Ashley Jolley

A CAREER WITH ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME

By Robbyn Moore

Photo by Stylish Detroit

Ashley Jolley truly realized the importance of the word “home” when she and her husband, Dan, bought their first house. Through her homebuying and selling involvement, she discovered that home was the center point for some of life’s biggest events. This experience had such an impact on her that she used it as fuel to become a top-producing real estate agent. “It’s such an incredible feeling to love where you live,” she said. “Too often, that feeling is unobtainable or too stressful to try and achieve; therefore, I made it my mission to help my clients find a place where they can find all the comforts in the world in a space where a lifetime of memories can be created.”

Growing up, Ashley was surrounded by real estate. Her dad was an agent and her mom worked at a title company. “I vowed I would never work in the industry because I wanted to do something completely different than my parents,” she recalled. She earned a degree in psychology from Oakland University and a master’s degree in forensic psychology from Manchester Metropolitan University in Manchester, England. From there, Ashley worked at the Macomb County Circuit Court as a juvenile probation officer. After her son was born in 2017, Ashley wanted the ability to be more present in his life and decided to take a real estate course while on maternity leave.

In 2020, Ashley joined the team at CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski and has since earned the Masters Emerald award, President’s Club award, Quality Service Pinnacle Award and a Top Producing Agent award in the Northville office.

After years of establishing herself in the Grosse Pointe area, Ashley and her family moved to Northville — an hour away from her previous business and market — in 2020. Her fresh start on the west side during a pandemic was definitely challenging, but thanks to her marketing strategy, her past client referrals and her sphere of influence, Ashley quickly got on track and nearly tripled her sales within the year. Her passion to find all the comforts of home for her clients, regardless of size, location or budget has set her on a fast track to success. “In 2020, the world realized how important our surroundings are and the place we live, work and teach,” Ashley said. “I have kept that mentality at the forefront in every transaction. Every living space should feel welcoming and inviting — a place to come home to or stay at.”

Ashley’s focus and approach to life shifted when her father passed away in 2014, and again in 2017, when she became a mother for the first time. “Those life events changed how I think about important moments and being present,” she shared. “My perspective became clearer, and because of it, I became more authentic in my work and to myself.”

According to Ashley, the most rewarding aspect of her work is being able to help families. “Real estate is truly a people business, and being able to service my clients in a way that they feel respected, heard and understood has always been a guiding light for me. If I lose sight of that, I lose sight of why I got started in this career in the first place,” she explained.

IT’S CRITICAL TO BE COGNIZANT OF THE WAY YOU MAKE SOMEONE FEEL

Ashley said her biggest challenge has been avoiding the trap of imposter syndrome. “There are so many incredible professionals in our area that, at times, I used to feel a little intimidated,” she confessed. “But once I shifted my mindset and started seeing other agents as inspiration, my work began to flourish and my confidence blossomed.”

A homebody at heart, Ashley appreciates finding refuge in her home. She is inspired by interior design and loves to see how people create unique, customized spaces. As a past collegiate lacrosse player, Ashley is very athletic and recently completed her first half marathon. When she and her husband aren’t chasing after their two children — Jude, 4, and Juliet, 2 — they enjoy time together on the golf course, chasing after golf balls. As a family, they also take vacations and weekend outings.

Ashley advises other up-and-coming agents to try and add value wherever possible and to be consistent in your work. “It’s critical to be cognizant of the way you make someone feel,” Ashley said. “Be authentic, and find your strengths. If social media isn’t for you, then don’t try and force it. Rather, find a few good ways to lead generate like joining clubs and networking events — just be consistent with those efforts, and over time, it will pay off.”

For four years, Ashley has been going the extra mile and consistently showing up for people when they needed it. “Being available for people is not a business tactic; it’s simply the right thing to do,” she said. “If I can be a better person tomorrow than I was today, then I will have succeeded in every aspect of my life.”

Featuring TOP PRODUCER Ashley Jolley from CENTURY 21 Curran & Oberski