Welcome to Spotlight on the Stars, our blog series that shines a light on the incredible agents who make up The Agency Hilton Head. We’re thrilled to feature Jenna Kooi, a former TV news anchor turned trusted real estate professional with a passion for people, storytelling, and Lowcountry living. With firsthand experience in many of the area’s top golf communities and a knack for matching clients with homes that fit their lifestyle, Jenna brings both heart and local know-how to the table. Keep reading to learn more about Jenna’s journey—from camera-ready to closing day.
The Agency: Do you have any specialized/local knowledge that will benefit your clients?
Jenna: My family is big into golf! We've lived in many of the Lowcountry's most sought-after golf communities and golfed on some of the most popular courses, so my first-hand knowledge of these neighborhoods can help clients who are golfers find the best fit - course, house, and neighborhood - for them.
The Agency: What's the most rewarding part of your job as a real estate agent?
Jenna: I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people and hearing their stories, which helps me determine what homes and communities could be the perfect match. It stems from my previous career in TV news — everyone has a story. And where you live is a part of that story.
The Agency: What's the most unique or memorable property you've ever sold?
Jenna: 36 Plumbridge Circle in Wexford on Hilton Head Island is the most memorable and unique property I've sold. The craftsmanship is unmatched. The carpenters were truly artists, as some of the features, like the staircase, were works of art. And the outdoor living with a pool, waterfall, raised hot tub, private dock, two fireplaces, a grotto, covered living area, and screened porch checked all the boxes for the ideal luxurious Lowcountry life.
The Agency: If you could design a dream home for yourself, what must-have features would it include?
Jenna: My dream home would have a screened porch, a pool for lap swimming, a massive kitchen with a scullery, a his-and-hers closet, a makeup vanity in the primary bathroom, and a home gym. The outdoor features take advantage of living in the Lowcountry, while the kitchen is always the heart of our home. Having my own closet keeps the messes separate, lol and a home gym is so convenient as a mom.
The Agency: What's your favorite local restaurant, and what's your go-to order?
Jenna: The Pearl in Bluffton is my favorite local restaurant and has been for years. The staff is always excellent, and the food is consistently delicious. My go-to order is the scallops entree after we order the calamari and fried green tomatoes as our appetizers. My youngest daughter has been ordering their filets since she was a toddler, and the servers would remember her order, which was so special. I'd also sneak bites of her order because it's so yummy too!
The Agency: Are you a coffee or tea person, and how do you take it?
Jenna: I'm a coffee person — black with nothing else in it. Get the caffeine straight into me!
The Agency: If you could instantly become an expert in any skill, what would it be?
Jenna: I'd like to become an expert in golf as I'm the worst in my family by far, so it'd be nice to be competitive in the family rounds.
The Agency: What's your favorite way to spend a Sunday in the Lowcountry?
Jenna: My favorite way to spend a Sunday in the Lowcountry is to have all my children in town, so we go to church as a family, then stop by Starbucks (that's our after-church tradition), and spend time together in the pool.
The Agency: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Jenna: I'm a morning person. I'm almost always the first person up, and I love that time to start tackling my to-do list after my coffee and morning workout.
The Agency: Do you have a "guilty pleasure" snack or treat?
Jenna: My "guilty pleasure" treat is a brownie, or if it's around Easter, a Cadbury Easter egg. I stock up and ration them out throughout the year, lol.
The Agency: How do you see the local real estate market changing over the next few years?
Jenna: Over the next few years, I see the local real estate market coming back a bit with more older luxury homes hitting the market so if you're willing to put in a little work, there will be some great deals out there.
The Agency: Complete this sentence: "Living in the Lowcountry wouldn't be the same without…
Jenna: Living in the Lowcountry wouldn't be the same without my family. We get to explore new places together and return to old favorites. We have so many memories here from Gregg Russell concerts in Sea Pines to kayaking excursions in Bluffton to victories on the golf courses. And we were here both times it snowed in the past 8 years!
