Inspiring Conversations with Amanda Pharr of Advantage Auctions

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Pharr

Hi Amanda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Nashville, where I grew up in a very large family. I have two sisters and several aunts and uncles and cousins, so family has always been at the heart of everything I do. After graduating from Father Ryan High School in Nashville, I went on to pursue my degree at Middle Tennessee State University with aspirations of becoming a teacher. I taught middle school math and coached soccer at one of the top middle schools in the state.
However, I eventually made a leap into real estate, specifically New Home Sales. While I was initially apprehensive, I quickly found that it allowed me to continue educating, but in a different capacity—helping people with their largest investment ever: their home. It was a dynamic and fulfilling career change.

As I started my family (five children in total), I transitioned into general real estate, where I was able to balance my career and my responsibilities as a mother. Over time, my business grew significantly, primarily through referrals, as I focused on treating my clients like family and giving them the best service possible. That’s been my approach, and it’s worked well in building strong, lasting relationships.

I first became really interested in auctions as a method of selling real estate when I realized just how dynamic and transparent the process could be. Auctions not only add an element of excitement, but they also offer clarity and certainty for both sellers and buyers. I was looking for a way to provide my clients with a quicker, more efficient way to sell their properties while ensuring they got the best possible price—and auctions seemed like the perfect fit.
Once I started incorporating auctions into my business, the response from my sellers was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated the transparency of the process—knowing exactly when their property would sell, and how competitive bidding could drive up the final sale price. As a result, my auctions not only helped my sellers achieve great results, but they also contributed to my most successful years in real estate. I saw an increase in listings and sales because of the trust people had in the auction process.

Handling auctions taught me to think quickly on my feet and manage multiple moving parts simultaneously. It’s also helped me refine my negotiation skills, as I need to understand the buyer psychology and how to create an environment where bidding becomes competitive. Of course, there are always challenges with any auction—timing, market conditions—but overcoming those obstacles has made me a stronger and more adaptable real estate professional.

Looking ahead, I’m even more excited about the potential for auctions in real estate. As the market continues to evolve, I see even more opportunities to leverage auctions as a solution for sellers looking to maximize value and minimize time on market. I’m particularly excited about the ability to apply auctions to unique properties, such as luxury homes or commercial real estate, where traditional methods may not always be as effective. I truly believe that auctions represent the future of selling real estate in a way that’s fast, transparent, and highly effective.
After spending several years apprenticing under different auctioneers, I felt like I had gained the skills and experience necessary to take the next step. The apprenticeship gave me invaluable insights into the ins and outs of the auction process, and I knew I was ready to become a principal auctioneer myself.

When I earned my principal auctioneer’s license, it was a pivotal moment in my career. It solidified my confidence in the industry and my ability to lead auctions. Shortly after, my team and I made the exciting decision to open our own auction company, Advantage Auctions. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud of what we’ve built from the ground up.
As one of the few females in the auction industry, it’s incredibly empowering to lead a company that is not only female-owned but also female-operated. It’s an honor to break through those barriers and show that women can be just as successful in this field. I’m passionate about creating a business that sets a positive example for other women looking to enter industries where they may not see many role models.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business from the ground up has definitely come with its share of challenges. There have been bumps in the road…whether it was managing the financial aspect, navigating the competitive landscape, or simply getting the word out about our new company. Like any new venture, there were times when I questioned whether we could push through, but each challenge only made me more determined to keep going. Every obstacle was an opportunity to improve, adapt, and refine the way we do business. And with each lesson, I became more confident and committed to our mission

As you know, we’re big fans of Advantage Auctions. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Advantage Auctions, we’ve built our reputation around a few key principles: transparency, efficiency, and excitement. We understand that auctions can be a high-stakes process for our clients, so we focus on providing clear communication and a smooth experience every step of the way. Our goal is to make sure our clients feel confident, informed, and excited about the auction process from start to finish.
One thing that truly sets us apart is our attention to detail and the personal approach we take with every auction. We treat each auction as unique, customizing our strategy to best meet our client’s goals and ensuring the process is tailored to their specific needs. We’re committed to ensuring that everything is handled with the utmost care. I’m incredibly proud of the team we’ve built at Advantage Auctions. We’ve surrounded ourselves with professionals who share the same values of trust, integrity, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Every member of our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and working together to create the best possible outcome for our clients.

How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is spending quality time with my family—my husband, our five children, and our French Bulldog Finley. They keep life full and fun. Professionally, I find fulfillment in helping my clients buy and sell the homes of their dreams. Being part of such a meaningful milestone for them is incredibly rewarding. At the end of the day, knowing that I’m making a positive impact on both my family and my community brings me immense happiness. It’s a reminder that the work I do is about more than just business—it’s about creating a legacy of kindness, meaningful relationships, hard work, and positive change. That’s what truly drives me. It’s what keeps me motivated and loving what I do!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.advantageauctions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advantageauctionstn/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Advantage-Auctions/61565241010428/