by Lauren Holstein
From the Classroom to Closing Deals
In the world of real estate, success isn’t just about selling houses—it’s about building relationships, making an impact, and embracing the entrepreneurial mindset. Ashley Freitas embodies all these qualities. Her journey from a dedicated teacher to a top-performing real estate professional is a testament to hard work, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to growth.
"I loved the whole process—helping kids, connecting with their families, and truly feeling like I was making a difference," she says. But life had a different path in store for her. Watching her mother, Cherie Berger, lead The Cherie Berger Team (a powerhouse in Somerset County’s competitive real estate market for over 25 years) sparked a new interest. "I witnessed firsthand how my mom transformed our family's life through real estate," Ashley reflects. "I gained a deep respect for the empire she built."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley transitioned from teaching to real estate. At first, Ashley balanced both careers—teaching by day and working in real estate at night. But she quickly realized that to succeed, she needed to fully commit. "I took a risk, took a leave of absence from teaching, and went all in. It was the best decision I ever made."
Her work ethic proved invaluable. "In real estate, the harder I work, the more I get out of it. There’s no ceiling—it’s unlimited." She immersed herself in the field, working seven days a week, answering calls late at night, and constantly networking. Over time, she built a reputation as a trusted expert in the Warren, Watchung, and surrounding markets. Her dedication led to numerous accolades, including being named a Five Star Professional Rising Star in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and receiving the prestigious Platinum Award for 2024, the highest level of recognition in real estate.
Ashley’s first year was challenging, with only one or two deals. But she remained persistent, leveraging social media, hosting open houses, and building relationships. "I posted about real estate, even if it wasn’t my deal, to establish credibility. My first sale came through social media—someone saw a post and bought the home through me."
As her business grew, Ashley expanded her team. "I love working with people; it’s the teacher in me. I’ve helped new agents go from zero deals to five or six a year. My team is now a close-knit group of dedicated professionals who support one another."
For Ashley, success isn’t just about sales—it’s about growth, negotiation, and making every client feel like a winner. "I love the challenge of negotiating deals. It’s about getting through the weeds, finding solutions, and ensuring everyone feels accomplished."
Her goals? To continue growing her team and expanding into new markets like Long Hill and Martinsville. "We want to stay local, build strong relationships, and keep our team small but powerful."
Ashley credits her mother as her biggest mentor. "She built an empire and became one of the top agents in our area. She taught me everything—from market knowledge to communication."
Ashley says to aspiring women entrepreneurs: "Believe in yourself. Stay focused. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep pushing and remember you can support others and still thrive. It’s not a dog-eat-dog world.
