For Carol Andrews, being named the 2025 Alabama REALTOR® of the Year is deeply personal.

"I get emotional thinking about it," she said. "It’s overwhelming when your peers think that much of you."

That humility and heart have defined Andrews’s more than 20-year career in real estate. After relocating with her husband to Montgomery when their children left for college, she never expected to become a REALTOR®. In fact, she laughs when she recalls that she had "never sold anything" before, but the REALTOR® who helped her family buy their home saw something special in her.

"She told me I’d be perfect for real estate," Andrews said. "I was intimidated at first, but something about it just felt right." 

That intuition proved true — and quickly. In just nine days, she completed her coursework, passed her exams and earned her license, beginning a new chapter in her life that was built on service, not sales.

Throughout her career, Andrews has served on numerous boards and committees at the local, state, and national levels. Service has become her guiding principle, shaping the way she leads and gives back to her community.

Mentorship is also a role Andrews cherishes. Guiding others toward successful careers brings her deep fulfillment, and in a profession in which long-term success can be challenging, she values the chance to support and encourage newer agents.

Her secret to success?

Doing her absolute best and always putting service at the forefront.

"If you focus on doing your best work and helping people, the money will come," she said. "If you focus on your commission check, it won’t."

Andrews also supports her community through her company’s partnership with the Heart of Alabama Food Bank, donating monthly and engaging consumers to join the effort. Giving back, she says, makes the profession stronger and reinforces that real estate is ultimately about people.

What Andrews loves most about being a REALTOR® is the relationships she’s built. She values the opportunity to get to know those she works with and is especially honored to support people through big life transitions. Being a trusted advisor and offering peace of mind every step of the way is what drives her.

After more than two decades in real estate, Andrews says this recognition feels like the culmination of her lifelong philosophy: lead with integrity, serve others, and give back.

"This profession has given me so much," she said. "I just want to keep giving back to it every way I can."