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Jennifer and Ashleigh Photo credit: Matt Andrews

Featured Article

Beyond The Front Door

How Jennifer Bickerstaff And Ashleigh Franks Help Clients Build A Life, Not Just Find A Listing

Article by Jennifer Bickerstaff and Ashleigh Franks

Photography by Provided

Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle

In Williamson County, where every corner tells a story and every street holds a slice of Southern charm, The Bickerstaff Group is helping clients find more than just a home, they're helping them find a life.

“‘Home’ looks different for everyone, and discovering what that means to each client is one of the most important and rewarding parts of our job,” said Jennifer Bickerstaff. “Just because clients may be looking in the same neighborhood doesn’t mean they’re looking for the same experience.”

With a deep love for Franklin and an intuitive understanding of their clients' needs, Bickerstaff and her business partner, Ashleigh Franks, approach real estate with a philosophy rooted in empathy, attentiveness and local knowledge.

“We have lots of conversations, and the key is to listen closely, ask meaningful questions, and have honest, open dialogue to truly understand their needs and expectations,” said Bickerstaff. “Often, clients aren’t able to fully articulate what their dream home looks like at first, and that’s okay.”

Rather than viewing real estate as transactional, the Bickerstaff Group sees it as transformational. Whether it’s helping a family relocate to a walkable community or finding the right property for someone seeking privacy and space, lifestyle always comes first.

“Lifestyle is at the heart of everything we consider when helping clients find a home,” said Franks. “It all starts with truly getting to know our clients, having meaningful conversations about how they live now and how they hope to live in the future.”

That personalized touch is made even stronger by their connection to the community. Bickerstaff, who currently serves as President of the Williamson County Association of REALTORS®, knows that the best guidance comes from being fully present in the places she serves.

“I’m truly living and breathing this community every day,” she said. “I’m not just dining at the restaurants or shopping at the local stores. I’m talking to the staff, the owners, and the people around me.”

She added, “When you take the time to really know the people around you, you gain insight that no online listing or market report can offer. That’s what allows me to guide clients with honesty, heart, and a true sense of what it means to call this place home.”

This connection has led to powerful client experiences, including one that still stands out.

“One of our most memorable experiences was helping Ryan and Laura, clients who have since become dear friends,” said Bickerstaff. “While they had a clear wish list, what truly mattered was finding a place where they could see their life dreams take shape.”

“We toured several properties, but when we pulled into ‘the one’, we all just knew,” she said. “It wasn’t perfect on paper, but it had heart. It aligned not just with what they needed, but with how they wanted to live.”

“Being part of that journey and watching their dream unfold step by step is exactly why we love what we do,” she said. “It’s never just about a house; it’s about helping people find the place where their life can truly happen.”

Supporting clients through the emotional ups and downs of buying or selling a home is also a central part of the group’s role.

“Buying or selling a home is an incredibly personal experience, and it often comes with a wide range of emotions, from the excitement of a new beginning to the stress of saying goodbye,” said Franks. “We see our role as more than just real estate professionals. We’re steady guides, thoughtful listeners, and sometimes even a shoulder to lean on.”

“When challenges arise, as they sometimes do, we stay calm, solution-oriented, and focused on protecting our clients’ interests,” said Bickerstaff. “We’re in it together every step of the way.”

A key strength of the Bickerstaff Group is their team approach, which ensures clients always feel supported.

“With The Bickerstaff Group, our clients don’t just get one agent, they get both of us, fully engaged and working together from start to finish,” said Franks.

“Even when I’m tied up with board responsibilities, clients never have to wait—Ashleigh is always just a call or text away,” said Bickerstaff.

This team dynamic not only ensures seamless service but allows them to draw from different perspectives, especially when introducing clients to Williamson County’s hidden gems.

“This is where the strength of our team really shines,” said Franks. “Because we’re in different stages of life and immersed in different parts of the community, we bring unique perspectives to the table.”

“Jennifer loves introducing clients to local favorites like Kimbro’s and Fox & Locke for live music and a great time,” she said. “We both adore the restaurant scene in Franklin. Saffire and Red Pony are long-time favorites, as well as the Franklin Farmers Market, which is such a vibrant part of the community.”

“I’m constantly out and about, meeting people and exploring new places, while Ashleigh is deeply rooted in the parenting world in Franklin,” said Bickerstaff.

The team also helps clients think beyond the present moment when making big decisions.

“Balancing current market trends with long-term priorities is one of the most important aspects of what we do,” said Bickerstaff. “We stay up to date on key factors like interest rates, inventory levels, and pricing shifts, but we also remind our clients that market conditions are always changing.”

“Sometimes people feel pressure to pursue what’s popular or what others are doing,” said Bickerstaff. “But we gently guide them back to what they told us matters most. Whether that’s having space to entertain, enjoying walkable surroundings, or being in a setting that feels right for their pace of life.”

“Ultimately, we want to ensure that our clients feel confident in their decision today and content with it for years to come,” Franks added.

For The Bickerstaff Group, helping someone find the right home is just the beginning. It's about helping them build the kind of life they’ve always imagined. 

TheBickerstaffGroup.com

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