Investor Interview with Amber Rhea

Amber is an architectural historian who believes in bringing beauty to the world and securing future wealth by preserving the past.  “I invest in historic properties because I believe in the power of the built environment to connect us with our past and to build a better future; because historic properties are a wiser investment than new construction; and because everyone deserves a beautiful, well-built place to live.”

Here at Auben we are proud to serve all types of people, from many backgrounds and schools of thought. From brand new investors purchasing their first property to seasoned ownership groups who are ready to expand their investment portfolio rapidly, we have strategies that are founded in experience and backed by our commitment to your success as an investor!

We also believe in sharing wisdom among investors. Keeping reading and you might just learn something new!

Here with tips and insight, is Amber Rhea, Real Estate Investor

Q: Who was your first business mentor? 

A: I can’t say I’ve ever had a business mentor. I’ve been figuring things out for myself as long as I can remember.

Q: Who was your first real estate mentor? 

A: My parents were in real estate, so I grew up around it. As an adult, I’ve become friends with several people who work in and around real estate and have learned a lot from them.

Q: How many properties do you own? 

A: Four

Q: When did you start investing? 

A: 2018. I wish I had started sooner, but I’m looking forward instead of backward.

Q: Why do you invest? 

A: I have a Master’s degree in historic preservation, and I’m an architectural historian as my 9-to-5 job. I invest in historic properties because I believe in the power of the built environment to connect us with our past and to build a better future; because historic properties are a wiser investment than new construction; and because everyone deserves a beautiful, well-built place to live.

Q: What is the most valuable advice you have received? 

A: Don’t make decisions out of fear.

Q: What is the best advice you could give a new investor? 

A: Don’t worry about getting everything right the first time. All the advice out there can seem overwhelming; and you might worry that if you make a mistake early on, you’ll doom your investment career. That’s rarely true. Just take it step by step, and value the lessons you learn along the way.

Q: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in real estate? 

A: Expect the unexpected, but don’t be paralyzed by “what-ifs.”

Q: What is your favorite podcast?

A: 99% Invisible

Q: What is a must-read book you would recommend?

A: You Are a Bad-Ass at Making Money by Jen Sincero. Until I read it, I didn’t realize how much my mindset — and the mindset of those around me — was affecting my relationship with money. This book transformed my perspective on money.

Q: Do you have any hobbies? 

A: Bird-watching, reading, and karaoke

Q: If you weren’t investing in real estate you would be_______.

A: Missing out on a lot of valuable experiences!

Q: If you were to start over_______.

A: I would start earlier. Investing in real estate is something I had wanted to do for a long time, but I had no idea how to get started. I also had this idea that it wasn’t a realistic possibility for me, since I didn’t have a ton of money or come from a wealthy family. Because I didn’t consider it as a real possibility until just recently, I didn’t take the steps to learn what my options were.

Q: When / how were you introduced to Auben?

A: I purchased an investment property that Auben was selling.

Q: I am happy I chose Auben because _______.

A: Their focus on customer service is unmatched.