Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Davis.
Hi Ashley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in real estate started 14 years ago – I became licensed while still in undergrad, not knowing that the market was about to crash! I thought I was just going to get my license and become the biggest real estate agent and investor in Atlanta, but it was nothing like that. I didn’t have the network, knowledge or confidence to be successful initially. I took every training class I could find, and I still couldn’t sell anything. Shortly after getting licensed, the recession happened so I went back to college and finished my bachelor’s degree. Later I worked for an asset management company that contracted with HUD, and I began to learn more about the industry and wanted to give selling real estate another shot, but my success still came a few years later, after I had my daughter.
My interest in homes started when I was just a little girl, though. I grew up playing outside all day and being surrounded by the community. My grandmother would come to stay on the weekends, and during baseball season, we would ride the highs and lows of being Braves’ fans. My mother would cook her many meals in the kitchen, and I’d sit on the floor in the doorway, journaling. In the third grade, for a spell, that home went away due to a fire that destroyed my childhood home. Thankfully, my parents rebuilt and our displacement was only temporary – when we returned, we made new memories.
I didn’t know it then but having a place to call home, having a place to draw hopscotch in the driveway, with a front porch to practice my moves for the talent show, and a basketball goal in the back to help me discover my first love meant everything to me! It shaped me and those experiences are the reasons for my love of home.
Why do I love what I do? Without a doubt, it’s because I want others to have the same kind of fond memories that I have. For me, it’s not just about a house. It’s about the right house that a family can make their home.
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?
This road has most definitely not been smooth. I have had several false starts and bumps along the way, but I’m determined – I love selling real estate because of the people I get to help, so I’m willing to endure the challenges, but trust, there have been some tears and some tests. I’ve had deals crumble, battles with my self-confidence and moments where I wanted to walk away from the industry for good – everyone thinks we just show pretty houses and collect big checks but there’s so much more to this job, especially if you care about your reputation and want to provide an excellent experience like, I do.
I picked the most challenging time in my life to pursue this dream, but I was committed to see it through. Having my daughter made me want to succeed even more – many thought I was crazy to leave a stable 9-5 with a newborn, but I wasn’t happy, and I wanted to be an example to my daughter. I downsized my life, used what I had in savings and gave myself one year to start making a consistent income as an agent, and I did it! Now I am a full-time real estate agent and loving it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Realtor with House to Home A Real Estate Collective and PalmerHouse Properties. A Georgia native who specializes in buying and selling residential property. I enjoy helping people find a place to call home, and my goal is for my client(s) to love the house they are purchasing. I want them to have fond memories of the home buying/selling process and to think of me when it’s time to move again, so I make it a point to educate them on the process, communicate consistently, and to provide value before and after closing. I always tell my clients that I hope they like me because they won’t be getting rid of me so easily after the deal’s done. That’s a perk of building relationships and having a genuine interest in seeing my clients be happy in the end – I like to laugh and lighten the stress of the process. I’m also very honest and upfront, and I think that my clients appreciate that about me. As a detailed person, I provide a lot of information so that my clients can make the most informed decision for themselves. I’m not a pushy salesperson – I’m a facilitator, and I pride myself on my knowledge and my ability to negotiate the best deals for my clients.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am a 20+ year Atlanta resident and also a very proud mom to a 3-year-old daughter. I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Georgia State University and a Master of Science from Mercer University. I am well versed in real estate transactions and I pull from my past professional experience in Marketing and Business Development daily to better assist my clients – both buyers and sellers. One thing I’ve learned throughout the years is that every deal is different and while I may not know everything there is to know – I know how to be creative and how to find solutions. As a former athlete I learned the importance of staying the course; this business, just like life, isn’t always smooth sailing but I am always up for the challenge and I fight for my clients to have the best – the best deal and the best experience!
Contact Info:
- Email: ashleysellsatlanta@gmail.com
- Website: http://www.housetohomeatlanta.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelistingqueen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/listingqueen
Image Credits
Mecca Gamble
