Women Who Thrive In Real Estate | Ashley Luebke
An Interview with Ashley Luebke, Real Estate Broker of Nest Seekers International
Hi Ashely! Tell us your story! Why did you decide on venturing into the real estate industry? What influenced your decision to become a Realtor and subsequently, a Broker?
I’ve always known since I was pretty young that I wanted to be involved in the real estate industry in some capacity. Since I was little, I loved helping with any renovation projects my family was doing with our home and strangely, also really loved going to open houses of new construction models in my neighborhood. Right when I graduated college, I got my real estate license and almost 8 years later, decided I should further my knowledge and expertise of the industry by getting my broker’s license. The purchase or sale of someone’s home is such a big chapter in one’s life and it feels so rewarding to be a part of that story. But I also have such an appreciation for design, aesthetics and architecture. So when I get to see these incredible homes on a daily basis it’s almost like looking at art.
Do you believe there are any advantages to being a women in the real estate industry?
I may be biased but I think women have an inherent ability to know what people need. Being a realtor is more than just finding a home that checks all of the boxes for your client. So many times you’ll find the “right" home for your client and it still isn’t what they want. You have to know how to delicately handle the emotions and mindset of your clients and a lot of times they can’t articulate exactly what they’re looking for. So it’s crucial to understand more of the “why” at times rather than “what” they’re looking for. It isn’t always fool-proof but, I think women are able to tap into this a bit easier.
What has been the biggest challenge for you within your career and how have you overcome it?
I got into the industry right after college, so I was really young. Not only was I “green” in the industry, I was still pretty “green” in life (even though I thought I knew everything). I was always one of the youngest at my brokerage and it became clear that it was hard for some clients to take someone so young seriously in such a cut-throat business. I realized that I had no control over my age but I could control my work ethic and knowledge of the industry/area I specialized in. No one can take those things from you. So I made sure I studied up and naturally, that helped me exude more confidence which makes clients feel reassured and want to work with you.
What has contributed to your success in this business so far?
Hard work. I work really hard to generate business for myself and I can say with confidence that any client I’ve represented knows I give them 10000% effort. It goes such a long way no matter how big or small the deal is.
How do you keep emotions in check and overcome the highs and lows that are inevitable within this business?
Real estate is an industry that can bless you with huge rewards and in the next second take it all away. I’ve experienced plenty of lows in the business and those moments can really burn and stick with you. So I am always sure to be extra grateful when the highs are highs. I’m pretty reserved by nature so it helps me to keep my emotions in check. It’s taken time, but I’ve found the right balance of knowing when to keep a game-face on and when to speak up if something isn’t working for me. I also have a great support system at home so when it's an extra emotional day, I have my favorite people around to vent to.
Would you say that being on The Bachelor helped or hindered your real estate career?
It hasn’t necessarily helped me in getting more business as most people might assume. But, being on a popular a tv show is such a unique, crazy, once-in-a- lifetime experience, that I think it has helped me to be more comfortable meeting and engaging with new people. You have to be fairly outgoing in real estate, where I tend to be more introverted. So, The Bachelor has definitely helped me break out of that a little.
What would you say is your #1 tip for others to start thriving as a Real Estate Agent?
It’s so hard to pick one but being an expert in your industry/market is so important.
Who has been your greatest role model or the greatest influence on you within the Real Estate Industry?
I wouldn’t say that there’s one particular role model or influence for me in the industry. I always take notes from people who are more successful than me and are where I want to be with my business.
This industry can keep you busy all day - every day, how do you find such a great balance between work-life and social-life?
This is something I haven’t yet perfected. I tend to get tunnel-vision when I have a lot going on and I just need to get it all done. There are times when I’m working 12 hour days 6 or 7 days a week. Sometimes it just is what it is and you have to work harder than you play. I think for me when my schedule is crazy busy, I keep reminding myself that it’s only temporary and I’ll get my social life/normal routine back. I do love to travel so whenever I get the chance I try to do that. After really busy times, it’s always a perfect reset for me.
Choosing a brokerage and surrounding yourself with the right team is so imperative in this industry, how did you decide that Nest Seekers International was the best choice for you?
I got really lucky with my current brokerage. They were opening an office in my area and I had always known about Nest Seekers because I’m a huge “Million Dollar Listing” fan. When I joined, I was nervous because I assumed agents at this kind of brokerage would be extremely competitive. But after meeting everyone, I saw how collaborative they were and it’s a concept that is very important to Nest Seekers. Of course agents are always going to be competitive but I found that at Nest Seekers it’s in a way that only motivates you in a positive way.
What’s one thing you wish you could go back and tell yourself on day one as a licensed Realtor?
I would tell my naive self that it’s going to be much, much, much harder than you think. But, you will succeed, so don’t give up.
What advice would you give to empower other women within their real estate careers?
Real estate is one of those unique industries where there is no limit to how successful you can be. It isn’t easy, but if you know where you want to be, keep working until you get there.
How would you describe life as a Realtor in one word?
Resilient.
"The secret to success in this industry is .... "
Perseverance.