At every end is a new beginning. Former dental hygienist Amber Allred was looking for a new career after 13 years in the dental field. She enjoyed her work, liked her patients, but the physical demands of the job were too taxing on her shoulder and neck, prompting a visit to a surgeon.  

 

“What am I going to do?” Amber Allred asked herself after seeing the results of her MRI. Living on Ibuprofen wasn’t the answer. A new career was.

 

“I gave a really long notice,” explains Amber. “I needed time to figure out my next step, and I wanted to tell my patients in person that I was leaving.” Her answer to a new career came from an unexpected source – the listing REALTOR® who sold Amber her first house years ago. When he asked her if she had ever thought about real estate, Amber started seriously considering it. 

 

“Houses always interested me, but I never thought I would pursue real estate as a career,” says Amber. She jumped into real estate five years ago and is grateful that she did.

 

“Now my shoulder doesn’t hurt,” she smiles. “I still keep my hands in the dental profession. I teach part-time at UC and sub at dental offices here and there.”

 

Interestingly, there are a lot of parallels between dentistry and real estate. Amber notes, “It’s relationship-based healthcare. The whole family goes to the dentist, and you see them every three or six months. A lot of my business comes from former patients and coworkers.”

 

Just as in dentistry, Amber builds relationships with her clients. Her first deal came from a former patient. Amber sent out postcards after she got her real estate license. Her former patients welcomed her with open arms. Her first deal was helping the mother of one of her patients move from California to Cincinnati.

 

Amber works for Keller Williams Advisors and loves what she does.

 

“No one buys a house just for fun,” notes Amber. “Houses are connected to a life event; maybe it’s getting married, having kids, or kids going off to college, etc. People need help navigating that big leap. It’s another part of their journey, and I like being part of it. I enjoy helping them navigate through that and being their advocate.”

 

A genuine people person, Amber embraces the Golden Rule treating people how they want to be treated. Although she admits that her business and life are ever-evolving, her values are steadfast.

 

Originally from Cincinnati, Amber grew up in Madisonville. The majority of her family still lives there. Amber loves the fact that she was able to purchase her grandfather’s home and do the photoshoot there.  

 

Steeped in history, this “big old house” was built in 1907. It still has the original tile roof and has sentimental value to Amber and her family. Amber, who grew up across the street from it, now rents out the property to offset the maintenance cost.

 

“It’s really a cool house,” says Amber. “I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to purchase it had I not gone into real estate.” Her entire family has lived in this historic home, including her brother, her son, cousins, and herself! Her grandfather lived in the house until he passed away at the age of 97. Thanks to the layout and setup, he was able to age in place there. “It’s such a cool and unique property,” she says.

 

Nicknamed the “Mayor’s Mansion,” this home earned its nickname after Amber’s grandpa ran for the mayor of Cincinnati when he was 85 years old. Amber recalls, “He got 129 votes. If he won, he didn’t need to move because he already lived in a mansion.” Her grandpa was the “unofficial mayor of Madisonville.” And although he didn’t win the election, both Amber’s grandma and grandpa were an integral part of the neighborhood because of their years of avid involvement in the community.

 

Amber recalls that when her grandpa died, there were five generations alive in the family. She says, “My granddaughter had the chance to know her great, great grandfather.” That’s a memory that Amber will forever cherish.

 

When Amber isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Chris, their two kids, and her granddaughter.  

 

To relax and unwind, Amber enjoys traveling, walking her dog, reading, and trying out new restaurants with friends. She has learned to adapt to the busy lifestyle of real estate, trading in her days at the dentist with meetings with clients.

 

“Healthcare is very much a team effort,” she says. “You’re working with other people to make it work. In real estate, you can be on your own island, and at times it can feel lonely.”

 

What’s the answer to overcoming loneliness? “Get off your island or invite people TO your island,” says Amber. “If you’re a social person, you need that community to support and guide you. Make connections within your field, and always be willing to learn from others. That’s what helps us grow and become professionals.”

 

Amber has beaten the odds of starting a second career later in life. She loves what she does, which is evident in her passion and enthusiasm for real estate. We are honored to feature her in this month’s issue! Be sure to follow Amber on Facebook at Amber Allred – Realtor – Keller Williams Realty.