NOT YOUR AVERAGE AGENT

 For Andrea Farrell, the real estate business is a labor of love that allows her to pursue another passion — giving back to her community and those in need.

“My father taught me a lot about giving back and I’ve always believed in it,” the Niceville resident said. “I don’t think it’s something you can teach. You either have it or you don’t.”

Farrell, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker United, Realtors, sat down with The Log Tuesday to talk about everything from real estate and cooking to her passion for the less fortunate and her charitable ways.

Growing up in Mississippi, Farrell went to college in the state capital of Jackson, where she studied and graduated with a degree in industrial drafting design. She also co-owns a fine dining steakhouse and seafood restaurant with her brother back home.

As for why she got into drafting, it’s simple.

“When I was 13, a man told me I should get into drafting because there were no women in it and they couldn’t do it,” said the wife of a retired United States Air Force lieutenant colonel. “That’s one of the things about me, you can’t tell me there’s something I can’t do.”

Farrell found herself in the real estate industry at the urging of her late father and admittedly had a difficult first few years in the business, but that didn’t last too long. All it took was one high-end property sale to get her feet wet and her career headed in the right direction.

During a 14-year career with Re/Max, she was named Re/Max rookie of the year, top sales agent, top listing agent and a member of the President’s Club, Executive Club and Chairman’s Club, not to mention a spot in the prestigious Re/Max Hall of Fame. She also spent six years as the Emerald Coast Board of Realtors chairman of the board for the Realtors Political Action Committee.

Despite all of the accolades, being able to give back to her community is what Farrell focuses on.

For each sale she makes with Coldwell Banker, Farrell donates a portion to the Children’s Miracle Network, where she serves as co-chairperson. She is also a Partner in Hope for St. Jude’s Children’s hospital and a relay partner in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

“I’ve always wanted to give back and that’s why I am involved in so many charities,” she said. “My faith in God is also a big part of why I give back.”

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Destin, Miramar Beach, Niceville, Bluewater Bay or Seaside real estate markets, Farrell is ready and willing to go above and beyond to make your home purchase seamless.

Farrell can be reached at 850-259-1625 or by email at andrea.farrell@cbunited.com.

As she looks to the future, Farrell says she is going to continue doing things the way she always has and has no plans to be just another Realtor.

“I do think I am different than the average agent,” she said. “I don’t want to be put in the classification of the norm — it’s easy to be normal.”