A native of Washington, D.C., Jonathan Asfour made his real estate debut with Shepherd Homes Group last year. Closing $6.6 million with 14 transactions in 2022, this year Jonathan sets his goals even higher after reflecting on where he’s been.

 

Once a personal trainer, Jonathan got started in the housing market selling home warranties with SUPER[1] . Despite enjoying his success there, he felt like something was missing.

 

“I was looking to do a little bit more with my life. I’ve always loved every aspect of real estate: design, architecture, and negotiations. It was only a matter of time before I got into real estate… So last year, I connected with an agent who motivated me and pushed me to start my real estate career. She wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Without her, I would not have taken that leap to get started.”

 

Having won NVAR Gold Producer after his first year (falling a mere $300,000 shy of Platinum), Jonathan has certainly experienced success in his new career. But work isn’t the only place he’s seen gains. “Real estate is helping me do more with my life: I live, breathe, and eat real estate. I do more for clients and for myself and it sets me up to build the life that I want. I'm doing more than just making more money. This gives me something to pass down to my family, it lets me travel, make better investments … all of these things.”

 

“It’s truly been fulfilling being able to help someone and guide them through the biggest purchase they’ll ever make in their lifetime. Being able to support them through their most stressful time. Ensuring that I’m taking care of clients and putting them at ease during the most stressful purchase that they’ll be making,” Jonathan affirms.

 

But success doesn’t mean he’s going to rest on his laurels. “My goal this year is to pass $15 million in volume; the goal initially was $10 million and 24 transactions, but I’m already at $7.1 million this early in the year, so that’s my new goal. Maybe even $20 million… We’ll see what happens.”

 

Jonathan’s quick results come from several key factors that set him apart from other producers. “I’ve got a drive to take care of my client like no other. I also have an incredible team that backs me, so I can fully support my clients in every way that’s possible.”

 

To those looking to achieve their real estate goals, Jonathan advises, “Put in the work. Put in the hours. Put in the time. A lot of people look at real estate, they look at the shiny object, which is the success, but they don’t see the hours that a top producer is spending to get there. Also, surround yourself with people who will motivate you and lift you up.”

 

“My definition of success is directly correlated to my happiness and just feeling content,” Jonathan notes. “It’s about being financially sound and free enough to help others and live life to its fullest potential. To live life to its fullest potential is to travel, give back to the community, and to get out there and help others.”

 

Jonathan has been all over the world, both to sightsee and to serve communities in need. “I’ve just gotten back from Bolivia, where I was helping children out there. I couldn’t do that if I wasn’t sound; I couldn’t take a week off to fly out somewhere and help people,” Jonathan points out. “I want to go everywhere I possibly can. Every place is unique and special to me. I love experiencing new cultures and new places.”

 

In addition to his commitment to enriching his spiritual life, Jonathan also has plans to expand his assets. “I love cars, and by the end of this year — or the start of next — I’m looking to get a new house with a garage. After that, I want to see about adding a property every year or so.”

 

Of all his hobbies, jujitsu is, by far, Jonathan’s favorite. “It’s like human chess,” he says. “It forces you to slow down your breath and think four or five moves ahead so you can compete with the guy you’re going against. And the skills are transferable. Many things learned in jujitsu are also applicable to life — slowing down to learn the basics so you can speed up your growth however you want. You’re going to have hard days, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have a hard life. It just means you had a hard day.”

 

And Jonathan knows something about hard days. “Last year was the hardest I’ve ever had — an autoimmune disorder, health issues, financial issues, heartache — the specifics are strictly between me and my therapist, though.”

 

“As the son of immigrant parents, I’ve never had anything just handed to me, I’ve had to work for everything I’ve had,” Jonathan continues. “When I look at everything that I’ve been through, even though I’ve had a lot of tough times, it makes the good times a little bit sweeter.”

 

This is all part of his life’s philosophy: “I fundamentally believe in always working hard and always doing your best, to always be kind as much as possible, and to stay positive and keep growing. It’s easy to get down on yourself, but even if you’re going through a tough time, it gets better,” Jonathan concludes. “Everybody goes through tough times; it’s part of being human. I think how you deal with them and how you rise above them is what makes people different.”