estate Sales Helps with Real Estate

Jessica leads estate sale files personally with care and sensitivity, and the team works with a trusted network of professionals they know personally, including estate cleanout services, cleaners, stagers, painters, contractors, and sub trades. All vetted. All focused on getting the home presented in the best possible light for the market.

 

Estate sales are a unique subset of real estate that require special care and detail.

Why Estate Sales Require a Different Kind of Realtor

Jessica brings a different kind of presence to every file she takes on. Whether she is guiding a family through the sale of an inherited home, helping a first time buyer navigate one of the biggest decisions of their life, or working with someone ready to move into a higher-end property that matches where they are in life, she shows up the same way every time. Patient, precise, and genuinely invested in the outcome.


When it comes to estate files, she understands that this kind of transaction requires a different pace and a different kind of listening. There are memories attached to every room. There is grief woven into the process. Her job is to make sure families feel supported, informed, and never pressured, while making sure the financial outcome reflects the true value of what their loved one built.


For first time buyers, her CPA background is an unexpected advantage. She has a natural ability to break down the financial side of a purchase in plain language, help clients understand what they are actually committing to, and make sure they feel confident rather than overwhelmed.


For higher-end residential sales, her eye for detail, renovation experience, and financial precision make her a strong advocate for clients who expect a higher standard of service.


Her roots mean she treats every client like a neighbour. Her accounting background means she will never let emotion override a sound financial decision. And her renovation experience means she can see past the surface of a property in a way that most agents simply cannot.


Jessica works alongside her partner Chase Salisbury as part of Annex Real Estate Group, serving Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island.

How Jessica Works With Clients

Jessica brings a different kind of presence to every file she takes on. Whether she is guiding a family through the sale of an inherited home, helping a first time buyer navigate one of the biggest decisions of their life, or working with someone ready to move into a higher-end property that matches where they are in life, she shows up the same way every time. Patient, precise, and genuinely invested in the outcome.


When it comes to estate files, she understands that this kind of transaction requires a different pace and a different kind of listening. There are memories attached to every room. There is grief woven into the process. Her job is to make sure families feel supported, informed, and never pressured, while making sure the financial outcome reflects the true value of what their loved one built.


For first time buyers, her CPA background is an unexpected advantage. She has a natural ability to break down the financial side of a purchase in plain language, help clients understand what they are actually committing to, and make sure they feel confident rather than overwhelmed.


For higher-end residential sales, her eye for detail, renovation experience, and financial precision make her a strong advocate for clients who expect a higher standard of service.


Her roots mean she treats every client like a neighbour. Her accounting background means she will never let emotion override a sound financial decision. And her renovation experience means she can see past the surface of a property in a way that most agents simply cannot.


Jessica works alongside her partner Chase Salisbury as part of Annex Real Estate Group, serving Nanaimo and Central Vancouver Island.

CLIENT REVIEWS

Kurtis Walsh

Chase was extremely supportive, knowledgeable and professional throughout the process of selling our first home. He understood that it was a time filled with mixed emotions and helped us navigate the process to a place we felt comfortable. From marketing to day-to-day conversations, I cannot recommend Chase and his team enough. If you are in the process of buying or selling your home, I highly suggest Chase and Jess from Annex real estate group!

Brenda-Jane Kerr

Working with Chase Salisbury to sell my fourth home and buy my fifth was my favourite real estate experience. At 61, I’ve been around the real estate block a few times, and Chase blew me away with his professionalism. My Grandmother used to say, “I’m not young enough to know” and Chase is exactly what she meant. He possesses the expertise, thoroughness and reliability of someone who has been doing this for decades. Chase is all the good adjectives - personable, dependable and highly experienced. He handled all of my transactions flawlessly, keeping me informed and stress-free every step of the way. If you want a realtor who is trustworthy, sharp and an exceptionally dedicated professional, I highly recommend Chase.

Joel Harry

As first-time home buyers, navigating the Nanaimo market was a little overwhelming, but Chase made the entire process so much easier. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and always available to answer our questions and phone calls. When we found our home, we were up against multiple offers, and Chase did an amazing job guiding us through the process, helping us put together a strong offer, and ultimately getting our offer accepted. We always felt like Chase had our best interests in mind and never felt pressured to make a decision. From our first viewing through to closing, he was there every step of the way. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and would highly recommend Chase to anyone looking to buy a home in Nanaimo, especially first-time buyers!

Shawn robert

What a breath of fresh air. Thank you Chase for your honesty and helpful information. Your work ethic and service is a rarity in these times.

Peter Thompson

Chase is a fantastic realtor. He really listens to his clients and works in their best interests. He works very hard and always finds answers to your respective questions on a property. He is a very personable young man and responds very quickly to your phone calls or texts. We highly recommend Chase as your realtor. He is very knowledgeable and you will not be sorry you chose Chase as your realtor. He kept us calm through some very challenging times. He is a very patient man. We are seniors and he took great care of us. Kathy and Peter Thompson

Sonal Deshmukh

I had a wonderful experience buying my first home in Canada with Jessica Venables and the Annex Real Estate Group. From the outset, Jessica took the time to understand my unique requirements and never pressured me into making a decision I wasn't completely comfortable with. She provided honest, thoughtful feedback on the properties I was interested in and offered expert guidance throughout the entire home-buying process. Jessica was always prompt, responsive, and only a text away whenever I had questions. She also provided a list of trusted professionals, including home inspectors and mortgage brokers, while making it clear that there was absolutely no obligation to use her recommendations. Buying a first home can be overwhelming, but Jessica made the process smooth, informed, and enjoyable. I would highly recommend Jessica and the Annex Real Estate Group to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, honest, and supportive realtor. The photo is of a beautiful welcome gift basket Jessica thoughtfully put together for me when I moved into my new home – a gesture that perfectly reflects the care and attention she brings to her clients.

