Own where you live. Buy back the block.

CommunityOwn led by Jeb Middlebrook, Ph.D., REALTOR®, Developer ($50M+ in real estate SOLD!) coaches local organizations, businesses & residents on property acquisition, construction & operations in neighborhoods they already call home —whether they rent, work, or grew up there. We make community ownership accessible for renters & long-time residents. Property To The People!

Homes for locals. Equity for everyone.

CommunityOwn is a national initiative, based in Southern California, for people who want to buy property where they live—but feel locked out of the market. We teach renters (organizations, businesses, and individuals), long‑time residents, and neighbors how to acquire property, so they can stay rooted, build wealth, and keep their community in community hands.

Instead of watching your block get bought up one house at a time, we show you practical ways to own with colleagues, friends, family, or trusted neighbors—backed by clear education, legal frameworks, and coaching that centers your safety and stability.

A bright, modern neighborhood map of Southern California displayed on a large wall-mounted digital screen in a sleek office environment. The map highlights multiple residential areas with subtle blue and green overlays and small house icons indicating community investment opportunities. A neatly organized white desk below holds a closed laptop, a stack of printed property reports, and a small potted snake plant. Soft, diffused daylight enters from an unseen window, creating gentle reflections on the screen and a calm, focused mood. Shot straight-on at eye level in photographic realism, with balanced composition and clear legible map details, conveying organized, professional real estate analysis for local communities.
A polished conference table in a modern real estate meeting room, covered with neatly arranged materials about community ownership: high-quality printed brochures showing diverse Southern California homes, a detailed market analysis report with color charts, and a tablet displaying a property portfolio dashboard. The table is a smooth, dark wood surface with subtle grain, surrounded by clean white walls and a glass partition revealing a blurred cityscape outside. Warm overhead recessed lighting combines with soft natural light from large windows, creating balanced illumination and slight reflections on the tablet screen. Photographic realism, eye-level composition, and a shallow depth of field give the scene a professional, educational atmosphere suited for coaching and classes about real estate investing.
A cozy, well-lit home office corner set up for an online real estate class, featuring a large curved monitor displaying a slide titled “Community Ownership Strategies in Southern California” with a clean blue and white theme and small home icons. A slim, silver keyboard and mouse sit on a light oak desk along with a lined notebook filled with neat handwritten notes and a fine-tip pen. Behind the monitor, built-in shelving holds organized binders labeled “Deals,” “Classes,” and “Coaching,” along with a few tasteful ceramic decor pieces. Soft daylight filters through partially open blinds, creating linear shadows on the wall. Photographic realism, eye-level framing, and a calm, studious mood reflect professional, accessible education.

How we help you buy where you already belong

Locals‑first homebuying workshops

Live, small‑group sessions that break down how first‑time buyers—and especially renters—can own in the neighborhoods they already know. We cover financing, ownership structures, and how to protect everyone involved.

1:1 coaching for ownership plans

Work with a coach to map your personal path to ‘owning where you rent.’ We’ll help you assess your readiness, explore lending & co‑buyers, understand the agreements you’ll need, and create a step‑by‑step plan that fits your income and timeline.

An evening rooftop terrace in Southern California transformed into a real estate event space, overlooking a softly glowing urban skyline and clusters of residential neighborhoods. High-top cocktail tables with simple white tablecloths hold neatly stacked flyers titled “CommunityOwn Investment Night” next to miniature architectural models of duplexes and small apartment buildings. Subtle string lights cast a warm, ambient glow, mixing with the cool blue of the twilight sky. A glass railing reflects scattered city lights, adding depth. The composition is slightly elevated and wide, capturing the terrace, materials, and layered city backdrop in photographic realism. The mood is optimistic and professional, suggesting a forward-thinking gathering about community-centered property investment and local ownership.

On‑the‑block events for neighbors

Be first in line for local ownership opportunities

Get alerts on new workshops, ownership tools, and community‑first property opportunities in Southern California and all 50 U.S. States. For renters, neighbors, and first‑time buyers who want to stay—and own—where they are.

Neighbors who chose to stay—and own—here

Rating: 5 out of 5.

We’ve had the pleasure of working with Jeb twice now to sell our properties, and both experiences have been outstanding. He consistently goes above and beyond, putting in the extra effort that truly sets him apart from other agents.

— Kathy A.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Jeb was an amazing property manager. I can’t recommend him enough. Always going above and beyond to make sure the property is safe, comfortable, and functional.

— Rebecca O.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Jeb is extremely knowledgeable about the market and brings a level of professionalism and attention to detail that is truly impressive. His negotiation skills were top-notch, ensuring we got the best possible outcome in both sales.

— Cindy G.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The professionalism and effectiveness of Jeb was nothing less than remarkable. I have purchased and sold homes in past, but I have never experienced this level of customer service in my life.

— Anita D.

Let’s plan how you can own where you live

Share where you’re renting now, or the neighborhood you grew up in, and we’ll help you explore paths to owning there or elsewhere—whether solo or with trusted co‑buyers.

Southern California Based
Serving All 50 U.S. States

Hours

Open Everyday
Monday-Sunday 8AM-8PM PST

Text Line

(562) 313-7539