Conversations with Jennifer Hawkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hawkins.

Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
A love of real estate runs deep for Jennifer Hawkins. She grew up fluently speaking the language of architecture, design and development thanks to her father, a residential and commercial developer who has turned the Hawkins name into a stamp of quality across Arizona, Colorado and Utah. Fiercely independent and naturally entrepreneurial, Jen counts 15 years as a top-performing sales consultant in the automotive industry—sharpening her negotiation skills through thousands of transactions—before making an instinctive pivot into real estate. Known for her infectious energy, perpetual positivity and an unmatched ability to connect and bond with her clients, colleagues and community, Jen now continues her family’s legacy by bringing the Hawkins brand to California. Jen prides herself in being a dedicated, hands-on, highly communicative agent, passionate about providing exceptional service for clients “25/7.”

Born and raised in Florida and now living in Manhattan Beach—while specializing in Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades areas, alongside any L.A. neighborhood where her clients have interests—Jen blends her innate Southern-style charm and friendliness with a sunny SoCal vibe that’s wholly her own. She’s fully devoted to facilitating transactions and experiences for her clients that are seamless and satisfying, never thinking twice about going the extra mile when called.

Away from the office, Jen is a consummate hostess and habitual connector of both friends and a network of professional colleagues and contacts, as well as a frequent traveler. She’s also committed to giving back to her community, working regularly with the Autism Speaks, the LA Food Bank, plus is an official volunteer with the Red Cross.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Real Estate is always a wild ride, it isn’t nearly as glamorous as you see on TV. It’s way more involved than putting on your heels and making deals. It is imperative that you find supportive mentors, collaborative brokerages, communities to connect with and curate leads from and lastly friends and family that understand the demands of this career. When I got my license, I had lived in Los Angeles for only a few years and had an outside sales job. I had a very small circle of friends and local connections, a larger sphere of influence can really help launch your real estate career. In the beginning of my career, I took every single opportunity to connect with anyone that I could. I slept with my laptop in bed with me, ready to respond at all hours of any day. I did 24 lease transactions in my first year, just constantly hustling for any and all deals. The more business you do, the more confident you become and the more work comes your way. I was excited at an opportunity to have a mentor, and then within a few months, I realized it was not the right fit. Breaking that relationship meant needing to find a new brokerage. That felt stressful and yet another starting over point.

I found a place to land, and would be first in the office (literally got the keys on day two) and last to leave. If you opened, you could take all the phone calls and email leads, I was once again excited about this career choice. I discovered a few months into this new beginning, that this brokerage wasn’t a great fit for new agents, they didn’t have the bandwidth to have mentors and educators. When I was struggling with what to do next, I ran into an agent I had known before, Shelton Wilder, and we decided to give it a go as a team. That was one of the best decisions I ever made. Eventually, I found the right communities, coaches, team members and education to become a successful solo agent. I don’t ‘know if there is ever a smooth road in this industry. Every property and every buyer has its own set of unique characteristics and challenges, but as they say, no risk no reward. I do believe that every problem has a solution and I believe we get farther when we think positively and proactively. Growing up in a real estate family, I know the ups and downs but have also seen and reaped the rewards of investing. To help others reach this life goal is worth all the bumps in the road.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a realtor who specializes in helping buyers, sellers and investors in Los Angeles. I am known first and foremost for my positive attitude and enthusiasm. You will always see me with a smile on my face. I have been blessed to be able to connect with others quickly. I can build real relationships in a short amount of time. Clients want to be able to trust their real estate agent and other agents want to trust the deal. I have many relationships with top agents and this helps me to always have a pulse on the market. I also am a connector. I love connecting and created my own networking group with female agents, I love all things girl power. I take pride in the fact that I have helped so many successful, single women become first-time homebuyers. I care deeply for my clients, and all become friends. I enjoy helping first-time home buyers, I take the time needed to walk them through every single step of the process. I am a great communicator and this helps to build successful deals. I love giving back and volunteer with many local organizations. But most importantly, I am genuine, sincere and always available. I host weekly Coffee Talks with JHawk, where I support local coffee shops and hang out for 2 hours where clients and friends can stop by for a free coffee and advice and a chat. I also host monthly workout classes called Sweat With Me Sundays. I am more than just a realtor, I want to be your friend and goal supporter for life.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Who would have thought that a Pandemic would have such an effect on the housing market? But boy did it ever. The effect on realtors, well at first we weren’t sure we would ever sell another home again to will we ever have a day off again. We were deemed non-essential, then essential. For a span of time, realtors were not allowed to do home tours, and trying to sell a multimillion-dollar home based on photos alone was more than challenging. When tours were allowed again, there was extra paperwork required. Every realtor and their clients had to sign paperwork for every single property we wanted to see. You had to provide masks, gloves and sanitizer for every showing.

For homeowners and renters, being stuck in their homes forced them to realize that they needed or wanted somewhere different to live. Some wanted more indoor space, some craved a backyard, and others just simply needed new scenery. Covid19 pushed people to do home projects they had been delaying and after making improvements many decided they wanted to sell. When you take the increased demand and add in the historically low-interest rates, we had a frenzy on our hands. Literal lines of masked people waiting to see a home, 20plus offers on properties, homes selling for $200k plus over asking price. It was a lot to take on. Never before was it more important to have prepared sellers and buyers working with experienced agents. Many people worked too fast and too furious during this time and missed vital steps. No matter if there is a Pandemic or not, my best advice buy a home you can afford, plan to own it for at least five years and never ever skip inspections.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jenniferhawkinshomes.com
• Instagram: @jhawkhomes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jhawkhomes/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferhawkins8610

Image Credits
Professional photos taken by Chad Peters