Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Leavitt.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ashley. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
As far back as I can remember, I have always had a passion for homes and remodeling. My dad is very handy and has always been in the commercial construction business. I remember always wanting him to take me to his job sites which he did occasionally on the weekends. When we didn’t visit the sites, he was always doing some project around the house and I always wanted to be his little helper. Whether it be helping him with the landscaping or looking for the wires coming through floor vents, I was always intrigued and loved watching him make our house more beautiful and functional. Surprisingly enough, I ended up following in my mom’s footsteps and went to dental hygiene school to become a dental hygienist. She would come home from work and talk about her patients and how much she loved her profession, so I thought well I will too! After six years working in various dental offices in Chicago, I knew I had made the wrong choice and the dentistry profession wasn’t for me. I knew I needed to follow my passion which was construction, homes, and real estate. So, with my husband’s blessing to support our family while I start my new journey, I signed up the real estate licensing course and that’s where it all began. Three short months later, I was a real estate broker with @ properties the largest independent brokerage in Illinois! I joined the Gramata Realty Group, managed by Jim G. which provided me with a wealth of knowledge and insight into the world of real estate and got me where I am today!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Unless you are taking over someone’s existing book of business the real estate world takes time to get going and there will certainly be some bumps in the road. First off, most people think real estate brokers are handed leads from their company but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Most brokers are independent contractors meaning they are purely commission based and you don’t get commission without making a sale which means if you don’t have clients you don’t do any sales.
Starting in a brand new industry also comes with its struggles. For instance, when I would tell people I am a real estate broker now they would say well weren’t you a hygienist? Do you have any idea what you are doing? I have to admit it was hard to get the recognition I needed to get the momentum flowing with those types of comments but the best piece of advice I can give is to not give up. My first year was tough I made about 1/3 of my dental hygiene salary and my husband was let go from his job. They will tell you in real estate it takes about three years to know if you will make it and I did come to that crossroad about a year into the business. I thought for a minute I really should go back to steady W2 paycheck but I have to hand it to my husband telling me not to give up and it will all be worth in the end. This is now my 4th year in the business, I recently incorporated my business and am having the best year yet!
Another piece of advice I would give is to not take things too personally. I am one to avoid confrontation at all costs and always try to be a people-pleaser. Last year, I was yelled at and fired by a client for the first time ever and wow was it a blow to the gut. For the first hour, I cried and thought “how could someone say such cruel things to me and fire me, it wasn’t my fault!” Then, I calmed down and realized I can’t make everyone happy and sometimes things don’t go as expected but I can’t let that knock me down. So, just remember ladies, there will be rejection but don’t take it too personally, it will actually make you stronger and you will learn from it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with AL Real Estate – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I am a residential real estate broker with @properties. I work with my types of buyers, sellers, and renters but specifically, a majority of my clientele are first time home buyers and sellers in the Chicagoland area. The things that I am most known for are my patience, non-pushiness, and attention I provide to my clients. I take a lot of pride in being the one to walk my clients through every step of the process and ensuring they feel confident and knowledgeable along the way. I am also most proud of the authenticity and openness of my brand. Some agents when they start to get successful will turn away clients if the deal is “too small”. At AL Real Estate, no client has EVER turned away and I will do everything in my power to help with any real estate need and be completely transparent about the process.
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
After the real estate market crashed in 2008 there was definitely a bounce back and a lot of “new” agents became very successful very quickly. Sometimes, with quick success comes greediness and entitlement and I knew this was definitely not something I wanted in a mentor. I wanted someone who had been in the business for many years and had a good grasp on the industry as a whole, not just when times were good. That is why I chose to be a member of the Gramata Realty Group to have a support system made of successful brokers who have been in the game through the ups and downs and weren’t just about growing their name but also teaching the ins and outs and rights and wrongs of the real estate industry.
Contact Info:
- Address: 548 W. Webster Ave. Chicago, IL 60614
- Website: https://www.atproperties.com/agents/ashleyleavitt/
- Phone: 847-830-4478
- Email: ashleyleavitt@atproperties.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyhleavitt/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleysellschicago/
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