We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Brandenburg and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Amber, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?Authenticity. I believe in being unapologetically myself and want my clients to feel safe doing the same with me. Selling or buying a home is a major decision and while everyone wants to appear calm and buttoned up, the reality is that everyone internally freaks out to some extent.
My goal is to show my clients that it’s okay to be scared during this process. I want them to be honest with me about their fears and anxieties.
I struggled with being truly authentic with clients when I first started this business. I worried that clients really wanted someone professional to the point of being impersonal. But I quickly found that being human and honest allows me to connect deeper with my clients and build lasting relationships.
Yes, there is an art to real estate when it comes to interpreting data, knowing how to price and where pockets of affordably are across the Metro ATL, and being great at all of this is what has also led to my success.
But the human aspect is where the magic begins.
I don’t sugar coat the process and I don’t like to waste anyone’s time. I’m a super playful person but all about business when I need to be, meaning I don’t take overpriced listings and I will always advise a buyer to wait if they are not in a position to buy at that current time. I’m also a little quirky which I believe allows my clients to truly see me as someone who cares for their best interest.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, to start, I have been in sales since forever. I have what many call “the gift of gab”. I can literally talk to a brick wall. I initially moved to Atlanta for love but quickly fell in love with the city itself, which ultimately grew into a passion for real estate.
At the beginning of my career, I knew literally no one, which is tough considering that real estate is all about relationships. Being in that position requires a lot of grit and determination not to fail. I remember my first deals began by literally knocking on doors. I was nervous but tried to make a game of it by counting how many No’s I had to get before getting a Yes (the number is high if you’re wondering).
Needless to say, I faced a ton of rejection in the beginning. What kept me going was a stat from the National Association of REALTORS that 87% of all new agents fail after five years in the industry. Once I read that stat, I knew I had no choice but to be part of the 13% who make it.
I’ve gotten where I am today because I’m hungry and prepared and my clients see that. I have a can-do attitude and a heart to serve my clients. And most importantly, I’m a straight shooter and I do my homework.
As simple as that sounds, that actually sets me apart from a lot of agents.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many things to do so this is hard one!
I would probably drive them up 400N until it runs out and take them to the outlets up there. Then I would drive back down and show them Halcyon and grab a tea and cookie at Never Enough Thyme.
Then I’d hop down to Alpharetta to Avalon and walk around. I’d definitely get lunch at Rumi’s Kitchen! I love love this place, I actually visited their original location in Sandy Springs the other day and it was just as delicious.
After lunch we’d drive through downtown Alpharetta (because it’s so cute) then head over to Bulloch Hall in Roswell near Marietta and get some history in. After that, I’d grab the pup and head to Roswell Mill and check out some nature. Finally, I’d probably grab some food at a dog-friendly restaurant and catch live music on Canton Street in Roswell.
Day 2 we’d head back up 400N to North Springs and take the MARTA all the way into the city. Of course, I’d talk their head off at every stop about all the cool things to do and the vibe of each little pocket of the city.
The goal (if they were up for it) would be to hop off at every stop and shop and eat and discover. We’d start at the shops of Buckhead then check out Le Colonial and Gypsy Kitchen. I would also recommend Restoration Hardware, the building alone is so luxurious and they’ve got a great cafe. There’s always Johnny’s Hideaway if we are day drinking. It doesn’t get any real fun until after dark of course but we could “people watch”. Whiskey Blue has a nice rooftop we could check out. We also have to go to Swan House and the Atlanta History Museum.
Day 3 is Midtown- I would try my best to drag them to City Row with me and get in a sweat sesh! Then we’d walk around and grab lunch at the Lawrence. From there, we could bike Piedmont park and check out some of the incredible houses nearby. Then Consulate or Campagnolo Restaurant for dinner, for sure! Both are super cool places with delicious food and a nice ambiance. I love to dance the night away at Blakes so gotta have a full belly to start off right. I would also want to show them the Margaret Mitchel House. If they were into Gone With the Wind we could go inside. We would also have to see Colony Square since it’s finally reopened and better than ever.
Day 4- Decatur- We’d have to check out Folk Art for brunch and Kimball House for dinner. I would want to show them Oakhurst since we are so close, which would lead to Little Five Points and possible O4W. I’d also plan to show them Glenn Creek Nature Preserve and some of the cool houses near the Agnes Scott College.
Day 5- Honestly, at this point, we’re likely worn out and they wouldn’t be my friend anymore if I made them run around for a 5th day in a row. They’d have to come back and visit—or better yet, decide to call ATL their home. After all, I know a great realtor.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Besides my loving family, I am thankful for so many people I’ve met along life’s beautiful journey. My family raised me to be open-minded and to care for others as we are all God’s children.
I’ve had some wonderful friends and some not so wonderful friends and I truly cherish both. I am very thankful for kind REALTORS who have been patient with me when I asked them question after question. Now that I juggle multiple clients at once on a continual basis, I understand how much energy it must have required to answer my newbie real estate questions and I’m thankful they showed me grace.
Lastly, I’m super thankful for all my clients who trusted me to guide them. They helped me survive this long in a 100% commission world where I am literally unemployed every time I sell a house.
Website: WWW.AmberSellsATL.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambersellsatl/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambersellsatl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmberSellsATL/