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Ashley Day – Houston Agent Magazine

What was your most interesting job before going into real estate?
Labor and employment lawyer, but also loved being bartender and waitress in college!

Where did you grow up?
New Orleans, and still have my 504 phone number, which is so HUGE in Houston since we have a huge Louisiana client base.

Growing up, what did you want to be?
Store clerk with carbon paper when I was little and then history professor once I was schooled!

What do you do to relax when you’re stressed?
Walk! I am Your Walking Agent, authentically. It’s my de-stressor and gives me license to learn all the Houston neighborhoods on foot. Win-win.

If you could meet any well-known figure (living or not), who would it be and why?
John Denver. His music always makes me happy and weep at the same time, just sentimental. I admire his positivity and love for nature, which I share. On our honeymoon in Jamaica, over 25 years ago, I was joking when the musician asked what song we’d like as he serenaded our dinner, and requested “Sunshine” and low and behold he nailed it. I was crying with happy joy and emotion. Unforgettable moment.

What is Houston’s best kept secret?
Ah, there are so many. But for us, it’s BLT, where the servers make you feel like family, the food is excellent but the venue is a laid-back atmosphere. A home away from home.

What do you love most about the industry?
People! I love the relationships that last forever and Sending happy gifts to the people who help me thrive.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Hours. Some people think they’ll get into real estate so they can work on flexible hours. The truth is, we’re 24/7, and with technology, we’re always on. Worst mom moment — when my son, now 18, was very young and he asserted loudly that he wished he could throw my phone in the pool. It never stops, but that’s just part of the business and has helped teach our kids the value of hard work because they see me in it, unlike most office jobs that your children never witness.

What’s your best advice for generating new leads?
I am a referral-based agent and am no good at advice on leads! My sphere is my lead funnel and I’m so happy and appreciative of that.

What are you binge-watching/reading/listening to?
I’ve always read true crime and that has carried through with current shows and podcasts. I love being part of a Mystery Mondays book club but have realized I prefer thrillers and true crime over mystery. Up to watch anything that’s well done and entertaining, but favorite, most compelling to me is a good ole Scott Turow thriller or Pat Conroy novel.

What’s your favorite meal in Houston?
Pho and ramen at numerous places, plus the hotpot in Bellaire at Sinh Sinh. The Asian food in Houston is crazy good! But I can’t discount our Mexican food too, just abundantly good.

Architecturally speaking, what is your favorite building in Houston?
The Historic Heights Firehouse is just so beautiful. We hosted our daughter’s sweet 16 and an epic Mardi Gras party there, not to mention all the time there helping with Houston Heights home tour. The Schoolhouse lighting, metal ceiling work, previous jail and other attributes just make this venue my favorite place to be. Plus, our family has a brick that we donated many moons ago in support of a fundraiser that has our beloved dog Nola inscribed, so it’s fun to walk by that and recollect.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am an introvert despite an extroverted job. Being with people all day and open houses, my favorite spot is at home cooking dinner with family and hanging on front porch with my Sign Guy, my husband.

What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Mexico, because it’s easy and beautiful, but Sign Guy is not a fan! Still searching, but there has to be a beach and balcony!

In 10 words or less, what is your advice for someone new to the industry?
Be yourself, be authentic and reach out to your sphere.

Houston Agent

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