Jennifer Andrews became a real estate agent in 2001. She soon moved to the brokerage side of the business, first as branch manager at a big-box brokerage, then a principal broker elsewhere. She built a breadth of knowledge over 20 years, also working as a consultant along the way. In May 2021, she joined eXp as managing broker for the state of Hawaii and shortly thereafter, she was named to Hawaii’s Real Estate Commission — a 9-person body that is appointed by the governor and approved by the state’s senate. Yes, it’s a big deal.
“I always wanted this role,” said Andrews. “It is regarded as the pinnacle of the real estate industry because it’s all about consumer protection while supporting the industry. Part of the commission’s duties is to make decisions on cases brought before us, provide industry insight on proposed legislation and non-binding formal interpretation of the law when the statutes do not provide clear guidelines.”
Andrews is regarded as having one of the industry’s best minds, which she marvels at when she recalls transitioning from agent to brokerage side many years ago. Sitting at a desk was not her strong suit.
“I was constantly walking around the office seeking ways I could assist agents — I couldn’t sit still,” she says with a laugh. “Having come from a sales role, I learned quickly that I needed to distance myself from the transactions, understanding my role as broker in order to provide the best objective guidance the agents wanted and needed. But the fun part is coming up with the solution.”
Through Andrews’ many roles, she came to know the ins and outs of the industry quite well. As a managing broker at eXp, she very clearly states that her role is to educate the agent and make sure they are serving their clients well.
“In state meetings, I am always trying to share information with agents to make them better and be responsible to their fiduciary duties. We make agents aware of what we’re seeing in their marketplace and set expectations for clients so no one is in default (on contractual obligations).”
Learn more about Jennifer Andrews:
Real estate history:
- eXp Realty (May 2021-current)
- Keller Williams (Sept. 2020-May 2021)
- Consultant (April 2020-July 2020)
- Gentry Homes Ltd. (Feb. 2018-March 2020)
- Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (Sept. 2013-Feb. 2018)
- Primary Properties (Oct. 2006-2013)
- Premier Realty 2000 (Jan. 2001-2006)
Main territory: Oahu, Hawaii
Main focus: First-time home buyers, investors, developers
Number of people on team: None; except for projects (average team size 6-12 agents)
Accolades, accomplishments & awards:
- Project manager for sales team for the largest Department of Hawaii Home Lands project ever developed in the state of Hawaii (350 homes)
- Building Industry Association of Hawaii – Board Member
- Hawaii Association of Realtors (“HAR”), Government Affairs Committee, Housing Subcommittee Chair
- Honolulu Board of Realtors (“HBR”), City Affairs Committee, Chair
- HIREC Liaison to HAR
- City & County of Honolulu, Board of Reviews, Real Property Tax Appeals (nominated by the Mayor of Honolulu and approved by the Honolulu City Council)
What was the appeal to work at eXp?
“Being able to bring value is important to me. Keller Williams was a great experience as a principal broker, but at the end of 9 months, we weren’t aligned. When the eXp opportunity came up, the company’s culture of direct broker and agent engagement and not only focusing on dealing with litigation issues, compliance issues and disputes was the most appealing. Don’t get me wrong — I don’t shy away from challenges and if I can win, that’s great. If I can learn from challenges, even better. I have been with small, boutique brokerages and national brand brokerages. eXp is the best of all worlds. They managed to put the best parts of other brokerages together.”
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