1. Which brokerage are you from?
Sutton Quantum in downtown Oakville
2. How long have you been in the industry?
Since 1989
3. Why did you go into real estate?
My mother was an agent. It's in my blood.
4. What is the hardest part about being a real estate agent/broker?
The most difficult thing about being a broker is providing proper training and responsible support to the sales team to provide a quality operation. The commission structures have evolved to make appropriate management ratios difficult to sustain. Warehouses have put drastic pressure for brokers to reduce services. This is a troubling trend for our long term value.
5. What is the best piece of advice you can give a newbie agent?
Your broker or manager is your business partner; check their resume very carefully. They set the tone and culture of the office. If the recruiter starts with how their system is the cheapest, run for your career. Make sure you can see the whites of their eyes when you need to. You will need this person one day when it really matters. Call the current sales representatives and ask for reviews. Also be sure to ask if they are paid if you come on board.
6. Tell us about your first sale (details and how it made you feel).
It was magical! My broker and mentor to this day helped me through it. Then she connected me with a new agent to help them. I never forgot that cycle.
7. What are three things an agent needs to be successful?
A broker who is on site, an environment which encourages and facilitates authentic peer mentoring and the ability to be a dispassionate observer in the field; take nothing personally.
8. What is your motto in business?
Keep the vision and surround yourself with smart, positive people.
9. What is an agent’s greatest asset?
The right support system and perennial optimism.
10. What are some common mistakes Realtors® make and what can be done to avoid these?
Constantly looking for the cheapest brokerage and failing to invest in their business. Real estate sales is a business and Realtors need to treat it like a business. Strategic planning, budgets, quality support systems are all critical. We are all connected in some way. Don't be a weak link. When you cut a corner, you hurt the herd. Do the right thing and watch our value as Realtors grow. Take yourself and your career seriously and others will too.
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