photos by JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

The reasons why Allonda Hawkins is known as The Community’s Realtor® are endless, but one word emerges to describe everything that sets her business apart from the rest: Character.

“Character means more to me than anything,” she explains, adding that she hires people with good character, not just good skills. “Skills can be taught — character can’t.”

Allonda’s intentions are obvious when she shares her overall value statement — community over commission, relationships over revenue, people over profit, integrity over income. She is known and respected in the Winston-Salem community for being a vocal advocate for helping clients.

“I’m inspired that I get the opportunity to walk alongside clients who are often making one of the biggest decisions and investments of their lives,” Allonda explains. “As realtors, we are known for showing fancy sold signs, and leading glamorous home tours. But, what you often don’t see, are the things happening behind closed doors. Our clients are real people, with real lives.  We get the beautiful privilege of sharing so many highs with our clients, such as buying homes to expand their families with a new baby on the way, or the excitement of beginning a new marriage. Seeing the joy on a single mom’s face who worked countless hours to buy a home for her babies, is a feeling I can’t begin to describe.”

“However, we’re also there in difficult seasons, as we help navigate selling a home after a devastating loss of a loved one, or walk the difficult journey of being a peaceful party as a couple divorces,” she adds. “That doesn’t sound inspirational at first glance, but to know that you’ve served them, and helped make their process a bit easier, is my daily inspiration.”

Her Path to The Hawkins Group

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Allonda moved here for college 20-plus years ago and never looked back. 

“The charm of Winston-Salem has become the backdrop to our story, and a beautiful place to raise my four children!” she says. Allonda has been in real estate for four years, taking the leap, she explains, by “happenstance!”

“I was purchasing my first investment property, and had a really difficult time with a ‘not so great’ agent. The experience was so tumultuous that I decided I’d get my license, and represent myself if I were to ever purchase another property,” she explains.

In her 9-to-5 career, long before she was licensed, Allonda was a community advocate, often teaching various local groups about financial literacy and homeownership. 

“People approached me for tips on how to purchase a home,” she says. “One day it clicked that I could merge my extended experience with community engagement and my license. My new business was born!”

With Keller Williams for three years, Allonda recently transitioned to her new brokerage, eXp Realty. 

“I’m super excited about the move, and look forward to continuing to serve Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Kernersville, High Point, Lexington, and the surrounding areas!”

Clients Come First. Period.

While buying a home can be life-changing in a good way — but with its share of stresses — Allonda wants clients to know even when the road isn’t easy, her team is right there to help carry the weight.

“One of my common sayings in our team meetings is that ‘clients should never have to ask what’s next?’. If a client is questioning the next move, that means they’re feeling unsure, or not fully informed.”

The Hawkins Group makes every effort to be available when clients need them, educating and guiding all throughout the process, with innovative systems in place to stay organized, on-task, and above all, positive!

“My favorite part of getting to know a new client is learning their story,” explains Allonda. “Every client is so incredibly different, and learning their story helps us customize their experience based on specific needs. Our relationship with our clients may begin with the very first interaction, but it remains strong far beyond their closing!

Allonda and her team are literally well-known for maintaining contact after their transactions are complete.

“When we gain a client, they become like family, and I’ve been to countless client’s birthday parties, baby showers, housewarming parties, and even weddings! Long after a transaction closes, we set the environment for clients to call us for anything,” she says proudly.

Especially for newcomers to the area, the team offers recommendations for services that range from plumbers to hairstylists. Plus, they celebrate milestones.

“During the holidays, our clients come home to find Christmas gifts hanging on their doors, and they look forward to our famous One-Year ‘Housiversary’ box at their door! They will find custom-made cookies that include personal details about that specific client, celebrating the one-year anniversary in their home.”

But Allonda admits the team’s favorite way to maintain connection is via their client events. The group’s last client appreciation event was held in Reynolda Village, with over 220 people in attendance. The fun included rows of food trucks, mobile bartenders (for the adults!), bounce houses, outdoor games, a DJ, photo booth — all free for clients.

“We also host a Holiday Photoshoot where clients — old and new — gather in their best coordinated outfits. We provide a professional photographer and holiday backdrop, to take their family portraits, while we offer hot cocoa and activities for the kids.”

While The Hawkins Group is consistently ranked among the best realty groups in not only the Triad, but also the country, Allonda teaches her team that operating with the highest integrity means everything.

“I teach my group — and other agents who I coach — that you don’t have to coerce, manipulate, or push people into buying or selling, in order to be successful.  I am a strong believer if you do right by people, the rewards will come.”

In 2021, Allonda was number one out of 260 agents in her firm, and in 2021 and 2022, was ranked the number one agent on social media in Winston-Salem by Property Spark. In 2023 she was ranked in the top 1.5% of the country out of 1.5 million agents by RealTrends.

Much-deserved through hard work and determination, but Allonda has a higher goal:

“I want people to feel that when they choose to work with The Hawkins Group, they can trust we won’t steer them wrong. We’ll be with them every step of the way.”

For every real estate need, reach Allonda Hawkins today at 336-602-4530, or email [email protected]. Visit the office at 205 Ricks Drive in Winston-Salem, NC, 27103, and follow Allonda on Instagram @allondatheagent.