Victoria Smith

Working with Jessica was a wonderful experience! She is incredibly supportive and a true professional. In a time when the market was in flux and selling was a genuine challenge, she never gave up and stayed in constant contact giving updates and advice. Because of Jessica, our family was able to reunite. Something I will forever be grateful for. If you’re looking for a kind, knowledgeable, supportive realtor then she’s the one for you!

Luke Hayward

Chase was great! Always available, answered any questions we had and helped us through the complete process from start to finish. Very knowledgeable and professional, he went above and beyond to reassure us and keep my stress levels to a minimum! We will definitely recommend! Thanks so much!

Carol Smith

I loved working Jessica, I truly mean that , she helped me sell my property when inventory just wasn't moving ,she made a beautiful video of my home and was always giving me updates so I knew what was happening at all times. I have recommended Jessica to lots of people as she is a lovely person and a very good realtor !! 😃

Amber Upton

Obsessed with Jessica! We first contacted her to sell our home and was so impressed how much research she did before our first meeting. We were originally going to purchase a family home privately but later changed our mind, we let Jessica know we actually wanted to purchase and she got on board immediately. She is so knowledgeable, answered any questions I had, even when I sent 10 texts in a row. Anyone would be lucky to have her as their realtor.

Ken Klein

This review reflects the very positive experience I had from December 2025 to March 2026 using Chase Salisbury to sell my strata town house in Chemainus and purchase a detached home in Ladysmith. The purchase of the detached home was contingent on the sale of the strata town house; it was possible to lose the detached house sale to any other buyer that made an offer to purchase. Chase correctly evaluated the market price for my strata town house so that the house sold quickly at what I believe was pretty well top dollar. As a result, I was able to purchase the detached home in a timely fashion. Chase knows his craft well. I would use Chase again without reservation.

Chris Carson

Buying our first home felt a bit like being dropped onto a cold tundra with no idea what we were doing. Lots of confusion, second guessing, and wondering if we were about to make a huge mistake. Chase was basically our warm blanket through the whole thing. He was patient, super supportive, and never once made us feel pressured, even though the search dragged on way longer than we expected. Then when we finally found the right place, he moved fast, kept everything on track, and made it happen. Could not have asked for a better agent as first-time buyers. Highly recommend working with Chase.

Caitlin

My husband and I were first time home buyers, so we went into this process with excitement but also a fair share of anxiety. From the moment we met, Chase was kind, curious, and responsive. I had the sense that he was taking the time to really understand what we were looking for. Chase always communicated promptly and clearly, provided detailed information, and demonstrated his command of all aspects of the buying process. He offered suggestions and advice without pushiness. For me, the best part about working with Chase was the sense I had that we had all the time in the world, that the right thing would come along, and that when it did, Chase would make sure we got it. And he did! Knowing when to exercise expansive patience and when to move into decisive and effective action - to me that is the hallmark of a human who enjoys and has mastered their craft.

Beverly Wood

Jessica was always very prompt in answering my questions and making sure that I was informed every step of the way Great work!

Christopher Hudel

We just had the best experience working with Chase on finding the perfect home on Vancouver Island! This process took over a year and half, planning multiple trips to visit and scope out different locations, and finally a 90-day concerted focus with so many home visits we lost count. Throughout the entire experience Chase was always eager with a smile and ready to share his valuable perspectives about living on the island and what areas might suit us best - we saw it all! Once we finally did make a decision Chase was there again with wonderful negotiating advice and practical treatments for how real estate transactions occur in British Columbia. As newcomers he was also a fantastic resource for all things local: from getting in touch with trades folk to setting up utilities ahead of our move-in date. Only warning I have is that he turned us on to some great local coffee places (like Drum Roasters and Drip Coffee | Social) and now we're hooked! haha A+++ Highly recommend. When next we have real estate plans on the Island, Chase and the Annex Real Estate Group will be our first and only call!

yaya yaya

Chase went above and beyond facilitating the sale of our property. Exceeding professionalism from start to finish and would highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a timely sale! Thanks again Chase!

Daniel McMaster

I had a great experience working with my realtor. Chase Salisbury was professional, knowledgeable, and truly invested in helping me every step of the way. Communication was always clear and timely, and he made the entire process exciting and stress-free! Thank you Chase!

MJ Patteson

Chase Salisbury helped us more than we can say. His knowledge and patience are superb. We thought we knew a lot when it came to buying home. With everything new in the real estate world, we were actually quite naive. We became very educated with all of his knowledge. We could not have asked for a better person to help us with our transition. He is so comfortable to deal with, and so comforting. Look no further if you want a stress-free transition. Thanks Chase, for everything!

Joe Moretti

Chase and Jessica at Annex Real Estate Group are an outstanding duo, knowledgeable, organized, and genuinely committed to delivering a smooth, confident real estate experience. Their market insight is sharp, their communication is clear, and they run a tight process that keeps clients informed without ever feeling overwhelmed. They’re responsive, professional, and truly people-focused, making them an easy recommendation for anyone looking for trusted, skilled agents who actually care.

Kumar Vaibhav Tanwar

Chase, Jessica both are the most amazing and beautiful people to work with. If you are looking at getting a property that will suit your lifestyle or upgrade it to another level, they are your real estate team in Nanaimo.

MY LISTINGS

More Listings