Real Estate Agent Magazine recently interviewed Amber Ryland of eXp Realty, a former journalist and producer, to discuss her transition into the real estate industry and her success.
REAM: Your background in the entertainment industry seems quite different from real estate. Can you tell us your story of how you transitioned from entertainment to real estate?
AR: Entertainment and real estate may seem quite different on the outside, but in a lot of ways my experience in entertainment prepared me for a career in real estate. I learned how to deal with different and difficult personalities, I became adaptable and fit into whatever environment I was presented with, and I became very resourceful. All of these things serve me well in real estate. Real estate was always my passion and I knew I’d end up running a business one day, so when I had a hiatus on one of my TV shows, I used that time to get my license and the rest is history!
REAM: What do you find most rewarding about working in this industry? How does it differ from your previous career?
AR: I love the relationships that are built in real estate. You’re guiding someone in the purchase or sale of their most valuable asset, and it can be a vulnerable and stressful time. Real estate is a stepping stone to generational wealth, and I love getting to help families grow. My previous career didn’t give me any sense of value or that I was doing anything meaningful with my life. Now I’m rewarded with every client I work with, knowing I helped them achieve a real estate goal.
REAM: In today’s competitive real estate market, what do you think sets you apart from other realtors in the San Fernando Valley and Greater Los Angeles Area?
AR: What sets me apart from other realtors is the deep connection I form with my clients. Real estate isn’t just about transactions for me; it’s about understanding my clients’ unique needs, goals, and dreams. From the first meeting, I take the time to listen and learn what truly matters to them, whether they’re buying their first home, selling a long-time family property, or looking to invest. I prioritize clear, honest communication and make sure my clients always feel informed and supported at every stage of the process. This transparency builds trust and my clients know that I’m looking out for their best interests, and they can rely on me to guide them through the market. Because of this, many of my clients come back to me for future real estate needs or refer their friends and family, which is the highest compliment I could receive.
REAM: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in real estate, particularly about building client trust and maintaining long-term relationships?
AR: Consistency will ensure you have a long career in real estate. Get all your systems and automations in order so you’re not scrambling once your business starts growing. Know that you are a business owner and you are running a business, so treat it as so. You will get as much out of this as you put into it. Be genuine in your relationships with clients and don’t forget about them once the transaction is over.
REAM: As the founder of The Ryland Real Estate Group, you emphasize ‘relationships over transactions.’ How do you balance this client-focused approach while also driving business growth?
AR: I will still answer this as it’s still my personal mantra. I think it comes down to providing exceptional value, which naturally fuels referrals and repeat business. By emphasizing relationships over transactions, I’m investing in long-term trust and loyalty, which leads to organic growth through word-of-mouth and personal recommendations. When clients feel genuinely cared for, they’re more likely to refer you to friends, family, and colleagues, creating a ripple effect that helps grow your business. At the same time, I have to be proactive in building my presence through strategic marketing, like YouTube content and social media engagement. By blending authentic relationship-building with targeted outreach, I can scale my business without sacrificing the personal connections that have made me successful.
REAM: Can you share a memorable success story where you overcame significant obstacles to help a client achieve their real estate goals?
AR: No real estate transaction comes without its share of bumps in the road. But one that comes to mind is a deal where the buyer and seller were both on the verge of walking away, and it seemed like the transaction was about to fall apart. My clients were selling a home in Woodland Hills and the buyer was becoming concerned about a few inspection findings, leading to last-minute demands for repairs and concessions. My clients were frustrated, feeling like they had already compromised enough, and tensions were running high on both sides. Rather than letting things unravel, I reached out to the cooperating agent directly. We had an open and honest conversation, focusing on how we could bring our clients together instead of letting emotions drive the decision-making. I worked with her to identify the key sticking points and find creative solutions. By keeping the communication lines open and fostering cooperation, we diffused the tension and regained both sides’ confidence in the deal. In the end, we brought it to the closing table, and both the buyer and seller were happy with the outcome. This experience reaffirmed how critical collaboration and clear communication are in overcoming obstacles and closing a deal.
REAM: When you’re not working, how do you like to unwind and recharge? Any favorite hobbies or activities?
AR: I have an incredibly supportive wife and three wonderful little boys, and spending time with my family is why I do what I do. We enjoy going to the beach, going out to eat, traveling, hanging out with friends and going to the movies. I ride the Peloton every morning and that’s my way of getting revved up for the day. I don’t have a lot of time to myself but when I do I usually just watch a good show and crash!
REAM: What is your favorite way to explore and enjoy the local community in your area? Any hidden gems you’d recommend?
AR: We like to explore the community by going to farmer’s markets, carnivals and holiday events. We enjoy hiking and going to local parks. We also like to eat out, so trying new restaurants is one of our favorite family activities. The Stonehaus in Westlake Village is one of our favorites because the food is great, and you can enjoy a glass of wine with friends while the kids run around and play.
REAM: Anything else to add?
AR: While client relationships have always been a priority to me, this year I branched out and decided to forge meaningful relationships with other agents in the business. To say it has been rewarding is an understatement. Surrounding myself with like-minded, successful, and genuine realtors has not only expanded my network but also allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. It’s inspiring to work alongside people who share the same commitment to excellence and integrity, and it motivates me to continually raise the bar in my own business. Together, we support each other’s success, celebrate wins, and navigate challenges with a sense of collaboration that makes this industry feel less like competition and more like a community. There’s enough for everyone.
