Jessica Auten

Originally from Waxhaw, North Carolina, Jessica Auten discovered her love for the High Country as an undergraduate at Appalachian State University, where she earned a BSBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management. After completing her Master of Business Administration, she chose to make Boone her home, raising her family in this special community. Now a broker associate with Premier Sotheby's International Realty in Banner Elk, Jessica delights in helping others find their perfect home, getaway or vacation investment property in the High Country. Recognized consistently as a top-producing global advisor, she is known for her dedication and exceptional service. She is a member of Club 1744, is RealTrends Verified among the Top 1.5% of agents nationwide and has been named a High Country Top 50 REALTOR®.



Jessica's professional journey began in boutique hotel management as a sales manager for The Village Inns of Blowing Rock. Quickly promoted to general manager, she gained extensive experience in marketing, customer service, accounting and human resources. She later joined Blue Ridge Mountain Club, where she managed their Blowing Rock sales office, supporting marketing and event efforts for the new development. Jessica continued her hospitality career as general manager of the Courtyard Marriott in Boone for nine years, leading the property to achieve several regional and national awards, including Marriott's prestigious Diamond Circle.



Real estate was a natural progression for Jessica, combining her passion for homes and design with her hospitality expertise. She has experience buying, renovating and selling properties, adding value through hard work and vision. Her background serves her well in the High Country's market, driven by second homeowners and vacation properties. Known for her integrity, loyalty, positivity and problem-solving abilities, Jessica delivers outstanding client experiences and fosters long-lasting relationships.



A longtime Boone resident, Jessica is deeply rooted in her community. She and her husband, Zak, own Benchmark Provisions Beer and Wine Market downtown, and she has also served as an adjunct professor at Appalachian State's Walker College of Business. They are proud parents of Molly, an AppState student, and Colt, a local middle schooler. Jessica enjoys traveling, trail riding with her horses at Moses Cone and Leatherwood Mountains, boating and camping on Watauga Lake and walking her three bulldogs in the beautiful mountains.



Jessica also dedicates her time to community service. She serves on the Habitat for Humanity board of directors, mentors for Women of Walker and has held board positions with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, High Country Workforce Development Board, High Country Host and Boone Tourism Development Authority. She also serves on the High Country Association of REALTORS® MLS Board of Directors.



Jessica is a licensed REALTOR® in North Carolina and Tennessee, with designations as an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®), Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist, Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS). She is Ninja Selling Certified and is an active member of the National Association of REALTORS®, the High Country Association of REALTORS®, the North Carolina Association of REALTORS®, the Tennessee Association of REALTORS®, the Tennessee/Virginia Regional MLS and the Canopy REALTOR® Association.