Realtor Spotlight | Ashli Smith

Welcome back to our Realtor Spotlight! In this series of blog posts, we highlight some of our incredible realtor partners, both personally and professionally, to discover a little bit more about them and showcase their agencies!

In this spotlight, we meet Ashli Smith from The Cook Group - Keller Williams Smart!

Ashli Smith

The Cook Group - Keller Williams Smart

(863) 248-9438

ashli_smith@kw.com

1. Tell us about yourself (background/education/experience).

I've been in the housing industry for over 10 years now. I started off working for the government, managing foreclosed properties for the state of Florida and Puerto Rico. After working with foreclosures for 6 years, I transitioned into working for a local builder, selling new construction homes for almost 8 years. This eventually led me on my journey into general real estate.

2. How long have you been a realtor?

Since 2017

3. What do you like most about living and selling real estate in Florida?

I'm a Central Florida native. I lived all over the U.S. as a child, but mostly in Florida. Florida is home, and I love helping families from all walks of life make their dream of homeownership a reality.

4. What advice do you have for anyone looking to buy or sell right now?

Most people try to time the market. The biggest question I get asked is, "When is the best time to buy or sell?" The truth is—anytime can be the right time. My advice is to focus on timing your own personal situation. If the timing is right for you and you have all your ducks in a row, then now is the best time.

My other advice is to find a real estate professional who meets your needs. Not all Realtors are the same, so finding someone who will work at your pace—whatever that looks like—is key.

5. What three traits define you?

I'm driven, passionate about real estate, and absolutely love helping every client achieve their goals.

6. What would you be doing if you weren’t in real estate?

Although I absolutely love what I do and feel extremely blessed to be working in an industry where I get to help others in my community, if I hadn't ended up in real estate, I would probably be in law enforcement or working in the criminal justice system. A lot of who I am is due to the fact that my dad was in law enforcement. Seeing his passion to serve his community and help others is truly where I get my own passion for helping people. It's definitely a family trait.

7. What is the most challenging and/or gratifying aspect of what you do?

The most gratifying aspect of what I do is helping a first-time home-buyer reach their goals and cross the finish line of buying their first home. My heart absolutely wants to explode with joy when I see my buyer or seller at the closing table, knowing I helped them—from financing to guiding them through the emotional waves of buying or selling. That moment is truly the most rewarding for me. Just seeing their smiles and how happy they are at closing is the coolest experience!

8. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

Learn to play the piano

9. What are your favorite indoor or outdoor activities?

Spending time with my kids—whether it's a lazy day hanging out around the house or being out on the water—Scalping, Florida has so much to offer and is, in my opinion, one of the best places to raise a family. There's so much to do, and it's easy to find ways to make memories with them while they’re still young.

10. If you wrote an autobiography about your life, what would you title it?

Just getting started!

11. In your opinion, what is the coolest design trend you are seeing in homes today?

We're moving away from big open floor plans and adding a multi-generational twist to homes. In the economy we live in, it's almost a must to have not only designated spaces but also extra room for more family members.

12. Where is your favorite place in the world to be?

On an adventure with my kids, whether that's exploring the back roads of the Smoky Mountains or playing in the crystal-clear tropical waters down in the Keys.

13. If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?

Jesus, and I sure hope when my time comes I have the privilege of meeting Him. But Morgan Wallen is a close second to that—LOL.

14. Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life and why?

Blake Lively, hands down.

15. What are your top 5 favorite TV shows or movies in no particular order?

Ginny and Georgia

Gone With the Wind

Sweet Home Alabama

Twister

Stranger Things

16. What are your top 5 favorite bands/artists or podcasts to listen to?

Morgan Wallen

Patsy Cline

Koe Wetzel

Treaty Oak Revival

Call Her Daddy (podcast)

17. Where is your favorite place to eat?

Ninety-SixtyOne in downtown Lakeland—their empanadas are to die for.

18. What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold?

All the new construction I've sold in Bartow! I live in Bartow and love to see the city grow and come alive with so many new families moving to the area. It may not be unique to most, but watching our small, storybook town grow while still keeping its small southern charm is truly a sight to see and something special. Whether it's a home in one of the newer gated communities or a single home on a 10-acre parcel off Highway 60, each and every one has left a footprint on our city, and it's been a privilege to witness that happen.

19. What is the most unusual thing you’ve encountered while working in real estate?

Boy, I've seen a lot of strange and unusual things in this line of work, but most recently it was a large vanity mirror at the top of a flight of stairs in the oddest place. You could only see it when you were walking down the stairs, and it only reflected the wall and ceiling. I about jumped out of my skin when I got to the top, thinking someone was floating on the wall—it was me, lol. You never really know what you’re going to find when walking properties, and each one has a story but is also a mystery most of the time. It definitely keeps things interesting.

20. Anything else you would like our readers to know about you and your company?

If you’re looking for a dedicated realtor who has the same goal in mind and your best interest at heart, then you’ve found her. I love helping everyone I meet and am always working to make sure you get the best deal out there!

Great insight and an amazing look into your life, Ashli! Thank you for letting us pick your brain and learn a little more about what sets you apart!

Interested in being highlighted in an upcoming Realtor Spotlight? Reach out to our team for more information!