By Ally Morrison
Birmingham Association of Realtors’ chief executive officer, Amanda Creel, has been in the real estate industry for nearly 8 years, but the path to her career was not exactly linear.
Originally from Mobile, Creel graduated from Auburn University with a degree in journalism in 2003. She wrote for a newspaper in Georgia before moving to Florida and opening her own marketing and branding company. Eventually she accepted a position as a communications director for Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, where she learned about the real estate business.
“I really drank the Kool-Aid,” Creel said. “I fell in love with the fact that we do so much. We advocate, we educate and we try to make sure we have the best Realtors and practitioners out there. We give people the tools and resources that complement what their individual brokerages do to make a difference.”
Creel said the difference between using a real estate agent in a sale and not using one is about 10%, in cash, that is.
“The statistics speak for themselves,” Creel said. “The average person who does a for sale by owner is going to get about 10% less in the end. Even with paying commission, you’re typically going to make more off that house with an agent.”
Using a local real estate agent is just as important as shopping local, Creel said.
“We talk about investing local and buying local,” Creel said. “Using a local Realtor allows you to build a better community because our Realtors are going to take that money and invest it back into the same community you live in.”
Using a real estate agent can take down the stress level of the deal at the same time it increases the financial gain.
“For most people, one of the most stressful things they do is try to purchase a home or rental property. It’s the Realtor’s job to take care of the customer,” Creel said.
“For most people, buying a home and selling a home is their biggest wealth creator. Why wouldn’t you want an expert on their team when you’re talking about your future wealth?” Creel said. “To have a Realtor in your corner makes a lot of sense.”
After bouncing around the country, Creel now lives in Vestavia Hills with her husband and two sons, who attend Vestavia Hills City Schools.
