Anna-Marie Ellison, broker and leader at ARC Realty, brings nearly two decades of experience navigating Birmingham’s real estate market. In this Market Movers interview, she shares valuable insights on how to price properties effectively, adapt to ever-evolving technology and buyer behaviors, and why mentorship is key to success. With a deep understanding of Birmingham’s local trends and a passion for helping both clients and agents succeed, Anna-Marie’s approach is both practical and inspiring.
Key Takeaways
Pricing Strategy Matters
Anna-Marie uses recent sales, under-contract comps, and current competition to price properties strategically and maximize exposure.
Social Media is a Starting Point
While social media is great for initial exposure, serious buyers dig deeper on platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com to get detailed info.
Stay Ahead of Information Overload
With buyers researching online, agents must be the trusted resource to help interpret and apply information specific to clients’ situations.
The Importance of Mentorship
New agents should connect with seasoned mentors to gain real-world experience faster and learn how to apply their knowledge.
Real Estate is Local
Market trends differ even within the same city. In Birmingham, steady appreciation rates and local employer investments keep the market strong.
“There’s no national real estate market—everything is incredibly local. Understanding your market and staying connected makes all the difference.”
Featured On 
From Market Crashes to Market Leaders
Anna-Marie’s journey began in 2006, right before the housing crash. The downturn taught her resilience and adaptability early in her career. Transitioning to a broker leadership role in 2013, she’s since shaped teams and agents to thrive, no matter the market conditions. Her leadership centers on understanding both the big picture and the nuances of the local Birmingham market.
The Science Behind Pricing
Effective pricing isn’t guesswork—it’s a science. Anna-Marie uses a comprehensive approach:
- Recent comparable sales
- Current under-contract listings
- Active competition
This multi-angle method ensures sellers position their homes competitively and attract serious, qualified buyers quickly.
Navigating the Digital Age
While social media is key for initial visibility, Anna-Marie points out that serious buyers always do deeper research. Having accurate, detailed information across platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com, paired with an agent’s personal website, is critical to giving buyers the confidence to schedule showings and move forward.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
In today’s information-saturated world, Anna-Marie believes agents must continuously learn—whether it’s the latest tech trends, design aesthetics, or market shifts. Subscribing to industry publications, analyzing design trends, and adopting technology that removes friction for clients are essential practices.
The Value of Mentorship
For new agents, her advice is simple: find a mentor, shadow top producers, and learn by doing. Paperwork can be mastered later, but relationships, communication, and applied knowledge separate successful agents from the rest.
Anna-Marie Ellison’s career proves that long-term success in real estate requires more than market knowledge—it demands adaptability, continual learning, strategic pricing, and a people-first mindset. Whether you’re an experienced agent or just beginning your journey, her insights are a roadmap to elevating your business.
Looking for a title partner you can trust? Heights Title is here to provide smooth, reliable service every step of the way. Connect with us today and let’s move your next closing forward.
Learn more about Anna-Marie
If you would like to learn more about Anna-Marie, check out her website and social media profiles.
