Access Magazine Article 2021

 

Move over reality superstar Chrishell Stause; there’s a new show-stopping Realtor in the winning slot, and no surprise — it’s a woman! Meet local Realtor Amanda Spears. With an unmatched passion for real estate and a genuine zest for helping her clients achieve their goals no matter how individualized, it’s no surprise she is among Bellator Real Estate & Development’s top-performing agents. Read more in our January issue CLICK TO READ ARTICLE  by Caroline Edmondson; photography by Stevye Murray . 

 

Selling South Alabama 

By Caroline Edmondson

 

We all know every real estate agent isn’t created equally, so what’s the difference between your run of the mill agent and that rockstar agent that goes above and beyond whether you’re a buyer or seller? Obviously, one that has a passion for all they do, and above all else, they always listen and put their client’s needs first. Thankfully, Amanda embodies all of these. But, she also goes a step further.

 

After attending Gadsden State Community College and Jacksonville State University where she majored in Psychology, Amanda decided to obtain her real estate license—something she takes great pride in doing and doing it well.

And, by well we mean she aims to ensure every need of her clients are met no matter what. If you’re looking for the seemingly impossible, she will make it happen. “Being a realtor means I have the privilege of representing my client.  It means I put their interests first and it affords me the opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to serve them,” she tells us. Having been a resident of Baldwin County since 2004, Amanda understands the ins and outs of the market in our area—and makes sure her clients understand it too.

Working as a Buyer’s Agent as well as a Listing Agent, Amanda has two very important, and different roles as each. As a Buyer’s Agent, Amanda represents, and assists her clients through every step of the home-buying process, including finding the right home, negotiating an offer, recommending other professionals (mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, settlement companies, etc.), and troubleshooting any issues that may arise during the home inspection or appraisal process.

But as a Listing Agent, Amanda represents the Seller by helping them with a wide range of tasks including pricing their home, recommending home improvements or staging, marketing their home, holding open houses, scheduling showings, negotiating with Buyers, and coordinating the closing procedures.  “My goal is always to guide my clients through a transaction with the least amount of stress possible.  It’s important to remember that buying and/or selling a home can be one of the most trying times in a person’s life,” says Amanda. “Agents must remember that we may be familiar with the process, and deal with the details daily, but that is not the case for clients.  Holding a client’s hand throughout the process is an essential part of my job description.”

And all her hand holding has paid off as Amanda has had an exceptionally successful year despite the pandemic and exceeded her personal expectations by closing 31 transactions. Due to her tremendous success this year, Amanda has formed her own team at Bellator Real Estate & Development in order to better serve her clients called Spears Group Real Estate Associates, which will begin this month.

Much of Amanda’s success is owed to her ability to communicate effectively with her clients, and fellow real estate agents.  Her compassion, knowledge have proven invaluable—she makes herself available to talk them through whatever issue or concern their having about the process. “I listen, and when asked my opinion, I share it.  I look at every transaction as an opportunity to educate myself, and my clients,” she shares. “Listening to your clients, and understanding their needs will go a long way towards building a reputation as not only an agent people can trust, but I find it helps me to be a better serve their needs, and the needs of future clients.  They help me to become a better realtor. Helping client’s find their “dream home,” is extremely rewarding to Amanda and her team, but she knows in order to find just the right home it’s important to keep in mind a home is where the majority of someone’s memories are made.

Some might call it a woman’s touch, but we call it experience. After all, no request is too big for Amanda (unless you’re looking for a home on the moon and in that case, she may have to refer you to the perfect agent in that market!). It’s important to speak up about your likes and dislikes about each home you view.

Prioritizing her client’s needs, Amanda listens to each of their requests and only shows her clients homes that fit their budget and description. “The home buying process has a significant impact on them both financially, and emotionally. Therefore, it is incredibly rewarding to be a part of one of the most important moments of my clients’ lives. I work with a variety of clients from first time homebuyers to investors, to those searching for vacation properties, downsizing, or searching for their dream home all over Mobile and Baldwin County,” says Amanda.

When it comes to being a woman in her field, Amanda says, “I believe most women are born leaders. Personally, I have never approached any job situation with a preconceived notion of men vs. women. If I have properly prepared before stepping into a position, and I am open to learning as I go, then I have already set myself up for success.”

Interestingly, according to the National Association of Realtors, 67 percent of all realtors are female! So when it comes to aspiring female realtors Amanda gives sage advice: “Ask yourself why you are passionate about this profession.  Then, reach out to someone (or several ‘someones’) who are successful in whatever it is that you’re pursuing.  Remember that they are only a guide… it is up to you to hold yourself accountable in the process on the way to reach your goals.  Allow yourself to claim what you really want and then go for it.  Affirm to yourself everyday that you will succeed.  ” 

She also advises to always approach every situation with integrity, confidence, and competence so no one will ever question your ability. “Sharing your experiences, good and bad, with a potential client builds trust by giving them some insight into your character and work ethic. Keep yourself up to date on knowledge, skills and trends in your area of expertise. If you’re not continually learning and keeping yourself ‘in the know,’ remember your competition is,” she warns. 

 

Mother to two children Emma (18), and Lena (16), Amanda loves attending tennis matches and other school activities with her children during the week, and on most weekends, if she’s not at the beach or boating with friends, she travels with her horse-crazed daughter Lena to barrel racing competitions throughout the Southeast. She also enjoys dedicating her time to organizing several charitable events throughout the year. A true go-getter with a combined passion for community and real estate, Amanda is ready to be in your corner. The perfect agent to help you in your home buying and selling journey, all you have to do is call.