Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Andrews.
Danielle, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started in real estate in October of 2016. As with any new business, it took me a little bit to get settled in and find my flow. There’s so much to learn and real estate school teaches you absolutely nothing about being a real estate agent. I took my first few months to learn the Florida contract, understand the market, connect with various lenders, title companies, inspectors, and other vendors. I began developing my team, so when I did finally secure my first client, I was prepared and knowledgeable.
I actually started my real estate career in Orlando as more of a passive hobby. I was a full-time middle school teacher and that didn’t leave a lot of spare time for real estate. However, I was still able to help a few family and friends in my first two years, learning so much with each transaction.
In the summer of 2018, I relocated to Tallahassee and I knew I wanted more from my real estate career. I decided to take a short break to restructure my business and figure out the best place to hang my license. I wanted a place that could help refine the skills I learned early on in my career but could also help me discover new knowledge to take my business to the next level.
After a four months break, I decided to join Keller Williams and I never looked back. Since I took the time to rest and recharge, my business has never been so successful. I have closed more transactions and increased my sales volume. My business is up 400% from my sales last year and I’m really just getting started.
This year, I also achieved a professional goal to earn my Real Estate Broker’s license. This is the highest level of certification in this industry and allows me to one day open up my own real estate firm, should I choose.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I think many entrepreneurs and salespeople constantly wonder about their next sale. But, in real estate, there’s an added layer to that because every call or interested buyer or seller isn’t always ready then, or decides to work with someone else, or hits a snag in their process along the way.
When COVID-19 first hit, I was really unsure of how my real estate career would be impacted. Would we be considered essential? Should I revise my goals? I decided not to and to keep my faith. I pray about my business daily, but I also make God the core of my business plan. I trusted the promises he shared with me and I continued to keep my foot on the gas.
I knew that in the years before I planted a lot of seeds in the community about my business. I hosted homebuyer seminars, posted flyers in neighborhoods, sent out mailers, increased my social media marketing, held open houses, cold-called people. Literally, any lead generation tactic you can think of, I tried it. I had to figure out what worked for me in my business, even if that meant it was going to cost me money and time. The funny thing is none of those things really brought me a single piece of business, but they did help establish my credibility. They helped legitimize my business in the public eye and the customers began to pour in. My sphere of influence, as we call it started putting my name in rooms, I never entered or knew existed and my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. However, along the way there were plenty of times I got discouraged. My now husband, encouraged and reassured me several times along the way. He constantly reminded me of God’s promises for my life and business. He consistenly encouraged me to keep pressing towards the mark.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
I specialize in residential real estate. If you or someone you know is looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate, then I’m your girl. But, there’s thousands of real estate professionals out there who do the same thing. What makes me unique are the pillars of my business: education, wealth building, and community give back. As a former teacher, I’m passionate about making sure everyone I come in contact knows about real estate and understands the various opportunities out there.
I actually created an entire course to help aspiring homeowners financially prepare to purchase a home and get mortgage ready. Over the years, I saw that the lack of financial preparedness in the community was the biggest hindrance for many people to reach their real estate goals. One thing that I hope future homeowners take away from this article is that nothing in real estate happens overnight. Everything is a process. It takes preparation and education. Use your waiting time become as knowledgeable as you can about the homebuying process. Connect with a trustworthy real estate agent in your area and start having conversations about the market. Develop a strong plan of action to help you achieve your goal. Be intentional about how you prepare for such a large investment.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
My favorite parts about Tallahassee are the trails and nature. There are so many great local parks here to walk and enjoy the scenery. Now the way my allergies are set up, they probably would say that’s their least favorite part of this city, but they’ll be okay, lol.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1520 Killearn Center Blvd Tallahassee, FL 32309
- Website: danielleandrewsrealestate.com
- Phone: 727-433-2402
- Email: danielle.andrews@kw.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/danielle_iman
- Facebook: Facebook.com/DanielleAndrewsRealtor
Image Credit:
Photo Credit: Roundtree Photography
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