Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Vahle.
Hi Deborah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started out in Global Sourcing. I did 2 internships with a large apparel company while I was in college for fashion design, and one of those internships was in the Sourcing department. I loved it and became. “Rising star” in the company with them offering me a management position when I graduated. I was the only female in a non-administrative role in my department but I was working with a great team of guys who had been in the business for years, and they were extremely supportive and great to work with. The Director of that department, Jeff Streader, was one of the best bosses I ever worked for and is one of the examples of great leadership that I carried with me going forward. While in my role, I traveled overseas-India, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand, Columbia, Peru, Honduras, and more to visit factories, negotiate costs for multi-million-dollar contracts, and be the bridge between the merchandisers and the factory to make sure the product was correct. I worked in this industry for about a decade, but when my second child was born, I knew that traveling for weeks at a time away from my kids was not what I was willing to do anymore. I was fortunate enough that I was able to transition to being a full-time stay-at-home Mom. Honestly, it was the toughest thing I have ever done. I thrived in the corporate world, and while I wanted to spend more time with my children, being a stay-at-home Mom was not the best fit for me. Despite that, I did stay home with my children for the next decade and even homeschooled for some of those years. It was what was best for my family at the time, and I don’t regret it, but I also don’t recommend it–ha! Those decisions are very personal ones, and I think whatever works for each family is the right choice for them. But I digress…During that decade at home, I started managing our rental properties. It happened slowly, but by 2016, and now a mom of 4, we had acquired a few properties, but my husband was running 3 restaurants, so I was the one in there fixing them up–painting, fixing toilets, installing sinks, etc., and getting them rented. When we acquired one particular property, I had just heard about this thing called Airbnb, and I wanted to give it a shot. On a very small budget–and a lot of furniture painting and goodwill finds later–I started renting out our first short-term rental. It was a success! I then decided to get my real estate license to help us with costs when buying properties, but while I was in class something in me clicked. All of my past negotiation experience, knowledge of the investment market, and even my background in design came together like this perfect set-up to be an amazing Realtor. As I was sitting in class, I knew I could actually be successful at being an agent for other people–not just to help purchase our own properties. My husband and my kids saw how happy I was, and they all got on board with Mom’s new career pretty quickly they are still my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. Another amazing twist of fate was meeting Mark Deutschmann at a Christmas party and eventually joining his City Living Group team, where I am now a minority partner.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The first year in real estate is a doozy. It’s like you’re pushing a boulder up this huge hill. Most agents don’t make it past their first year, and I can absolutely see why. Buying or selling a home is likely the largest financial transaction anyone will make, so you have to trust the agent you’re working with. Most people do not want to work with someone who is fresh out of real estate school. Because of my other work experience, I was able to overcome some of those hurdles, but it was a lot of really putting myself out there and making sure people knew that I was now a realtor. I think I closed 2 transactions in my first year. In my second year I believe it was closer to 20, and last year I had about 55 closings in addition to writing 59 development (new build) contracts which will close over the next 2 years.
Probably the biggest struggle for me was on the home front. While my family was extremely supportive, I had been the one doing the laundry, making dinner, etc. for years and all of those things still needed to get done. Once I saw some success after that first year, I hired someone to help with those things and it really made all the difference. Instead of folding laundry with my “free” time, I was able to enjoy my family.
Another struggle I have had is the comparison game. With all the social media, etc. we have to do as agents to stay top of mind with our clients, it’s easy to lose perspective and feel like everyone around me has it together. Personal growth has always been something I’m passionate about, and this new career has definitely brought opportunities for growth. I worked with a life coach for a couple of years and found it to be an amazing experience to help me keep a healthy mental balance–even if everything around me is going 100 miles an hour.
In March of 2020, about 2 weeks before we all knew the havoc that COVID was going to wreak on us, a tornado hit our city. One of the worst areas hit was East Nashville. My husband’s 3 restaurants another building that was rented by a tattoo parlor, all located at Five Points, all took a direct hit–the tattoo parlor was completely demolished and you’ll now see a concrete pad in its place. It was devastating. One of the things I am most proud of in my life is that because of my real estate career, I was able to support our family while my husband picked up the pieces and navigated trying to re-build 3 restaurants during covid.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a minority partner on The City Living Group, which is Mark Deutschmann’s personal real estate team at VILLAGE. We help people buy and sell in the Greater Nashville Area and the Urban Core, and we specialize in new construction development sales. These developments are not always on the MLS, so we have access to a lot of information that the average agent does not. I personally also specialize in the Nashville Short-Term Rental market. I have served on the board of NASTRA (Nashville Area Short Term Rental Association) and am currently on a task force to help address the concerns of neighbors as well as the concerns of property owners about the rules and regulations that Metro Council has in place.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I am extremely passionate about women knowing how amazing they are and being confident in who they are from a young age. So many women don’t find their true confidence until they are in their 40s. By that point in her life, with perhaps children and a partner in the mix, it takes great determination and effort–and money–to change her fate. Money is power, ladies. Save your money. Invest. Build your wealth. It will give you so many more options for your and your family’s future.
Contact Info:
- Email: deborah.vahle@gmail.com
- Website: askdeborah.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah_vahle_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborahvahleatvillage
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLy3a9JiVeofqxZFiCZaoew
Image Credits
Sam Phen
