We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Nagler Robertson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I am not sure there is such thing as balance between work and life. I have to come believe that balance is a pipe dream. Factors in work and life change too often to achieve consistency or predictability which are ingredients of balance. I used to strive for balance but then I realized that my success hinges on how well I manage the change.  Maybe that is the key to balance- managing change. There are seasons where I manage change beautifully, and there are seasons where I do not. As a real estate entrepreneur, things and people are changing regularly, whether or not a market is hot or cold. This fact, coupled with being a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, means priorities are constantly rearranged. If I cant manage the change, then my husband is screwed- haha!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I wear several hats in real estate. Primarily, I am an independent real estate broker with a focus on residential sales but a background in commercial investments. I love when these two elements are combined in a transaction. I started as a commercial agent but I could not get the investment education I needed and I realized that I valued my independence. So, I saved up and purchased an 8 unit apartment building, went to graduate business school to understand the the entire investment cycle and I got my broker’s license.

From there, I developed a love for residential sales representing sellers and buyers. I bring hands-on knowledge of finance and ownership to my clients and I have realized that I learn something new in EVERY deal. There is no standard sale. Having the resources to navigate the unknown is essential. I feel a pride of ownership with my clients’ experiences. The transaction is very stressful to the players, but I can alleviate some of that stress with experiential knowledge, strong resources to solve inevitable challenges and most importantly, flexibility.

Separately, I support my husband as CFO for his incredible Project Management and Construction firm called Design Build Labs. DBL’s focus is commercial real estate and BESS systems. We did not think we could ever work together but it turns out our skills are complimentary.

The biggest challenge of my entrepreneurial path has been to enjoy the freedom that being self-employed gives.  But, I am answering these questions at home while I can be with my daughter who has Covid, while I am sending counter offers out for my new listing and while I just got news that my apartment vacancy has been finally filled. Ill do everything I can to protect what I have built for myself and my family and that means being the best I can be for my clients.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a true Santa Monica native who is in real estate, I like to think I am an expert at Los Angeles and Southern California. If I get a chance to entertain, I would first get us on the hiking trails. There are so many wonderful ocean view hikes to choose from, like Solstice Canyon or good ol’ Temescal. After a hike, grab a sandwich from Lady and Larder in Sunset Park. I am an avid paddle tennis player- not pickle- PADDLE. So, we would spend an afternoon at the Venice Beach Paddle Courts folding in and out of pick up games, talking to all the wonderful characters I am proud to call my friends and then getting a cheeseburger at the Window. I would dive into eaterla.com and find some taco stands like Tu Madre on Westwood Blvd. An afternoon at the Korean Olympic Day Spa and their Bi Bim Bap in a robe is calling my name.  A drive up the coast to Los Olivos or Los Alamos to taste some wine and hiking Lover’s Loop is a must. I am attracted to landscapes and quiet at this point in my life so maybe I am boring.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Where would I be without my amazing clients?  I recognize there are a lot of agents to choose from but not all are the right match.  I am grateful to my clients for choosing me.  I am also grateful for my husband and parents.  It is a tough world and they are my greatest supports.

Website: amandarobertson.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandarobertson_realestate

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-robertson-dbl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069039062532

Other: designbuildlabs.com

Image Credits
Tatiana Wills The Luxury Level Amanda Robertson

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