We were lucky to catch up with Amy Ellis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

There are many reasons why people become Real Estate Agents. One reason is they want to help first time buyers. However, real estate is a huge industry where one can specialize in a niche and still be relevant in the community. That is why I chose to specialize in helping homeowners who are facing foreclosure. Many reading this may think, foreclosures, how are there foreclosures in this market? While homes were selling over asking price during the pandemic, there were homeowners facing foreclosure prior. Now that the moratorium is over, it’s time for those homeowners to either catch up their payments or go into default.

When the market shifts or slows down, that’s when many agents get out of the industry because they don’t know how to pivot. I have positioned myself as the go to person. I am Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and became Short Sales knowledgeable so that I can help homeowners who are in this financial situation with their home.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m known as The Real Estate Investment Lady. I’m a licensed REALTOR in Wake and Johnston counties of North Carolina. Real Estate caught my interest back in 2005 as an Investor in Virginia; where I owned a duplex and two single family homes. While living in Virginia, I did get licensed as a Real Estate agent. My niche back then was helping people who wanted to become Real Estate Investors.

During 2008-09, I lost all my properties to foreclosure. If one isn’t familiar with what occurred during that time, that’s when the housing market crashed. This is why I’m so passionate about helping homeowners who are facing foreclosure.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I lost all my properties during the housing crash, I did not want to be in Real Estate in any capacity; investor or agent. It took my soul. I did not want to be a landlord/housing provider, I did not want to own any more properties. I did not want to have anything to do with real estate. Let me tell you, when you have a passion or gift that calls you, you cannot ignore it. I would drive in the city see an abandoned house and do a double take. That went on for a couple years until I met someone that wanted to joint venture (JV). I had the knowledge and this person had money. We went on to hire mentors to help us become successful in investing and helping homeowners with unwanted properties.

The morale of this is if it’s your passion, no matter what takes you down. you have an assignment to serve or help the community.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

First impressions are lasting impressions. In 2019, I had sent out marketing to homeowners facing foreclosure. A female homeowner reached out to me. Her family were 2 weeks from the foreclosure hearing. When I spoke with her, I simply asked, “what’s going on?”. She told me everything that led up to the distressed situation. Unfortunately, I couldn’t help. However, she kept in contact with me simply because I listened to her during that difficult situation.

Fast forward to 2023, we met for the first time face-to-face. It was like two old friends reuniting. My brand as The Real Estate Investment Lady, made her feel comfortable to reach out to me if she had any questions regarding real estate; despite me not being able to assist her back in 2019. I truly attribute that to being my authentic self; serving not selling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.optionsformyhome.com
• Instagram: @therealestateinvestmentlady
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyTheREILady
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyellis-reilady
• Youtube: The Real Estate Investment Lady
• Other: My book You Have Options: Your Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure www.theforeclosurebook.com Podcast: The Real Estate Investment Lady

Image Credits
Saving Daisy Studios