Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Martin.
Hi Amanda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my real estate journey 20 years ago after my husband, and I bought our first home which happened to be a foreclosure in need of a full makeover. After renovating a couple of houses, I was inspired and decided to obtain my real estate license to market & sell our own properties. Through my earlier years in the business & the 2008 recession, I decided to take a break to raise my family, making my way back in 2019. Fast forward to 2023, I have found much success and feel so incredibly blessed to lead 5 amazing ladies at my very own brokerage and just celebrated my one-year anniversary this February.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
From my experience with any career, attitude is everything, but perception is keen, and all depends on if you look at your glass half empty or half full. I’ve had my series of hardships this past year, not always heeding my own advice, and even though some things I wish I could have avoided, it’s only made me stronger and much more self-aware of all the different aspects of not just building a business but learning the intentions and purpose of the different people placed in my path whether it be my clientele or colleagues. My goal from day one was to build a brokerage to inspire & empower others while selling all things real estate, but now reflecting from a position of leadership, I’ve learned some of my most valuable lessons. Don’t get bitter; get better!!! I am grateful to be walking into 2023 revitalized & excited because the challenges I have overcome this year will be the building blocks to some of the most abundant years of my life. I stopped trying to make others want the same things I did or to want better for themselves because let’s face it, that is something that can only come from within, just like you cannot, I repeat, CANNOT create unity with self-centered individuals. So many people reach out regularly wanting to be a part of my team, but the reality is (for some not all) that when they see my online presence in the business, it creates a false sense of what my job is really about and the one thing I’ve learned is people will use & abuse your kindness to the point that they only base your value on what they can get from you. This past year, I was my own roadblock at times because being empathic creates many challenges and confusion not just mentally but financially, I will spend my last dime to help you succeed, but not everyone is built like myself, and I’m often misunderstood, so in the process of differentiating my heart from my head, it became one of my biggest struggles forcing me to do some real soul searching and take accountability for my own actions as well as the things I was allowing to destroy my peace by transmuting that negativity into what I’d consider now as my superpower. That’s just the leadership aspect, we haven’t even begun to cover the economic side of inflation, higher interest rates, and the real estate market slowing down, creating mass fear and uncertainty for consumers. At the end of the day, l know that staying faithful to my plan while being my authentic self in a world of fakes & social media illusions, no matter how many curveballs are thrown my way, God has my back and Karma (good & bad) is real.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about AM Real Estate Group, LLC?
We are a real estate brokerage specializing in residential and commercial real estate located in Brazoria County, and we just celebrated our one year in business anniversary this past February. We couldn’t have started 2023 out with any bigger than by taking on a beautiful new development featuring 1-3 acre lots in Alvin, Shadow Pond Subdivision. Although residential has been the catalyst of my career, I’m currently navigating my way in the commercial & development world, and there’s no turning back now. I currently run a team of five brilliant ladies, all bringing something different and unique to the table. I couldn’t be more grateful for their expertise and individuality; I can finally say that we’re exceeding all my previous expectations while building a powerhouse. Nothing excites me more than to see them crushing their goals and believing in me to help them get there. So many of my friends in the business called me crazy for thinking I could build a team of loyal agents by telling them my secrets, NEWS FLASH…there’s no secret, I’m the ingredient, it’s just me because ultimately, it’s hard work & perseverance that have gotten me this far. It’s funny that we live in a world where everyone is so self-centered for the wrong reasons, but when you’re a person who’s out here silently helping others not for fame or clout as my kids say you’re labeled unchristian-like or arrogant or so I was told. Bringing us to the next harsh reality that real estate agents often get a bad rap and not because of our rhythming/singing abilities (that’s just a bonus) but because our business comes off very vain and competitive, and I don’t compete, instead, I worry about myself and my agents. No one has ever given me anything; what you see is what I’ve built, sponsored & funded by ME & my husband. I’m very proud of my accomplishments because it’s not been as easy as everyone believes it to be. I was chatting with a developer the other day, and he said, “Amanda. I’m not always the sharpest tool in the shed, but I always try to surround myself with smart people” and that my friends is the secret to life, never stop being teachable. You must be disciplined, practice what you preach, you can talk about what you’re going to do all day, but if you do not hold yourself accountable, you’ll remain stuck. Branding is everything, taking pictures, being vulnerable, it’s OKAY only the people who cannot muster up the courage to do it themselves will be the negative commentators, and that’s not your problem or business, it’s theirs. I’ve heard so many false things about myself I could have a full-on comedy show just making fun of myself which is what’s leading me into my next endeavor, a podcast and I’m so excited! My main goal is to empower women by addressing some of the issues I’ve personally faced not only in business but from day-to-day life with grace and lots of humor which will be airing mid-spring.
How do you define success?
Why is my first reaction to laugh at this question because from my previous interview, I used my crazy wit and humor to get by, and although that was only 6 months ago, I’ve underwent more changes filled with the highest of highs mixed with some deep-rooted lows but nothing that me, God & the universe couldn’t balance out. I guess if it were supposed to be easy everyone would be doing it, but it looks like we’re winging it. True success is making sure my family is happy & healthy, life gets rough, but they’ll always be my real MVPs. My greatest defeat will always be my willingness to never give up, my self-growth game is strong in all aspects mentally, physically, and spiritually. I’ll never be perfect or have all the answers, but I do know that if you can master putting all your doubts and fears behind, you can create any life you want for yourself; I’m leading a brokerage with 20 million dollars in listings right now for my first year as an independent brokerage. This comes from a girl who barely got her high school education and took the road less travelled by getting my GED; I beat myself up for years over not graduating with my class, although it NEVER hindered or stopped me from believing and achieving my goals and bless all my old classmates because they still send me high school reunion invites, but it just goes to show you how big our school really was that no one even noticed the one thing that haunted me for years. Now don’t assume that is the life I want for my kids. No way, I highly encourage everyone to learn as much as you can because knowledge really is power, just make sure whatever you do, you’re doing it for you. I praise all my friends who went to college, I thoroughly enjoy reading and staying on top of my game by taking any classes I can when I have the time. The moral of this story is ANYONE who has a driven purpose, and good work ethic can do/have whatever they want in their life, don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you’re not smart enough or good enough to be where you’re at. No one can measure your success other than you, otherwise, they’re doing God’s job. Some people’s success is merely getting out of bed every morning because of depression, others being able to provide food or a home for their families, overcoming addictions, the list goes on and on, and those are all great achievements. Our values are all so much more than most of us give ourselves credit for. I have so many kids (young adults) that I’ve watched grow up over the years that have recently reached out and want to be on my team, then a friend informed me that I really had no idea how inspiring I was to these kids. Talk about huge eye-opener, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t shocked, or it didn’t make me tear up, we don’t always see our own light, but there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t thank God for these little reminders. I’m forever grateful and humbled by this experience and am beyond thankful for my beautiful family, lifelong friends, loyal clients, and last but never least, my amazing team. Staying true to myself is my success, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Har.com/amandasmartin
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_martin_txrealtor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamAMgroup
- Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/AmandaMartinTXrealtor
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMtxrealtor
- Other: https://linktr.ee/A_Martin
Image Credits
Trish Taylor
Tammy Bautsch
