Conversations with Madison Ralston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Ralston.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was taught to always be the hardest worker in the room. So, that’s what I stuck by. As soon as I turned 16, I started working, from minimum wage jobs I always put my all into it. That’s how I believe everything should be done. I grew up in North Carolina and graduated in 2018 with a 4.25 GPA. My mom, twin sister, and I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Jacksonville, Florida. After the senior year of high school, we made the move, and it was terrifying. It was strange, having no friends, knowing nobody, and not knowing the area.

For the first few months of living there, I had to use a GPS to get anywhere! I enrolled in the local community college, completing my first year I didn’t like how the cards were playing out. I went to college because that is what is expected nowadays. I liked school, I didn’t mind it. I went for an Associate in Arts degree, but I felt as if I was wasting money on pointless classes, I would never use later down the line. I took a step back and decided this wasn’t for me. I did not come from money, we always worked very hard for what we had.

I couldn’t swallow the fact that I was $10,000 in debt, from only one year. I dropped out, I took a step back and realized “this is my life” I’m going to do what I want and make the most out of it. I started doing research and stumbled upon real estate. I was very interested in it, after doing lots of research I took it upon myself to get my real estate license. I saved up the money for the classes and enrolled. After months of studying, I passed the state exam for my license. I also currently work full time at Papa John’s, I’ve been with the company for four and a half years.

I’m hoping to make real estate my full-time job very soon because it is what I’m passionate about. I’ve always loved meeting and working with new people, I like to hear other people’s stories and journeys. With real estate, I can do that as well as helping them in the process of getting to know them.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been many bumps in the road! Between juggling two jobs, keeping up with bills, and maintaining a social life it has been very difficult. I try my best to stretch out my energy for everything that needs to get done, but it does get hard at times. With lots of support from my family and friends it helps. I am very grateful for everything I have so these bumps in the road keep me focused to always look at the bigger picture in life.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a licensed REALTOR with Keller Williams Jacksonville Realty and I love it! I work with people either trying to sell their home or buy a home, I then listen to my clients to figure out their needs and wants and go from there. I go beyond a transaction, I like to form relationships with my clients and get to know them personally, and stay in contact even after the transaction is done.

From a buyer’s side, I help find their dream home by looking at their wants and needs and converting that into a home! I also write the contracts, offers, negotiations to create a simple and easy experience for the purchase of their home. From a seller’s side, I list the house, host open houses, stage the house if needed, write the contracts and negotiations to sell the house as quickly and as less stressful as possible.

What sets me apart from others is that I am 100% authentic and put my ALL into the work I do. I like to be nothing but honest with everyone. I am more than determined in my field of work.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality I feel is most important to my success is drive. In real estate, you have to have that drive, that motivation, and the confidence to put yourself out there. In this field of work, you are going to get turned down and rejected. Out of 100 rejections leaves room for that one acceptance, but you would not get there without being rejected first.

So, I feel that drive is an essential part of my success in real estate. Putting yourself out there can be challenging but at the end of the day that is what sets you apart from others.

Contact Info:

• Email: madisonralston@kw.com
• Website: madisonralston.kw.com
• Instagram: @madison_therealtor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066332532308
• Twitter: @realtor_maddy

Image Credits
Jiaire Brown