Coming out of perhaps the worst real estate market in recent years, many seasoned agents had a hard time holding on. And if you were just getting started? Good luck. That’s what makes Amanda Hines’s recent success so remarkable. Having closed five deals in her first six months, she’s building tremendous momentum that she plans to leverage for years to come.

In a market stalled by high interest rates and low inventory, what would drive someone to start a real estate career? While Amanda had had a long-standing interest in real estate and a growing dissatisfaction with her previous career for some time, the catalyst occurred in early 2023, during a flight back to Chicago after attending a celebration of life. 

“I realized life is too short not to pursue your passions,” Amanda explains. “This decision wasn't just a career change: it was a step toward aligning my professional aspirations with personal fulfillment—to combine my love for real estate; strong skills in customer service, sales, and marketing; and my deep appreciation for Chicago's rich history and architecture.”

 

A Michigan native who has embraced Chicago as her home, Amanda has developed a passion for the city. Her goal is to make the real estate process enjoyable and stress-free for her clients while sharing her knowledge of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods and architectural beauty. And she does this rather seamlessly, drawing from a well of experience. 

Born and raised in Okemos, Michigan, a stone's throw from Lansing, Amanda grew up imbued with the values of strength, compassion, and resilience, which she credits to her mother. “My mom’s influence played a significant role in my development. I learned the value of hard work, integrity, and the importance of building strong relationships,” Amanda emphasizes.

These qualities have been the bedrock of Amanda’s personal and professional life. Her move to Chicago, after graduating from Michigan State University, marked the beginning of a two-decade-long career in digital marketing, where she honed her skills in leadership, sales, customer service, operations, and account management. 

The real estate world always intrigued Amanda, however. For five years, she contemplated shifting careers but hesitated to take the leap. But when faced with the brevity of life on that notable day, she resolved to not waste any more time. 

“I took the two-week accelerated pre-licensing course in February 2023, passed my national and state exams that March, then interviewed with five different companies. I joined the Gia Chicago Team with @properties, as I found they were the best fit for what I was looking to accomplish,” explains Amanda.

Of course, changing careers was not without its challenges. Amanda had to step out of her comfort zone and into a field where she initially had little experience. She tackled this head-on, dedicating herself to learning the nuances of the real estate market and building a client base from scratch. 

Her approach? Leveraging her background in sales and marketing and focusing on building trust-based relationships. She does this by educating her clients on the complexities of real estate transactions, making sure they are well-informed and confident about their decisions. Technology has been a real asset to her as well. 

“CRM systems help keep everything organized and streamlined, which is great for someone like me who is new to the industry,” she notes. “Social media and digital platforms have opened up opportunities to reach more people and showcase properties. And I love how virtual tours and 3D models let clients explore properties from anywhere. Also, having up-to-date market data is invaluable for making smart decisions. Technology is definitely a big part of how I’m building my career in real estate.” 

“My vision is to establish myself as a leading expert and trusted advisor in the real estate market, and be known for my integrity, expertise, and exceptional client service,” she continues. “I aim to continually expand my knowledge and skills, and keep pace with industry advancements to provide the best possible advice and solutions to my clients.”

On a broader scale, Amanda aims to leverage her position within real estate to contribute positively to the community. This includes participating in and supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development and affordable housing, ensuring that the benefits of real estate are widely shared. Her community involvement also includes tutoring students and volunteering at local events like the Chicago Marathon and for PAWS Chicago. She even appeared in an Illinois Lottery commercial supporting MS research.

Outside her professional life, Amanda enjoys exploring Chicago with her partner, Jacob; their dog, AJ; and her stepdaughter, Abigail. As well as being an avid traveler, she loves biking along the lakefront to Indiana, taking long walks on the riverwalk, eating at all the fabulous restaurants in the city, cooking, working out, and reading books, especially about true crime, on her rooftop with a glass of wine.

 

As Amanda carries the momentum she’s built this last year into the years to come, there is little doubt she will continue to surpass all expectations. After all, as she wisely knows, there’s no time to waste.