In an industry where only 6% of real estate agents nationwide are Black, Danielle Andrews stands as a pioneering force as Realty One Group’s first Black female franchisee in Florida. Yet for Andrews, this milestone represents more than personal achievement – it’s a platform for transforming generational wealth through homeownership in underserved communities.

Andrews brings a profound understanding of the historical context shaping today’s real estate landscape. She points to the lingering effects of Jim Crow laws and redlining practices, which have contributed to stagnant Black homeownership rates. Rather than accepting this status quo, Andrews has made it her mission to break down barriers, particularly for first-time homebuyers.

Her passion for helping first-time buyers stems from recognizing common misconceptions about the homebuying process, especially within the Black community. “We think you have to have this perfect credit score, you have to have done all these things perfectly,” Andrews explains. She takes pride in demonstrating that homeownership is more accessible than many believe, sharing success stories like her recent 22-year-old client who aged out of the foster care system and is now purchasing her first home.

In Tallahassee’s current market, Andrews has observed emerging trends in how first-time buyers approach homeownership. Many are leveraging down payment assistance programs and exploring creative financing options that allow them to enter the market with minimal upfront costs. However, she also identifies critical challenges in the industry, particularly the growing gap between wages and home prices.

Looking toward solutions, Andrews advocates for a two-pronged approach: addressing the need for livable wages that keep pace with rising home prices, and expanding assistance programs to bridge the affordability gap. She remains optimistic about the market’s stability, citing stronger lending regulations and documentation requirements that have created a more secure environment compared to previous housing cycles.

Andrews’ vision extends beyond individual transactions. She’s actively working to inspire the next generation of real estate professionals, speaking at schools to encourage young people to consider real estate as a first career rather than a fallback option. Her brokerage serves as a platform for increasing Black representation in the industry while creating pathways to homeownership that can spark generational wealth for families.

As she looks to the future, Andrews’ goals remain clear: to inspire future generations of homeowners and Black real estate agents, creating a lasting impact that extends well beyond her time in the industry. “I hope that I am both impacting generations to come and inspiring future homeowners a hundred years from now,” she reflects, embodying the kind of transformative leadership the real estate industry needs.