Get To Know Me Behind The Scenes
Some of you may know my real estate journey didn't start in Calgary; I first got into this
industry a few hours drive north in the city of Edmonton. The decision to move from
Edmonton to Calgary was driven more by personal than professional reasons. Calgary has
always had an appeal that I found hard to resist; it's vibrant, fun, and full of life, qualities I
felt less strongly in Edmonton. That said, I'm not knocking Edmonton; it's a city full of
amazing people, and I have great memories there. Plus, let's be honest—it will always have
the better hockey team! But for me, Calgary offered something different, something more in
line with where I wanted to be in life.
I truly appreciate the vibrancy of city life. I enjoy stopping by Alforno Bakery and Café in
Eau Claire, a grilled cheese and tomato soup combo at the Beltliner, strolling through Prince's
Island Park, or having a night out at my favourite spots like D.O.P, Bridgette Bar, and Major
Tom.
When I'm not working with clients, I'm all about maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle.
Fitness and yoga have both become a central part of my routine. You'll often find me at the
gym or HotShop Yoga, where I keep both my body and mind in check. I also have a passion
for reading, particularly self-improvement, motivational and business education books.
"Discipline is Destiny" by Ryan Holiday, "The World is a Mirror" by Nada Amari and “From
Good to Great” by Gin Collins have quickly become favourites, offering valuable insights
and inspiration for personal growth.
I hope this glimpse into my life provides a greater understanding of who I am beyond the
realm of real estate. My journey is as much about personal fulfilment and passion as it is
about professional success.
Reflecting on My First Year in Real Estate
To be completely transparent, my first year in real estate was a rollercoaster. Starting out in
Edmonton during a heavy buyers' market brought its share of challenges. Homes were
dropping in value by $5,000 to $10,000 monthly, depending on the area and price point. The
first seven months were tough—marked by uncertainty, learning curves, and moments of
doubt where I questioned if things would pan out or if I had made a mistake.
However, I was fortunate to connect with some incredible people at Remax Real Estate, who
helped me find my footing. Once I gained traction, the path ahead became more apparent,
allowing me to focus on growing my career over the next couple of years before ultimately
making the move to Calgary. Looking back, I'm glad I persevered through the tough times.
The experience not only shaped my approach to real estate but also reinforced my belief that
hard work and resilience pay off.
Going Solo: My Experience with Century 21
When I first joined Century 21, I started out on a team. It was my second team since moving
to Calgary, and while working with a team has its advantages—like shared knowledge and
resources—it also comes with limitations. Being on a team often means you're building
someone else's brand, and the commission splits can be steep. Over time, I realized that going
solo would better serve my drive to learn and grow continuously.
Making the leap to work independently was one of the best decisions I've made. It's given me
the freedom to shape my own brand, focus on the clients I genuinely connect with, and
specialize in the areas I'm most passionate about. Now, I'm in complete control of my daily
operations, which means I can tailor my approach to meet the specific needs of my clients.
This independence has not only allowed me to grow professionally but has also enhanced the
service I provide to my clients.
My Approach to Working with Clients: What Sets Me Apart
In real estate, I don't see myself as just a salesperson; I consider my role to be more of an
advisor. My primary responsibility is to guide clients through what is often one of the most
significant financial decisions of their lives. This means prioritizing education, transparency,
and trust throughout the entire process.
For buyers, my focus is on helping them understand both the strengths and potential
drawbacks of a property. I believe that an informed client is an empowered one. I don't just
highlight why a home might be a great fit—I also make sure they understand any reasons it
might not be. This honest and thorough approach ensures that my clients can make confident
decisions.
The same level of care applies when working with sellers. If a client is considering
renovations before listing, I aim to be involved in the process from the start, advising on the
best updates to make. This helps ensure that renovation efforts are aligned with market
demands, maximizing the home's value and appeal when it's time to sell.
What sets me apart is my commitment to building meaningful, long-term relationships with
my clients. I have also relied heavily on the strategy of door knocking to connect with
potential clients and establishing a strong presence in the community. I've personally knocked
on over 6,000 doors. Over time, this allowed me to develop a niche client base where I can
dedicate more time and attention to understanding and meeting each client's unique needs.
My approach is highly personalized—I believe that the better I know my clients, the better I
can serve them. This means being readily available when they need me and being able to
actively help them solve any problems that may arise during both the home buying and
selling processes.
Beyond the transaction, I'm also committed to making a positive impact on the community.
That's why I donate 1% of my gross commissions to charity. It's a small way of giving back,
but one that I believe makes a difference.
Ultimately, I aim to ensure that every client feels supported, informed, and confident
throughout their real estate journey. By focusing on trust, specialized knowledge, and
personalized service, I strive to make the entire process as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Current Goals: Personal and Professional
This year, my focus has been on improving both my physical and mental health. Starting in
March, I began incorporating yoga into my routine multiple times a week, which has
significantly contributed to my overall well-being. Additionally, I took a step further in
August by attending a Transcendental Meditation course, providing me with new tools for
mental clarity and stress management. On top of that, I’ve started business coaching with
Action Edge, helping me streamline my life, eliminate distractions, and enhance my focus, all
while maintaining a sense of balance.
Professionally, my goals revolve around elevating my role as a real estate agent. I am
dedicated to enhancing the client experience by providing exceptional service and
personalized attention. My focus is also on deepening my expertise in Inner City Calgary,
allowing me to offer more valuable insights and advice. Additionally, I'm working to expand
my strategy for off-market inventory, which will provide my clients with unique opportunities
and a competitive edge in the market.
Reflection on My Journey and Insights for You
This blog post serves as a reflection on my journey and the experiences that have shaped my
approach to real estate. It's a glimpse into the philosophies and practices that guide my work,
from my commitment to personalized client service to my focus on ongoing personal and
professional growth.
Whether you're a current client, someone considering working with me in the future, or
simply someone with an interest in the real estate market, my goal is to provide valuable
insights and practical information that can aid you in navigating your own real estate journey.
I aim to share knowledge that not only informs but also empowers you, helping you make
well-informed decisions and achieve your real estate goals with confidence.
