PROPERTYSPARK INTERVIEWS: Ashley Miller, Real Estate Agent

Ashley Miller, also known as the “closing deals in heels” realtor, is a strong and motivated agent licensed in both NY & CT

 Bronx, NY

Keller Williams Realty

 Ashley Miller Real Estate|  ashleym_realestate |  thefrederateam.kw.com

What inspired you to start in real estate and how did you motivate yourself to keep going?

I come from a family of investors and contractors. Real estate was always an interest of mine. Even when I was little and in school for business my family always told me having your license was a good idea no matter what field I was in. It never clicked until I was working an interior designer at Calligaris, and I woke up one morning and told myself I was going to become licensed, I did it and I never looked back.

What keeps me motivated is – and anyone in the industry can agree – not one day is ever the same. I am very determined and motivated and just like I tell new agents, you get what you put in to it. The best part about my job is meeting so many amazing people and clients and the end result of seeing them happy, it starts never ending relationships.

Comparing your business from back then to now, what has been the main thing that allowed you to expand your business?

Referrals, social media & a good mentor! Relationships with my past clients has brought me a ton of referrals as well as Instagram. Not only has Instagram and social media helped bring in new clients and investors it has also helped me connect with other agents all around the world that know I am licensed in both NY & CT that now think of me when they hear the states I work in. Also, if it wasn’t for my good friend and broker Lou Cardillo who was always there for me since day one I wouldn’t be where I am. Having a good mentor gives you the motivation to push yourself forward even on those bad days. It’s always good to have people outside of your family and close friends that believe in you!

Looking back, what could you have done sooner to get to that point quicker?

Looking back I definitely would have started being on the phone more. When I say phone I refer to “cold calling”. I was always terrified to get hung up on or have someone yell but I learned not to let it affect me, just smile and move on – you wouldn’t want to work with people like that anyway!

How has social media and online marketing affected your real estate business? How much more success have you had now after implementing social media and online marketing efforts?

Social media was a huge success for me. I started my accounts as soon as I finished my course and I had no idea what I was doing. It’s free marketing and it helps you start your own personal brand. Everyone knows someone who wants to buy or sell or is looking for themselves, becoming noticed and remembered is the key. It’s free lead generation!

Did You Experience Failures? If So, What Did You Learn From Them?

Absolutely! I still do some days, no one is perfect. However if it wasn’t for my failures I wouldn’t know what I know today. Every failure is a lesson, in real estate and in life. It gives you experience to become the agent you want to be.

What do you consider the main differences between those people who have been successful in your industry and those who have failed?

The main difference in people who are successful and have failed in the industry is giving up too early. People definitely look at our job and think of HGTV but truly don’t see all the work and hardship that goes into it. It’s not easy and a lot of days you may want to quit but you have to keep pushing yourself and keep looking at the light ahead and keep on going. The outcome in the end is always worth it and it is a domino effect.